What are the costs associated with cybersecurity certifications?

By Ludo Fourrage

Last Updated: June 3rd 2024

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Cybersecurity certifications are essential for career growth, with certified individuals earning 15-20% more. Costs vary, for example, CISSP exams can cost $699. Certifications lead to salary boosts and career opportunities, making them a valuable investment amidst cybersecurity job demand and skills gap.

Cybersecurity certifications are like the holy grail for tech geeks. They're the ultimate flex, proving you've got the mad skills to protect digital systems from all the nasty cyber threats out there.

But it's not just about flexing your muscles – these certs can straight-up boost your career game. We're talking doors opening left and right, with a whopping 72% of employers demanding these bad boys for certain gigs.

And let's not forget the cash money! Certified folks often rake in 15-20% more dough than their uncertified counterparts. But it's not all about the Benjamins.

According to the big shots at ISC, certified pros see an average salary increase of 35% compared to the non-certified crew. From entry-level CompTIA Security+ to hardcore specialized certs, these credentials are the real deal, validating your up-to-date expertise in the ever-changing world of cybersecurity.

By scoring these certifications, you're staying ahead of the game and keeping your finger on the pulse of all the latest cyber innovations. The at Nucamp Coding Bootcamp have got your back, dropping knowledge bombs about the importance of these qualifications.

So, let's talk about the cost and return on investment of nabbing these cybersecurity certs, 'cause they're not just fancy pieces of paper – they're game-changers for your career and security skills.

Table of Contents

  • List of Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Costs Associated with these Certifications
  • Are they worth the cost?
  • Conclusion
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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List of Popular Cybersecurity Certifications

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If you wanna level up your game in the cybersecurity world, getting the right certs is crucial. In 2023, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is still the holy grail for security pros.

Big-shot companies like Fortune 500 firms see it as a must-have for scoring those sweet senior roles. The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is also a hot ticket, especially if you're eyeing those cybersecurity management gigs.

Now, if you're into the whole hacking game (the ethical kind, of course), the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is your jam.

It shows you've got the skills to defend against those pesky cyber threats.

Check out these other dope certs:

  • The CompTIA Security+ is the perfect entry-level cert for newbies trying to break into the cybersecurity scene.
  • The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) combines cloud computing skills with security know-how, which is super important with all the cloud stuff happening these days.
  • The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) is all about hands-on tasks, giving you the skills to rock those SOC roles.
  • The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a must-have for those overseeing big enterprise systems, making sure everything is secure and compliant.

According to the (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study, certified pros can score salaries up to 25% higher than their uncertified peers.

With cyber threats on the rise, having these certs is like a badge of honor, proving you're dedicated to keeping the digital world safe. It's the language of the industry, and it'll make your profile stand out like a boss in the face of cyber danger.

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Costs Associated with these Certifications

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Getting those cyber certs can be a real grind, but it's worth it if you wanna make some serious cash in the future. Prices can range from a couple hundred bucks for something like the SSCP to a couple grand for fancy ones like the GIAC Security Essentials.

The classic CISSP will set you back around $700, while CompTIA's Security+ is closer to $400. And that's just the exam fees – you'll probably need to shell out even more for training courses, whether it's self-paced online or intensive in-person sessions that could cost over $2,500.

Don't forget to factor in study materials like textbooks and practice exams, which can add another $100-$500 to the bill.

You gotta consider the hidden costs too:

  • Renewal fees to keep that cert valid
  • Travel expenses if you gotta take the exam in-person
  • Membership dues for those fancy professional organizations

I know it sounds like a ton of cash, but hear me out – getting certified can pay off big time.

We're talking salary bumps of up to 35% compared to your non-certified buddies, according to ISC². And with a projected 3.5 million cybersecurity job openings globally by 2025, you'll be in high demand.

Sure, prices might change (like CompTIA just hiking their Security+ exam to $392), but you gotta stay on top of that.

At the end of the day, as one cybersecurity vet put it,

 

"The cost of certification is steep, but the cost of not having one in today's job market may be much higher,"

 

so if you're serious about this cyber game, it's an investment worth making.

Are they worth the cost?

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Checking out the return on investment (ROI) for cybersecurity certs shows they're worth it. (ISC)² says these babies can boost your salary by an average of $18,000, making your IT career sweeter.

A Global Knowledge study found certs can lead to a 22% salary increase on average.

Plus, with over 500,000 open cybersecurity jobs in the US according to CyberSeek, certified pros are in crazy demand.

When it comes to moving up the ladder, certified IT peeps are five times more likely to get promoted than those without certs.

Coursera found that pros who got a raise thanks to a new cert saw an average $13,000 salary boost.

And the cost-benefit analysis is stacked in your favor long-term. Check it:

  • Cert Cost: The initial investment is an average of $300 - $600.
  • Training Expenses: Expected costs for cert training range from $2,000 to $5,000.
  • Salary Growth: A five-year projection can mean an earnings increase of $30,000 to $50,000.

These numbers scream that the ROI of cybersecurity certs is beneficial.

"Investing in certs is a smart move for any IT pro who wants to secure their future," says Thomas Miller, a cybersecurity expert with over 10 years of experience.

With a cybersecurity skills gap and threats on the rise, having a qualified, certified workforce is crucial. Certs aren't just educational milestones; they're powerful assets in today's digital world, offering major perks in salary, job security, and career growth.

Fill this form to download the Bootcamp Syllabus

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Conclusion

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Cybersecurity certs might seem like a hassle at first, but they're totally worth the investment. These bad boys like CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+ aren't just some fancy badges – they're the keys to unlocking higher paychecks and job security on fleek.

Certified pros can rake in an average of 15% more cash than those without the certs. The return on investment (ROI) is lit, with instant money gains, leveling up your skills, and keeping you fresh with the ever-changing cybersecurity game.

Check out these dope benefits:

  • Career Boost: A whopping 70% of cybersecurity job listings require certs, so you know the demand is real.
  • Skill Flex: Around 85% of IT pros see certs as legit proof of your skills and expertise.
  • Network Goals: Cert organizations often hook you up with exclusive networking circles, opening more doors for career growth.

Real talk from certified pros who've been there, done that – they've seen their careers skyrocket with an average salary increase between 10-20%.

One tech wizard said, "Investing in my cybersecurity cert not only paid for itself but put my career on the fast track." Big picture? The pros of getting certified outweigh the initial costs by a landslide, with an expected ROI over five years reaching a whopping 300%, according to research.

These stats scream that cybersecurity certs are a solid way to level up your career game, backed by Nucamp's guide on picking the right cybersecurity training program to help you make the right moves.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the costs associated with cybersecurity certifications?

Costs associated with cybersecurity certifications vary, with examples such as CISSP exams costing $699 and CompTIA Security+ priced around $370. Training courses can range from self-paced online modules to instructor-led sessions costing over $2,500. Additional expenses may include renewal fees, travel costs, and membership fees. Despite these costs, certified professionals can earn up to 35% more than non-certified colleagues, with promising future job demand.

Are cybersecurity certifications worth the cost?

Yes, cybersecurity certifications are worth the cost as they can lead to salary increases, advanced career opportunities, and job security. Certified professionals can earn up to 35% more than non-certified colleagues and have better chances of career advancement. The return on investment for certifications is substantial, with certified individuals having an average salary increase of $18,000 and long-term financial gains exceeding the initial costs.

What benefits do cybersecurity certifications offer?

Cybersecurity certifications offer benefits such as higher salary thresholds, job security, career progression, and professional development. Certified individuals can earn an average of 15% more than non-certified professionals. Additionally, certifications open up augmented career prospects, endorsement of expertise, and amplified professional networks, providing credibility, skill validation, and networking opportunities in the cybersecurity industry.

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Ludo Fourrage

Founder and CEO

Ludovic (Ludo) Fourrage is an education industry veteran, named in 2017 as a Learning Technology Leader by Training Magazine. Before founding Nucamp, Ludo spent 18 years at Microsoft where he led innovation in the learning space. As the Senior Director of Digital Learning at this same company, Ludo led the development of the first of its kind 'YouTube for the Enterprise'. More recently, he delivered one of the most successful Corporate MOOC programs in partnership with top business schools and consulting organizations, i.e. INSEAD, Wharton, London Business School, and Accenture, to name a few. ​With the belief that the right education for everyone is an achievable goal, Ludo leads the nucamp team in the quest to make quality education accessible