Cybersecurity attracts many freshers and IT professionals looking for a change, but the number of certifications can be confusing. Some are designed for absolute beginners; others assume years of experience. This guide focuses on certifications that make sense at the very start of a security career.
Information checked on official ISC2, CompTIA and Microsoft websites in October 2026.
The main options
| Certification | Issued by | Level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) | ISC2 | Entry, no experience required | Students and complete beginners wanting a recognised first credential |
| Security+ | CompTIA | Entry to early career | The most widely recognised baseline security certification for first jobs |
| SC-900 Security, Compliance and Identity Fundamentals | Microsoft | Fundamentals | Beginners heading towards Microsoft security roles |
| Network+ | CompTIA | Entry | People who need networking basics before security |
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
CC is ISC2’s entry-level certification and requires no work experience. It covers security principles, business continuity and incident response, access control, network security and security operations. For several years ISC2 offered the training and exam free through its One Million Certified in Cybersecurity programme. In 2026, ISC2 announced that it had reached its goal and that the programme was concluding. Check ISC2’s website for current pricing before you plan around a free exam.
CC carries the ISC2 name, which also issues CISSP, and is a good signal of interest. Employers, however, generally treat Security+ as the stronger technical baseline.
CompTIA Security+
Security+ is vendor-neutral and covers threats, security architecture, operations and governance, with practical performance-based questions. It is the certification most often listed for SOC analyst and junior security roles. CompTIA expects to launch a new version (V8) around 17 November 2026. See our separate guide on whether to take the current SY0-701 exam or wait.
Microsoft SC-900
SC-900 introduces security, compliance and identity concepts and the Microsoft tools that address them, including Microsoft Entra ID, Defender, Sentinel and Purview. Like other Microsoft Fundamentals exams, it does not expire. It is a useful first step if you are aiming for Microsoft security roles such as SC-200 (Security Operations Analyst).
A practical path into a first security job
- Learn networking and operating system basics. Security makes little sense without understanding TCP/IP, DNS, Windows and Linux. Network+ or equivalent self-study helps here.
- Earn one entry-level security certification. Security+ is the most widely recognised; CC is a lighter starting point.
- Build hands-on skills. Set up a home lab, practise on legal training platforms, analyse logs, and learn a SIEM tool. Document what you do.
- Specialise. After your first role, move to a role-specific certification, such as SC-200 or CySA+ for SOC work, or a cloud security certification.
Practise legally and ethically
Only test systems you own or have written permission to test. Use purpose-built practice platforms and your own lab. Unauthorised access to computer systems is an offence under India’s Information Technology Act, and it will end a security career before it starts.
Leave a Reply