Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners
Issuers describe these certifications as suitable for beginners or early-career roles. None requires prior work experience to sit the exam, although some issuers recommend it.
CertsCertifications
14
Issuers
11
Hands-onHands-on Exams
5
Certifications Compared
14 total| Certification | Issuer | Level | Exam | Exam fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ CompTIA A+ | CompTIA | Entry | Multiple choice and performance-based | $274 | 3 years |
| BTL1 Blue Team Level 1 | Centri | Entry | Hands-on practical | £399 | Does not expire |
| CCSK Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge | Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) | Entry | Multiple choice | $445 | Does not expire |
| CRTO Red Team Operator | Zero-Point Security | Entry | Hands-on practical | £399 | Does not expire |
| CRTP Certified Red Team Professional | Altered Security | Entry | Hands-on practical | $249 | 3 years |
| eJPT Junior Penetration Tester | INE | Entry | Hands-on practical | Not published | 3 years |
| GCLD GIAC Cloud Security Essentials | GIAC | Entry | Multiple choice | $999 | 4 years |
| Google Cybersecurity Certificate Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate | Entry | Course certificate | $49/month | Does not expire | |
| GSEC GIAC Security Essentials | GIAC | Entry | Multiple choice and performance-based | $999 | 4 years |
| ISC2 CC Certified in Cybersecurity | ISC2 | Entry | Computerized adaptive | $199 | 3 years |
| Network+ CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA | Entry | Multiple choice and performance-based | $399 | 3 years |
| PJPT Practical Junior Penetration Tester | TCM Security | Entry | Hands-on practical | $249 | Does not expire |
| SC-900 Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals | Microsoft | Entry | Multiple choice | $99 | Does not expire |
| Security+ CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA | Entry | Multiple choice and performance-based | $439 | 3 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which entry-level certifications have hands-on exams?→
BTL1, CRTO, CRTP, eJPT, PJPT test with a practical lab exam. The others use question-based exams, some with performance-based items.
Which entry-level certifications do not expire?→
BTL1, CCSK, CRTO, Google Cybersecurity Certificate, PJPT, SC-900 do not expire, according to the issuer. The others require renewal through continuing education, fees, or a new exam.
Levels follow each issuer's own positioning and stated experience requirements. Exam fees and formats come from official issuer pages; each certification page lists its sources and review date.