Cybersecurity Certifications: What Real Professionals Say in 2025

Based on authentic discussions from Reddit, cybersecurity forums, and industry insights.

When it comes to cybersecurity certifications, there’s no shortage of glossy marketing and flashy endorsements. But what really matters is what professionals in the field think.

We scoured Reddit threads, industry forums, and professional communities to bring you the no-nonsense truth about today’s most popular cybersecurity certifications.

Whether you're just starting out or aiming for a senior role, here's what the community is saying in 2025.

Entry-Level Certifications: The Big Three Battleground

CompTIA Security+ – The Universal Starting Point

Reddit Consensus: "If you're completely new to cybersecurity, start here."

Security+ is often described as the gateway cert for breaking into the cybersecurity field, especially in government, defense, and contractor roles.

Security+ is required for so many government positions that it's basically mandatory if you want to work in that space."

It's broad but shallow — gives you the vocabulary to have conversations with security professionals."

Don't expect it to make you job-ready, but it will help you understand what you don't know."

Reality Check: Security+ won’t land you a job on its own, but it gets your foot in the door and sets the foundation.

CEH vs. PenTest+ – The Ethical Hacking Debate

Two popular paths for aspiring ethical hackers: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) vs. CompTIA PenTest+. Which should you choose?

CEH – The Veteran's Choice

Reddit Consensus: "Well-known brand, but overpriced and outdated."

CEH has name recognition, especially in government and traditional corporate environments."

The exam is too easy for what it costs — multiple choice only, no hands-on."

More about understanding the hacker mindset than real-world penetration testing."

Only go for it if your employer is footing the bill."

PenTest+ – The Practical Alternative

Reddit Consensus: "Better hands-on focus, but less brand recognition."

PenTest+ has performance-based questions that test real skills."

More affordable and more relevant if you want to actually do pentesting."

Vendor-neutral approach is a breath of fresh air."

Verdict: PenTest+ is gaining traction as a more practical and cost-effective option, especially for hands-on learners.

The Management Track: CISSP, CISM & Leadership Certs

CISSP – The “Gold Standard”… With Caveats

Reddit Consensus: "Worth it — if you have the experience."

CISSP changed my career. It opened up opportunities that were never available before."

You need 5+ years of real experience to get the full value."

It's not about tech skills — it proves you understand security from a business lens."

But be warned:

CISSP without real experience is just expensive paper."

A mile wide and an inch deep."

Too many people think CISSP makes them senior. It doesn't — experience does."

CISM – For Future CISOs

Reddit Consensus: "Less technical, more governance — great for managers."

CISM is ideal if you’re shifting into management or aiming for a CISO role."

Less known than CISSP, but more focused on governance, risk, and compliance."

CISM doesn't go deep into tech, which is perfect for some roles but limiting for others."

Best For: Project managers, IT leads, future CISOs.

Audit & Compliance Certifications

CISA – The Auditor’s Badge of Honor

Reddit Consensus: "Excellent for audit. Not ideal beyond that."

If you want to do information systems auditing, CISA is a must."

Helps with GRC and compliance roles, but not much beyond."

Narrow focus — CISA = audit; CISSP = general security."

SSCP – The Overlooked “CISSP-Lite”

Reddit Consensus: "No one talks about it, but it's a solid starter cert."

Great if you don't qualify for CISSP yet."

Good technical base, but not widely recognized."

Most people just go with Security+ or wait for CISSP."

Cloud Security Certification

CCSP – The Cloud Security Must-Have

Reddit Consensus: "Cloud is king. CCSP proves you know how to secure it."

If you're doing cloud work, this cert is almost as important as CISSP."

Great add-on to CISSP for cloud-focused roles."

Harder than it looks — you need real understanding of cloud architecture."

Hot Tip: Ideal for professionals already familiar with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP.

Brutal Honesty from the Cybersecurity Community

Certification Stacking

Don't collect certifications like Pokémon cards. Focus on what supports your goals."

Two relevant certs beat five random ones."

Experience > Certs

Certs get you past HR. Experience gets you hired."

A Security+ with hands-on IR experience beats a CISSP with no real work."

The Real Cost of Certifications

If your employer won’t pay, really ask yourself if it's worth it."

Factor in exam fees, books, training, CPEs, and time."

Some certs pay off fast. Others? Not so much."

Career Path Recommendations

For Beginners (0–2 years):

Path: Security+ → Network+/PenTest+/Cloud+

Don’t jump to CISSP. Get hands-on and build a base.

Mid-Level (2–5 years):

Path: Specialize → Think about CISSP/CCSP/CEH

Time to pick a lane — cloud, pentesting, GRC, or management.”

Senior Pros (5+ years):

Path: CISSP/CISM/CISA + Specialization

Now it’s about leadership, niche expertise, and architecture.”

What’s Changing in 2025?

Trending Up:

• AI Security Certifications: Growing demand for AI/ML threat expertise.

• DevSecOps Skills: Dev knowledge + security = gold.

• Zero Trust Architectures: Becoming a job requirement.

• Cloud-First Thinking: If you’re not in the cloud, you’re behind.

Losing Relevance:

• Legacy network security certs with no cloud content

• Vendor-specific certs tied to dying tech

• Certs without any hands-on components

The Bottom Line: What the Pros Say

Universal Takeaways:

• Start with Security+

• Align certs with your actual job goals

• Get real-world experience alongside your studies

• Don’t certify “just because” — have a career plan

• Keep your certifications active and maintained

Suggested Certification Paths by Role

Technical Roles:

Security+ → PenTest+ or CCSP → Specialized tools (e.g., OSCP, SANS)

Management Roles:

Security+ → CISSP (w/ experience) → CISM (optional)

Audit/Compliance:

Security+ → CISA → CISM

Government/DoD Roles:

Security+ (required) → CISSP → DoD 8570 compliant certs

Final Advice from the Cybersecurity Community

“Certifications are tools, not destinations. Use them to get better at your job — not just to collect paper.”

Use this guide to build your certification path with clarity and confidence. Choose wisely, study smart, and align everything with your real-world career goals.

📝 This guide is based on real-world discussions and professional insights from Reddit and cybersecurity communities in 2025. Certification value may vary by country, industry, and job role.