97 Things Every Information Security Professional Should Know

Chapter 49. Certifications Considered Harmful

Louis Nyffenegger

Certifications are becoming a shortcut for people who can afford them and a barrier for people who cannot.

As of 2020, we have seen an explosion in the number of certifications. A few organizations are fighting hard to get the top spot and the industry recognition and money that come with them. Certifications have also become the ultimate gate for hiring managers. A few letters in your resume can make the difference between whether it gets read or not, leaving a lot of people who cannot afford certifications behind.

As someone providing training, it is straightforward to recognize the impact certifications have on a global scale. If you get to talk to people from countries where getting a US$1,000 certification represents an annual salary, you will quickly understand the issue. People coming from privileged backgrounds can boast about “trying harder“ while the rest feel left out. Content sharing in our industry allows anyone to get from zero to hero on their own. Even if you cannot afford training, you can get most ingredients and the recipes. There is no secret sauce. Training platforms are just a catalyst in your learning journey. On the other end, you just cannot get certified unless you pay the price.

And the price is not only a dollar figure during checkout. The amount of time it takes to prepare and pass such ...