97 Things Every Information Security Professional Should Know

Chapter 84. Fitting Certifications into Your Career Path

Steven Becker

Obtaining a certification is simply a validation of what you know in a specific knowledge domain. While certification objectives vary, they usually include a minimum requirement of passing a multiple-choice exam, and occasionally a simulation. Some may require work experience in the subject area or require specific training courses. More advanced requirements are indicative of the certification being intended for a more advanced candidate.

Regardless of where you are in your career path, certifications play a role in proving your ability to current and potential employers and peers. Training or studying for certifications also helps level the playing field by providing a shared framework and language. Deciding on what certifications to pursue, and when, is something that will provide immense benefit. I like the three-legged stool as a way to look at your overall career growth. The three stool legs consist of formal education, certifications, and experience. If they don’t work together properly, the stool wobbles or even tips over, so you have to grow each leg together to stay balanced.

Formal education can include higher education coursework, but also training that focuses on the concepts that are tested by certification exams. Experience can be trickier, because you often need the other two legs first, but ...