As cyber threats grow in complexity, employers are prioritizing candidates who have proven, industry-recognized skills. One of the best ways to demonstrate your qualifications is by earning cybersecurity certifications. These credentials validate your knowledge, boost your credibility, and show that you’re committed to staying up to date in a fast-evolving industry.
But with so many cybersecurity certifications available, it’s easy to wonder: Which ones are actually respected by employers? This guide explores the most valued certifications across different career levels and how you can pursue them through the Technology Professional 2 Program and Technology Professional 6 Program at DSDT.
Why Certifications Matter in Cybersecurity
Unlike some fields where experience alone can carry you forward, cybersecurity demands continuous learning. Certifications provide structure to that learning and ensure your skills align with industry standards.
Employers look for certifications because they:
- Validate technical expertise and up-to-date knowledge
- Demonstrate dedication and professionalism
- Help them meet compliance and regulatory requirements (e.g., DoD 8570/8140)
- Shortlist qualified candidates during hiring
In short, certifications can be your passport to higher salaries, better job security, and long-term career growth.
Entry-Level Certifications That Get Your Foot in the Door
These certifications are ideal for those new to IT or cybersecurity. They focus on foundational skills that prepare candidates for support roles or further specialization.
1. CompTIA A+
Why it’s respected:
This is the starting point for IT careers. It covers basic hardware, software, troubleshooting, and support—skills essential to understanding the broader cybersecurity landscape.
Career outcomes:
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- IT Support Associate
Offered through:
The Technology Professional 2 Program at DSDT includes training for CompTIA A+ certification and is perfect for students new to technology.
2. CompTIA Network+
Why it’s respected:
Understanding network infrastructure is crucial for cybersecurity. Network+ teaches the fundamentals of routing, switching, wireless, and network security protocols.
Career outcomes:
- Network Administrator
- Network Technician
- Junior Systems Engineer
Path at DSDT:
Network+ is included in the curriculum of both the Technology Professional 2 and Technology Professional 6 programs, serving as a bridge between general IT and cybersecurity roles.
3. CompTIA Security+
Why it’s respected:
Security+ is often the first true cybersecurity certification professionals earn. It covers essential concepts like risk management, cryptography, secure protocols, and incident response.
Career outcomes:
- Security Administrator
- Information Security Analyst
- Compliance Analyst
Security+ is a must-have for government and defense roles and is considered a baseline certification for any cybersecurity position.
Available at DSDT:
Security+ is a core focus of the Technology Professional 2 Program, making it ideal for beginners with no prior cybersecurity experience.
Mid-Level Certifications That Advance Your Career
Once you have some experience or entry-level certifications, these intermediate-level credentials position you for specialized or leadership roles.
4. CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst)
Why it’s respected:
CySA+ focuses on behavioral analytics, threat detection, and proactive security. It’s valued for roles in Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and companies focused on security monitoring and threat hunting.
Career outcomes:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- SOC Analyst
- Threat Intelligence Analyst
DSDT Advantage:
The Technology Professional 6 Program prepares students for CySA+ by building on foundational knowledge from Tech Pro 2. It includes hands-on labs and industry-aligned training for real-world incident response and analytics.
5. CompTIA PenTest+
Why it’s respected:
This certification is for ethical hackers and penetration testers who simulate attacks to find system vulnerabilities. Employers value PenTest+ for its balance of theoretical and practical skills.
Career outcomes:
- Penetration Tester
- Ethical Hacker
- Application Security Analyst
While not part of every cybersecurity path, PenTest+ is increasingly valued by organizations seeking proactive defense strategies.
Tip:
PenTest+ is often pursued after Security+ and CySA+ for professionals specializing in offensive security.
Advanced Certifications That Signal Expertise
These certifications are typically for seasoned professionals looking to lead teams, design security strategies, or move into executive roles.
6. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Why it’s respected:
CISSP is often referred to as the “gold standard” of cybersecurity certifications. It covers everything from asset security to security engineering and risk management. Employers value it for management and leadership positions.
Career outcomes:
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Security Manager
- Senior Security Architect
Eligibility:
CISSP requires five years of paid work experience in at least two of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).
Tip:
While CISSP is not part of DSDT’s entry or intermediate programs, starting with Security+ and CySA+ through DSDT puts you on the path toward achieving it.
7. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Why it’s respected:
Offered by ISACA, CISM focuses on managing enterprise-level security systems. It’s popular among professionals looking to move into governance, compliance, or executive IT security roles.
Career outcomes:
- Information Security Manager
- Risk Management Officer
- Governance Analyst
Ideal candidates:
Experienced professionals with a desire to align security strategy with business goals.
8. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Why it’s respected:
CEH is offered by EC-Council and focuses on ethical hacking tools, techniques, and countermeasures. It is globally recognized and helps security professionals think like hackers to build better defenses.
Career outcomes:
- Ethical Hacker
- Red Team Specialist
- Security Consultant
When to take it:
After mastering foundational skills through Security+ and acquiring practical experience in threat detection or penetration testing.
Certifications Required by Employers and the DoD
Many government jobs require cybersecurity professionals to hold certifications that align with the U.S. Department of Defense’s DoD 8570/8140 directives. These roles often fall under categories like:
- Information Assurance Technical (IAT)
- Information Assurance Managerial (IAM)
- Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP)
Certifications that meet DoD requirements include:
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA CySA+
- CompTIA CASP+
- CISSP
- CEH
DSDT’s Technology Professional 2 and Technology Professional 6 programs are structured to help students enter these fields with the credentials employers trust and, in many cases, require by law.
Which Certification Should You Choose?
Choosing the right certification depends on where you are in your career:
| Your Background | Recommended Certification(s) |
| New to IT or cybersecurity | A+, Network+, Security+ |
| Some IT experience | Security+, CySA+ |
| Looking to specialize in analysis | CySA+, CEH |
| Interested in management | CISM, CISSP |
| Want a hands-on offensive role | PenTest+, CEH |
How DSDT Helps You Get Certified and Career-Ready
At DSDT, our programs are designed with one goal in mind: to prepare you for the real-world demands of cybersecurity careers. Whether you’re starting with little to no experience or seeking more advanced credentials, we’ve got a program tailored for you.
Technology Professional 2 Program
- Covers foundational IT and cybersecurity skills
- Prepares you for A+, Network+, and Security+
- No prior experience or GPA requirement needed
- Ideal for beginners and career changers
Technology Professional 6 Program
- Builds on Security+ foundations
- Prepares you for CySA+ and Network+
- Focused on real-world threat analysis, incident response, and compliance
- Suitable for students aiming for intermediate-level roles or DoD-compliant positions
Both programs include:
- Hands-on labs
- Exam preparation
- One-on-one mentorship
- Resume support and job placement assistance
Most importantly, DSDT accepts students with low GPA and no SAT requirement, making it easier for anyone motivated to succeed in cybersecurity to get started.
Start Your Certification Journey Today
In cybersecurity, certifications are more than pieces of paper—they’re proof that you’re ready to protect networks, detect threats, and solve critical problems. Earning respected credentials like Security+, CySA+, or CISSP opens doors to high-paying, high-impact roles in both public and private sectors.
If you’re ready to launch or advance your career, start with DSDT’s Technology Professional 2 Program or Technology Professional 6 Program. Our instructors, curriculum, and career support are designed to help you earn the certifications employers truly respect.
Take the next step — apply now.
