Welcome to our first episode of Truth or Myth? where I'll try to address some of the common facts and misconceptions around cybersecurity. Today we'll be addressing a phrase many of us have heard: "Certifications are essential on the path to getting or keeping a job in security."
This statement is a MYTH.
While certifications can be a helpful tool to get through HR resume filters, gain experience in particular areas, or to foster a connection into a security community (e.g. ISC2), they are absolutely not a requirement to be a great security person. It is absolutely possible to reach high levels in your career without "key" certifications like the CISSP. Oftentimes on-the-job experience is way more effective in showing your breadth of knowledge, and how you can apply it in everyday situations.
Like many things in life, there can be certain situations where having a specific certification or certifications in general can be helpful:
Job Requirements
Both entry-level or executive-level positions may have certain "desired" certifications listed in the job description. These may be a requirement of the hiring manager, or they could have been placed by well-meaning HR folks. Most entry-level government positions do require employees to hold at least the SEC+ certification.
Proving Knowledge in Certain Domains or Tools
Some companies that heavily use or resell tools may require candidates to hold any associated vendor certifications. Two examples here would be the suite of Cisco certifications as well as AWS' catalogue of certifications and paths.
Getting Plugged into Specific Security Communities
While many vendor owned certifications don't come with a lot of "perks," there are a couple of organizations such as ISC2, SANS, and ISACA that grant certification holders exclusive access to trainings, future discounts, and a community of other members. These organizations may also hold chapter meetings on a regular cadence that offer networking and CPE opportunities.
If collecting that alphabet behind your name makes you happy, or fits into your preferred learning style- don't let us stop you! But to anyone worried that they don't have enough certifications, I hope this helps showcase that there are many paths to growth in your career.
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