Is Certification Worth It Firebrand

Is Having a Cyber Security Certificate Worth It in 2026?

Unlike degrees, certificates focus on practical skills and can be attained much faster.

Nicai de Guzman & Bob Armstrong
26 January, 2026

Having a cyber security certificate can deliver strong returns when chosen wisely, especially amid talent shortages and rising demand for verified skills. Even entry-level certificates often yield quick ROI through better job access and salary uplifts, making them a smart investment for many professionals, especially those who are trying to break into tech.

Let’s explore what cyber security certificates are all about:

What is a cyber security certificate?

A cyber security certificate is a formal credential earned by passing an exam, issued by bodies like CompTIA, ISC2, or leading cloud providers such as Azure and AWS. It validates knowledge in areas like network defence, risk management or ethical hacking. Here are the current top cyber security certifications.

Unlike degrees, certificates focus on practical, job-ready skills and typically take weeks to months to attain rather than years.

How do employers view cyber security certificates?

Hiring managers use certificates as a fast filter since there is a big demand for such employees, given the recent studies and statistics about cyber security.

You may notice that a lot of cyber security job postings mention at least one certification as desirable or required. Industry-recognised certifications signal commitment and baseline competence, particularly in compliance-heavy sectors like finance and public services.

In regulated UK industries, certified staff often meet audit requirements, giving certificate-holders an edge over uncertified peers.

“Having that certificate on your CV—especially if it’s the right one—makes you stand out from the rest,” advises John McKenna, Head of Education at Firebrand Training.

What are the benefits of having a cyber security certificate?

1. Recognition and credibility

Certificates provide instant proof of skills, boosting CV visibility. Certified professionals earn 10-15% higher salaries on average, with entry-level holders seeing £5,000 to £10,000 uplifts in starting pay.

2. Access to jobs and promotions

Many of the current roles list Cyber Security certifications, and holders land interviews faster. Once you include these certifications in your CV, they become good keywords picked up by AI recruitment software that can help you get through the first round of filtering. Also, if you post your certifications on your website or LinkedIn, there is a good chance that recruiters scanning these pages will reach out to you. For career changers, certifications bridge gaps, turning IT Support roles into SOC Analyst positions.

3. Professional network and community

Training with providers like Firebrand connects you to alumni networks, mentors, and job boards. Lifetime access to study groups and events builds relationships that lead to unadvertised opportunities.

“Firebrand learners join a wide alumni network and always remain part of our learning family. Instructors often hear back from students with their success stories or seeking out advice and guidance for their next training adventures,” explains Phil Chapman, the Firebrand Cyber Security Subject Matter Expert.

4. Structured learning and confidence

Certificates enforce focused study, filling knowledge gaps. Industry research shows that 90% of security leaders say certifications improved their confidence in executing and aligning security strategy, 86% of certified professionals value their credentials as proof of knowledge, and 72% of certified practitioners report a positive impact on work quality after certification. These outcomes can help reduce imposter syndrome in high-stakes environments.

5. Limitations and misconceptions about certificates

Certificates alone won't secure senior roles. Employers prioritise hands-on experience in postings. 'Badge-collecting' without labs or projects risks signalling superficial knowledge, as real-world threats demand adaptability.

Cyber Security certificates complement, but don't replace, IT portfolios or apprenticeships.

6. Cost, time and return on investment

Popular certificates like CompTIA Security+ can cost £2,000 for training and exams, with renewals adding £100-£200 every 2-3 years. Plus, you need to invest time, from about 40 to 100 hours of study over 1 to 3 months for entry-level to 3 to 6 months for advanced certifications like ISC2 CISSP®.

ROI kicks in fast, however, with certified pros recouping costs in 3 to 6 months through 12% average salary bumps, which amount to £4,000 to £15,000 annually in the UK. Over five years, lifetime earnings rise by more than £50,000, far outweighing the cost of certification.

Who benefits most from a cyber security certificate?

  • Career changers: Gain credibility to pivot from IT or other fields.
  • Junior staff: Formalise skills for promotions in SMEs or consultancies.
  • Regulated sector workers: Meet compliance needs in finance, NHS or government.
  • Experienced professionals: Use advanced certifications to specialise in roles such as Cloud Security Architect, Security Operations Centre (SOC) Manager, Cyber Risk Analyst, Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Lead, or Information Security (InfoSec) Manager.

How do you choose the right certificate for your goals?

Match the right certificate to your path. Here are some examples: Security+ for entry-level SOC, CCSP® for Cloud, CISM® for management. Check recognition via UK Cyber Security Council frameworks, pass rates (aim for 70%+) and job site demand. 

Of course, before doing this, you have to think about which cyber security job is right for you.

Providers like Firebrand offer accelerated, exam-pass guarantees to minimise risk.

How do you make the most of your cyber security certificate?

There are plenty of ways to leverage your cyber security certificate, such as:

  • Volunteer to secure systems for small organisations, charities or open-source projects, for real-world experience;
  • Update your LinkedIn, CV and professional bios with the certificate badge and a summary of key learnings;
  • Create a LinkedIn post, blog post, or social media post about your certificate, sharing your experience while getting it;
  • Join provider communities (e.g., Firebrand alumni networks) for mentorship, job boards and ongoing events;
  • Reference your certification strategically in interviews and reviews, for example: "My Security+ equipped me to detect phishing in simulations, reducing alert fatigue by 30%." 

Cyber security certificates FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about cyber security certificates.

Is the Google Cyber Security certificate worth it?

The Google Cyber Security Certificate offers solid value as an entry-level credential, especially for beginners or career changers. It carries Google's brand recognition, aligns with entry-level SOC Analyst roles and includes job search support through Google's network.

Another certification perfect for entry-level tech roles is CyberSafe® from CertNexus, which teaches you best practices to secure devices and protect data. Another option is the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity® (CC®), an accelerated entry-level certification that helps you develop essential cyber security knowledge.

However, for mid-level positions, you may also want to consider the CompTIA Security+ or certifications from ISC2 and pair them with hands-on labs for stronger results.

Is 30 too old to get into cyber security?

No, 30 is not too old. Many professionals enter cyber security in their 30s, 40s, or later, often via career pivots from IT, military, or other fields. The Cyber Security sector values skills and experience over age and mature professionals who bring a real-world perspective to high-stakes roles are in demand.

Based on our experience, Cyber Security apprenticeships can attract diverse age groups, and remote/hybrid options can ease transitions for those with family commitments.

Is it difficult to pass cyber security certification exams?

Difficulty varies by certification level, of course. Entry-level certifications such as CompTIA Security+ suit motivated beginners after about 40 to 100 hours of study, while advanced ones like CISSP® entail rigorous exam prep.

Success hinges on structured study (practice exams, labs) and the effort every individual puts into the courses.

Does a cyber security certification get you a job?

A certification alone rarely 'gets' you a job, but it significantly boosts your chances. Many cyber security job postings list certifications as desirable or required, which helps certified candidates land interviews faster. Certifications signal commitment, especially for juniors or changers, bridging gaps until you build experience.

Can I work from home with a cyber security certification?

Yes, many cyber security roles support remote or hybrid work, especially GRC, threat intelligence, security engineering and awareness training. Certifications like Security+, CCSP®, or CISM® can qualify you for these. SOC Analyst roles may require shifts or on-site initially, but tools like SIEM enable remote monitoring.

UK and Benelux-based firms increasingly offer fully remote options post-pandemic. Certifications prove remote-ready skills (e.g. Cloud Security), but expect hybrid for Incident Response or Pen Testing.

How do you invest in a cyber security certificate?

A cyber security certificate is worth it for most entering or advancing in the field, delivering recognition, networks, jobs, and ROI that outpaces costs. Skip it only if you have deep experience or prefer self-directed paths.

Ready to certify? Explore Firebrand's accelerated cyber security courses, join our network, and launch your career today.

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