What Cyber Security Certifications Should I Take First? (Beginner Guide)
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make in cyber security is taking the wrong certifications first. The market is full of options, but not all of them are sensible starting points.
A realistic beginner pathway
If you are starting from scratch, a strong route is:
- Microsoft SC-900
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA CySA+
This pathway builds the knowledge needed for roles such as:
- SOC Analyst
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Security Operations Analyst
- Threat Detection Analyst
Why SC-900 is a strong first step
SC-900 introduces core areas such as:
- Identity and access management
- Security principles
- Microsoft cloud security
- Compliance and governance
It is beginner-friendly and gives useful context before moving deeper into cyber concepts.
Why Security+ matters so much
Security+ is widely recognised as a baseline cyber certification. It covers:
- Threat detection
- Network security
- Risk management
- Cryptography
- Identity management
- Security architecture
Because it is vendor-neutral, the knowledge transfers well across different environments.
Why CySA+ makes sense next
CySA+ moves the learner closer to analyst-level work by focusing on:
- SIEM and monitoring
- Threat intelligence
- Vulnerability management
- Incident response
- Log analysis
That is highly relevant to the kind of defensive roles most beginners can realistically target first.
Do you need A+ or Network+ first?
A+ is aimed more at IT support than cyber security. Network+ knowledge is useful, but you do not always need to sit the exam if your training already covers the networking concepts Security+ assumes.
Should beginners start with CEH?
Usually no. CEH is often marketed too early. Ethical hacking and penetration testing make far more sense once strong foundations are already in place.
If you want a guided route through the right certifications, our Cyber Security Career Programme focuses on industry-recognised pathways aligned to real job roles.
Quick answers
Q: What are the best cyber security certifications for beginners?
A: A sensible beginner path is Microsoft SC-900, CompTIA Security+, and then CompTIA CySA+.
Q: Do I need A+ or Network+ for cyber security?
A: Not always. The knowledge is useful, but the exams are not always required if your pathway already covers the foundations.
Q: Is Security+ good for beginners?
A: Yes. It is one of the most recognised baseline cyber certifications.
Q: Is CySA+ too advanced for beginners?
A: It is best taken after Security+, when you are ready to move toward analyst-level defensive work.
Q: Should beginners take CEH first?
A: Usually no. CEH is often a poor first certification for complete beginners.
Q: What jobs can this pathway lead to?
A: SOC Analyst, Cyber Security Analyst, Security Operations Analyst, and threat monitoring roles.