Best Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certifications in 2026

5 entry-level cybersecurity certifications you can take without years of experience, compared by cost, format and what employers think of them.

CompTIA Security+ credential artwork

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA · Exam SY0-701

Validates knowledge of security threats, protective controls, risk management and incident response across modern IT environments.

439EntryNo prerequisites

Validates practical skills in security frameworks, risk management, networks, Linux, SQL, threat detection and response, and Python automation.

294EntryNo prerequisites

Validates foundational knowledge of security principles, governance, access control, network and cloud security, and security operations.

249EntryNo prerequisites
CCNA Cybersecurity credential artwork

CCNA Cybersecurity

Cisco · Exam 200-201 CCNACBR

Validates knowledge of security operations work, including security concepts, monitoring, host-based analysis, network intrusion analysis and security procedures.

300EntryNo prerequisites