The 11 Best Information Security Certifications

The information security field is growing quickly and is in high demand both in the UK and around the world, with the global cybersecurity market potentially reaching $211.69 billion by 2026 and grow to $265.17 billion by 2030. Security services alone are expected to make up over $106 billion of this, showing how important ongoing protection and expertise are.

Mordor Intelligence also predicts that the information security market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.31% from 2026 to 2031, showing how there will be steady demand for skilled professionals in the long term.

And, as cyber threats get more complicated, organisations are looking for professionals who can keep their systems, data, and infrastructure safe. However, with so many information security certifications out there, it can be hard to figure out which one is the right one for you.

In this guide, we’ll look at the eleven best information security certifications available in the market, so you take the first or next step in your IT career. 

1. BCS CISMP (Certificate in Information Security Management Principles)

The BCS CISMP, which stands for Certificate in Information Security Management Principles, is a well-known qualification that teaches the main principles of information security and their application to real business situations.

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, is the awarding body for this certification. As the UK’s main professional body for computing and IT, BCS acts as the benchmark for industry standards, making CISMP a trusted choice for employees and employers alike.

You’ll learn not just technical skills, but an understanding of how information security can support organisations at a strategic level. Throughout the CISMP certification, you’ll focus on areas such as:

• Information security management framework
• Risk assessment and treatment
• Security controls and governance
• Incident management and business continuity

As organisations focus more on data protection and risk management, having a broad understanding of information security is becoming more important. The course is a great starting point for beginners and people changing careers. It helps you progress to more advanced qualifications and specialist roles in information security.

With ICS Learn, you can take the BCS CISMP course online and study at your own pace, fitting learning around your work and personal life.

2. CompTIA Security+

This qualification is offered by CompTIA and gives you a solid grounding in cybersecurity, which is a specific subset of information security. And many people choose it to start their career in information security.

Since Security+ isn’t linked to any specific technology or platform, employers see it as a flexible and useful qualification. It teaches you the core knowledge you need to understand how systems are protected and where they might be at risk, covering important topics like network security and secure system design, cryptography, and risk management.

CompTIA Security+ is a strong option for those starting out in IT or transitioning into cybersecurity roles, as it gives you a great starting point to later progress into advanced certifications or jobs like a Security Analyst or Network Security Engineer.

3.CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification centres on offensive security, teaching you how to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in systems in a controlled and ethical way.

Awarded by EC-Council, an organisation known for developing qualifications in ethical hacking and cyber defence, this course will help you think like a hacker. You won’t just learn how to defend systems, you’ll also see how attacks happen, which helps you stop them more effectively.

While working toward gaining this qualification, you’ll cover topics like foot printing and reconnaissance techniques, system hacking, network scanning, vulnerability analysis – and a lot more.

The CEH certification has also evolved to reflect modern cybersecurity challenges, meaning it now incorporates AI-driven tools and techniques. You’ll discover how artificial intelligence is used in both cyber-attacks and defence, which will help you stay on top of the latest threats.

CEH is a good choice if you want a hands-on technical job, like a Penetration Tester, Ethical Hacker, or Security Analyst.

4. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

The GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) certification is perfect for helping you secure an entry-level role in the field, helping you gain a foundational yet practical understanding of information security.

As a part of the qualification, you’ll come to understand more about topics like network security and defence techniques, cryptography fundamentals and incident handling and response.

5. CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is an information security certification created for those who want to learn how to audit and assure information systems. It’s an especially important qualification for those working in risk and compliance roles.

Awarded by ISACA, a globally recognised body specialising in IT governance, risk management, and assurance, the CISA qualification focuses on how organisations can monitor and control their information systems.

Here are some of the topics you’ll cover: 

• Information systems auditing processes
• Governance and management of IT
• Risk management and internal controls
• Protection of information assets
• Monitoring and assurance practices

ISACA organises CISA around main areas that match real job responsibilities, helping you learn how to assess systems and make sure they meet both regulatory and organisational standards.

It’s an excellent choice if you want to move into roles such as IT Auditor, Risk Analyst, or Compliance Specialist, and build a career in security-focused governance and assurance.

However, since this is a more advanced qualification, you’ll need IT-related work experience to enrol.

6. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a well-respected and advanced certification in information security. It shows that you can design, implement, and manage a complete cybersecurity program.

The certification is issued by ISC2, a globally recognised organisation known for setting high standards in information security, meaning CISSP is often seen as a benchmark qualification for experienced professionals.

What makes the CISSP course stand out is its breadth. It covers everything from software development security to security architecture and engineering, offering you an in-depth understanding of how security work across organisations.

Instead of focusing on just one niche, this qualification helps you see the bigger picture, making it especially valuable for those who manage or oversee information security at a strategic level.

It’s worth noting that CISSP also isn’t an entry-level qualification. Instead, it’s best suited for people with solid experience in IT or cybersecurity. With that said, it can open doors to many senior roles, like Security Manager, Security Consultant, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which often require this certification.

7. OSCP+ (Offensive Security Certified Professional)

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is a technical certification that focuses on practical penetration testing and real-world attack scenarios.

The aim of OSCP+ is to help you build practical and problem-solving skills. To test your skills at the end of this qualification you’ll complete a challenging, hands-on exam where you find and exploit vulnerabilities in real systems.

A big part of the OSCP+ is the “Try Harder” mindset that encourages you to think critically, solve problems on your own, and keep going when faced with tough security challenges.

Since it combines technical skill with hands-on practice, this information security certification is a very respected qualification for showing real-world cybersecurity ability, not just theory.

The OSCP+ is best suited for professionals with a strong technical background who want to focus on penetration testing or offensive security jobs.

8. CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is all about managing and overseeing information security programs in an organisation.

It’s[ also awarded by ISACA, reflecting its strong emphasis on governance, which means it’s meant for professionals who aim to align security strategies with business goals and manage risk across the organisation.

Like other ISACA certifications, it’s designed for people who already have practical work experience, so it doesn’t just test what you know, but validates what you’ve actually done. Upon completion, you’ll be able to apply your strategic knowledge, and move into roles like Information Security Manager, Consultant, or other leadership positions in cybersecurity.

9. CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification focuses on teaching you how to secure cloud environments. As more organisations move their systems and data to the cloud, this qualification has become increasingly important.

ISC2, the organisation that also offers the CISSP certification, also awards the CCSP. However, in this course, instead of general IT security, you’ll learn how to protect cloud infrastructure, applications, and data on platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

The CCSP is well-suited for people with some IT or cybersecurity experience who want to focus on cloud security roles, like Cloud Security Engineer, Security Architect, or Consultant.

10. CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control)

The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification helps you learn how to identify, assess, and manage risks in IT and business. Like CISA and CISM, this award is also issued by ISACA.

CRISC stands out because it’s built specifically to focus on the risk side of information security. It teaches professionals how to spot potential threats, judge their impact, and put controls in place to lower risk for their organisation.

Through the certification, you’ll learn about risk identification and assessment, risk response and mitigation strategies and monitoring and reporting on risk. This course is a great choice for people already working or wanting to progress into risk management, compliance, or IT governance.

11. SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)

The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification helps professionals build practical security skills they can use in everyday IT work.

ISC2, the organisation that also offers the CISSP and CCSP certifications, also awards the SSCP (alphabet soup, we know!).

This qualification focuses on operational security, helping professionals move from basic to advanced knowledge by showing you how security works in real workplaces.

Throughout the course, you’ll cover topics such as:

•    Access controls and identity management
•    Security operations and administration
•    Network and communications security
•    Incident response and recovery
•    Systems and application security

The SSCP is a good choice for people with some IT experience who want to move into security jobs like Systems Administrator, Network Security Specialist, or Security Analyst. It can also help you prepare for advanced qualifications like the CISSP.

Start Your Career in Information Security with Confidence

Information security certifications can help you develop practical skills that employers want. However, the key to choosing the right qualification comes down to considering your current experience and long-term career goals.

By understanding where you are now and where you want to go, you can invest your time and effort in certifications that genuinely support your progression – helping you build a career that’s both realistic and rewarding.

Explore our BCS CISMP certification and find a flexible way to get your information security career started.