CompTIA Security+
CompTIA
COST $392 TIME 2–3 mo SALARY $99K
DoD-approved. HR filter for most gov and enterprise security roles. No exp required.
CYBERSECURITY CATEGORY · 6 CERTS
Cybersecurity.
Real job placement.
Highest-paying tech path. Still chronically understaffed in 2026. Every cert below meets the same criteria: proven job placement, real salary impact ($10K+ lift or opens a new role category), accessible without a four-year degree, and from a recognized issuer.
FILTER BY CATEGORY
CompTIA CySA+
CompTIA
COST $392 TIME 3–4 mo SALARY $105K
Mid-level bridge between Security+ and CISSP. Threat detection and analysis roles.
CompTIA PenTest+
CompTIA
COST $392 TIME 3–4 mo SALARY $100K
Accessible offensive security path. The CompTIA answer to CEH at less than half the cost. No experience prerequisites. Natural next step after Security+ or CySA+.
CISM
ISACA
COST $575 TIME 4–6 mo SALARY $150K
Management-track security cert. Leads to security director and CISO roles.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
EC-Council
COST $950 TIME 3–4 mo SALARY $110K
Penetration testing and offensive security. High demand in financial services and defense.
CISSP
ISC²
COST $749 TIME 6–12 mo SALARY $148K
Gold standard security cert. Requires 5yr exp but worth the wait. Leads to CISO track.
PAST THE LIBRARY
When you're ready to execute.
The library points you at the right cert. The field guides help you actually run the play. Translate your background, rewrite your LinkedIn, prep for the interview, negotiate the offer.