📜 Cybersecurity Certifications Guide

Certifications help validate your skills and improve your credibility in the cybersecurity industry. Here are the most valuable and recognized certifications based on your experience level and goals.

🎯 Why Certs Matter

• Demonstrates verified knowledge to employers
• Helps structure your learning path
• Useful for job applications, internships, and freelancing
• Many include hands-on labs and real-world scenarios

🟢 Entry-Level (Great for Beginners)

• CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) – Industry-recognized baseline cert covering core security topics
• TryHackMe "Complete Beginner" Path – Free practical learning with guided labs
• Google Cybersecurity Certificate (Coursera) – Affordable and beginner-friendly
• Defronix DCJSP – Basic practical cybersecurity training for Indian learners

🔵 Intermediate Level

• eJPT v2 (INE) – Practical pentesting cert with lab-based challenges
• PNPT (TCM Security) – Realistic pentest exam with reporting
• HTB CPTS – HackTheBox’s hands-on red teaming certification
• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) – Broad, HR-friendly cert (theory-heavy)

🔴 Advanced Level

• OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) – Industry gold standard in hands-on offensive security
• CRTO (Certified Red Team Operator) – Advanced red teaming and AD exploitation
• OSEP / OSWE – Advanced certifications for exploit development and web exploitation
• eWPTXv2 / eCPTX – Web app and advanced network pentesting (from INE/eLearnSecurity)

💡 Budget-Friendly / Free Alternatives

• TryHackMe – Gamified learning paths and badges
• HTB Academy – Free courses and certificates
• Blue Team Labs – Focused on defensive certs and SOC roles
• Cert-IN Free Resources – Official Indian Government cybersecurity resources

🧭 Choosing the Right Cert

• If you're a student or beginner, start with eJPT, THM paths, or Security+
• If you're into web hacking or bug bounties, aim for PNPT, HTB CPTS, or OSCP
• If you're aiming for jobs abroad, focus on certs from CompTIA, Offensive Security, or HTB

📚 Ready to apply what you've learned? Head to the Career Tips section to explore job strategies, freelancing, and resume building!