5 best ways to train for your first (or next) cybersecurity certification
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You also have a variety of resources you can use, such as certification exam outline, books you can find on Amazon and elsewhere, flashcards, cheat sheets and YouTube.
The key to succeeding with self-study is to figure out which areas you need the most help with and then identify the resources that will best help you grasp these concepts.
Considerations for self-study
Here are some things you’ll want to keep in mind if you decide to use self-study:
Cybersecurity certifications are a powerful resource for career advancement because they validate your skills to employers and reinforce the knowledge you need to keep organizations secure. There are many ways to prepare for your certification exam.
This guide breaks down the five most popular methods — from self-study with free resources to in-depth live instruction designed to transform your career. But this isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation — you can use one, some or all, depending on your learning style and the level of support you need to hit your goals.
Read on to assess which training method is best for your next career milestone.
Self-study: Mastering cybersecurity at your own pace
Self-study involves learning at your own speed and using resources you find yourself.
Benefits of self-study
Self-study gives you:
- Flexibility in your learning schedule and pace. You’re in control of what you learn and when.
- A less expensive path. You may save money because you can find learning resources for free or at reasonable prices.
You also have a variety of resources you can use, such as certification exam outline, books you can find on Amazon and elsewhere, flashcards, cheat sheets and YouTube.
The key to succeeding with self-study is to figure out which areas you need the most help with and then identify the resources that will best help you grasp these concepts.
Considerations for self-study
Here are some things you’ll want to keep in mind if you decide to use self-study:
- You must be self-disciplined and motivated — no one else will push you in this independent learning environment.
- It can be difficult to stay organized and focused.
- If you don’t have a specific date you have to finish by, it can reduce your sense of urgency and slow down your progress.
- It can be overwhelming to select which resources to use because there are so many to choose from.
Self-assessment question: Do you have a predictable schedule that gives you control over your time? If so, a flexible, self-guided training program might be your best option.
What should you learn next?
On-demand learning: Tailored training for individual needs
On-demand learning involves pre-recorded videos, practice exams, labs, exercises and other training material you purchase from a vendor.
Benefits of on-demand learning
With on-demand learning, you get exactly what you need to address any knowledge or skills gaps without having to go out and find it yourself. For instance, if you used an on-demand training platform like Infosec Skills to prepare for your Security+ certification, you'd get access to more than 23 hours of training, including:
- 15 on-demand courses to go through at your own pace
- A dozen skill assessments to help validate your knowledge
- A hands-on cyber range to build your skills
- Practice exam questions to ensure you're ready for the exam
On-demand learning can be a cost-effective option as you’re not paying for any interaction with a live instructor. You should also be aware of what’s included before you purchase, as there are a variety of options. For example:
- Some providers allow you to purchase one set of training materials for a specific skill or certification, or they may break out the components individually for purchase.
- Others provide access to an entire library of training materials covering many different skills and certifications.
Using the library approach, you can explore several different interests before committing to one. As a result, you can avoid investing too much time studying for a certification that may not be right for you.
Considerations for on-demand learning
If you’re thinking about using on-demand learning, there are some factors to think about:
- You have to be self-motivated and accountable to ensure you complete the training.
- You will only have limited interaction with instructors and your peers, which, for some learners, could make this less attractive than live training.
Self-assessment question: Are you okay with learning on your own, and if you don’t have help, can you systematically move through learning resources on your own? If you’re comfortable learning independently using pre-vetted resources, then on-demand learning may be a good fit.
Self-paced with support: Guided learning for success
Using a self-paced support approach, you get all the materials you need to prepare and a professional guide to help you work through your training.
Benefits of self-paced with support
This approach is unique in that it gives you:
- Structured learning without forcing you to commit to a pre-set schedule
- Guidance and support from qualified instructors who can answer your questions and clarify concepts you’re struggling with
Different training courses may have different levels of support. Therefore, it’s always important to carefully examine what you’re getting to make sure it aligns with your needs and learning preferences. For example, does the training come with access to an instructor via a forum or email? Are there set office hours where you can live chat or video call with an instructor live? Or is it some other form of support?
Understanding the support you need and how you'll get it is key to knowing if this format is for you.
Considerations for self-paced with support
If learning at your own pace with support is one of your top options, you should consider the following:
- Whether you will be able to balance your study commitment with other life responsibilities
- The limited interaction and collaboration opportunities you’ll have with your peers, especially when compared to live training
Self-assessment question: Do you learn better with guided support, or do you grasp concepts better if you have to work through them on your own? If having a guide available to answer your questions aligns with your style, learning at your own pace with support may be the way to go.
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Live boot camps: Intensive training for rapid certification prep
A live boot camp is a short-term, intensive training in a structured environment that typically lasts three to seven days.
Benefits of live boot camps
With live boot camps, you get:
- All-in-one solution. One of the biggest advantages of live cybersecurity boot camps is that they usually offer everything you need in one comprehensive package. This can include preparatory materials, live instruction, additional training resources like books and hands-on labs, practice exams, the voucher to take the exam and more.
- Guidance and support. If you’re in the early stages of your career, access to expert instructors gives you the opportunity to seek guidance, ask questions, learn from seasoned professionals and fast-track your learning and career. For those aiming at more advanced certifications, the live environment offers engaging discussions with your peers that can provide fresh perspectives, diverse insights and a wealth of shared knowledge.
- Promising statistics of success. Boot camps offer a structured, comprehensive, accelerated approach designed to get you certified. Some providers like Infosec even offer an Exam Pass Guarantee, so if you fail the exam you can retake both the exam and the live boot camp at no cost to you.
If you’re looking for a fast and effective path to cybersecurity career advancement, live boot camps could be the key to getting there. You’ll get an intensive, highly structured learning environment, which, for many, makes it easier to stay on track. However, a boot camp is like drinking from a fire hose for three to seven days, so it may not be effective if you don’t come to the training ready for that kind of environment.
Another advantage is the known cost. Since you can pay one time for a comprehensive learning experience, a boot camp prevents you from continually buying courses and materials over time, which can help as you budget your training.
Considerations for live boot camps
Some things to keep in mind when considering live boot camps include:
- They likely cost more than some self-guided learning options
- To attend your boot camp, you may have to spend time away from work or your family — or find a way to focus for an extended period if you’re training live online from home
Self-assessment question: Would you benefit most from a short, intensive course, or do you learn best by stretching out the topic matter over time? If learning all you need to know over a few days best suits your style, a live boot camp should be at the top of your list.
Immersive boot camps: Accelerated career development
Immersive boot camps are designed to help you transform your skills and career options with several months of training. It's a much more involved and in-depth experience than the other options.
Benefits of immersive boot camps
Immersive boot camps come with several unique advantages:
- They’re more transformative than the other learning paths. For example, a beginner immersive boot camp could be great for someone looking to transition or launch a career but needs more guidance and support than a certification-focused live boot camp.
- They can supplement or be an alternative to a degree. They prepare you more efficiently versus investing years in career prep at a university.
- The program may offer additional career services to help you land a job after your training, so it's important to understand what's included with your immersive boot camp.
For context, Infosec’s Cybersecurity Foundations Immersive Boot Camp covers 500+ hours of training over 26 weeks — much more than a typical three-to-seven-day boot camp. The program also includes access to career coaching and other features to help prepare you for your first job.
Considerations for immersive boot camps
At the same time, you also want to keep these factors in mind:
- Immersive boot camps involve a longer commitment and bigger financial investment.
- Be sure to understand what’s expected of you and what support you’ll need so you can maximize your investment in your career.
Self-assessment question: Are you committed to changing your life and investing in your career using an extensive, fully inclusive learning and career coaching course? If that describes you, then an immersive boot camp would be your top option.
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The best cybersecurity certification training for you
If you’re looking to improve your cybersecurity career prospects, you have a few different learning options. It’s best to choose the modality that aligns with your learning style and your current career goals.
You can use these questions to help decide which method is the best match:
- Are you a self-motivated person?
- Do you think best alone or with others?
- Is your schedule flexible?
- Are you ready for an intense few days of training, or do you need more time more time?
- Do you need career coaching and job placement services as well?
Regardless of the path you choose, the most important thing is to commit to continuous learning and professional development in cybersecurity. This way, you will stay up to date and ensure you have the knowledge needed to keep pushing your career forward.
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