Cybersecurity Certifications

The Most Recognised Cyber Security Certifications

Several certifications are highly regarded by employers when recruiting cyber security professionals. While practical experience should always be considered alongside qualifications, certifications can help demonstrate technical expertise and commitment to professional development.

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

CISSP is widely regarded as the leading certification for senior cyber security professionals and security leaders. According to UK Government labour market research, CISSP appears in around 37% of cyber security job adverts that specify a certification requirement, making it one of the most in-demand qualifications in the sector.

Typical roles include: Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Security Manager, Security Architect, Information Security Consultant.

CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

CISM is particularly valued by organisations seeking professionals with expertise in governance, risk management and compliance. It is commonly requested for leadership positions where managing security programmes and aligning security strategy with business objectives are key responsibilities.

Typical roles include: Information Security Manager, Head of Information Security, Risk and Compliance Manager, Cyber Security Consultant.

CompTIA Security+

Security+ is one of the most popular entry-level cyber security certifications and is often used by employers as evidence of a strong understanding of cyber security fundamentals. It is particularly relevant for candidates starting their cyber security careers or moving into security-focused IT roles.

Typical roles include: Cyber Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, Security Administrator, IT Security Technician.

CEH and Cloud Security Certifications

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) remains a recognised qualification for penetration testing and offensive security roles, while cloud-focused certifications from AWS and Microsoft continue to increase in demand as organisations migrate critical systems to the cloud.

Common certifications include: CEH, AWS Certified Security – Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate, and OSCP. These are frequently requested for roles such as Penetration Tester, Cloud Security Engineer, and Security Consultant.

Who are CV Screen?
CV Screen is a specialist cybersecurity recruitment consultancy placing cybersecurity professionals across the UK — from SOC analysts and penetration testers to security architects and CISOs. We help employers build realistic hiring briefs, benchmark salaries accurately, and access talent that standard job board advertising won’t reach.

Get in touch with the CV Screen team to discuss your cybersecurity hiring needs.