By Jackson Godwin. Cybersecurtity Analyst & Penetration Tester.
In Part 1, we covered five of the most respected cybersecurity certifications for launching or advancing a cybersecurity career. In this section, we’ll continue with certifications that are highly valued by employers in cloud security, penetration testing, security management, and enterprise cybersecurity.
6. CompTIA PenTest+
Best For: Aspiring Penetration Testers
CompTIA PenTest+ is an excellent certification for professionals who want to specialize in ethical hacking and vulnerability assessments.
Unlike Security+, which focuses on defensive security, PenTest+ teaches candidates how to identify, exploit, and report security weaknesses responsibly.
Topics include:
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Network Penetration Testing
- Web Application Security
- Wireless Security
- Cloud Penetration Testing
- Reporting and Remediation
Typical Job Roles
- Penetration Tester
- Ethical Hacker
- Security Consultant
- Vulnerability Assessment Specialist
Why Employers Like It
- Practical offensive security concepts
- Vendor-neutral certification
- Good stepping stone toward OSCP
- Strong reporting emphasis
7. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Best For: Security Managers and GRC Professionals
CISM, offered by ISACA, is designed for professionals responsible for managing enterprise information security programs.
Unlike technical hacking certifications, CISM focuses on leadership, governance, and aligning cybersecurity with business objectives.
Topics include:
- Information Security Governance
- Enterprise Risk Management
- Security Program Development
- Incident Management
Typical Job Roles
- Information Security Manager
- Security Program Manager
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Consultant
- Compliance Manager
Why Employers Like It
- Leadership-focused
- Globally recognized
- Valuable for management positions
- Excellent salary potential
8. AWS Certified Security – Specialty
Best For: Cloud Security Engineers
Cloud adoption continues to grow across businesses of all sizes, increasing the demand for professionals who can secure cloud environments.
The AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification validates expertise in protecting Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure.
Key topics include:
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Data Protection
- Encryption
- Logging and Monitoring
- Incident Response
- Infrastructure Security
Typical Job Roles
- Cloud Security Engineer
- AWS Security Consultant
- DevSecOps Engineer
- Cloud Architect
Why Employers Like It
- High demand
- Strong cloud specialization
- Valuable for AWS-based organizations
9. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Best For: Experienced Cloud Security Professionals
CCSP, offered by ISC2, focuses on securing cloud computing environments regardless of cloud provider.
It covers:
- Cloud Architecture
- Governance
- Risk Management
- Compliance
- Cloud Application Security
- Data Lifecycle Protection
Organizations moving to hybrid and multi-cloud environments increasingly value professionals with CCSP certification.
Typical Job Roles
- Cloud Security Consultant
- Enterprise Security Architect
- Cloud Security Engineer
- Information Security Manager
Why Employers Like It
- Multi-cloud expertise
- Excellent enterprise recognition
- Strong management and technical balance
10. GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
Best For: Advanced Offensive Security Professionals
GPEN is one of the most respected penetration testing certifications available.
It focuses on practical offensive security techniques used by experienced penetration testers.
Topics include:
- Network Exploitation
- Password Attacks
- Privilege Escalation
- Web Application Testing
- Post-Exploitation
- Professional Reporting
Many consulting firms, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies highly value GIAC certifications.
Typical Job Roles
- Red Team Operator
- Penetration Tester
- Offensive Security Consultant
- Security Researcher
Why Employers Like It
- Advanced technical content
- Strong practical focus
- Excellent industry reputation
Estimated Cybersecurity Salaries in the USA (2026)
Although salaries vary depending on experience, certifications, employer, and location, cybersecurity remains one of the highest-paying technology careers.
| Certification | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ | $70,000–$100,000 |
| CompTIA CySA+ | $85,000–$120,000 |
| CompTIA PenTest+ | $90,000–$130,000 |
| CEH | $95,000–$135,000 |
| OSCP | $110,000–$165,000 |
| CISSP | $130,000–$190,000 |
| CISM | $135,000–$200,000 |
| AWS Security – Specialty | $130,000–$190,000 |
| CCSP | $125,000–$185,000 |
| GPEN | $120,000–$180,000 |
Salary ranges are estimates and can vary by experience, region, industry, and employer.
Best Certifications for Cloud Security Careers
Cloud security is one of the fastest-growing specialties in cybersecurity.
Highly recommended certifications include:
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
- Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert
- Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer
Professionals with cloud security expertise are increasingly sought after as organizations continue migrating critical systems to cloud platforms.
Best Certifications for Ethical Hacking Careers
If you want to become an ethical hacker or penetration tester, these certifications are among the most respected.
- CompTIA PenTest+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
These certifications can prepare you for careers in:
- Ethical Hacking
- Penetration Testing
- Red Team Operations
- Application Security
- Security Consulting
Continue Reading
In Part 3, we’ll complete the list with certifications 11–15, discuss the best certifications for governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), answer frequently asked questions, and provide expert recommendations on which certifications are best for different cybersecurity career paths in 2026.