The cost of cybersecurity courses and certifications
The cost of cybersecurity courses and certifications can vary widely depending on the provider, level of certification, and whether you’re purchasing just the exam or a full course bundle that includes training materials. Here’s an overview of the typical costs associated with some of the popular beginner certifications:
Enhance Your Expertise with Additional Resources
To further your cybersecurity skills, consider these essential courses and exam resources:
- Join the Practical Ethical Hacking Membership Levels for continuous updates and advanced resources to stay ahead in the field.
- Explore In-Depth Training with the Nmap course, offering hands-on experience and a thorough understanding of network scanning techniques.
- Prepare Effectively with the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Free Practice Exam to assess your readiness and identify areas for improvement.
- Further Your Expertise by enrolling in the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 course, which provides comprehensive training and preparation for the Security+ certification.
- Stay Updated and Inspired by following Cybersecurity and Practical Ethical Hacker Courses on YouTube for the latest insights and practical tips in cybersecurity.
Exam Cost: Approximately $392 USD
Training Cost: Courses range from $200 to $1,500 USD, depending on the provider and whether it includes materials, practice exams, and other resources.
Bundle Options: Some training providers offer bundles that include the exam voucher, study guides, and additional resources, typically costing between $600 and $1,200 USD.
Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) by (ISC)²
Exam Cost: Free until a certain date (this may change, so check the current offer) or around $199 USD thereafter.
Training Cost: The official (ISC)² study materials and online courses can range from $400 to $800 USD. Free self-paced learning resources are also available through (ISC)².
Bundle Options: Some packages might include exam vouchers, practice exams, and study materials, typically priced around $500 to $800 USD.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)
Exam Cost: Approximately $134 USD
Training Cost: Courses and study guides can range from $100 to $500 USD, depending on the provider.
Bundle Options: Bundles including the exam voucher and study resources can cost between $200 and $400 USD.
Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
Exam Cost: Approximately $99 USD
Training Cost: Microsoft offers free online learning paths. Paid instructor-led courses range from $100 to $300 USD.
Bundle Options: Some providers offer exam vouchers with additional study materials for around $200 to $300 USD.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – Practical
Exam Cost: Approximately $550 USD
Training Cost: EC-Council’s official courses typically cost between $850 and $1,500 USD. Self-study options can be less expensive.
Bundle Options: All-inclusive packages, including training, exam vouchers, and additional resources, can range from $1,500 to $2,500 USD.
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Cost: The program is available on Coursera, which typically costs $39 USD per month. The program usually takes 6 months to complete, so the total cost would be around $234 USD.
Training Cost: No additional cost, as the course itself is comprehensive.
Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
Exam Cost: Approximately $300 USD
Training Cost: Cisco’s official training courses range from $500 to $1,500 USD. Some providers offer cheaper alternatives.
Bundle Options: Packages including training, exam vouchers, and practice exams can range from $1,000 to $2,000 USD.
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
Exam Cost: Approximately $392 USD
Training Cost: Training courses range from $500 to $1,800 USD.
Bundle Options: Training and exam bundles are available and can range from $1,000 to $2,000 USD.
GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)
Exam Cost: Approximately $1,249 USD
Training Cost: SANS training courses associated with this certification can be expensive, ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 USD.
Bundle Options: Training, exam vouchers, and additional resources are typically bundled together, but expect to pay between $6,000 and $8,000 USD.
EC-Council Certified Secure Computer User (CSCU)
Exam Cost: Approximately $150 USD
Training Cost: Training courses can range from $100 to $500 USD.
Bundle Options: Some providers offer packages including exam vouchers and training materials for around $250 to $500 USD.
Summary
The total cost of obtaining a beginner-level cybersecurity certification can range from around $100 to over $8,000 USD, depending on the certification and the type of training you choose. For those on a budget, self-study options and free online resources can significantly reduce costs. If you’re looking for structured learning, many providers offer bundles that can be cost-effective, especially if they include the exam voucher and other study materials.