Cybersecurity & Information Security

Best Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners: A Comparison Guide

3 min readPublished: July 23, 2026

Cybersecurity certifications track for beginners with professional milestones

Quick answer

For beginners, there is no one-size-fits-all certification. Linux Essentials is suitable for Linux fundamentals, Network+ for networking basics, CCST Cybersecurity for a friendly entry into defensive principles, Security+ for a broad and more recognized foundation, and eJPT for those seeking offensive practice. The choice should match the knowledge gap and target role.

A certification can provide a learning plan, a goal, and a recognized document, but it does not replace labs and projects. It is better to choose one certification that strengthens a real gap than to accumulate several certificates without the ability to apply the material.

Quick Comparison

Certification	Focus	Especially Suitable For
Linux Essentials	Linux, commands, and permissions	Those lacking a system foundation
Network+	Networks, protocols, and infrastructure	SOC, IT, and NOC
CCST Cybersecurity	Foundations of defense and security	Beginners without prior background
Security+	Broad cybersecurity foundation	SOC and general security roles
eJPT	Practical penetration testing	Beginner offensive path

Linux Essentials

A basic certification that organizes knowledge in file systems, commands, users, permissions, processes, and basic networking. It is useful because Linux appears in servers, cloud, security tools, and labs.

CompTIA Network+

Network+ covers TCP/IP, addressing, protocols, network equipment, troubleshooting, and basic security. It is broad and requires investment, but provides a significant foundation for those who want to understand logs and traffic, not just memorize security tools.

Cisco CCST Cybersecurity

CCST Cybersecurity is a relatively friendly starting point. It includes threats, controls, vulnerabilities, monitoring, users, and basic networks. It is suitable for beginners who want a framework before Security+.

CompTIA Security+

Security+ covers threats, architecture, identities, cryptography, incident response, risks, and operations. It is recognized in the market, but it is recommended to approach it with a foundation in networking and systems to understand, not just memorize.

eJPT

eJPT is suitable for those who want practice in the Penetration Testing path. It tests work in a practical environment and requires understanding of networks, Linux, Web, and testing methodology. It is not a SOC certification and does not replace a defensive foundation.

Legal Practice Only

Offensive knowledge should only be applied in training environments or systems for which you have explicit authorization to test.

How to choose an order?

Check what you are missing: Linux, networks, defense, or offensive practice.
Choose a certification that matches the first role you are looking for.
Integrate a lab into every study week.
Build one project related to the certification.
Move on to the next certification only after the previous knowledge is practically useful.

Summary

For a SOC path, you can start with a Linux and networking foundation, move on to CCST or Security+, and integrate labs. For an offensive path, eJPT can be added after building the foundations. The order is more important than the number of certificates.

FAQ

Which certification is the easiest for beginners?

CCST Cybersecurity or Linux Essentials are considered relatively accessible starting points, depending on your background.

Is Security+ suitable for those without experience?

Yes, but it is easier and more meaningful after a foundation in networks, Windows, and Linux.

Is eJPT suitable for SOC?

It can add an understanding of attackers, but it is not a core SOC certification. Security+ and log practice are more relevant for a defensive path.

How many certifications do you need before working?

There is no fixed number. One or two certifications with projects and practical knowledge are preferable to a collection of certificates.

Do employers require certification?

Some job descriptions list certification as an advantage or requirement, but in practice, they also check knowledge, experience, and problem-solving ability.