From the beginning, our goal was to focus on certifications that we truly believed would help individuals looking to level-up their career. In staying true to this goal, our company concentrates on partnering with the leading organizations who provide key cybersecurity certifications. With CompTIA, it is hard to find better entry-level certifications in the field of Information Technology than their A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications. These are true resume builders to help professionals break into this industry. Through EC-Council, we saw a clear pathway in information security career development. Starting with their Certified Cybersecurity Technician (C|CT), leading through their Certified Network Defender (C|ND) and Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) programs, all the way up to executive level certifications with their Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO). Contact us today for guidance on the best cybersecurity certification roadmap for your career.
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EC-Council Accredited Training Center Providing Elite Certification Training Programs
The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) is the world’s largest cybersecurity technical certification body. This organization has created one of the most prestigious certifications in ethical hacking known as the Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH), along with a variety of world-recognized programs for professionals in all cybersecurity fields. Phishbuster Academy found two massive benefits in helping candidates obtain EC-Council certifications:
- These programs are extremely comprehensive. Through the extensive information on the subject matter, along with a strong focus on hands-on learning, learners truly develop a deep understanding of the topic they are studying.
- We also saw a clear certification path from entry-level up through executive leadership.
At Phishbuster Academy, we strive to provide true value in your partnership with us. With regards to the cybersecurity certifications through EC-Council, we focus on exam prep programs for four different certifications:
- Certified Cybersecurity Technician (C|CT) – This is the beginning of your journey. An entry-level program, this covers the foundational knowledge in Network Defense, Digital Forensics, and Ethical Hacking. This is a true starting point for learners who desire a career in network defense, penetration testing, and information security.
- Certified Network Defender (C|ND) – Those seeking a career in defending a company’s network and the data within it, should really pursue this certification. It is designed to educate professionals on the essentials of network security and reducing, preventing, and mitigating risks.
- Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) – There is vast opportunity in pursuing the route of ethical hacking and penetration testing. CEH is the number one certification program in ethical hacking. EC-Council takes this program a step beyond just obtaining a credential, they provide on-going challenges and competitions to help these certificate holders gather experience and validate their knowledge.
- Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO) – Where most certifications concentrate on hands-on technical information, this goes beyond that and focuses on the executive leadership. The CCISO program has been used to certify leaders in cybersecurity across the globe.
Phishbuster Academy focuses heavily on bootcamp style training for these four programs. With the comprehensive nature of the content, and the number of hands-on labs utilized within each course, bootcamps are the best way to get prepared for exam day. Our accelerated programs are provided in a week-long 40-hour format, with live in-person and virtual learning options, and come with all the essential tools to study, take, and pass your certification exam.
CompTIA Authorized Partner in Cybersecurity Certification Exam Preparation
Computing Technology Industry Association, more commonly known as CompTIA, is a non-profit organization that focuses on certifications for the Information Technology field. Creating some of the best vendor-neutral IT certifications, the CompTIA name brings a large amount of credibility regardless of the specific certification. These programs are true resume builders and can definitely help develop IT careers.
Phishbuster Academy focuses on providing the essential certifications to help jump start IT professions. There are five different course offerings through our training center:
- A+ Core 1 and 2 – The starting point in developing network and IT knowledge. This is the certification that can put you in prime position to feel fully prepared to tackle Network+.
- Network+ – This is a foundational certification for any IT professional. Building off the A+ foundation, Network+ is designed to immerse you in the world of networking.
- Security+ – Understanding the ins and outs of networking is the beginning, the next step is developing the security prowess needed to be truly successful in IT. This is also one of the most sought-after credentials on the market.
- CySA+ – Moving beyond entry-level, the Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) begins to apply behavioral analytics to build on what you have already learned.
- PenTest+ – Penetration testing is one of the most important aspects of cybersecurity. PenTest+, married with the C|EH, can truly put any professional in a prime position to provide top-of-the-line penetration testing capabilities.
Although Phishbuster Academy does offer bootcamp style training for some of the CompTIA certifications, we try to emphasize our self-paced programs as well. Self-paced options give you all the essential tools to work through a guided training program that is geared towards a customized schedule. Regardless of the approach you choose, all of our training products provide you with a study guide, hands-on labs, certification vouchers, along with additional tools designed for providing success.
Cybersecurity Trainers Providing Multiple Training Options for Certification Preparation
At Phishbuster Academy, we have designed two distinct programs when approaching your exam preparation. The first program is designed for professionals who want to take a crash course on the certification they are preparing for, these are our accelerated bootcamps. Every Phishbuster Academy Bootcamp includes:
- 40-hour training sessions with a Phishbuster Certified Trainer
- Course Study Guide
- Hands-on Labs
- Practice Exam
- Access to Bootcamp Recording
- Exam Voucher
- Phishbuster Promise – if you follow our program and we say you are ready for the exam, but you don’t pass on your first attempt, the second attempt is on us.
Our second training option is for individuals with a busy schedule, who prefer to study at their own pace. Phishbuster Virtual Learning Bundles are designed for the learner to fit in training when it is most convenient for them. When you enroll, the first step is to pick a target test date. From there, the system will generate a guided-learning plan that gives you daily goals to help keep you on track. Every Virtual Learning Bundle includes:
- Study Guide – A self-paced, guided path that covers all the necessary information you need to know for the exam.
- Hands-On Labs – Labs are one of the best ways to help practice and retain information. These labs walk you through step-by-step instructions to implement what you have learned.
- Exam Prep Tools – While studying for the exam, engage in our flashcard-based gamification. Compete with yourself to see if you can beat your last high score.
- Practice Tests – Before attempting the real thing, let’s go the route of taking a practice exam to evaluate your current understanding of the information.
- Exam Voucher – As a part of this bundle, we also provide you with the voucher needed to schedule your exam.
- Phishbuster Academy Coach – One of the keys to success is having a coach that can provide guidance. If you have questions, concerns, or just looking for feedback on when you are ready for the exam, the Phishbuster Academy Coaches will always be there to assist.
Our second training option is for individuals with a busy schedule, who prefer to study at their own pace. Phishbuster Virtual Learning Bundles are designed for the learner to fit in training when it is most convenient for them. When you enroll, the first step is to pick a target test date. From there, the system will generate a guided-learning plan that gives you daily goals to help keep you on track. Every Virtual Learning Bundle includes:
- Study Guide – A self-paced, guided path that covers all the necessary information you need to know for the exam.
- Hands-On Labs – Labs are one of the best ways to help practice and retain information. These labs walk you through step-by-step instructions to implement what you have learned.
- Exam Prep Tools – While studying for the exam, engage in our flashcard-based gamification. Compete with yourself to see if you can beat your last high score.
- Practice Tests – Before attempting the real thing, let’s go the route of taking a practice exam to evaluate your current understanding of the information.
- Exam Voucher – As a part of this bundle, we also provide you with the voucher needed to schedule your exam.
- Phishbuster Academy Coach – One of the keys to success is having a coach that can provide guidance. If you have questions, concerns, or just looking for feedback on when you are ready for the exam, the Phishbuster Academy Coaches will always be there to assist.
Frequent Questions
Which cybersecurity certification is the best to start with?
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Although there is no real “best” option, all of the certifications are designed for specific needs and roles. The best way to approach this is to decide what job you are looking for and determine the career path you would like to be on down the road. By analyzing this information, we can determine a good starting point, as well as a certification pathway. For those starting out in IT, the A+ and Network+ are perfect starting points. IT Professionals with an established career could probably seek out the Network+ or Security+. Individuals with a desire to pursue the information security side, the C|CT and Security+ both have great benefits. If you would like to discuss your specific situation, contact us right away, we would be happy to help.
What is the value of obtaining a cybersecurity certification?
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There are multiple benefits of getting cybersecurity certifications. The first is personal growth. There is a wealth of knowledge to learn in the realm of cybersecurity, and it can often be difficult to gather the essential information needed for your specific situation. These certifications are designed to help you focus on information relative to your field. The second is that it is a true resume builder, many employers in this industry look for these as a way to validate foundational knowledge and skills needed for the job. Another huge benefit is increasing your experience. The best exam preparation tools have the additional benefit of using hands-on labs. These labs walk you through real-life examples of situations that will happen in the field.
How much does it cost to obtain a cybersecurity certifications?
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The very minimum cost is an exam voucher. These vouchers can range from as low as $99, up to some that can cost around $1200. It really just depends on the exam you are pursuing. Additionally, preparing for the exam can often come at a cost as well. For most entry-level certifications, the cost to prepare can be as low as $99 for a study guide, up to $4000 for some bootcamps.
How long does it take to pass a cybersecurity certification exam?
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The amount of time you need to prepare really depends on two big factors – the certification you are wanting to take and the style of training you choose to utilize. For certification bootcamps, the goal is to be prepared for the exam by the end of the course. Most of these are either one or two weeks long. When attempting to go the self-paced route, you should really give yourself 3-6 months to ensure you are fully competent on the content. But in the end, the real deciding factor is when you feel like you are ready. If after the end of a bootcamp, you still feel unsure, you should ask your instructor for additional tools and study on your own. If you take a self-paced program, and you fly through it within two weeks and feel very confident, then that may be all you need.
Can I obtain a cybersecurity certification without any prior experience in the field?
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There are some certifications that require experience prior to taking an exam. For instance, the CCISO program is for executive leadership, and you need to have at least 5 years of experience in each of the domains covered before taking the exam. For most entry-level certifications like the Network+, Security+, or C|CT, experience can help in preparing for an exam but it is not required.
How does a cybersecurity certification compare to a degree in cybersecurity?
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Whereas a degree in cybersecurity is obtained through either an undergraduate or graduate program at a university, cybersecurity certifications are simply acquired through passing the certification exam. The goal of the degree is to help the student learn broad areas within cybersecurity, to help give them a general understanding of the industry. On the other hand, the goal of a certification is to validate the individuals knowledge, skills, and abilities to ensure they have mastered the basic requirements for that field.