I frequently get queries from people asking me for a recommended certification path. As an example, I recently received this query from Moe*:
“I am curious in which path I should take to get certified…. Do you have a recommended path in the InfoSec field.”
It’s a tough question to answer, mostly because I know next to nothing about Moe.
Sometimes I respond with a tongue-in-cheek question.
“I want to replace my current automobile. Can you tell me what to buy?”
The idea is that because Moe knows next to nothing about me, there’s very little chance that he can give me useful advice. He might tell me to buy this car.
It looks nice and might be perfect for Moe. However, it won’t be very useful to me in the snow or when I take weekend trips with my wife and dogs.
No One-Size-Fits-All Recommended Certification Path
I’ve come to learn that when I see socks labeled as one-size-fits-all, it usually means that they don’t fit my feet.
Similarly, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all certification path. There are just too many variables including:
- Goals
- IT experience
- Education level
- Age (14? 34? 64?)
- Security experience
- Current certifications
- Comprehension level
Recommended Certification Path Blog Posts
The good news is that I have written many blog posts on certification paths. One way to find them without this list is to use these steps:
1) Go here: https://blogs.getcertifiedgetahead.com/
2) If necessary, scroll down to the Google Custom Search box.
3) Type “path” and press return.
Here are some of the blog posts you’ll see:
- What is the Best Security Certification Path
This post identifies a couple of different certification paths depending on your level of experience. - IT Certification Path for Network Administrators
I divided certification paths for network administrators into three different categories including foundational, Cisco, and Microsoft - 7 Steps to Security+ (SY0-501) Certification
If you want to start with the Security+ certification, you can use these steps as a path to get it. - Career Advice for Elvis
No, not that Elvis. This Elvis is from Bosnia and seemed to need some advice beyond technical certifications and I gave an idea on how he could identify what he wanted to have or be in the future.
If you’re looking for advice beyond a technical certification, check out these two books:
7 Life Lessons: Powerful Principles for Living a Fulfilled Life
If you’re looking to enjoy more happiness, contentment, and success in your life, follow the principles outlined in this book.
You Can Do Anything: Three Simple Steps to Success
If you’re looking for success in any endeavor, follow the three simple steps outlined in this book.
* No, it wasn’t really Moe Szyslak, the professional proprietor of Moe’s Tavern. The gentleman’s real name was ******* ********.
Still Wondering What Path to Take?
Browse the forums here. Read some posts in the General Certification forum or the IT Jobs /Degrees forum, or in any the specific certification forums such as CompTIA and Infosec. If you can formulate a clear question, people on these forums are often very helpful.
