The global digital transformation has accelerated the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals. In 2020, with organizations rapidly shifting operations online, the attack surface widened — and so did the demand for talent that can defend it. But in a sea of resumes, degrees, and job titles, certifications emerged as a powerful differentiator.
This article explores the value of cybersecurity certifications, why they matter more than ever in 2020, and how they help professionals build authority and trust in a competitive landscape. We’ll also begin our breakdown of the top certifications employers respected and prioritized during this crucial year.
The Rise of Certification Culture in Cybersecurity
Certifications in cybersecurity are more than resume builders; they are industry-endorsed proof of skills, practical ability, and commitment to the profession. In a fast-moving field where university curricula can lag behind real-world threats, certifications offer current, targeted learning with immediate application.
Organizations lean heavily on certifications for a few reasons:
- They reduce hiring risk by ensuring baseline skills.
- They often align with regulatory standards (e.g., NIST, ISO, DoD).
- They offer insight into a candidate’s specialization or focus (offensive security, risk management, auditing, etc.).
As cybercrime evolves, certifications act as real-time benchmarks of preparedness. In 2020, as organizations dealt with COVID-19 disruptions, remote work security, and a surge in phishing and ransomware, the right certifications became more important than ever.
The Career Benefits of Cybersecurity Certifications
Getting certified can mean different things depending on your role and experience level. For newcomers, an entry-level certification can open doors and validate a foundational understanding of information security. For mid-career professionals, it can help pivot into specialized domains like penetration testing, risk auditing, or cloud security. For senior experts, certifications offer proof of leadership, strategy, and high-level technical expertise.
Here’s how certifications helped cybersecurity professionals in 2020:
- Increased credibility and hiring potential
- Higher average salaries and promotions
- Access to specialized roles (e.g., SOC analyst, GRC consultant)
- Networking opportunities through certification communities
- Better understanding of emerging technologies like cloud and DevSecOps
Certification vs. Experience: What Employers Really Want
While experience still reigns supreme in cybersecurity, certifications are often used as a proxy for trust, especially when evaluating candidates with similar work histories. In a rapidly changing job market, many employers began to prefer a mix of experience, education, and certifications — particularly those aligned with frameworks like NIST, ISO 27001, and the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.
In 2020, certification alone rarely replaced experience. But it often served as the deciding factor between two otherwise equally qualified candidates. It also helped career-changers break into the industry from adjacent fields like network administration, systems engineering, or software development.
Most In-Demand Cybersecurity Domains in 2020
Before diving into individual certifications, it’s helpful to understand the core domains that shaped employer needs in 2020:
- Security and risk management
- Network security and monitoring
- Incident response and digital forensics
- Identity and access management
- Cloud and container security
- Penetration testing and red teaming
- Compliance and governance (GRC)
Each certification typically maps to one or more of these domains. Choosing the right one depends on your career path, experience, and technical interests.
How to Evaluate a Certification’s Value
Not all certifications are created equal. Some are highly technical and require hands-on labs and tests. Others focus on governance, auditing, or project management. When choosing a certification, consider the following:
- Industry recognition and employer demand
- Alignment with your career goals
- Practical, hands-on skills vs. theoretical knowledge
- Cost, renewal requirements, and continuing education
- Prerequisites or years of experience required
A well-rounded certification portfolio might include one foundational credential, one specialization, and one managerial or governance-oriented certification.
Top Cybersecurity Certifications That Stood Out in 2020
Let’s begin exploring some of the top certifications that helped professionals stand out in the market in 2020. These credentials were chosen based on their reputation, market demand, and alignment with employer priorities during that year of global disruption.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Offered by ISC², the CISSP is often referred to as the gold standard of cybersecurity certifications. It is intended for experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives. The certification focuses on eight domains from the ISC² Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), including risk management, asset security, security architecture, and software development security.
CISSP was particularly valuable in 2020 for professionals targeting senior roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Security Architect, or Compliance Director. Its emphasis on holistic security management made it highly relevant in a time of organizational uncertainty and increased regulatory scrutiny.
Key highlights:
- Requires 5 years of experience in two or more of the eight CBK domains
- Recognized globally and often a requirement for senior roles
- Strong salary correlation; CISSP holders earned among the highest in the field
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
With cyberattacks on the rise, many organizations began to take a proactive approach to security through ethical hacking and penetration testing. EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification validated skills in scanning, testing, hacking, and securing systems.
CEH was widely sought after in 2020 by those aiming to work in red teaming, vulnerability assessments, and SOC analysis. The course covered a range of tools and tactics used by real-world attackers, giving professionals a solid foundation in offensive security techniques.
Key highlights:
- Strong entry point into ethical hacking and penetration testing
- Emphasizes the attacker’s perspective and mindset
- Widely recognized by employers and government agencies
CompTIA Security+
Ideal for newcomers to cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+ covered a broad range of foundational topics: threats, network architecture, identity management, cryptography, and risk management. In 2020, it was one of the most accessible and practical certifications for breaking into the industry.
Security+ was also approved by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for certain security roles, making it especially popular among military contractors and government employees. It served as an essential first step before moving into more advanced certifications like CySA+, CASP+, or CISSP.
Key highlights:
- No formal prerequisites
- Affordable and widely accepted in job postings
- Good stepping stone to mid-level certifications
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
For IT professionals looking to pivot into management or governance roles, ISACA’s CISM was a perfect fit. It focused on risk management, incident response, governance, and security program development — key areas for organizations concerned about compliance and business continuity.
CISM gained even more relevance in 2020 as organizations scrambled to manage remote work security policies and operational risks. It was particularly valuable for professionals aiming for roles like Information Security Manager, GRC Analyst, or Risk Officer.
Key highlights:
- Designed for professionals with 5+ years of experience in information security management
- Focuses on aligning security with business goals
- In-demand in industries like finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Known for its difficulty and real-world applicability, the OSCP from Offensive Security was a favorite among advanced penetration testers and security researchers. It required candidates to exploit vulnerabilities in a controlled lab environment and write a comprehensive report — a challenge that closely mirrored real-world pen tests.
In 2020, the OSCP became a benchmark for technical excellence in ethical hacking. Recruiters in red team or offensive security roles often prioritized candidates with this credential.
Key highlights:
- Hands-on, practical exam with real exploitation tasks
- Highly respected among hackers and infosec professionals
- Requires strong Linux, networking, and scripting knowledge
Aligning Certifications with Career Pathways
Cybersecurity is a broad field with roles ranging from technical analysts to executive leaders. Understanding where you fit — or want to fit — is critical before investing time and money into a certification.
Here are a few common career paths and certifications that align with them:
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- CompTIA Security+
- CySA+
- Splunk Core Certified User
Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker
- CEH
- OSCP
- eJPT (Junior Penetration Tester)
Information Security Manager / GRC Lead
- CISM
- CISSP
- ISO 27001 Lead Auditor
Cloud Security Specialist
- CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty
- Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate
Risk and Compliance Consultant
- CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
- CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control)
- CGEIT (Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT)
The Role of Continuing Education and Renewal
Most cybersecurity certifications require ongoing education to stay current. This ensures that certified professionals remain up to date with evolving threats, tools, and best practices. Renewal typically involves earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits through courses, webinars, or industry events.
In 2020, with in-person conferences canceled or shifted online, many certification bodies adapted their policies and expanded access to virtual learning platforms.
Maintaining your certification isn’t just a requirement — it’s a mindset. Lifelong learning is central to cybersecurity success, and employers increasingly look for professionals who show commitment to their development.
Choosing the Right First (or Next) Certification
The decision to pursue a certification should be strategic. Instead of following trends, professionals should assess their own goals, current experience, and ideal job roles. A few guiding questions include:
- Do I want to specialize in a technical or management role?
- Am I more interested in offensive or defensive security?
- What tools or systems do I already work with?
- What certifications do job listings in my target role frequently request?
Conducting a self-assessment — or consulting with a mentor — can prevent wasted effort and focus your learning journey in a productive direction.
Cybersecurity certifications in 2020 played a pivotal role in helping professionals advance their careers and stay relevant in a volatile, fast-changing industry. As threats grew in complexity, so did the demand for credentialed experts who could speak the language of both security and business.
Deep Dive Into Specialized Cybersecurity Certifications of 2020
As the cybersecurity landscape expanded in complexity during 2020, so did the need for specialized expertise. While foundational certifications like CISSP, Security+, and CEH validated broad knowledge, organizations sought professionals who could address more focused challenges — from cloud security and risk auditing to hands-on incident response and threat hunting.
This article continues our exploration of the most impactful cybersecurity certifications in 2020. We’ll spotlight specialized and mid-level credentials that helped professionals distinguish themselves in competitive job markets and support organizations through one of the most turbulent cybersecurity years in recent memory.
The Shift Toward Specialization in Cybersecurity
2020 marked a defining year for digital transformation. Remote work, cloud migration, and accelerated DevOps adoption forced security teams to adapt rapidly. Generalist security knowledge was no longer enough. Businesses needed niche specialists who could secure hybrid environments, identify advanced persistent threats, and navigate the labyrinth of compliance frameworks.
Certifications that once seemed “extra” became strategic. Employers began to favor professionals with practical, hands-on skills in cloud, auditing, risk, and advanced network defense — and certifications became key indicators of this expertise.
Let’s explore some of the most sought-after specialized certifications that defined the cybersecurity hiring market in 2020.
GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
Offered by the SANS Institute through its GIAC program, the GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) was designed for professionals who wanted to prove hands-on skills in IT systems, networking, and information security.
GSEC was especially popular among government agencies and enterprises where SANS training was already a benchmark. Unlike entry-level certifications that focused on concepts, GSEC challenged candidates to demonstrate real-world defensive skills.
Key highlights:
- No formal prerequisites required
- Covers topics like cryptography, access control, Linux security, and incident handling
- Highly respected by defense contractors and federal employers
Why it stood out in 2020:
- Ideal for professionals bridging the gap between IT and cybersecurity
- Frequently listed as a requirement in mid-level roles such as security analyst or system security administrator
- SANS’ reputation ensured high employer recognition
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Another respected certification from ISACA, CISA focused on auditing, control, assurance, and governance of information systems. It became essential for professionals working with compliance, risk management, and business continuity planning.
With increasing global regulatory pressures — such as GDPR, HIPAA, and industry-specific mandates — CISA-certified professionals were in high demand during 2020. Businesses needed experts who could evaluate security controls, verify compliance, and advise executives on risk mitigation strategies.
Key highlights:
- Requires at least 5 years of experience in auditing or control
- Focuses on governance, asset protection, incident management, and auditing practices
- Ideal for IT auditors, compliance officers, and risk managers
Why it stood out in 2020:
- Rapidly shifting compliance requirements due to pandemic-driven policies
- Rise in cloud audits and third-party risk assessments
- Strong hiring demand in finance, healthcare, and enterprise IT
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The CCSP, offered by ISC², was built for experienced cloud security professionals. As organizations transitioned to cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP, this certification became one of the most relevant in the industry.
CCSP covered cloud architecture, data security, platform security, application security, and legal/regulatory compliance in cloud environments. It required both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, which made it particularly valuable for mid- to senior-level professionals.
Key highlights:
- Requires 5 years of IT experience (including 1 year in cloud security)
- Vendor-neutral; applicable to multi-cloud environments
- Addresses cloud-specific threats, identity management, and shared responsibility models
Why it stood out in 2020:
- Surge in cloud adoption due to remote work demands
- Increased cloud-specific attacks (e.g., misconfigured S3 buckets, IAM abuse)
- Employers needed professionals who understood both cloud and security deeply
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
CySA+ was designed for professionals who wanted to work in threat detection, security monitoring, and incident response. It acted as a bridge between Security+ and more advanced roles like SOC analyst or security engineer.
Unlike many other certifications, CySA+ focused on behavioral analytics, using data to identify potential risks. This made it ideal for modern SOC teams and blue teamers who needed to detect subtle indicators of compromise.
Key highlights:
- No mandatory prerequisites, but Security+ is recommended
- Covers threat detection, analysis, and response using tools like SIEM
- Approved for DoD 8570 compliance
Why it stood out in 2020:
- Growth in SOC roles and managed security service providers (MSSPs)
- Increased reliance on behavioral analytics due to advanced threat actors
- Emphasis on proactive defense and threat intelligence
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
CRISC, another powerful credential from ISACA, focused on enterprise risk management. It validated professionals who could identify IT risks, evaluate controls, and align IT with business objectives.
As the COVID-19 crisis introduced new digital and operational risks, CRISC became increasingly valuable. Organizations needed professionals who could assess pandemic-related threats — such as third-party risk, remote work vulnerabilities, and regulatory changes — and adjust their risk posture accordingly.
Key highlights:
- Requires 3+ years of experience in risk and control
- Focuses on governance, risk response, monitoring, and reporting
- Bridges IT and business strategy through risk-based decision making
Why it stood out in 2020:
- Heightened risk environment due to global instability
- Strong demand in highly regulated industries
- Helped organizations build resilience through proper risk assessment frameworks
Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
Cisco’s CyberOps Associate certification was tailored for those looking to work in a SOC environment. It focused on monitoring systems, detecting incidents, and understanding security operations processes.
Although it didn’t have the same level of seniority as CCNP Security or other Cisco credentials, CyberOps Associate was a solid entry point into cyber operations. It emphasized real-world tools and scenarios, making it particularly relevant for aspiring SOC analysts and security engineers.
Key highlights:
- No prerequisites required
- Emphasizes SOC operations, attack types, and incident response procedures
- Introduces tools like SIEM, firewalls, and packet analyzers
Why it stood out in 2020:
- Increased demand for remote threat monitoring and SOC services
- More organizations began investing in in-house SOC capabilities
- Clear career path to more advanced Cisco security certifications
AWS Certified Security – Specialty
Amazon Web Services dominated the cloud services market in 2020, and with that came the need for specialized security experts. The AWS Certified Security – Specialty credential validated deep knowledge of securing AWS environments.
This certification was ideal for professionals managing cloud workloads, configuring access controls, auditing usage, and responding to security incidents in AWS. Unlike vendor-neutral certs, it went deep into AWS-native tools and practices.
Key highlights:
- Recommended for professionals with 2+ years in AWS security
- Covers topics like KMS, IAM, VPC security, and monitoring with CloudWatch and GuardDuty
- Highly practical; requires familiarity with AWS CLI and architecture
Why it stood out in 2020:
- Massive shift to cloud-based infrastructure during the pandemic
- Increased security incidents involving misconfigured AWS services
- Rapid growth in AWS consulting and DevSecOps roles
eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT)
The eJPT, from eLearnSecurity, was one of the few beginner-level penetration testing certifications that offered a hands-on, lab-based exam. It was created to validate practical skills rather than rote memorization.
Although less known than CEH or OSCP, the eJPT gained traction in 2020 as a low-cost, entry-level path into ethical hacking. It became particularly popular among students, career changers, and self-taught hackers.
Key highlights:
- Covers network scanning, enumeration, exploitation, and post-exploitation
- Entirely hands-on exam in a simulated environment
- Affordable and accessible for beginners
Why it stood out in 2020:
- More people explored cybersecurity careers from home
- Focus on practical, real-world skills without heavy theory
- Excellent stepping stone toward OSCP or CEH
Choosing the Right Specialized Certification
Each of the above certifications serves a specific role. Before investing in any of them, professionals should evaluate their target career path and the requirements of their ideal roles. Here’s a quick guide:
- Want to enter a SOC role? Look at CySA+, Cisco CyberOps, or GSEC.
- Interested in cloud security? CCSP and AWS Security are top choices.
- Leaning toward risk and compliance? CISA or CRISC are strong options.
- Pursuing offensive security? Consider eJPT or OSCP (with eJPT as a warm-up).
- Aiming for a governance or management role? CISM and CRISC add strong value.
Matching certification goals with job responsibilities ensures relevance and improves return on investment.
Real-World Employer Expectations in 2020
Job postings in 2020 made certification requirements increasingly visible. A search for “SOC Analyst” or “Risk Manager” often returned dozens of listings citing specific certifications. While not always mandatory, many employers used certifications as filtering tools to narrow down candidate pools.
Employers in highly regulated industries — such as banking, healthcare, and defense — placed even more emphasis on certifications that mapped to frameworks like ISO 27001, NIST 800-53, or PCI-DSS.
Meanwhile, tech startups and cloud-native companies began looking for specialized cloud security certs or demonstrated red team expertise. Certification alone didn’t guarantee a role, but it often served as the difference between a résumé that got reviewed and one that didn’t.
In 2020, cybersecurity professionals faced a market that was both turbulent and full of opportunity. As the digital world reshaped itself, certifications provided clarity — a map to expertise, trustworthiness, and career growth.
The certifications covered in this article represented more than a badge — they reflected evolving employer priorities and the increasing sophistication of threats. Whether you were building a career in the cloud, auditing systems, or defending against real-world attacks, having the right specialized credential became a true market advantage.
Mastering Advanced and Leadership Cybersecurity Certifications in 2020
The cybersecurity job market in 2020 didn’t just favor entry-level and mid-tier professionals — it increasingly demanded seasoned experts capable of leading teams, managing risk across enterprise systems, and shaping security policies. As organizations matured, they began seeking individuals who could translate technical security language into business outcomes.
In this final article of the series, we explore the most respected advanced and leadership-focused cybersecurity certifications of 2020, discuss how these certifications positioned professionals for executive roles, and provide strategic guidance for long-term certification planning.
Why Advanced Certifications Mattered More Than Ever
The pandemic of 2020 changed how companies operated — and how cybersecurity responded. Business continuity plans were tested, cloud migrations accelerated, and cybercriminals targeted remote workers and third-party vendors with unprecedented precision.
Amid this upheaval, there was a growing need for cybersecurity leaders who could:
- Align security strategies with business goals
- Create policies for hybrid workforces
- Communicate risk in boardrooms
- Architect resilient systems
- Manage cross-functional security operations
Advanced certifications gave professionals the credibility and knowledge to step into these roles confidently. They weren’t just validating deep expertise — they were signaling leadership readiness.
Let’s explore the top advanced cybersecurity certifications that commanded attention and respect in 2020.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – A Revisit
Though already mentioned in earlier coverage, CISSP deserves a second look due to its continued dominance in the leadership certification space. Professionals with CISSP in 2020 were often seen as capable of managing entire security programs.
Many CISSP holders moved beyond technical roles into governance, architecture, and executive-level positions like CISO or Director of Information Security. Its coverage of eight broad domains — from security operations to software development security — provided a strategic lens on information security.
Key advantages in 2020:
- Mapped well to NIST, ISO, and DoD standards
- Required experience, making it a mark of seniority
- Frequently listed as a required certification in director-level job postings
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
CISM from ISACA was purpose-built for professionals managing enterprise-level security functions. Unlike technical certifications, CISM focused on information risk, governance, and incident management at a strategic level.
In 2020, organizations under increased pressure from regulatory bodies turned to CISM-certified professionals to lead risk-based security programs. CISM bridged the technical and business worlds, enabling security leaders to influence executive decision-making.
What made it stand out in 2020:
- Strong emphasis on aligning IT with business strategy
- Appealed to executives, consultants, and compliance teams
- Helped professionals transition into CISO roles
Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
CGEIT was one of ISACA’s most specialized leadership certifications, tailored for IT governance professionals. It validated the holder’s ability to direct enterprise IT through policies, frameworks, and stakeholder alignment.
CGEIT was especially relevant in 2020 as boards demanded clearer oversight on data privacy, digital transformation risks, and third-party security postures. This certification showed employers that a candidate could manage IT value delivery while mitigating cyber risk.
Why it mattered in 2020:
- Ideal for IT directors, compliance managers, and CIOs
- Supported enterprise-wide decision-making processes
- Reflected increasing convergence of cybersecurity and enterprise governance
Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)
The EC-Council’s CCISO certification was crafted for current and aspiring CISOs. It went beyond traditional security knowledge and focused on real-world leadership, strategy, finance, governance, and communication.
2020 pushed many security leaders into the spotlight. Organizations needed CISOs who could build remote security policies, handle boardroom questions, and manage crises across distributed systems. The CCISO credential helped validate that level of leadership acumen.
Key areas covered:
- Governance and risk management
- Strategic planning and budgeting
- Legal, regulatory, and compliance issues
- Executive communication
CCISO wasn’t just a badge — it was a toolkit for navigating organizational politics and leading mature security programs.
Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)
While not management-focused, OSCE was one of the most advanced technical certifications in offensive security. Offered by Offensive Security (creators of OSCP), the OSCE was known for its complexity and depth in exploit development, vulnerability discovery, and stealthy attack chains.
Professionals who achieved OSCE in 2020 often worked in elite red teams, threat research units, or advanced penetration testing firms. The practical, hands-on nature of the certification meant that certified individuals were ready to engage in the most sophisticated offensive operations.
Why it stood out:
- Required mastery of topics like buffer overflows and reverse engineering
- Considered a top-tier red team credential
- Helped organizations simulate real-world advanced persistent threats (APTs)
GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
GCIH from GIAC/SANS focused on incident response, threat detection, and attack analysis. It provided in-depth knowledge of hacker tools, malware behavior, and defensive strategies.
In 2020, with a spike in ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), and credential stuffing, organizations needed specialists who could not only identify threats but respond in real time. GCIH-certified professionals were often the first line of defense in incident response teams.
Why GCIH was impactful in 2020:
- Covered real-world incident handling and response planning
- Required practical understanding of attacker techniques and log analysis
- Mapped well to blue team and SOC leadership roles
GIAC Security Leadership Certification (GSLC)
GSLC was another GIAC credential that focused on security leadership, program management, and policy development. It was especially useful for managers who needed to oversee security operations while collaborating with legal, HR, and executive stakeholders.
GSLC stood out in 2020 for its focus on building mature programs — from budgeting and project planning to compliance audits and disaster recovery strategies.
Key topics included:
- Risk management frameworks
- Security policies and governance
- Personnel and project management
- Business continuity and legal aspects
Why employers valued it:
- Validated ability to lead cross-functional security teams
- Strong fit for senior security managers and team leads
- Supported transitions from technical roles to leadership roles
Long-Term Certification Strategy
Cybersecurity isn’t a “one-certification-and-done” industry. Threats evolve, tools change, and technologies emerge constantly. Building a long-term certification roadmap can help professionals remain agile and continuously valuable.
Here are key principles for long-term certification success:
1. Stack Certifications by Level
Build from foundational to specialized to leadership certifications:
- Start with Security+ or GSEC
- Specialize with CEH, CySA+, OSCP, or CCSP
- Progress to CISM, CISSP, CCISO, or CGEIT
2. Match Certifications to Job Role, Not Just Interest
Study job postings for your target role and take note of frequently requested certifications. Tailor your certification path to match those expectations, rather than only pursuing what sounds interesting.
3. Stay Updated With CPEs
Most certifying bodies (e.g., ISC², ISACA, EC-Council) require continuing education through CPE (Continuing Professional Education) credits. Staying up to date helps maintain your credentials and keeps your knowledge current.
4. Use Certifications to Pivot Into Adjacent Fields
Certifications are excellent tools for making career pivots. For example:
- Moving from IT auditor to risk manager: Add CRISC or CISM
- Moving from network admin to cloud security: Add CCSP or AWS Security
- Moving from engineer to CISO: Add CISSP and CCISO
5. Leverage Community and Alumni Networks
Many certification programs offer alumni portals, private groups, and events. Networking with fellow certified professionals can lead to job referrals, mentorships, and deeper knowledge sharing.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Certification Trends
The pandemic had a significant impact on how professionals earned certifications in 2020:
- Remote Exam Delivery: Testing centers closed temporarily, pushing organizations like ISC², EC-Council, and ISACA to offer remote proctoring.
- Virtual Bootcamps and Training: Online learning exploded. Platforms like SANS, Coursera, and Cybrary saw record engagement.
- Flexible Learning Models: Many professionals balanced certifications with remote work, childcare, and other pandemic-related challenges — leading to more demand for self-paced study formats.
These changes made certifications more accessible, but also more competitive — as more professionals entered or advanced in cybersecurity.
Closing Thoughts
The cybersecurity certifications landscape in 2020 reflected a maturing industry — one that demanded not just technical skill but strategic thinking, cross-functional leadership, and continuous learning.
Whether your goal was to become a world-class penetration tester, a cloud security expert, a GRC consultant, or a future CISO, there was a clear certification pathway to support your growth.
The most successful professionals in 2020 were those who:
- Chose certifications aligned with real job demand
- Pursued hands-on, scenario-based exams over theory-heavy ones
- Used certifications as a launchpad for ongoing career development
As we look beyond 2020, these certifications continue to provide a foundation of trust, skill, and leadership in a digital world that only grows more complex.
In cybersecurity, standing still means falling behind. But with the right certifications, you can move forward with purpose and resilience — ready to meet tomorrow’s threats with today’s expertise.