The best cyber security certifications you can earn in 2026
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF) over 90% of security leaders will pay for employee to complete security certifications. Global shortage of skills, job movers and growing cyber threats drives demand for security skills certifications for the foreseeable future.
Demand for cyber security professionals is at an all time high, making cyber security certifications a valuable asset for professionals that want to advance their career and validate their skills. To help you decide on your next cyber qualification, QA's Portfolio Director for Cyber Security, Richard Beck, has selected his Top 10 cyber security certifications for 2026.
Richard Beck is an experienced security professional, turned educator, with over 15 years in operational security roles.
1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is the gold standard in cyber security certifications. If you’re looking to establish credibility in the field or elevate your expertise, CISSP can be a career defining achievement.
Who is CISSP best for?
- Security Managers
- Security Consultants
- IT Directors
- Security Architects
- Network Architects.
Prerequisites
CISSP is intended for professionals who have at least five years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the (ISC)²® CISSP CBK and are pursuing CISSP training and certification to advance within their current information security careers.
2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Enterprises and government agencies increasingly expect their IT professionals to hold a CISM certification, and it is considered essential to ongoing education and career development. ISACA's CISM certification gives you the skills to build and lead security programs, aligning global best practices with evolving enterprise needs.
Who is CISM For?
- Security Consultants
- IT Directors
- Security Auditors and Architects
- Security Systems Engineers
- Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)
- Chief Compliance/Privacy/Risk Officers
Prerequisites
Although the examination is open to all individuals who have an interest in information security, a minimum of 5 years of professional information systems auditing, control or security work experience is required for the CISM certification.
3. Advanced in AI Security Management (AAISM)
The ISACA Advanced in AI Security Management (AAISM™) from ISACA certification equips security leaders with the knowledge and capability to govern, secure, and manage enterprise AI systems.
Who is OSCP For?
- Experience cyber security managers
- Governance, risk and compliance professionals
- Cyber teams working in enterprise environments
Prerequisites
Before taking this course, you should a CISM or CISSP certification and proven experience in security or consultancy roles. You should also have a foundational understanding of AI systems.
4. PEN-200 OffSec Certified Professional (OSCP)
The OSCP certification from Offsec is considered to be more technical than other ethical hacking certifications and is one of the few that requires evidence of practical penetration testing skills.
It is a lifetime certification and considered one of the best pen testing certifications due to it's tough test, which requires holders to successfully attack and penetrate various live machines in a safe lab environment.
Who is OSCP For?
- Infosec professionals transitioning into pen testing
- Penetration testers seeking the best penetration testing certifications
- Security professionals
- Network administrators
Prerequisites
Exam takers need to have completed the PEN-200 courses to be eligible for OSCP, and should have reasonable experience in Windows and Linux Administration, basic Bash and/or Python scripting and TC/IP networking.
5. Certified AI Security Engineer (CAISE)
Discover how to securely integrate LLMs into your applications, safeguard training data, build robust AI infrastructure, and ensure effective human-AI interaction. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to protect your organization's AI assets and maintain the integrity of your systems.
Who is CAISE For?
- Cyber Security Professionals
- AI & ML Tech Specialists
- Risk Managers
- AI Governance Professionals
- Data Architects
- Technical Consultants
- IT Professionals
- Software Engineers.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites, aside general understanding of AI principles.
6. Certified AI Governance Professional (AIGP)
With the expansion of AI technology, there is a need for professionals in all industries to understand and execute responsible AI governance. The AIGP credential demonstrates that an individual can ensure safety and trust in the development and deployment of ethical AI and ongoing management of AI systems.
Who is AIGP For?
- Compliance Managers
- Privacy Professionals
- Security Risk Managers
- HR & Governance Teams
- Data Scientists
- AI Project Managers & Owners
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.
7. Certified Chief Information Security Officer
Designed by industry experts, the Certified Chief Security Information Security Officer certification from EC-Council equips aspiring CISOs with the strategic, technical, and leadership skills needed to build and manage world-class security programs.
Each segment of the program was developed with the aspiring CISO in mind and looks to transfer the knowledge of seasoned professionals to the next generation in the areas that are most critical in the development and maintenance of a successful information security program.
Who is CCISO For?
- Security Management Roles
- Individuals with a CISSP, CISM or CISA qualification already
Prerequisites
Candidates interested in earning the C|CISO Certification must qualify via ECCouncil’s Exam Eligibility application before booking the C|CISO course
8. Certified AI Risk Manager (AIRM)
This course equips professionals with the knowledge and tools to identify, assess, and mitigate AI-related risks within modern organisations. It explores the principles of AI governance, compliance, and ethics through globally recognised frameworks such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and the EU AI Act
Who is AIRM For?
This course is best suited for those in AI-adjacent roles, giving AI developers and engineers the knowledge they need in governance, risk and compliance protocols.
Prerequisites
Learners should have a basic understand of AI concepts and data governance principles, as well as knowledge of organisational risk management and information security practices.
9. DVMS Cyber Resilience Professional - Foundation
This foundation-level course provides IT service management, governance, risk, compliance, and cybersecurity professionals with an in-depth understanding of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST-CSF) and its integration within a Digital Value Management System (DVMS). Participants explore how NIST-CSF supports the creation of an adaptive, integrated, and culture-driven governance and assurance system capable of delivering resilient, compliant, and trusted digital outcomes.
Who is DVMS Cyber Resilience Professional - Foundation For?
- IT service management professionals responsible for digital governance and compliance.
- Cybersecurity and risk management professionals aiming to integrate NIST-CSF into organisational practices.
- Business leaders, consultants, and assurance specialists responsible for achieving resilient and trusted digital outcomes.
- Teams or departments implementing adaptive governance and assurance models within a DVMS.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. It is suitable for professionals involved in designing, implementing, operating, or improving digital governance and assurance systems that deliver secure and compliant outcomes.
10. SEC-100 OffSec Certified CyberCore (OSCC)
SEC-100 Security Essentials provides a comprehensive foundation in cybersecurity for learners at the beginning of their careers. Covering a breadth of essential topics across governance and risk frameworks, offensive, defensive, and secure-by-design disciplines.
Who is OSIR For?
This certification is best suited to those who are just embarking on a career in cyber security.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course, other than basic digital literacy and willingness to learn more.
Gain a cyber security certification with QA
Interested in cyber security certification training with us? Book a course online or contact our team today to discuss your requirements.
We partner with world leading cyber security vendors, including EC-Council, IAPP, ISACA, ISC2, PECB and Microsoft. We have more than 25 specialist cyber instructors who, across a range of national programmes, have educated 25,000+ students in the last four years.
How do I earn a cyber security certification?
Earning a cyber security certification typically starts with building foundational knowledge, choosing a certification aligned to your career goals, and completing the required training and exam.
Choose from beginner-friendly courses through to advanced certifications from leading bodies such as ISC2, ISACA and EC-Council.
What is the best certification if you have no experience in cyber security?
If you're new to cyber security, it's best to start with a foundational qualification that introduces key security concepts, threats, and best practices.
QA's Foundation Certificate in Cyber Security is designed for beginners and provides a practical introduction to cyber governance, risk and compliance, helping you build confidence before progressing to more advanced certifications.
Which cyber security certifications does QA offer?
QA delivers a wide range of cyber security certifications covering areas such as information security management, ethical hacking, penetration testing, security operations, governance, and cloud security.
Popular options include CISSP, CISM, CISMP, CEH, Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT), and many more from globally recognised accreditation bodies.
How much is a cyber security salary in the UK?
Cyber security salaries in the UK vary by role, experience level and specialism, but professionals can often expect to earn between £50,000 and £60,000 on average.
More experienced roles such as security engineers, architects and specialist consultants can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the strong demand for cyber talent across industries.
What is the best cyber security certification to futureproof my skills?
The best certification depends on your career path, but qualifications focused on AI, security management, cloud security, governance, and advanced cyber defence remain highly valued as organisations face evolving threats.
Certifications such as CISSP, CISM and specialist cloud or AI security credentials can help demonstrate in-demand skills and support long-term career progression.
Top entry-level cyber security certifications
Just getting started in cyber security? These are the best qualifications you can earn to kickstart your career:
More popular security certifications
Top certifications for secure cloud and software development
Those who specialise in software security need the skills to protect applications at every stage of the development cycle.
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