Pick the right Security certification, prep with a mentor who has already passed it, and put it to work in your next role. Updated for 2026.
Anyone can sign up for a certification course. But getting certified – and putting that knowledge to work – takes more than reading slides. A long-term mentor keeps you focused and gets you across the finish line faster.
The best Security certification depends on your current role and target job. Most professionals start with a foundational Security cert to validate core skills, then move to a role-specific track. Pairing exam prep with a Security mentor on MentorCruise cuts study time and turns the cert into real, applied skills.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Based on 13 Security certifications recommended by working mentors.
The 12 industry certs below, plus MentorCruise itself as the 1-on-1 prep path most mentees pair with whichever one they pick. Each cert is paired with prep notes from someone who has already passed it. Not sure which to start with? Talk to a Security mentor first – the wrong cert costs you months.
The Secure Programming Foundation course (S-SPF) is designed for professionals who seek to enter the career field. Foundation courses are 2-day courses focused on subject-matter awareness, key concepts and core principles. Following this course, you will understand the fundamental principles of sec…
Consider reaching out to a coach specialized in Security certifications. They can help you prepare for your exam, and provide you with the necessary resources to succeed. MentorCruise is the best place to find a coach for your Security certification.
The security of an organization is of the utmost importance and every member of the organization's staff plays a vital role in defending against cyber threats. One of the best ways to protect the organization is to institute a company-wide security-awareness training initiative. This course is a …
Prove you can design and implement cloud security architecture, user and device security, network security, assurance, and more. Protect the infrastructures that clients rely on with the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security certification.
GIAC’s NEW Security Professional (GSP) illustrates your depth and breadth of knowledge. The GSP is a new milestone on your journey to becoming a GSE that proves mastery of multiple areas in the cybersecurity industry with hands on problem solving. Those holding the GSP have demonstrated they are so…
Certified CISM professionals get jobs overseeing, developing, and managing information security systems. The certification started in 2002, and since then over 30,000 people have received a passing grade, becoming Certified Information Security Managers. Prices start at Free.
Consider joining a workshop specialized in Security. Workshops are a great way to learn new skills, and get hands-on experience. MentorCruise is the best place to find a workshop for your Security certification.
Modern exploits for Windows-based platforms require modern bypass methods to circumvent Microsoft’s defenses. In Advanced Windows Exploitation (EXP-401), OffSec challenges learners to develop creative solutions that work in today’s increasingly difficult exploitation environment. The case studies …
Did you know AZ-500 is amongst the highest paying Microsoft Azure certifications? With Azure being used by 95% of Fortune 500 companies, Azure security experts are in high demand. This program caters to IT students and professionals experienced in Microsoft Azure to gain in-demand skills for Azure …
Prepare for a new career in the high-growth field of cybersecurity, no degree or experience required. Get professional training designed and delivered by subject matter experts at Google and have the opportunity to connect with top employers. Organizations must continuously protect themselves and …
The Security track enables you to demonstrate a thorough understanding of security technology in general and Junos OS software for SRX Series devices. JNCIE-SEC is at the pinnacle of the Junos Security certification track. The JNCIE-SEC exam is designed to validate your ability to deploy, configur…
Pursue better IT security job opportunities and prove knowledge with confidence. The SSCP Professional Training Certificate shows employers you have the IT security foundation to defend against cyber attacks – and puts you on a clear path to earning SSCP certification. Prices start at Free.
Many consider CompTIA Security+ to be the gold standard of entry-level network security certifications, and it is one I highly recommend you aim to finish first. It is well-respected in the industry, and the majority of professionals use it to get started. Having this certification shows employers…
Earning the globally recognized CSSLP secure software development certification is a proven way to build your career and better incorporate security practices into each phase of the software development lifecycle (SDLC). CSSLP certification recognizes leading application security skills. It shows …
A Security cert is a starting point, not a finish line
A certificate proves you can pass an exam. A mentor proves you can apply the work. Most of our mentees pair their Security cert with weekly 1-on-1 sessions so the knowledge sticks – and translates into a promotion, a new job, or a real project shipped.
There is no better source of accountability and motivation than having a personal mentor who has already passed the cert you're studying for. All mentors are vetted, certified, and hands-on.
Explore a curated network of vetted mentors – engineers, designers, founders, and more. Find someone who matches your goals, skills, and budget.
Choose a flexible plan that fits your pace – whether it's Q&A chats, regular calls, or something in between, your mentor will help you build a personalized roadmap.
Get ongoing support through regular calls, check-ins, and feedback. Your mentor stays with you for the long haul.
Mentees who stick with their mentor for 3+ months reach their goals 2x faster than they would on their own. Fewer dead ends, more breakthroughs.
A mentor who has already passed the Security cert can spot weak areas in your prep, point you at the exam topics that actually matter, and save you a re-sit fee.
Cut down on failed attempts, abandoned courses, and bootcamp upsells. Work directly with someone who knows what worked and what didn't.
Self-paced learning is easy to drop. Mentorship adds structure and momentum, so you actually finish the cert you started.
Mentors help with more than the exam – they review portfolios, coach for interviews, and translate the cert into a promotion or new role.
Frequently asked
The questions Security mentees ask most before picking a certification and starting prep.
Start with a foundational Security certification if you're new to the field – it validates core concepts and is recognized everywhere. If you already have hands-on experience, jump to a role-specific or associate-level track. A Security mentor can look at your background in one session and tell you which cert is the right starting point.
Most Security certifications take 6 to 16 weeks of structured prep, depending on your starting point and the cert level. Foundational exams are closer to 6 weeks. Professional and specialty exams run longer. Mentees with weekly mentor sessions typically finish in the lower half of that range.
Yes, when paired with applied work. A Security certification opens recruiter pipelines and signals baseline competence – hiring managers still look for evidence you can use the skill on real projects. That's why mentees who get certified alongside mentor-led portfolio work move into roles faster than those who only have the cert.
MentorCruise plans start at $120/month, which is roughly 70% less than most cert bootcamps. You get weekly 1-on-1 sessions with a Security expert plus async messaging between sessions. Cancel anytime – you're not locked into a multi-month bootcamp contract.
Courses give you a curriculum. A mentor gives you a curriculum, accountability, and a feedback loop on the gaps you didn't know you had. Most mentees pair both – they consume a self-paced course and meet with a mentor weekly to debug their understanding. Pure self-study works for some, but completion rates are much lower.
Yes. Most MentorCruise mentors do production Security work day-to-day. They'll guide you through portfolio projects, code reviews, architecture decisions, and the kind of real-world judgment calls that an exam can't test for. This is what closes the gap between "certified" and "actually employable".
A failed attempt is information, not a verdict. Most cert programs let you re-sit after a short waiting period. Your mentor will help you read the score report, identify which knowledge domains you missed, and rebuild the prep plan around those gaps. Mentees who fail once and re-sit with a mentor usually pass the second time.
Weekly 1-hour sessions are the sweet spot for most Security certification tracks. It's frequent enough to stay accountable and unblock confusion early, but not so frequent that you don't have time to study between sessions. Bi-weekly works for longer prep cycles or part-time learners.
Detection and Response Security Engineer (Tech Lead) at Dropbox (Ex-Amazon, Ex-R…
Solutions Architect at S&P Global
Technical Program Manager at Google
Cyber Leader
Engineering Manager at Coinbase
CTO | VP | Advisor | Coach | Mentor
Detection and Response Security Engineer (Tech Lead) at Dropbox (Ex-Amazon, Ex-R…
Solutions Architect at S&P Global
Technical Program Manager at Google
Cyber Leader
Engineering Manager at Coinbase
CTO | VP | Advisor | Coach | Mentor
We've already delivered 1-on-1 mentorship to thousands of students, professionals, managers and executives. Even better, they've left an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 for our mentors.
Find a Security mentor
