Do Cybersecurity Certifications Guarantee Success?
- Ron Salazar
- Mar 19
- 6 min read
Cybersecurity is growing fast as companies face increasing threats. Businesses need skilled professionals to protect their data, but breaking into the field can be challenging.
Many people wonder where to start, how to gain experience, and whether cybersecurity certifications are worth it.
Some believe hands-on experience matters most, while others see certifications as essential for career growth. Many employers require certifications to filter candidates, making them an important step for job seekers.
As the Virtual Chief Information Security Officer and CEO of Security Advisors LLC & CEO of Layer 8 Masters, Richard Greenberg has spent his career helping businesses and organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture.
Beyond his work as a security consultant, he is also deeply involved in community-building and mentorship, serving as President of ISSA Los Angeles and actively organizing cybersecurity events to connect and educate professionals.
His story shows that career paths don’t have to be traditional. With the right skills, learning approach, and certifications, anyone can build a strong foundation in cybersecurity.
In this article, we will explore his insights on breaking into the field, the value of cybersecurity certifications, and the best ways to gain practical experience. We will also cover how professionals can keep up with industry changes and grow in their careers.
How Did Richard Greenberg Get into Technology and Cybersecurity?
Richard Greenberg didn’t start in technology. He began his career as a building architect, managing major projects like EuroDisney and working on space hardware at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). His work even contributed to satellites still orbiting today.
From Architecture to IT
His shift to technology started when he managed a project at JPL that required moving architectural designs from paper to digital.
Before that, everything was hand-drawn on large sheets. This was the company’s first electronic transition, and he had to learn AutoCAD, a computer-aided design tool.
As he worked with digital tools, he began improving processes, even modifying existing programs to make them more efficient. Without formal programming experience, he studied scripts, made small changes, and eventually built new tools.
His growing technical skills led to a job offer as an IT director at an architecture firm. Though he felt unprepared at first, he took Novell training and quickly adapted to managing servers and IT operations.
Learning Through Challenges and Entering Cybersecurity
Greenberg believes that failure is a key part of learning. Stepping into IT was intimidating, but he pushed through. Each challenge made him more confident. Over time, he moved from IT to cybersecurity, which he found more exciting and rewarding.
His story shows that career paths don’t have to be straight lines. Being open to learning and adapting can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Do Cybersecurity Certifications Really Matter?
Certifications can make a big difference in cybersecurity careers. Many companies rely on them to measure a person’s skills. Even experienced professionals may struggle to gain trust without a recognized certification.
How Certifications Build Trust
Employers and clients often use certifications as proof of knowledge. Even if someone knows their job well, others may doubt their skills without the right credentials.
Certifications like CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) can change that. Adding it to a resume or email signature can instantly boost credibility.
Many professionals notice that once they earn a certification, people take them more seriously. Questions about their abilities decrease, and they get more opportunities. Sometimes, having the right certification matters just as much as a real experience.
Are Cybersecurity Certifications Always Needed?
There is debate about whether certifications truly show skill. Some argue that multiple-choice exams don’t test real-world problem-solving. Others believe companies rely too much on them instead of looking at hands-on experience.
Still, many hiring managers use certifications to filter candidates. Without them, even highly skilled professionals might struggle to get noticed.
Should You Get Cybersecurity Certifications?
For those starting or growing in cybersecurity, earning at least one key certification is a smart move.
Here’s why:
More job opportunities – Many employers require certifications for security roles.
Stronger credibility – A certification proves a person understands security standards.
Less risk of being overlooked – Without one, hiring managers may pass on skilled professionals.
Experience matters most, but certifications help open doors. They can be a valuable step in building a cybersecurity career.
Why Cybersecurity Certification Exams Can Be Frustrating
Many cybersecurity certifications require passing difficult exams. These tests cover multiple topics, and passing all sections is mandatory. The problem? They don’t always tell you where you need to improve.
Some tests focus on encryption or networking, while others skip those topics entirely. This makes studying unpredictable. Many questions also have more than one right answer, forcing candidates to guess what the exam creators expect. Despite these challenges, certifications remain important for career growth.
The Best Ways to Stay Updated
Since cybersecurity never stops evolving, professionals must keep learning. Here’s how to stay ahead:
Attend industry events – Conferences and local meetups help you learn and meet experienced professionals.
Find a mentor – A mentor can guide you and help you avoid common mistakes.
Use AI and online resources – AI tools can help find learning materials, but always verify the accuracy of information.
Practice in a home lab – Setting up a personal lab lets you test ideas and gain hands-on experience.
Talk to others in the field – Discussing security topics with peers can give fresh insights and new solutions.
Balancing Work, Learning, and Life
Cybersecurity isn’t a field where you learn once and stop. The best professionals keep growing. This doesn’t mean sacrificing personal time, but it does mean making learning a habit.
Some prefer reading books. Others watch tutorials or experiment with new tools. The method doesn’t matter as long as you stay curious and consistent. In cybersecurity, learning never stops.
How Can You Build a Strong Foundation with Cybersecurity Certifications?
Many people want to work in cybersecurity but don’t know where to begin. The key is building a strong IT foundation first. Security isn’t just about stopping hackers—it’s about understanding how systems work so you can protect them.
Why IT Experience Matters
Cybersecurity professionals must know how networks, servers, and applications function before they can secure them. Many people in IT handle only one area, like managing emails or fixing hardware. While these roles are useful, they don’t give a full picture of how systems connect and operate.
Without a solid IT background, security concepts can feel overwhelming. The best way to prepare is by learning through hands-on experience.
Hands-On Learning with Cybersecurity Certifications
Practical experience helps develop problem-solving skills and builds confidence. Here’s how to get started:
Set up a home lab – Create a basic network, configure security settings, and test real-world scenarios.
Try new tools – Experiment with security software to understand how different systems work.
Break and fix things – Making mistakes is part of learning. Testing in a safe environment speeds up growth.
Learning from Others
Cybersecurity isn’t just about technical skills. Learning from experts, attending events, and asking questions can make a big difference. Finding a mentor or joining a professional group can open doors and provide guidance.
No one learns everything overnight. The best way to grow is by staying curious, practicing consistently, and building connections. Cybersecurity is always changing, but those who keep learning will always find opportunities.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity keeps changing, and staying updated is the key to success. A strong IT foundation and hands-on experience help build real skills. Cybersecurity certifications also play an important role in providing expertise and opening job opportunities.
Many employers rely on certifications to filter candidates. While the exams can be tough and sometimes frustrating, they help professionals stand out. Certifications alone aren’t enough, but they add value when combined with real-world experience.
Learning should never stop. Attending industry events, finding mentors, and practicing in a home lab can make a big difference. Cybersecurity isn’t just a job—it’s a field where growth comes from curiosity and practice.
For anyone serious about cybersecurity, the best approach is simple. Keep learning, gain hands-on experience, and use cybersecurity certifications to strengthen your career. The more effort you put in, the more opportunities you’ll find.
FAQs
Do cybersecurity certifications guarantee a job?
No, cybersecurity certifications do not guarantee a job, but they improve your chances by proving your skills to employers.
Which cybersecurity certifications are best for beginners?
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, SSCP, and CEH are good starting points for those new to cybersecurity.
Can you get a cybersecurity job without cybersecurity certifications?
Yes, but many employers prefer certified professionals. Strong hands-on experience and networking can help without certification.
How long does it take to earn cybersecurity certifications?
The time varies. Some certifications take weeks of study, while advanced ones like CISSP may require months of preparation.
Do cybersecurity certifications expire?
Yes, most certifications need renewal every few years through continuing education or re-examination.
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