1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

What is CCNA?

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a globally recognized entry-level certification for networking professionals. It validates the knowledge and skills required to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks.

Where to Get CCNA Certification?

You can obtain CCNA certification through Cisco’s authorized training partners or by self-study and taking the CCNA exam at a Pearson VUE test center.

Link:https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training certifications/certifications/associate/ccna.html

Cost of CCNA Certification:

The cost of CCNA certification may vary depending on your location and whether you opt for instructor-led training or self-study.The exam fee for the CCNA certification typically cost Kes 48,000.

Possibility of a Scholarship:

Cisco occasionally offers scholarships and discounts for its certification programs, including CCNA. It’s advisable to check Cisco’s official website or contact Cisco authorized training partners for information on scholarship opportunities.

Benefits of CCNA Certification:

Skill Validation: CCNA certification validates your networking knowledge and skills, making you proficient in configuring and troubleshooting Cisco networking devices.

Career Advancement: CCNA is often a prerequisite for higher-level Cisco certifications and can open up opportunities for more advanced roles in networking.

Industry Recognition: CCNA is well-recognized in the IT industry, and holding this certification can enhance your credibility among employers and peers.

Hands-on Experience: Preparing for CCNA involves practical experience with Cisco devices, which can be valuable for real-world networking scenarios.

Marketability of CCNA Certification:

CCNA certification is highly marketable and in demand, as networking is a fundamental aspect of IT infrastructure in nearly every organization. With CCNA, you can pursue roles such as network administrator, network technician, or support engineer. It can also serve as a stepping stone to more advanced Cisco certifications like CCNP and CCIE, which can further enhance your career prospects.

2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

What is the CISSP certification? 

CISSP is a globally recognized certification offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium. It is designed and structured to test the expertise of professionals in different domains in the field of information technology.

Where to get the certificate? 

The CISSP certificate is only issued by  ISC² upon passing the examination. To obtain the CISSP certification, candidates must meet certain requirements set by ISC². These requirements include a minimum of five years of cumulative paid work experience in at least two or more of the eight CISSP domains. Additionally, candidates must pass the CISSP exam, which consists of 250 multiple-choice questions covering all eight domains.  ISC² also provides training content and exam preps. https://www.isc2.org/register-for-exam

Cost of the Certification -The CISSP certification exam costs Kes 110,000. Individuals can receive vouchers from partner organizations after completing CISSP exam training courses

Possibility of Scholarship – There are a couple of external scholarships to take up the course.

1. 2023 Cyversity Training Scholarship
2. Elizabeth Sloane Institute of Technology ESIT
3. Cybersecurity & The Latinx Community Scholarship

Benefits of obtaining the CISSP certification

Industry Recognition: The CISSP certification is globally recognized as a standard for information security professionals. It demonstrates a high level of expertise and commitment to the field.

Career Advancement: Holding the CISSP certification can open doors to new career opportunities and higher-level positions in information security. Many organizations require or prefer candidates with this certification for senior-level roles.

Knowledge Enhancement: The CISSP certification covers a broad range of topics in information security, providing professionals with a comprehensive understanding of various domains. This knowledge can be applied to real-world scenarios and help in making informed decisions to protect organizational assets.

Marketability of CISSP Certification

CISSP holders are able to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and their ability to   address complex security challenges – as such, the certification is highly regarded by employers, industry professionals, and government entities worldwide, making it a valuable asset for career advancement.

3. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

What is CISA?

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is a globally recognized certification for individuals who audit, control, monitor, and assess an organization’s information technology and business systems. CISA certification is offered by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association).

Where to Get CISA Certification?

To obtain the CISA certification, you need to meet the eligibility requirements set by ISACA, which typically include relevant work experience in IT auditing, control, assurance, or security. Once you meet the requirements, you can register for the CISA exam, which is typically administered at Pearson VUE test centers. Link to certification: https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cisa

Cost of CISA Certification:

The cost of CISA certification varies depending on your ISACA membership status and whether you’re taking the exam during the early registration period. The exam fee for ISACA members was approximately Kes 85,000, while non-members paid around Kes 112,000 . It’s essential to check ISACA’s official website for the most current pricing information.

Possibility of a Scholarship:

ISACA offers scholarships for its certification programs, including CISA, through its charitable and education foundation. Scholarship availability and eligibility criteria may vary, so it’s recommended to visit ISACA’s website for details on any available scholarships.

Benefits of CISA Certification:

Career Advancement: CISA certification is highly regarded in the field of information systems auditing and control. It can open doors to roles such as IT auditor, compliance manager, information security manager, and more.

Global Recognition: CISA is recognized globally and is often a requirement for job positions related to information systems auditing and control.

Expertise Validation: Earning CISA certification validates your knowledge and skills in assessing an organization’s IT and business systems, ensuring they meet the highest standards of security and control.

Increased Earning Potential: CISA-certified professionals often command higher salaries due to their specialized skills and expertise.

Marketability of CISA Certification:

CISA certification is highly marketable, especially in industries where information security and IT governance are critical, such as finance, healthcare, and government. As organizations continue to focus on cybersecurity and risk management, CISA-certified professionals are in demand for ensuring the integrity and security of information systems.