About this Video

• Video Title: Best Tech Certifications to Get in 2025 (Full Tier List)
• Channel: Symoné B. GovTech
• Speakers: Symoné B.
• Duration: 00:30:05

Introduction

This video provides a tiered list of GovTech certifications, ranging from S-tier (best) to F-tier (worst), based on the speaker's extensive experience in the field. The speaker aims to guide viewers towards certifications offering the best return on investment (ROI) and job prospects in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• CompTIA A+: Discouraged for those over 18 due to high cost and low ROI. Offers foundational IT knowledge but limited job prospects.
• CISSP Associate, CEH, CompTIA Cloud Plus: All placed in the F-tier due to high cost, limited job placement value unless paired with significant experience.
• CompTIA Pentest+, CompTIA Server+/Hybrid Server Pro, CompTIA Linux+: D-tier certifications; offer some value, particularly in meeting government requirements (DoD 8570/8140), but hands-on experience is recommended.
• GCFA (GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst), CompTIA ITF+, CyberArk Defender, Microsoft Azure SC-300: C-tier certifications; offer value but may require employer sponsorship due to high cost (GCFA). Provide specialized skills in specific areas.
• Security Blue Team Level 1, Cisco CCNA, Cybrary CFR, ISC² SSCP: B-tier certifications; good for entry-level roles and building experience. Pairing with other certifications increases job prospects.
• Splunk Core & Power User, CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA CASP, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA): A-tier certifications; highly valuable, especially when combined with experience. Lead to high-paying roles.
• OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), ISACA CISA, Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE), ISACA CISM, CompTIA Security+, CISSP: S-tier certifications; top-tier certifications highly valued in GovTech, leading to high salaries and advanced roles. The Security+ is highlighted as crucial for government access.

Here's a breakdown of the A-tier and S-tier certifications from the transcript:

A-Tier Certifications:

• Splunk Core & Power User: These certifications are valuable for those seeking cyber security roles, particularly as a Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst. They teach Splunk's Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tool. Cost: $125-$200. Salary range mentioned: $90,000-$130,000/year.

• CompTIA CySA+ (Cyber Security Analyst): This certification focuses on SOC analyst skills, including log reading, threat detection, and incident response. Cost: $425. Salary range mentioned: $80,000-$130,000/year.

• CompTIA CASP+ (Certified Advanced Security Practitioner): Aimed at more advanced cyber security roles like cyber security engineer. It's considered a DoD IAT Level 3 certification. Salary range mentioned: $130,000-$165,000/year.

• Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA): This hands-on certification focuses on Red Hat Enterprise Linux system administration skills. Cost: $500 (with a free retake). Salary mentioned for a person with this and the Security+ cert: ~$106,000/year.

S-Tier Certifications:

• OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional): This hands-on penetration testing certification is gaining traction in GovTech. The newer OSCP+ version (required for Gov) costs $1,749.

• ISACA CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor): This certification is beneficial for cyber security auditors and those focusing on Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). Cost: ~$760. Salary range mentioned: $120,000-$165,000/year.

• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE): This is the next level up from the RHCSA, focusing on automation and Ansible. Cost: $400. Salary range mentioned: $100,000-$250,000/year.

• ISACA CISM (Certified Information Security Manager): This certification combines cyber security management and project management skills. Cost: $760. Salary mentioned: ~$250,000/year.

• CompTIA Security+: This certification is considered by the speaker to be a game-changer. It's foundational but crucial for obtaining government system access. Salary range mentioned for holders: $50,000-$75,000 (entry level), average $112,000, and up to $500,000 with experience.

• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional): This is considered the highest tier, for those with 5+ years of experience. Salary range mentioned: $250,000-$300,000/year.