This section runs from 50:23 to 52:12 in the full video above, with important follow-up information on cert expiration from 1:05:40 to 1:07:18. Feel free to watch now or let it play through to the next topic.

Let’s talk certs. Here’s where I always start: Security+ first.

The reason is simple. If you look up the DoD 8140 and 8170 directives, the Security+ unlocks a massive number of government and defense jobs. It’s the most versatile foundational cert you can get. It covers a broad range of security concepts and it’s recognized everywhere.

After Security+, you decide which direction you want to go:

• Staying defensive? → CySA+ (CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst)
• Going offensive? → eJPT or CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
• Going management/compliance? → CISA, then start looking at CISSP material
• Specializing? → Cloud certs (AWS Security, Azure), DevSecOps, AI security

Here’s my cert philosophy: I wouldn’t ask you to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. Even at this stage of my career, I’ve taken the Network+, Security+, CySA+, eJPT, OSCP, and CEH Practical. I take them so I know what the experience is like.

But remember — certifications are tools, not destinations. A cert gets your foot in the door. Your skills keep you in the room. Don’t chase certs just to collect them. Get the cert, get the skills, and get to work.

One more thing: those certs expire. CompTIA certs renew every three years. If you’re not planning for your next cert or already on the job earning CPE credits, that clock is ticking. Blog posts, meetup attendance, workshops, reading books — all of that counts toward CPE credits. Don’t let your certs lapse because you weren’t paying attention.

What you’ll take away:

• Security+ is the foundational cert — it unlocks government jobs and is recognized everywhere
• After Security+, your path diverges based on your career direction (defense, offense, management)
• Certs are tools to get your foot in the door — skills keep you in the room
• CompTIA certs expire every 3 years — plan for renewal or CPE credits now

Something to think about:

Which direction appeals to you most right now — defensive roles, offensive roles, management, or a specialized path? How does that shape your certification roadmap?

– Tyrone

Ready to go deeper? Intro to Cyber picks up where this conversation leaves off — with hands-on labs, real tools, and a structured path from beginner to job-ready. #Intro2Cyber