IT Security Degree or Certificates?

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Hi everyone,

I have been thinking of heading back to school to get a degree in IT security, but I have been going back and forth on this subject for a bit. I’ve been reading tons about the different kinds of certificates available in the IT security field, but don’t know if the certs can stand on their own or if I would need to have a bachelors in IT or computer science to start working for an IT security company.

I have been working in IT helpdesk for 3 years, and my hope is to get into pen. testing. I’m about ready to quit my job and either go back to school or spend my time getting ready for passing the CEH cert.

What is your professional opinion: would I get further in the IT security field with a bachelors in security or via certificates like the CEH?

@alex-m246,

Your biggest benefit is your work experience. Some jobs the requirement is different, for example:
"5 years experience and certifications..." or "Bachelor's Degree and 2 years experience"

You hate to see this, but in both instances, the common denominator for these jobs are experience and not necessarily the degree or the certification by itself.

The security companies may be, can be...peculiar. Especially, in pen testing. Regardless of your certifications or degree, you'll probably have to do a performance type of interview if you have no Pen Testing experience that is verifiable.

I think you're going to have to pick the job you're after, look at what the company requirement will be to even be considered and work towards that. I wish there was an easy answer that either one will give you instant bona fides but that is a heavy performance work environment and it's your results that matter.

Certifications are supposed to validate that you have the knowledge and skill to do what is required, they just can't make you perform up to that skillset when demanded. The same would be true of a college degree. (aside: funny how many people graduate with degrees in particular field but not actually work in that field.)

Cordially,
Ronnie Wong
Host, ITProTV