What Security Certifications Are There?

The Security Certification Landscape

Security certifications fall into two main tracks: national (government-issued) exams run by Japan's IPA (Information-technology Promotion Agency), and international exams run by organizations like CompTIA and EC-Council. Japanese employers tend to recognize national certifications highly, while international certifications carry weight at foreign-affiliated or global companies. For teens, starting with the national entry-level exams is the most common and practical path.

That said, certifications are a tool for structuring your learning — passing one does not automatically make you competent in real-world work. Security spans networking, operating systems, web, programming, law, and organizational policy all at once. The combination of using certifications to learn vocabulary and the big picture, then building hands-on skills through CTF competitions and home labs, is what turns knowledge into usable ability.

Comparing Major Security Certifications

International certifications can cost the equivalent of hundreds to thousands of US dollars, whereas Japanese national exams are priced more accessibly. Fees and exam formats can change, so always check the official website before registering. For teens studying independently, starting with national certifications is realistic both in terms of cost and study scope.

The Recommended 3-Step Path for Teens

Start with the IT Passport. It covers all of IT — not just security — but security is part of the syllabus, and it gives you a mental map of the whole field. From there, the Information Security Management exam (SG) deepens your security-specific knowledge, and the Basic IT Engineer exam (FE) adds algorithms, programming, and networking to your toolkit. Exam fees and formats may change, so check IPA's official site before you register.

Advanced Certifications for Professionals

At university and beyond, the milestone is the Registered Information Security Specialist (RISS / 情報処理安全確保支援士) — Japan's highest national security credential, which also grants a professional title upon registration. On the international side, certifications like CISSP require real-world experience, making them targets for experienced working professionals rather than students. The higher the certification, the more it tests judgment and the ability to explain your work, not just memorized facts.

Common Pitfalls

How Will This Help You in the Future?

Security certifications are evidence of learning motivation and baseline knowledge. As a student, combining certifications, CTF results, projects, and school activities gives you a clear and verifiable story of your learning. Certifications do not decide salary or hiring by themselves, but they are an effective starting point for demonstrating genuine interest in security to someone who does not know you yet.

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Summary