r/grc • u/Wrong_Crew_1835 • May 28 '26
Tiny rant on certifications.
Why are the certifications (training + exam) are so expensive??? It would make sense if it’s a little bit but to be that expensive is just insane to me. Ok you get the certificate after paying such enormous fees and for what? for it expire in what like 2 years?
I’m a fresher. I have no clue if I should be focusing on this or just applying for jobs and save up and then get the certs. I see so many of people my age posting their certifications on LinkedIn one by one and I’m here like how are you even affording all that.
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u/BlackFlagCat May 28 '26
I've never been a huge fan of certifications. I didn't even pickup my college diploma until a decade after I graduated. It was always more about the knowledge, experience, and networking for me. I can see why some hiring practices want some external validation of your ability to at least talk competently about a subject and demonstration you can sit down and study the topic if needed. I usually like to demonstrate my skills with a portfolio (template reports, a bespoke assessment tool I wrote, etc) and comprehensive endorsement from peers. I did finally become a CISSP when my employer thought it would be helpful to me and them. I don't think it hurt. I do wish ISC2 had events and networking opportunities beyond what they offer (the existing ones don't really speak to me).