Certifications vs. Hands-on Experience: What Matters More in Cyber Hiring?

The debate never ends: Are certifications the key to landing a cybersecurity role, or does real-world experience matter more?

Some argue that certifications prove knowledge, while others believe that hands-on experience is what truly counts when defending against threats. But here’s the reality—both play a role, depending on the job and the hiring strategy.

The Case for Certifications

  • Industry Recognition – Certs like CISSP, CISM, CEH, and OSCP validate skills and signal credibility to employers.
  • Hiring Filter – Many companies use certifications as an initial screening tool, especially for entry- to mid-level roles.
  • Structured Learning – Certifications ensure a broad knowledge base and can help professionals break into cybersecurity from other fields.

The Limitation? Certs don’t always prove practical problem-solving or the ability to handle real-world cyber threats.

The Case for Hands-on Experience

  • Real-World Application – Experience in incident response, penetration testing, or SOC operations prepares professionals for actual cyber threats.
  • Problem-Solving & Adaptability – Cyber-attacks don’t follow a textbook—experience builds the ability to think critically and react quickly.
  • More Than Just Theory – Many hiring managers prioritize candidates who have solved real security challenges, even without formal certifications.

The Limitation? Without certifications, it can be harder to stand out in job applications or get past automated screening tools.

So, What Matters More?

It depends on the role.

  • Entry-Level Roles – Certifications can open doors, but hands-on labs, CTFs, and internships add practical credibility.
  • Mid-Senior Roles – Experience usually outweighs certs, but highly specialized certifications (OSCP, CISSP, etc.) can still add value.
  • Leadership Roles – Strategic knowledge, risk management, and leadership experience matter more than certifications alone.

The Winning Formula? Both.

The best cybersecurity professionals combine both certifications and hands-on experience. If you have one but lack the other, consider:

  • If you have experience but no certs → Get at least one relevant certification to enhance your marketability.
  • If you have certs but little hands-on experience → Engage in labs, CTFs, open-source security projects, or internships to gain practical skills.

What do you think? Do you prioritize certifications, hands-on experience, or both when hiring?

Let’s discuss!