IoT Security Certification: 3 Popular Options

Earning an IoT security certification can help you demonstrate your in-demand cybersecurity skills for roles designing, implementing, and monitoring the security of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as smart home devices and navigation systems. Cybersecurity and the IoT are both in-demand skills that represent growing industries and the opportunity for a positive career outlook. 

Globally, the market size for IoT devices was worth $70.28 billion in 2024 and could grow at a rate of 16.8 percent through 2030 [1]. To put that in perspective, that could equal 39.6 billion connected devices worldwide by 2033 [2]. Additionally, the market for security solutions for these devices was worth $35.50 billion in 2024 and could grow at a rate of 26.8 percent through 2030 [3]. This growth helps demonstrate the rise in demand for both IoT and cybersecurity skills. 

IoT technology is growing due in part to factors like advancements in 5G connectivity, edge computing, and IoT applications for collecting real-time analytics. While cybersecurity risks are generally increasing, adding IoT devices to your network introduces additional security risks with new points of access for malicious agents to find vulnerabilities. These factors demonstrate the growth in the IoT cybersecurity field, further emphasized by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ projections that growth for information security analysts will be 33 percent through 2033 [4]. 

Earning an IoT security certification can help you prepare for roles like IoT security engineer, IoT systems administrator, or IoT test engineer. Explore three IoT security certifications from the EC-Council, ISACA, and CertNexus, learn how to choose the best certification for your career goals, and learn the roles an IoT security certification can help you prepare for. 

3 IoT security certifications 

IoT devices experience an average of 5,400 attacks every month, with hackers compromising 7 million data records every day [5]. The rising risks continue driving the need for professionals skilled in IoT security. Earning an IoT security certification can help you connect with learning programs to learn new skills, target specific topics to focus your education, gain expertise in a specialization, and validate your professional experience in the field. It may also make you more attractive to potential employers who value your dedication to following the industry’s best practices. 

Explore three IoT security certifications from the EC-Council, ISACA, and CertNexus to explore possible pathways you can take to gain a credential in this field. 

1. IoT Security Essentials from the EC-Council

The IoT Security Essentials certification from EC-Council can help you demonstrate your knowledge of the fundamental concepts of IoT device security and how to design and deploy security solutions to protect IoT devices from security threats. 

The EC-Council offers several certifications for cybersecurity professionals who want to validate their skills at different levels of knowledge and experience, including fundamental certifications for ethical hacking, network defense, cloud security, threat intelligence, and more. The certification exam covers topics such as: 

• IoT network and communication

• IoT processors and operating systems

• IoT and cloud computing

• IoT threats

• Basic IoT security

• IoT incident response

• IoT security engineering

Requirements: You do not have to complete any prerequisites before taking this exam. 

Cost: $299 [6]

Who should get this certification? Consider this certification if you want to train as an IoT security professional and start as a beginner with no experience in the field. 

Other certifications from the EC-Council: The EC-Council offers many different certifications for security professionals to learn targeted cybersecurity skills as they advance in their careers. You can explore certifications from the EC-Council along career tracks including application security, digital forensics, incident handling and response, network defense, and vulnerability assessment and penetration testing. 

2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)

The Certified Information Systems Auditor credential from ISACA can help you demonstrate your knowledge in auditing, monitoring, and assessing security risks for IT systems, including IoT. ISACA is a membership organization for security professionals that provides certification programs, networking opportunities, continuing education, and advocacy for professionals working in cybersecurity. In this exam, you can validate your skills in topics including: 

• The information systems auditing process

• How to manage and govern IT systems

• Acquisition, development, and implementation of IT systems

• Operations and business resilience for IT processes and systems

• Protecting information assets

Requirements: You must have five years of professional experience before taking this exam, although you can waive up to three years of that requirement with applicable educational experiences. 

Cost: $575 for members and $760 for non-members [7]

Who should get this certification? The ISACA CISA certification is appropriate for professionals with some experience and education in IT systems who want to validate their skills to move into a role as an IT auditor. 

Other certifications from ISACA: You can earn additional ISACA credentials, including the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) credentials. 

3. Certified IoT Security Practitioner from CertNexus

The Certified IoT Security Practitioner offered by CertNexus can help you validate your ability to analyze an IoT system for vulnerability and design, implement, and monitor the security of IoT devices. CertNexus is a vendor-neutral platform where technology professionals can earn certifications against industry standards in areas like AI, machine learning, data science, and other tech like IoT. The IoT Security Practitioner can help you explore topics such as: 

• Benefits, challenges, and applications of IoT systems

• IoT components and concepts like edge computing, cloud connectivity, and physical IoT components

• IoT security threats and strategies to counteract them

• Framework for IoT risk management

• IoT software development lifecycle

Requirements: You do not have to complete any prerequisites before taking this exam. 

Cost: $367.50 [8]

Who should get this certification? If you are training for a role where you will design, implement, or manage the security of IoT systems, this may be a good option for you. 

Other certifications from CertNexus: CertNexus offers many certifications and micro-credentials for professionals who want to validate their skills in industries like cybersecurity, AI, data science, and data ethics. 

How to choose the best IoT security certification for your career goals

The best IoT security certification will depend on factors like your current level of experience or knowledge about IoT or cybersecurity, your career goals, and other factors like how the topics covered on the certification exam relate to the role you want for your career. Look for a certification exam that meets the level of challenge you’re currently willing to take on. For example, you might choose a credential that matches your current knowledge and skills, or you might make a goal to learn a new skill and dedicate time to studying. 

Another factor to consider is the organization offering certification, whether that be an accredited institution or a professional organization. In some cases, certification can help you gain access to member resources like networking or educational opportunities. 

You should also consider whether you want to earn a certificate or a certification. The differences between the two vary from program to program, though a certificate program is usually a shorter, targeted credential that signifies you completed a course of study or educational opportunity. 

A certification is generally a more comprehensive credential that takes longer to complete but validates a broader depth of knowledge. A certificate can help you fill gaps in your resume skills or bring attention to an area you want to specialize in, or have a special interest in. A certification program can help you validate a suite of skills representing an industry standard for professionals in your field. 

What jobs can you get with an IoT security certification?

A certification demonstrating your IoT security credentials may help you find a role in cybersecurity, such as IoT security engineer, IoT systems administrator, or IoT test engineer. Worldwide, most companies say they do not have enough skilled security professionals for their needs. That figures out to a gap of 4.7 million professionals working in the cybersecurity field [9]. By validating your skills with a cybersecurity certification, you can stand apart from other professionals in your field and show potential employers you have these in-demand skills their security team needs. 

Learn more about each of these potential IoT roles, including job responsibilities, average salary in the US, and job outlook. 

IoT security engineer

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $163,156 [10]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 33 percent [2]

As an IoT security engineer, your primary responsibility will be to protect your organization’s IoT systems and connected devices from cyberthreats. You will assess vulnerability and help design, implement, and monitor your security solutions. In this role, you may respond to threats and take proactive measures like conducting penetration testing to look for areas of weakness. 

IoT systems administrator

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $111,609 [11]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 33 percent [2]

As an IoT systems administrator, you will be primarily responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining the components of an IoT system. Depending on the type of system you’re configuring, you may need to access hard-to-reach locations to install or troubleshoot devices, such as accessing a sensor on the top of a utility pole or within complex machinery. In this role, you may monitor equipment, optimize your systems for best performance, and perform administrative tasks such as ensuring all users can access the system as needed. 

IoT test engineer

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $133,403 [12]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 33 percent [2]

As an IoT test engineer, you will work as part of the software or product development team to test and perform quality assurance on IoT devices such as alarm sensors, medical wearables, or smart home appliances. You may perform security tests, make sure the device is reliable, and ensure that devices can work together as intended. You may also perform software testing for security, which will eventually power IoT devices. 

Prepare for IoT security certification with Coursera 

An IoT security certification can help you validate your skills and knowledge of designing, implementing, and monitoring IoT devices and systems. To prepare for IoT certification, you can explore programs on Coursera to help you gain the skills you’ll need to be successful in the field. 

For example, enroll in the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate to help you learn the job-ready skills you need to get an entry-level position as a cybersecurity analyst in just 4-6 months. Or you can subscribe to Coursera Plus to access over 10,000 learning programs from over 350 learning partners, including topics like IoT security, IoT devices, IoT and cloud computing, and more.