Top 10 Cyber Security Certifications in Riyadh

Top Cyber Security Certifications in Riyadh help professionals launch and grow high-demand careers in Saudi Arabia’s booming digital sector. Under Vision 2030, Riyadh is at the center of Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global hub for smart infrastructure, fintech innovation, digital healthcare, and e-government services. 

As cybersecurity continues to advance, it has emerged as one of the fastest-growing career fields in the Kingdom. Consequently, employers in Riyadh are increasingly prioritizing candidates with globally recognized credentials. Obtaining internationally recognized cybersecurity certifications can enhance your expertise and help you accelerate your career in this dynamic field.

Let's take a look at the top 10 cyber certifications that are extremely valuable for security professionals looking to establish themselves in Riyadh’s thriving cyber landscape.

Why Cybersecurity Certifications Matter in Riyadh

Cybersecurity certifications in Riyadh are becoming essential as the Kingdom accelerates its Vision 2030 transformation. With major investments in smart cities like NEOM and The Line, the growth of fintech hubs, and the adoption of cloud infrastructure, certified professionals are in high demand to secure these ambitious projects. Organizations in Riyadh are also required to comply with NCA frameworks and international standards such as ISO 27001, which makes holding globally recognized certifications a strong validation of compliance expertise. Industries including banking, oil & gas, telecom, and healthcare are increasingly relying on certified experts for SOC operations, digital forensics, penetration testing, and incident response. For professionals, cybersecurity certification courses in Riyadh not only ensure access to these opportunities but also provide higher salaries, faster promotions, and international career recognition in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Top 10 Cyber Security Certifications in Riyadh For a Career Boost

Below are the top cybersecurity certifications that can help you with the top career opportunities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

1. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

2. CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

3. CompTIA Security+

4. CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)

5. CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

6. CompTIA PenTest+

7. CND (Certified Network Defender)

8. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

9. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

10. CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator)

1. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

The CISSP, offered by (ISC)², is one of the most respected certifications worldwide. It validates advanced expertise in designing, implementing, and managing a security program. The CISSP certification is specifically designed for Mid-level IT professionals with at least 3–5 years of work experience in information security. CISSP is especially valued in government agencies, banks, energy firms, and multinational corporations. It’s often a requirement for managerial and senior-level security positions.

About the CISSP Exam

The table below provides you with complete details of the CISSP exam.

Skills Learned from the CISSP Certification Course 

Job Roles After CISSP Certification in Riyadh

Salary of an experienced CISSP Professional in Riyadh

2. CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), offered by EC-Council, equips professionals with skills in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment, using the same tools and techniques as malicious hackers—but within an ethical framework. This certification is ideal for IT graduates, penetration testers, SOC analysts, and cybersecurity enthusiasts. With the surge in cybercrime and phishing attacks, organizations in Riyadh’s finance, telecom, and government sectors actively seek CEH-certified talent. Recently, EC-Council introduced the CEH v13 Certification, the world’s first ethical hacking program enhanced with AI. It integrates real-time cyber range experiences and AI-driven labs, making it one of the most advanced ethical hacking certifications available today.

According to a survey conducted by the EC-Council, certified ethical hackers had a job placement rate exceeding 80%, with many securing positions in renowned firms such as IBM, Microsoft, and Deloitte. If you are unsure about how to become a cybersecurity professional, then the CEH is the best entry-level cybersecurity certification available on the market today.

About EC-Council’s CEH v13 Exam Details

Note: Remote examination options are available with additional proctoring fees, allowing candidates to take the exam from their preferred location.

Skills You Learn from the CEH 

Job Roles After CEH

Salary of a CEH Professional in Riyadh

Entry-level CEH professionals in Riyadh can expect to earn between SAR 12,000 and SAR 18,000 per month. Experienced or senior ethical hackers, on the other hand, can command salaries of SAR 25,000 or more depending on their expertise and the sector they work in.

3. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level, vendor-neutral certification covering foundational cybersecurity skills. This popular cybersecurity certification caters to Fresh graduates, IT professionals new to cybersecurity. You will learn Network security, Cryptography basics, and Identity and access management. The CompTIA Security+ Certification can serve as a stepping stone for SOC and junior analyst roles in Saudi Arabia’s booming IT sector.

About the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701+ Certification Exam

Job Roles to pursue after CompTIA Security+ certification 

Skills Learned from the CompTIA Security+ Certification

Salary of a CompTIA Security+  professional in Riyadh

CompTIA Security+ professionals in Riyadh can expect to earn between SAR 8,000 and SAR 15,000 per month. Salaries vary based on experience, skill level, and industry, with higher pay often offered in sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and government security operations.

Read Also : Top  In-Demand Cybersecurity Skills

4. CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)

CCSP is an advanced (ISC)² certification focused on cloud-specific security practices. This Cybersecurity Certification is designed for IT professionals with at least 2–3 years of experience in cloud or security roles. It covers Cloud architecture and security, Cloud data lifecycle, and Legal and compliance issues in the cloud. With Saudi Arabia adopting cloud-first strategies, CCSP-certified professionals are critical for banks, healthcare providers, and smart city projects.

Skills Learned from the CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) Certification

Job Roles to pursue after CCSP Certification in Riyadh 

Salary of a Certified Cloud Security Professional in Riyadh

Certified Cloud Security Professionals (CCSP) in Riyadh earn competitive salaries, reflecting the high demand for cloud security expertise in the region. On average, professionals with this certification can expect a monthly salary ranging from SAR 20,000 to SAR 35,000, depending on their experience, skills, and the industry they work in.

5. CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

The CISM certification issued by ISACA, CISM focuses on risk management, compliance, and governance. It emphasizes risk management and incident response strategies. The certification is deal for senior professionals moving into management and policy-making roles. With increasing cyber threats, this certification has become vital for organizational leadership roles in cybersecurity. If you want to become a certified information security manager, then start your preparations right away!

About the CISM Certification Exam

Skills Learned from the CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) Certification

Job Roles After CISM Certification

Average Salary of a Certified Information Security Manager

CISM-certified professionals can expect to earn around 25,000 – 40,000 SAR annually.

6. CompTIA PenTest+

CompTIA PenTest+ teaches important skills for penetration testing, which means testing how well a system can defend against attacks. This certification is key for professionals who check for security weaknesses by simulating attacks. As businesses look to protect themselves from cyber threats, more security teams are interested in this certification. If you want a certification that focuses on security, CompTIA PenTest+ is a great option!

About the CompTIA Pentest + Certification Exam

The CompTIA Pentest + Certification Exam evaluates candidates' skills in planning and conducting penetration tests as well as analyzing results. It includes both multiple-choice questions and performance-based items.

Skills Learned from the CompTIA PenTest+ Certification

Job Roles After CompTIA Pentest+

Average Salary of a Pentest Certified Professional

In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the average annual salary for a Penetration Tester is approximately SAR 257,695, with an average bonus of around SAR 9,844.

7. CND (Certified Network Defender)

CND (Certified Network Defender) is a certification by EC-Council focused on defending enterprise networks. It covers threat intelligence, network traffic analysis, and Incident response. This certification is valued in telecom, defense, and financial institutions with 24/7 SOC operations.

About the CND (Certified Network Defender) Exam

Skills Learned from the CND (Certified Network Defender) Certification

Job Roles After Completing the CND Certification

Salary of a Certified Network Defender in Riyadh

Certified Network Defenders (CND) in Riyadh typically earn between SAR 12,000 and SAR 22,000 per month. This salary range reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals who can protect organizational networks from cyber threats, especially within government, finance, and telecom sectors.

8. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

CASP+ is an advanced-level certification that validates enterprise security skills at a managerial level. It emphasizes risk management and enterprise-level security solutions. As organizations face complex cybersecurity challenges, CASP+ helps professionals demonstrate their ability to lead security initiatives effectively.

About CASP + Certification Exam

The CASP+ exam assesses advanced knowledge across multiple domains, including risk management and enterprise security architecture. 

Skills Learned from the CASP+ Certification

Job Roles after Pursuing the CASP+ Course

Average Salary of a CASP+ Certified Professional in Riyadh

A CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner) certified professional in Riyadh earns an average monthly salary ranging from SAR 18,000 to SAR 30,000.

9. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

OSCP is a hands-on penetration testing certification offered by Offensive Security that emphasizes practical skills through real-world scenarios. This certification is critical for those seeking roles in offensive security or penetration testing due to its rigorous nature and focus on practical application rather than theoretical knowledge. OSCP Training will help you get into a well-respected foundational certification for pen-testing jobs.

About the OSCP Certification Exam

The OSCP exam consists of a 24-hour practical test where candidates must exploit vulnerabilities in various systems within a controlled environment.  The OffSec Certified Professional+ (OSCP+) exam assesses your penetration testing skills. You’ll demonstrate your ability to identify, exploit, and report vulnerabilities in live systems within a lab environment. Following the exam, you have an additional 24 hours to submit a comprehensive penetration testing report.

Job Roles after Pursuing OSCP Certification

Skills Learned from the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) Certification

Average Salary of an OSCP Certified Professional in Riyadh

OSCP-certified professionals can expect an average salary of around 20,000 – 30,000 SAR per year, reflecting the high demand for skilled penetration testers.

10. CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator)

The CHFI Certification, offered by EC-Council, is a globally recognized credential that equips professionals with advanced skills in digital forensics, evidence collection, and cybercrime investigation. A CHFI training helps individuals to identify, track, and prosecute cybercriminals by recovering and analyzing digital evidence from computers, mobile devices, and networks. With Riyadh’s rapid digital transformation under Saudi Vision 2030, cybercrime prevention and investigation have become national priorities. CHFI-certified professionals are highly Critical for law enforcement, fraud detection, and digital forensics labs.

About the CHFI Exam

Skilled Learned From the CHFI Certification

Job Roles To Pursue After Obtaining the CHFI Certification

Salary of a Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator in Riyadh

A CHFI-certified professional in Riyadh typically earns between SAR 15,000 and SAR 25,000 per month, depending on experience, specialization, and the sector. Senior investigators and professionals in government or defense organizations may earn even higher.

Read Also : Top Cybersecurity Training Companies in Iraq

Conclusion

Cybersecurity certifications are no longer optional for professionals aiming to thrive in Riyadh’s fast-growing job market. Under Vision 2030, the city is at the forefront of smart infrastructure, cloud adoption, fintech, and e-government,  all of which need certified cybersecurity experts to safeguard their systems.

From entry-level certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CC, to advanced credentials such as CISSP, CISM, and OSCP, these programs offer career pathways in SOC operations, ethical hacking, cloud security, risk management, and digital forensics.

With the right certification, you can secure high-paying roles and become part of Saudi Arabia’s mission to protect its digital future.