Publication Date
8-19-2026
Abstract
The growing reliance on cybersecurity certifications has increased the financial and professional stakes associated with certification decision-making for cybersecurity professionals. Despite their widespread use in hiring and career advancement, there is limited objective guidance available to help individuals evaluate the return on investment (ROI) of specific certifications. This gap has created uncertainty regarding which credentials provide the greatest value relative to their cost and market impact. This study presents a data-driven, design science–based tool that supports cybersecurity professionals in evaluating certification ROI using practitioner survey data combined with certification cost and labor-market demand indicators. The paper also demonstrates how such a tool can improve transparency and support more informed, evidence-based certification planning within cybersecurity education and workforce development contexts.
Included in
Information Security Commons, Management Information Systems Commons, Technology and Innovation Commons