Your OT/ICS Security Roadmap for 2026 | Pick the Right Cert Now

Your OT/ICS Security Roadmap for 2026 | Pick the Right Cert Now

🎙 Mike Holcomb 👥 27K 📅 July 3, 2026 ⏱ 19 min 👁 3K 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-08-16
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

OTICScertificationroadmapcareer

Summary

Mike Holcomb presents a comprehensive roadmap for OT/ICS cybersecurity certifications in 2026. He explains the differences between IT and OT perspectives on certifications, emphasizing that OT professionals often get certified for client or employer requirements. The video introduces three main paths: CompTIA’s new SecOT+ as an entry-level, cost-effective option; the SANS route with GICSP, GRID, and GCIP certifications, which are premium and expensive; and the ISA/IEC 62443 path, which is modular and more affordable over time. Holcomb advises beginners to start with networking fundamentals (like Network+) and IT security basics (Security+) before moving to OT-specific certifications. He highlights the importance of understanding the differences between IT and OT security to avoid safety incidents. The video also provides career advice, suggesting that professionals should get a job first and let employers fund advanced certifications. The roadmap is available as an infographic on his website. Overall, the video is a practical guide for IT professionals and OT practitioners looking to enter or advance in OT cybersecurity.

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Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The video offers valuable, actionable information for individuals considering OT/ICS cybersecurity certifications. It compares the main certification paths based on cost, prerequisites, and career outcomes, helping viewers make informed decisions. The argumentation is solid, grounded in the author’s personal experience and industry knowledge. He clearly explains the rationale behind each recommendation, such as starting with networking fundamentals and choosing between SANS and ISA/IEC 62443 based on budget. The advice to get a job first and have employers fund certifications is practical and realistic. However, the video is opinion-based and lacks empirical evidence or external references, which slightly weakens the argumentation.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The video demonstrates a good level of rigor in presenting the certification landscape. The author accurately describes the certifications and their requirements, and the information aligns with publicly known details about these programs. However, no formal sources are cited, and the content relies heavily on personal opinion and experience. The title accurately reflects the content, which is a roadmap for choosing OT/ICS certifications in 2026. The video is well-structured with clear timestamps, enhancing its usability. Overall, the scientific rigor is moderate, as it is an expert opinion rather than a peer-reviewed analysis.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which is a roadmap for choosing OT/ICS certifications in 2026.

Quality & Reliability

7/10

The video provides a clear, structured overview of OT/ICS cybersecurity certifications, based on the author's professional experience. It is opinion-based and lacks formal citations, but the information is consistent with known industry standards and certifications.

Chapters

Cited Sources

  • Mike Holcomb's website — The author directs viewers to his website for the infographic and additional resources.

Concurring Sources

  • ISA/IEC 62443 standards — The video references the ISA/IEC 62443 standards as the gold standard for OT security, which is consistent with this official source.
  • SANS ICS security training — The video discusses SANS courses like GICSP and GRID, which are listed on this official SANS page.

Contribution & Novelties

The video provides a clear and up-to-date roadmap for OT/ICS cybersecurity certifications, particularly highlighting the new CompTIA SecOT+ as an entry-level option. It offers practical advice on how to choose between SANS and ISA/IEC 62443 based on budget and career goals. The author’s personal experience adds credibility, and the emphasis on getting employers to fund certifications is a valuable strategy.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • ISA/IEC 62443 standards — Official overview of the ISA/IEC 62443 series, the gold standard for OT security.
  • SANS ICS courses — SANS offers specialized ICS security training, including GICSP and GRID.
  • CompTIA SecOT+ — Official page for the new CompTIA SecOT+ certification.

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Radar Profile

The radar profile shows a balanced performance across all dimensions, with slightly higher scores in information quantity and quality, indicating a well-rounded and informative video. The technical level is moderate, making it accessible to a broad audience, while the overall reliability is good, reflecting the author's expertise.

Reliability 7/10