Three ISACA credentials among the IT industry’s top-paying certifications
Three ISACA credentials are among the IT industry’s top-paying certifications, according to recently released data from the Global Knowledge 2020 IT Skills and Salary Survey.
Each of the three ISACA credentials recognized—Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)—landed in the top half of Global Knowledge’s 2020 list of top-paying certifications.
CISM ranks third on the list, which tracks the highest-paying certifications in the United States. CISM, the top-paying enterprise security management and cybersecurity certification on the list, provides professionals with a credential that allows them to transition from security technologist roles to enterprise information security management.
As information security has become an enterprise-wide imperative—with high visibility at the board level—CISM addresses an urgent need for security practitioners to develop the management skills needed to connect IT security programs with executive leadership. It carries an average salary of US $148,622, according to Global Knowledge.
CRISC is fourth on the list with an average salary of US $146,480. CRISC is ideal for professionals engaged in enterprise risk management and control who are seeking to connect risk practices to wider enterprise goals and strategy.
CRISC-certified professionals can assess, design and implement effective plans and enterprise risk management systems to mitigate risk and establish a common perspective and language about IT risk that builds alignment throughout the enterprise.
ISACA’s CISA credential was seventh on the Global Knowledge list with an average salary of US $132,278. For more than 40 years, CISA has been considered the gold standard of certifications for IT audit, control and assurance professionals.
In 2019, the CISA job practice was updated to reflect new areas of emphasis, including the ability for CISA-certified professionals to perform technical security testing to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities, incorporate the use of data analytics tools and evaluate potential opportunities and threats associated with emerging technologies, regulations, and industry practices.
Both the CISA and CISM have reached major milestones within the past year, with the CISA (established in 1978) having surpassed 150,000 certification-holders since inception and the CISM (established in 2002) surpassing 50,000 all-time certification-holders. More than 26,000 people have attained the CRISC, which was introduced in 2010.
“ISACA credentials are a key differentiator for technology professionals because they demonstrate a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise to successfully navigate today’s challenging global environment,” said Ashley Holmes, Governance and Compliance Manager at Delta Air Lines, who holds the CISM, CRISC and CISA certifications.
“My ISACA certifications have served me well by providing professional credibility and are an essential investment in my professional development and career.”