Date: 11 November 2021
The field of cybersecurity is growing rapidly, and the global market is expected to reach $354.4 billion by 2026. As the industry evolves and expands, jobs in the field are growing concomitantly and it is up to aspiring cybersecurity professionals to train and upskill themselves and get the necessary cybersecurity certifications in order to leverage the massive opportunities available effectively.
So, what are these key cybersecurity certifications that can help one successfully build a long-term and sustainable career in this highly lucrative field? And is it really that essential for IT professionals to achieve these cybersecurity certifications to succeed?
In this blog, we discuss the benefits that come with earning a certification in cybersecurity, as well as sought-after certificates that you should aim to bag to access the incredible job opportunities, present and future, that are available in the field of cybersecurity.
Should Every IT Professional Earn a Certification?
The field of Cybersecurity comprises many specializations, including cybercrime investigation, auditing, cybersecurity architecture and penetration testing. There is no one clear path someone should take to enter into and succeed in the cybersecurity industry — it's becoming increasingly common for companies to hire people with various backgrounds.
Therefore, one can conclude that it’s not really mandatory for all IT professionals to earn certifications to make it big in the cybersecurity industry. But, if one is really serious about carving a solid niche in this specialised field and tapping into its unbridled growth prospects, then it’s definitely worth getting some coveted cybersecurity certifications as a supplement to one’s overall IT knowledge and experience.
Some cybersecurity certifications are also especially useful in helping you grab that high-paying job, a promotion or that much-awaited salary raise.
Useful Cybersecurity Certifications Worth Earning for IT Professionals
If you’ve made up your mind to pursue a rewarding career in cybersecurity, the following courses and certifications are your best bet. This carefully curated list covers all the certifications you can consider to actually learn relevant skills and knowledge and accelerate your career trajectory in the field of cybersecurity.
1. Certified Information Systems Auditor or CISA
CISA is renowned globally as the gold standard of achievement for IS audit control, assurance, and security professionals. By appearing for the CISA exam and subsequently achieving the CISA certification, you can be sure to cement your path on the way to becoming a successful IT auditor.
Candidates must have five years of work experience performing duties related to information systems auditing, control, assurance or security. You must complete a four-hour, 150-question exam with a score of at least 450. Early registration is $415 for ISACA members and $545 for non-members.
Passing the CISA exam is no mean feat but fortunately there are a variety of high-quality courses that can prepare you for the CISA certification. Cyber Management Alliance’s CISA training course, for example, is one of the most comprehensive courses preparing you for the coveted CISA certification. It also has two full CISA practice exams, sitting through which, further bolsters your chances of becoming CISA-certified.
2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
This certification is one of the most sought-after in the industry. The CISSP requires five or more years of experience in two of eight cybersecurity domains. These domains include:
● Security and Risk Management
● Asset Security
● Security Architecture and Engineering
● Communication and Network Security
● Identity and Access Management
● Security Assessment and Testing
● Security Operations
● Software Development Security
Having a four-year degree in computer science satisfies one year's worth of experience. Additionally, you can become an Associate of ISC2 and earn the CISSP once you've gained the professional expertise. Earning the certification costs $749. There are plenty of high-quality CISSP resources available online that can help you prepare for the exam.
3. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
ISACA’s Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) credential is a world-renowned certificate that validates the holder's expertise in identifying and managing enterprise IT risk and implementing and maintaining information systems controls. The CRISC certification has over 15 global recognitions and its exam content is designed in a way that equips the certificate holder with the requisite skills and knowledge to navigate today’s complex cyber threats landscape.
As per the ISACA website, there are over 30K CRISC certificate holders worldwide and on an average, they earn a salary of USD 114k +. You can check out our extremely comprehensive CRISC certification course which prepares you for this prestigious certification. This course prepares you for the CRISC exam with detailed content, PDFs, quizzes and more.
4. Cyber Incident Planning & Response (CIPR)
In the current business climate, it is no longer a question of “if” you will get attacked and more about “when” you’ll get attacked. For any business executive, IT or non-IT, it is imperative today to have an understanding of their roles and responsibilities towards cybersecurity. One must also have a solid plan in place for responding to cyber threats, attacks and incidents when they occur.
With this in view, anybody who aims to make a career in cybersecurity must undergo a Cyber Incident Planning & Response training. Cyber Management Alliance’s CIPR training course is certified by the UK Government’s NCSC and teaches delegates vital aspects of cyber readiness such as how to implement NIST’s Incident Response lifecycle and meet ISO 27001:2013’s Annexe A.16.1. 
Author: April Miller
April Miller is a senior writer at ReHack Magazine, where she specializes in cybersecurity and related topics.She is passionate about educating both consumers and business professionals on the importance of following security best practices and maintaining awareness of cybersecurity news and trends.
