A Guide to the Highest-Paying ISACA Certifications

ISACA certifications are globally recognized and highly valued in the cybersecurity field. They signify a high level of competence, ethics, and professionalism, making them an important asset to any IT security professional looking to advance their career.

The importance of ISACA certifications lies in their rigorous standards and comprehensive approach. They cover a broad range of essential skills needed in IT and cybersecurity, from assessing vulnerabilities and instituting control mechanisms to managing enterprise IT and ensuring compliance. Each certification is designed to equip professionals with the practical experience and technical knowledge to navigate complex IT landscapes.

In terms of value, ISACA certifications can also greatly enhance a professional's earning potential. Skillsoft's IT Skills and Salary Report confirms that professionals who hold ISACA certifications are among the top earners in the IT industry.

However, ISACA certifications are not just about immediate financial gain. They also demonstrate a professional's dedication to continuous learning and staying current on best practices in IT security — a critical attribute in this constantly evolving field. As the IT Skills and Salary Report points out, achieving an ISACA certification is a key step toward career growth and success.

This guide focuses on certification holders worldwide and reports on average salaries and more. See how we compiled this list in the methodology.

Keep reading to learn more about the highest-paying ISACA certifications and how to earn them:

ISACA's Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) credential proves an individual's IT governance and risk management expertise.

Organizations stand to gain significantly from hiring CGEIT-certified professionals. These individuals bring to the table a demonstrated proficiency in IT governance, ensuring the effective, secure management of IT systems and data — a critical aspect in today's technology-dependent business landscape.

For IT professionals, acquiring the CGEIT certification opens up avenues for career advancement by making them more competitive in the job market. It serves as a globally recognized credential, bolstering their professional standing and paving the way for opportunities in leadership and high-level management roles.

The ideal candidate for CGEIT certification is a professional with management, advisory, or assurance responsibilities relating to the governance of IT. This includes roles like IT managers, IT governance professionals, and IT auditors. Candidates must also have five years of experience in these roles to certify.

How to Earn This Certification:

• Pass the CGEIT exam.
• Apply for CGEIT certification.
• Adherence to the CGEIT continuing professional education (CPE) program.
• Compliance with the CGEIT Code of Professional Ethics.

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The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is another highly respected certification ISACA offers. It is specifically designed for professionals who are involved in enterprise risk management and control. CRISC holders are adept at identifying and managing risks through developing, implementing, and maintaining information systems controls. This certification is ideally suited to IT managers and risk and control professionals.

Hiring professionals with the CRISC certification benefits organizations by guaranteeing they have experts who can efficiently manage risks and institute a robust control program. These professionals ensure that organizations make informed decisions, achieve business objectives, and maximize IT investments.

For IT professionals, earning the CRISC certification can enhance their credibility, open up new career opportunities, and increase their earning potential. It demonstrates a professional's commitment to best practices in risk and control and their ability to offer valuable insights into these areas.

The ideal candidate for CRISC certification is an IT professional with hands-on experience in risk identification, assessment, evaluation, response, and monitoring. This includes roles like risk professionals, control professionals, and business analysts. Moreover, the candidate must have at least three years of experience to certify.

How to Earn This Certification:

• Pass the CRISC exam.
• Apply for CRISC certification.
• Adherence to the CRISC continuing professional education (CPE) program.
• Compliance with the CRISC Standards of Professional Practice.

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ISACA's CISM is a globally recognized certification that signifies an individual's expertise in the governance and management of enterprise information security. Those who earn this certification have proven their ability to develop and manage an enterprise security program, making them an essential asset to any organization.

In 2023, organizations increasingly recognize the value of certified professionals like CISM holders. The top five highest salaries by certification in United States include the CISM, signifying its high market value. This trend aligns with the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise, as 88% of IT professionals hold at least one certification, with cybersecurity certifications being among the highest paying.

Hiring CISM-certified professionals helps organizations address the prevalent skills gap in the IT field, reported by 66% of decision-makers. These professionals bring their robust skills in information security management, aiding in reducing operating costs, stress, delays, and talent acquisition while improving efficacy in this domain.

For IT professionals, obtaining a CISM certification can significantly boost their career trajectory. With the average annual salary of IT professionals globally at $96,184, a CISM certification can open doors to higher earnings. Furthermore, with most IT professionals planning to pursue certifications in cloud computing and cybersecurity, a CISM certification can set them apart in these competitive fields.

Given the rapid rate of technology change and the challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified candidates, it's clear that investments in certifications like CISM are crucial. Whether through formal, instructor-led sessions or self-paced training, enhancing one's skillset with a CISM certification can significantly benefit both the individuals who earn the credential and the organizations they work for.

The ideal candidate for CISM certification is a professional who manages, designs, oversees, and assesses an enterprise's information security. This includes roles like IT consultants, IT managers, IT security policymakers, privacy officers, and risk officers. It's important to note that those who plan to pursue this certification must have at least five years of experience in information security management.

How to Earn This Certification:

• Pass the CISM exam. (Exam fees cost $575 for members and $760 for non-members.)
• Apply for certification. (It costs $50.)
• Adherence to the CISM continuing professional education (CPE) program.
• Compliance with the CISM Code of Professional Ethics.

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ISACA's Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE) signifies an individual's proficiency in privacy technology and data management. CDPSE-certified professionals have demonstrated their ability to design, build, and manage the privacy of data systems and technology, making them vital assets to any data-driven organization.

Hiring CDPSE-certified professionals brings numerous benefits. These individuals are equipped with the skills to effectively implement privacy by design, resulting in enhanced data protection and compliance with global data privacy regulations.

On the career front, obtaining a CDPSE certification can enhance an IT professional's career prospects. It validates their expertise in data privacy solutions, leading to higher-paying roles within the industry. Further, as data privacy becomes an increasingly crucial aspect of IT, professionals with a CDPSE certification will be in high demand, providing them a competitive edge in the job market.

Investing in a CDPSE certification is a strategic move for organizations and individuals. For organizations, it ensures their data privacy practices are robust and compliant. It opens up opportunities for career growth and advancement for professionals, setting them apart in the market.

The ideal candidate for CDPSE certification is a professional who assesses, builds, and implements privacy solutions and helps establish privacy requirements. This includes roles like data privacy officers, data protection officers, IT managers, and IT consultants. The person pursuing their CDPSE must have at least three years of experience on the job.

How to Earn This Certification:

• Pass the CDPSE exam.
• Apply for CDPSE certification.
• Adherence to the CDPSE continuing professional education (CPE) program.
• Compliance with the CDPSE Code of Professional Ethics.

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ISACA's Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification underscores an IT professional's expertise in information systems auditing, control, and security. Those who earn this certification have demonstrated their proficiency in managing IT systems and processes, ensuring the security and integrity of an organization's data. This certification is a testament to a professional's comprehensive understanding of IT auditing and security, making them invaluable team members to virtually any organization today.

For organizations, hiring professionals with CISA certification translates into enhanced security and better management of their IT systems. These individuals bring to the table their adept skills in auditing, assessing, and managing complex IT infrastructures. On the other hand, for IT professionals, the CISA certification can be a significant career catalyst. It validates their knowledge and skills and opens up avenues for career advancement and higher salaries, setting them apart in the industry.

The ideal candidate for CISA certification is an IT professional with experience in auditing, control, or security of information systems. This could include roles such as IS/IT auditors, IS/IT consultants, IT audit managers, among others. The candidate must have at least five years of experience in one of these domains to certify.

Note: In 2024, ISACA plans to update its CISA Exam Content Outline (ECO), which will impact exam prep material.

How to Earn This Certification:

• Pass the CISA exam. (Exam fees cost $575 for members and $760 for non-members.)
• Apply for certification.
• Adherence to the CISA continuing professional education (CPE) program.
• Compliance with the Information Systems Auditing Standards.

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This list of top-paying ISACA certifications is based on survey responses from Skillsoft’s 2023 IT Skills and Salary Survey conducted from May to September 2023. The survey asks respondents about their current jobs and experience, certifications and salaries, and more. Respondents encounter multiple choice and multi-select, open-ended, rank choice, and other types of questions while taking the survey.

The survey is distributed to IT professionals around the world by technology providers, certification bodies, and Skillsoft, among others. The focus of this list is on 330 respondents who reported having one or more ISACA certifications. The number of responses for each certification worldwide is as follows: CISM (163), CISA (174), CRISC (87), CDPSE (59), CGEIT (41). For the U.S.: CISM (74), CISA (64), CRISC (38), CDPSE (23), CGEIT (17).

To compile lists like this one, we consider relevance, demand, and certification requirements. Salaries are not normalized for cost-of-living or location.