Top 11 Director Of Security Certifications

Certifications are important for a director of security in the job market because they demonstrate a level of proficiency, knowledge and experience that employers value. Having certifications helps potential employers to know that the individual has taken the time and effort to acquire specialized knowledge and skills related to security. Certifications can also help a director of security stand out from other candidates, as they indicate that the individual is committed to their profession and has taken the initiative to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Additionally, certifications may help directors of security qualify for higher salaries or other benefits due to their expertise in the field.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Directors of Security and provide insight into how they can help advance a career in the field.

What are Director Of Security Certifications?

Director of Security Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of security management. This certification program recognizes those individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, skill, and understanding in the areas of physical security, personnel security, information security, and emergency management. It provides a comprehensive education and assessment process that measures an individual’s ability to manage multiple aspects of security operations.

The certification is beneficial for both employers and employees as it helps employers identify qualified candidates for security roles within their organization. It also serves as a benchmark for the industry and demonstrates that an individual has achieved the highest standards in the field of security management. For employees, it can serve as recognition of their expertise in this area, which may lead to increased job opportunities or promotions within their current organization. Additionally, Director of Security Certification holders may be eligible for discounts on certain insurance policies or receive preferential treatment from suppliers and vendors. The certification also provides access to exclusive industry conferences and networking events where they can stay up-to-date on the latest trends in security operations.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a Director of Security Certification, make sure to take the time to research and evaluate different training programs and certifications. There are many different options available, so it's important to understand the differences between them in order to choose the right one for your career goals. Additionally, be sure to look into any additional coursework or exams that may be required in order to become certified.

Related: What does a Director Of Security do?

Top 11 Director Of Security Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Director Of Securitys today.

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of information security. It is a vendor-neutral certification that demonstrates mastery of a comprehensive body of knowledge covering eight core domains: Access Control, Telecommunications and Network Security, Software Development Security, Cryptography, Security Architecture and Design, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning, Legal Regulations and Compliance, and Operations Security.

In order to become certified as a CISSP professional, you must have at least five years of paid full-time work experience in two or more of the eight domains listed above. Alternatively, if you have four years of work experience in two or more domains plus a college degree from an accredited institution in one of the domains listed above, you may also qualify for the exam. Once your eligibility has been verified by (ISC)2 , you can register for the exam.

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple choice questions that must be completed within six hours. The cost for the exam varies depending on your geographic location but generally ranges between $699 - $999 USD. After passing the exam and meeting all other requirements set forth by (ISC)2 , you will receive your official CISSP certification.

2. Certified Protection Professional (CPP)

Certified Protection Professional (CPP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of security management. It is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to the profession and their ability to effectively protect people, property, and information.

In order to become certified as a CPP, individuals must pass an examination administered by ASIS International. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as risk assessment, physical security, personnel security, business continuity planning, crisis management, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the certification exam, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in security management or related fields. Applicants must also complete an application process that includes submitting professional references and proof of experience.

The cost for the CPP certification program varies depending on your country of residence and whether you are a member of ASIS International or not. In the United States, non-members can expect to pay $575 for the exam fee alone; members pay $475. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining continuing education credits required for recertification every three years.

3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a professional certification offered by ISACA, an international non-profit organization focused on IT governance. It is designed to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to develop and manage an information security program. The CISM certification is recognized worldwide as a standard of excellence for those who specialize in managing, designing, and overseeing enterprise information security.

The CISM certification process consists of four steps:

1. Submit your application to ISACA

2. Pass the CISM exam

3. Meet the experience requirements

4. Agree to abide by the ISACA Code of Professional Ethics

The CISM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 4 hours. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least 5 years of experience in information security management or related fields, with 3 years of this experience occurring within 10 years prior to submitting their application. It is recommended that applicants have at least 8 years of experience in order to pass the exam successfully.

The cost for taking the CISM exam varies depending on when you register and whether you are an ISACA member or not; it typically ranges from $575-$725 USD per attempt. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with recertification every three years after passing the initial exam.

4. Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA) is a professional certification offered by the ISACA, an international non-profit organization. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and experience in information security auditing, control, and assurance. The CISA certification is recognized across the globe as a benchmark for professionals working in the field of information security.

To get the CISA certification, you must have at least five years of relevant work experience in the field of information security audit, control, or assurance. If you do not have five years of experience, you can substitute one year of experience with two years of higher education in an information security-related field. Additionally, you must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as risk assessment and management, systems and infrastructure lifecycle management, incident response and recovery processes, governance and compliance requirements, business continuity planning, and more.

The cost to take the CISA exam is $575 USD for ISACA members or $760 USD for non-members. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. After passing the exam and meeting all other requirements for certification (including submitting proof of relevant work experience), your application will be reviewed by ISACA’s Certification Committee. Once approved by the committee, your CISA certificate will be mailed to you within six weeks.

5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a certification offered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). It is designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify, assess, and mitigate security risks in an organization’s network infrastructure. The CEH certification is an industry standard for ethical hacking professionals and is widely recognized as a benchmark for cybersecurity expertise.

The CEH exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To obtain the certification, candidates must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Candidates can take the exam at any Pearson VUE or Prometric testing center around the world.

The cost of taking the CEH exam varies depending on where you take it. The official EC-Council website lists prices ranging from $500 to $1,000 USD for taking the exam in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific regions.

In addition to passing the exam, candidates must also complete 20 hours of approved training before they are eligible to take it. The training can be completed online or in person at an accredited training center. The cost of training varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD.

6. GIAC Security Leadership Certification (GSLC)

GIAC Security Leadership Certification (GSLC) is a certification program designed to recognize IT security professionals who have the knowledge and expertise to lead their organizations in the development, implementation, and management of an effective information security program. It is administered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC).

The GSLC certification requires candidates to pass one exam that tests their knowledge of information security principles and practices. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions, with a time limit of 3 hours. Candidates must score at least 74% on the exam in order to pass.

To get certified, candidates must first register for the exam through GIAC's website. Once registered, they can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam is $699 USD.

It typically takes about two weeks for candidates to receive their results after taking the exam. Once they have passed, they will be officially certified as GIAC Security Leaders and will receive a certificate from GIAC confirming their achievement.

7. CompTIA Security+ Certification

CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level certification for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in information security. It is a globally recognized certification that validates the competency of IT professionals in system security, network infrastructure, access control, and organizational security.

The CompTIA Security+ certification requires candidates to pass a 90-minute exam that consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, application, data and host security, access control and identity management. Candidates must also demonstrate their knowledge of cryptography and risk management concepts.

To get the CompTIA Security+ certification, you must first register for the exam through the CompTIA website. You will then need to study for the exam by taking courses or studying on your own using books or online resources. Once you are ready to take the exam, you can schedule it through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

The cost of the CompTIA Security+ exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $250 - $300 USD.

8. ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, assess, and manage IT risk. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to effectively manage enterprise-wide risks associated with IT systems.

The CRISC exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering four domains: Risk Identification, Risk Assessment, Risk Response, and Risk Monitoring & Reporting. The exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

To obtain the CRISC certification, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having at least three years of cumulative work experience in two or more of the four CRISC domains within the past 10 years. You must also pass the CRISC exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost for taking the CRISC exam is $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members.

9. EC-Council Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)

The Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO) is an advanced certification program offered by the EC-Council, a leading cybersecurity training and certification organization. The CCISO program is designed to recognize experienced information security professionals who have achieved a high level of mastery in the field. It focuses on developing the skills needed to manage and lead an information security team and provides knowledge in areas such as risk management, governance, compliance, business continuity, and incident response.

It typically takes around six months to complete the CCISO program. To earn this certification, candidates must pass five exams covering various topics related to information security management. Each exam has a different cost associated with it; however, you can purchase a bundle that includes all five exams for $2,999. Additionally, there are prerequisites for taking the CCISO exams which include at least five years of experience in information security management roles and completion of certain courses or certifications from EC-Council.

Once you have passed all five exams and met the necessary prerequisites, you will be awarded the CCISO certification from EC-Council. This certification is valid for three years after which you must renew it by completing continuing education requirements or retaking some of the exams.

10. ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) is an information security certification that provides a baseline of knowledge and skills necessary to perform hands-on security tasks in the field. The SSCP credential demonstrates a practitioner’s knowledge of access control, cryptography, network security, vulnerability analysis and management, incident response, systems security engineering and more.

To receive the SSCP certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers seven domains of system security: Access Control; Security Operations and Administration; Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis; Incident Response and Recovery; Cryptography; Network Infrastructure; and Systems and Application Security.

The exam is three hours long with 125 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least one year of cumulative paid work experience in one or more of the seven domains covered by the exam. Alternatively, applicants may substitute a college degree or other approved credentials for up to one year of work experience.

The cost of taking the SSCP exam is $359 USD. However, ISC2 members can take advantage of discounted rates on exams as well as other benefits such as exclusive discounts on training materials and conferences.

11. SANS Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)

SANS Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) is an industry-recognized certification program that validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in the field of information security. The GIAC program was developed by the SANS Institute, a leading provider of cybersecurity training and certification programs. GIAC certifications are designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in areas such as network security, incident response, digital forensics, cloud security, and more.

The GIAC certification process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete. To become certified, individuals must pass one or more exams administered by the SANS Institute. Exams are typically proctored online or at a testing center and can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 depending on the specific exam being taken. Additionally, individuals must meet certain prerequisites before taking an exam such as having prior experience with the technology or completing a related SANS training course.

Once an individual has successfully passed all required exams for a particular certification track, they will receive their official GIAC certificate from the SANS Institute. This certificate serves as proof of their expertise in the field of information security and can be used to demonstrate their proficiency to employers or other organizations.

Do You Really Need a Director Of Security Certificate?

The answer to this question is highly dependent on the individual's particular situation. There are a variety of factors that should be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to pursue a Director of Security Certificate.

First and foremost, it is important to consider the job market in the security field and the specific qualifications required for certain positions. If a potential employer requires certification as part of their hiring process, then obtaining a Director of Security Certificate would make sense. It is also important to consider what types of knowledge and skills are necessary for a successful career in security. A certificate can help demonstrate an individual's proficiency in certain areas, such as risk assessment, incident response, and safety protocols.

In addition, it can be beneficial to obtain a certificate if an individual wishes to advance their career in the security field. Obtaining certification can open up more job opportunities and provide additional credibility when applying for higher level positions. Additionally, having a certificate may give an individual access to specialized training or resources not otherwise available without certification.

Finally, some employers may offer financial incentives or other benefits for employees who have obtained a Director of Security Certificate. This could include salary increases or bonuses upon completion of the program. It is important to research any potential employer’s policies regarding certificates prior to making any decisions about pursuing one.

Overall, whether or not an individual needs a Director Of Security Certificate depends heavily on their specific goals and circumstances within the security field. Taking all relevant factors into consideration can help ensure that any decision made is well-informed and beneficial for future career prospects.

Related: Director Of Security Resume Examples

FAQs About Director Of Security Certifications

Q1. What is a Director of Security Certification?

A1. A Director of Security Certification is a certification that validates the knowledge and skills necessary to manage security operations and personnel. It demonstrates an individual’s ability to lead, plan, and implement security strategies in any organization.

Q2. What are the requirements for getting a Director of Security Certification?

A2. The requirements vary depending on the certifying body and type of certification, but typically include completing specific courses or training programs as well as passing an exam. In some cases, experience in the field may also be required.

Q3. How long does it take to get a Director of Security Certification?

A3. It depends on the certifying body and type of certification, but typically takes anywhere from several months to two years to complete all the requirements for obtaining a certification.

Q4. What are some benefits of having a Director of Security Certification?

A4. Having a Director of Security Certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in managing security operations and personnel, as well as provide them with greater job opportunities and higher salaries in the field. Additionally, certified individuals may also have access to exclusive resources or discounts on products or services related to security management.

Q5. Are there any organizations that offer Director of Security Certifications?

A5. Yes! There are several organizations that offer certifications specifically for Directors of Security such as ASIS International (ASIS-CPSP), CompTIA (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner - CASP+), ISACA (Certified Information Systems Auditor - CISA), ISC2 (Certified Information Systems Security Professional - CISSP) and more!