Top 10 Incident Manager Certifications

Certifications for an incident manager are important in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge. Certifications show employers that an individual has the necessary skills to handle complex incidents, provide proactive management and oversight, and ensure systems are secure. Certifications also demonstrate an individual’s commitment to their profession, which can be beneficial when applying for jobs or promotions. Employers may also view certifications as a sign of reliability, as certified incident managers have been tested on their knowledge and abilities.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Incident Managers and explore how they can help advance an incident manager's career.

What are Incident Manager Certifications?

Incident manager certification is a professional certification that demonstrates the holder's knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively manage incidents within an organization. This certification validates an individual's ability to identify, assess, prioritize and manage incidents in order to minimize disruption and maximize return on investment. It also provides assurance that the individual has the necessary experience and training to respond quickly, effectively and efficiently to an incident.

Having incident manager certification can be beneficial for both individuals and organizations. For individuals, it can provide them with a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions within the organization. Additionally, it provides them with a tangible credential that demonstrates their expertise in incident management. For organizations, having certified incident managers allows them to have confidence in their ability to respond quickly and effectively to any incident they may face. It also ensures that their personnel are up-to-date on best practices regarding incident management and can make informed decisions in times of crisis.

Pro tip: To ensure you are prepared for an incident manager certification, create a study plan and make sure to practice the skills required for the certification. Also, take advantage of any available resources or practice tests to gain a better understanding of what you will be tested on.

Related: What does an Incident Manager do?

Top 10 Incident Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Incident Managers today.

1. ITIL Foundation

ITIL Foundation is an entry-level certification for IT professionals. It provides a comprehensive overview of the ITIL framework and the processes and best practices associated with it. The ITIL Foundation certification is designed to help individuals understand the principles of service management and how they can be applied in their organization.

The ITIL Foundation exam typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the version of the exam. To get certified, candidates must pass a multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as service strategy, service design, service transition, service operations, continual service improvement, and more.

To get certified in ITIL Foundation, you must first register for an accredited training course. These courses are offered by various organizations around the world and can range from one day to several weeks in length. Once you have completed your training course, you will then need to take the official ITIL Foundation exam which is administered by PeopleCert or EXIN.

The cost of taking the ITIL Foundation exam varies depending on where you take it and who administers it. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200-$400 USD for the exam fee alone.

2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in information security management. It is designed to help organizations protect their valuable information assets and ensure compliance with industry regulations. CISM certification is offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).

To become certified, applicants must meet certain prerequisites, including a minimum of five years of cumulative experience in information security management, as well as pass an exam. The exam consists of four domains: Information Security Governance, Risk Management, Program Development and Management, and Incident Management.

The cost for the CISM exam varies depending on the country of residence. In the United States it costs $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members. The exam can be taken at any Prometric testing center worldwide.

The CISM certification process takes approximately three months from start to finish, including preparation time and taking the exam. After passing the exam, applicants must submit an application to ISACA which includes proof of experience in information security management. Once approved, they will receive their official certificate within six weeks.

3. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates a person's knowledge and skills in IT security. It covers the essential principles for system security, network infrastructure, cryptography, access control, authentication, external attack and operational security. The certification is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation of knowledge needed to secure a network and protect data in any environment.

The CompTIA Security+ exam typically takes 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have at least two years of experience with IT administration or have earned their CompTIA Network+ certification.

To get the CompTIA Security+ certification, you must pass the Security+ exam (SY0-501). You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through OnVUE. The cost of the exam varies by location but generally ranges from $330-$350 USD.

Once you pass the Security+ exam, you will receive your official certificate from CompTIA via email within 7–10 days after your test date. Your certificate will be valid for three years from the date you passed the exam.

4. Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP)

Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) is a certification issued by the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRI). The CBCP is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of the principles and practices of business continuity planning.

The CBCP certification requires applicants to have at least three years of professional experience in business continuity, risk management, or disaster recovery. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as business impact analysis, risk assessment, emergency response planning, and crisis communications.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the certification process. To get started, applicants must first register online with DRI and pay a fee of $595 USD. Once registered, applicants will receive access to the online learning materials and study guide needed to prepare for the exam. After completing the coursework and studying for the exam, applicants can then schedule their exam date with DRI.

Once all requirements are met and the exam has been passed, applicants will be officially certified as a Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP). This certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed by taking additional courses or retaking the examination.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and sought-after certification for project managers. PMP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and experience to successfully manage projects in any industry.

The PMP certification process typically takes 3-6 months to complete. To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass a rigorous exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

In order to get the PMP certification, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by the PMI which include having at least three years of project management experience with 4500 hours leading and directing projects as well as 35 hours of formal education in project management topics. You will also need to submit an application and pay a fee before taking the exam.

The cost of becoming a PMP varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of PMI. For non-members, it costs $555 for the application fee plus $405 for the exam fee (a total of $960). For members, it costs $405 for the application fee plus $375 for the exam fee (a total of $780).

6. Certified Incident Manager (CIM)

Certified Incident Manager (CIM) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in incident management. The CIM certification is based on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and provides a comprehensive overview of incident management principles, processes, and practices.

The CIM certification process requires applicants to complete an online application, provide proof of experience in emergency management or related fields, submit three professional references, and pass a written exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as incident command system structure and functions, resource management, planning principles, public information systems, and hazardous materials response.

The cost for the CIM certification varies depending on whether you are an IAEM member or non-member. For IAEM members, the cost is $395. For non-members, the cost is $495.

It typically takes about six weeks to complete the entire CIM certification process from start to finish.

7. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a certification offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). It is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of IT auditors in their ability to audit, control, monitor, and assess information technology systems. The CISA certification is widely recognized as the standard for auditing professionals working in the IT field.

To get your CISA certification, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of professional experience in information systems auditing and security or related fields; passing an online exam; and completing a course on ISACA’s Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Review Manual.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours to complete. You will need to score a minimum passing score of 75% or higher on the exam in order to be certified.

The cost of getting your CISA certification varies depending on where you take the exam and which review manual you purchase. Generally speaking, it can range from $700-$1,000 USD for the entire process.

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

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is an IT certification that demonstrates a professional’s ability to design, implement, monitor and maintain information systems controls. It is offered by ISACA, an internationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to the development of global standards for information security management. The CRISC certification is designed for professionals who have experience in risk management, information systems control and IT governance.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CRISC exam. To become certified, 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 domains covered by the exam: Risk Identification, Risk Assessment, Risk Response and Risk Monitoring & Reporting. You must also successfully complete the CRISC exam which consists of 150 multiple choice questions and requires a passing score of 70%.

The cost to take the CRISC exam varies depending on your country or region but typically ranges from $450-$600 USD. Additionally, you must pay an annual maintenance fee of $85 USD to maintain your certification status.

9. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Six Sigma practitioners. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to quality improvement and process optimization.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes around three months to complete. The program consists of online training modules, exams, and project work. To get certified, applicants must pass the required exams and complete a project demonstrating their understanding of Six Sigma principles and tools.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you must first complete the online training modules offered by a certified provider. After completing the coursework, you will need to take the exam administered by ASQ (American Society for Quality). Once you pass the exam, you will be able to apply for certification.

The cost of getting Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and other factors such as location and duration of the course. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000-$2,500 USD or more depending on your specific needs.

10. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of the Scrum framework and its application. The CSM certification is designed to help professionals become more effective in their roles as Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and other Agile practitioners.

To become a Certified Scrum Master, you must first attend a two-day training course led by an approved Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). After completing the course, you will be required to pass a 50-question multiple-choice exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded the CSM credential and become part of the global community of Certified Scrum Masters.

The cost of attending a two-day Certified Scrum Master training course varies depending on the provider and location. Generally, courses range from $800-$1,500 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the CSM exam, such as registration fees or membership dues.

In total, it typically takes about three days to complete all requirements for becoming a Certified Scrum Master: two days for attending the training course and one day for taking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Incident Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no; you do not need an Incident Manager Certificate to be successful in the field of incident management. However, having such a certificate does demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for this important role. It also provides employers with proof of your commitment to the profession and your ability to handle complex incidents quickly and professionally.

Incident management is a complex and demanding field, requiring specialized knowledge in various areas including risk assessment, crisis response, communication strategies, and more. An Incident Manager Certificate can provide employers with confidence that you have the necessary skills and experience to handle any situation that may arise. Having such a credential also gives prospective employers an indication of your dedication to the profession and your willingness to go above and beyond what is expected of you.

In addition, having an Incident Manager Certificate can open up new opportunities for career advancement within the field. For example, some organizations prefer or require their incident managers to hold such credentials before they will consider them for higher-level positions within their company. This can give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs at these organizations.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to obtain an Incident Manager Certificate is up to you; it depends on your personal goals and aspirations as well as what type of job opportunities are available in your area. However, if you are serious about pursuing a career in incident management then it would be wise to consider investing in one as it could provide many benefits both now and in the future.

Related: Incident Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Incident Manager Certifications

1. What is an Incident Manager Certification?

Answer: Incident Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in incident management, risk management, and crisis management. It provides a standardized way of validating the skills needed to effectively manage incidents and crises in any organization.

2. What are the benefits of getting an Incident Manager Certification?

Answer: By obtaining an Incident Manager Certification, you can demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in incident management, risk management, and crisis management to employers, clients, and peers. You will also gain access to exclusive resources such as conferences, networking opportunities, and continuing education courses.

3. How do I become certified as an Incident Manager?

Answer: To become certified as an Incident Manager, you must first complete a certification program from an accredited provider. These programs typically include online or classroom-based instruction on topics like incident response planning, risk assessment techniques, communication strategies for crisis situations, and more. After completing the program requirements successfully, you will need to pass a final exam to receive your certification.

4. How long does it take to get certified as an Incident Manager?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as an Incident Manager depends on the specific certification program you choose and how quickly you complete the program requirements. Generally speaking, most certification programs can be completed within 6 months if studied full-time or 12 months if studied part-time.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as an Incident Manager?

Answer: Yes - before enrolling in any certification program for Incident Managers, you should meet certain prerequisites such as having a minimum of two years of experience working with incident response teams or having completed a related degree or certificate program from a recognized institution. Additionally, some programs may require that you pass one or more exams prior to enrollment in order to verify your existing knowledge base in incident management principles and practices.