Top 11 Information Security Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an information security manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certifications show that the individual has taken the time to learn and understand the basics of information security, as well as other areas related to it such as risk management and compliance. They also give potential employers assurance that the individual has been tested on their knowledge and can apply it in a professional context. Finally, certifications act as a signal of commitment to the profession and drive for continued learning, which is highly valued by employers.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Information Security Managers and explain how they can help advance an information security manager's career.

What are Information Security Manager Certifications?

Information security manager certification is a professional credential that certifies an individual’s skills and knowledge in the areas of information security management. This certification is offered by several organizations, such as ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association), CompTIA (Computer Technology Industry Association) and SANS (Systems Administration, Networking, and Security Institute).

The primary goal of this certification is to ensure that individuals who are managing an organization's information security systems have the necessary skills to protect the organization from cyber threats. The certification covers topics such as risk assessment, security policy development, incident response planning, and data protection. It also requires individuals to demonstrate their understanding of industry best practices for information security management.

By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest information security trends and technologies. It also provides them with a competitive edge in the job market because employers are more likely to hire those who possess this credential. Furthermore, having the certification indicates that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills required to keep an organization’s data safe from malicious attacks. Finally, it provides an opportunity for professionals to stay ahead of emerging threats in order to keep their organizations secure.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different information security manager certifications available before committing to one. As certifications vary in cost, duration, and content, it is important to find the certification that best fits your individual needs and career goals.

Related: What does an Information Security Manager do?

Top 11 Information Security Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification for information security professionals. It is a vendor-neutral certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive security program. The CISSP credential is designed to validate a professional's knowledge of the core principles of information security across multiple disciplines such as access control, cryptography, network security, software development security, and risk management.

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within six hours. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in two or more of the eight domains covered by the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). Those with four years of experience may qualify if they have earned certain industry certifications or hold a college degree in information technology or related fields.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $699 - $899 USD. In addition to the cost of taking the exam, there is also an annual maintenance fee associated with maintaining your CISSP certification which is currently $125 USD per year.

To become certified as a CISSP requires dedication and hard work; however, once achieved it can open up many career opportunities in the field of information security.

2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a certification offered by ISACA, a global non-profit association for IT professionals. The CISM certification is designed to demonstrate a professional’s knowledge and experience in the field of information security management. It is one of the most sought after certifications in the industry, and employers often require it for certain positions.

To obtain the CISM certification, you must pass an exam that covers four domains: Information Security Governance, Risk Management and Compliance, Information Security Program Development and Management, Information Security Incident Management, and Information Security Protection. You must also have at least five years of experience in information security management within the past ten years.

The exam typically takes three to four hours to complete and costs $575 for members or $760 for non-members. To maintain your certification, you must earn 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits every three years.

3. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in IT security. It is an entry-level certification for those who are looking to gain a foundation of knowledge in the field of cybersecurity. It covers topics such as risk management, network security, cryptography, access control systems, and more.

The exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. The passing score for the exam is 750 out of 900 possible points.

In order to get CompTIA Security+, you must first complete an accredited training program or have two years of experience in the IT security field. After completing the training or having the required experience, you can register for the exam through CompTIA's website.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Security+ exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it generally costs around $320 USD.

4. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is an internationally-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s proficiency in the ethical hacking techniques used to protect organizations from cyber threats. It is offered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council).

The CEH exam consists of 125 multiple choice questions and takes four hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in IT security or related fields. Alternatively, they can complete a training program approved by EC-Council.

The cost of the CEH certification depends on which training option you choose. The online self-paced course costs $950, while the instructor-led classroom course costs $1,499. The cost of taking the exam itself is $950.

In order to maintain your CEH certification, you must earn 120 continuing education credits over a three year period and pay an annual maintenance fee of $100.

5. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) is a certification program offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge of information security principles and practices. The GSEC certification validates an individual’s ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with computer systems and networks.

The GSEC exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To obtain the certification, individuals must pass the exam with a score of 75% or higher.

In order to prepare for the GSEC exam, individuals should have at least two years of experience in information security or related fields. They should also have a good understanding of network protocols, operating systems, encryption algorithms, and other security concepts. Additionally, it is recommended that individuals take one or more training courses before attempting the exam.

The cost of the GSEC certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD to take the exam at an authorized testing center. However, there are discounts available for students and members of certain organizations such as ISACA and SANS Institute.

Overall, obtaining GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) can help enhance your career prospects in information security by demonstrating your knowledge and skills in this field.

6. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a certification program from the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate expertise in cloud security architecture, design, operations, and service orchestration. The CCSP credential is designed for experienced IT security practitioners with at least five years of experience in information technology and three years of experience in information security.

The CCSP exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and lasts four hours. To pass the exam, candidates must score 700 or higher on a scale of 100-900. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country and region, but typically ranges from $500-$600 USD.

To get the CCSP credential, you must first complete an application with ISC2 that includes a background check and proof of your professional experience. After passing the exam, you will need to submit an endorsement form signed by an existing CCSP or another qualified professional who can attest to your work experience and knowledge. Once approved, you will receive your official certificate within two weeks.

7. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is an internationally recognized certification offered by ISACA, a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the use of information systems. The CISA designation is designed to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the areas of information systems auditing, control, and security.

The CISA certification requires passing a comprehensive exam that covers five domains: Information Systems Auditing Process; Governance and Management of IT; Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation; Information Systems Operations, Maintenance and Support; and Protection of Information Assets. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

To be eligible for the CISA certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in one or more of the five domains covered by the exam. Candidates who do not meet this requirement can still qualify for the certification if they have at least three years of experience in one or more of the domains plus two additional years in an information technology-related field.

The cost to take the CISA exam varies depending on where you live and whether you are a member or non-member of ISACA. Generally speaking, it costs about $700 for members and $900 for non-members to take the exam. Additionally, there is an annual maintenance fee that must be paid each year to maintain your certification status. This fee is usually around $50 per year for members and $75 per year for non-members.

8. EC-Council Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO)

EC-Council Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced information security professionals. The C|CISO certification is designed to validate an individual’s expertise in managing and protecting enterprise information assets. It validates that the holder has the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to lead an organization’s information security program.

The C|CISO certification requires a minimum of five years of experience in the field of information security management. In addition, applicants must have at least three years of experience in a leadership role in the field. To obtain this certification, applicants must pass a 200-question exam that covers topics such as risk management, incident response, cryptography and security architecture.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to prepare for the C|CISO exam depending on your experience level. You can find study materials online or attend instructor-led training courses offered by EC-Council.

The cost for the C|CISO certification varies depending on the country you are located in but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD.

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

ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is a certification offered by ISACA, an international professional association for information security professionals. It is designed to validate the knowledge and experience of IT professionals who are responsible for identifying, assessing, controlling, and managing enterprise-wide risk.

The CRISC certification requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of four domains: Risk Identification, Risk Assessment, Risk Response & Mitigation, and Risk & Control Monitoring & Reporting. To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of cumulative work experience in two or more of the four domains.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the CRISC exam. Preparation involves studying the material covered in the exam as well as completing practice exams. The exam itself consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

The cost of obtaining the CRISC certification varies depending on which country you are located in. Generally speaking, it costs around $600-$800 USD to take the exam plus any additional fees associated with membership in ISACA or other related organizations.

10. ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM+)

ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM+) is an internationally recognized certification for information security professionals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge, skills and experience to design, implement and manage an enterprise-wide information security program.

The CISM+ certification requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in information security management and/or audit, risk management, or information security related areas. Candidates must also pass a four-hour exam that covers topics such as: Information Security Governance, Risk Management and Compliance, Information Security Program Development and Management, Information Security Incident Management and Response.

To get the CISM+ certification, candidates must first complete the online application process on ISACA’s website. Once approved, they must then register for the exam with Prometric Testing Centers. The cost of registration is $575 USD for ISACA members and $760 USD for non-members.

The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours. Candidates who pass the exam will receive their CISM+ certification within six weeks after completion of the exam.

The cost of taking the CISM+ exam varies depending on whether you are an ISACA member or not. For members it costs $575 USD while for non-members it costs $760 USD.

11. SANS Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC).

SANS Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) is an internationally recognized certification program from the SANS Institute, a leader in information security education and training. GIAC certifications are designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who work in the field of information security. The certifications are vendor-neutral and focus on practical, hands-on skills that can be applied to real-world scenarios.

GIAC certifications are available for a variety of topics, including security administration, forensics, penetration testing, incident handling, secure coding, and more. To earn a GIAC certification, candidates must pass an exam that covers the material relevant to their chosen topic. Candidates can also choose to complete additional coursework or hands-on labs as part of their certification preparation.

The amount of time it takes to get a GIAC certification depends on the specific certification being pursued. Generally speaking, most candidates will need at least several months of study time before they can successfully pass the exam. Candidates should also plan to spend additional time completing any required coursework or labs prior to taking the exam.

In order to get a GIAC certification, candidates must first register with SANS and purchase an exam voucher for their chosen certification. Once registered and paid for the exam voucher, candidates will receive access to online study materials and practice exams that can help them prepare for their chosen certification exam.

The cost of a GIAC certification varies depending on which type of certification is being pursued. Generally speaking, most certifications range from $500 - $1,000 USD per exam voucher plus any additional fees associated with coursework or labs (if applicable).

Do You Really Need a Information Security Manager Certificate?

In today’s digital world, information security is becoming increasingly important. As organizations continue to rely on technology and the internet to store, process, and access data, they must ensure that their systems are secure from malicious actors. To do this, many organizations have begun hiring information security managers to oversee the security of their networks and protect their data.

The Information Security Manager Certificate (ISMC) is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage information security in an organization. It covers topics such as risk assessment, policy development, incident response, vulnerability management, system architecture design and implementation, as well as other areas related to information security management.

While having an ISMC certificate may be beneficial for those looking to become an information security manager, it is not absolutely necessary. Many organizations will hire individuals who have experience in the field but lack a formal certification. More importantly, having hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools such as firewalls or intrusion detection systems can be just as valuable as having a formal certification.

Ultimately, whether or not you should pursue an ISMC certificate depends on your goals and career objectives. If you want to become an information security manager in a large organization or work in a highly regulated industry such as banking or healthcare where certifications are often required by law then obtaining an ISMC may be beneficial for you. However if you are looking for a more entry-level position in cybersecurity then having hands-on experience may be enough for you to get hired without needing the additional certification.

Related: Information Security Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Information Security Manager Certifications

1. What is an Information Security Manager Certification?

Answer: An Information Security Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person's knowledge and proficiency in the field of information security management. This certification is often offered by organizations such as ISACA, CompTIA, and GIAC.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining an Information Security Manager Certification?

Answer: Obtaining an Information Security Manager Certification can help demonstrate expertise in the field, provide greater job opportunities, boost earning potential, and increase credibility among peers and employers.

3. What type of skills does an Information Security Manager need to have?

Answer: An Information Security Manager needs to possess technical skills in areas such as network security, risk management, data protection, compliance, system architecture design, incident response and forensics. In addition to technical knowledge, strong interpersonal skills are also necessary for effective communication with team members and stakeholders.

4. How long does it take to obtain an Information Security Manager Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain an Information Security Manager Certification varies depending on the certifying organization and the type of certification being obtained; however, most certifications require between one year and two years of study time before taking the exam.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining an Information Security Manager Certification?

Answer: Most certifying organizations require applicants to have a certain level of experience or education in order to qualify for their certification exams; however, specific requirements vary by organization.