Top 11 Information Systems Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an information systems manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and expertise in a particular area. They can also provide recognition and credibility to the individual, as well as demonstrate that they have taken the time to invest in their professional development. In some cases, certifications may even be required for certain positions. By having certifications, it shows potential employers that the individual is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in their field. This can make them more attractive candidates for positions, as well as helping them stand out from other applicants.

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

What are Information Systems Manager Certifications?

Information systems manager certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in managing and maintaining information systems. It is aimed at those who have experience in the field and are looking to advance their career or demonstrate their knowledge to potential employers. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the technical and managerial aspects of information systems, including system design, development, implementation, maintenance, security, data management and more.

Having this certification can help individuals stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or promotions. It also provides proof of competency in a rapidly changing field that requires constant updating of knowledge and skills. Additionally, it can open the door to higher-level positions due to its recognition by employers as an indication of expertise in the field. Finally, it can be beneficial for those who want to stay ahead of technology trends and develop their skillset.

Pro Tip: When considering an Information Systems Manager certification, make sure to research the organization offering the certification and any potential prerequisites for taking the exam. Additionally, it can be beneficial to review the topics that will be covered on the exam and to seek out resources such as practice tests or study guides that can help you prepare for success.

Related: What does an Information Systems Manager do?

Top 11 Information Systems Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Information Systems 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 verifies an individual’s knowledge and experience in designing, implementing, and managing a secure IT infrastructure. The CISSP certification is administered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).

It typically takes between 6 to 12 months to prepare for the CISSP exam. The preparation process includes studying the official ISC2 guide, taking practice exams, attending training classes, and reading relevant books.

To get the CISSP certification, you must pass the exam and have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). You can also qualify with four years of work experience if you have a college degree or other approved credential.

The cost of taking the CISSP exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $699 USD to take the exam in North America and Europe.

2. Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)

Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) is a certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved the highest level of proficiency in the field of information technology. It is offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and is one of the most sought-after certifications in the IT industry.

The CITP certification requires applicants to demonstrate extensive knowledge, skills, and experience in the areas of systems analysis, design, development, implementation, and maintenance. To qualify for this certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional IT experience and must pass an exam consisting of multiple-choice questions. In addition, applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their professional accomplishments and expertise.

The exam for CITP certification takes about two hours to complete and costs $395 USD. The cost includes registration fees as well as materials needed for preparation for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CITP designation within two weeks.

Once certified, professionals can use their CITP designation to demonstrate their expertise in the field of information technology and gain recognition from employers or clients. They can also use it to advance their career by taking on more challenging roles or gaining promotions within their current organization.

3. Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM)

Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM) is a professional certification offered by ISACA, an international non-profit association focused on IT governance. The CISM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and experience to manage, design, oversee, and assess an enterprise’s information security.

The CISM certification requires that individuals demonstrate knowledge and experience in four domains: Information Security Governance, Risk Management and Compliance, Information Security Program Development and Management, and Information Security Incident Management. To obtain the CISM certification, candidates must pass a four-hour exam consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions.

It typically takes between six months to one year of study time for candidates to prepare for the CISM exam. Candidates should be familiar with the content areas covered in the exam before taking it. In addition to studying for the exam, potential candidates must also meet certain work experience requirements in order to qualify for the CISM certification.

The cost of obtaining the CISM certification varies based on several factors such as country of residence, membership status with ISACA, and whether or not you are taking advantage of any discounts or promotional offers available at the time of registration. Generally speaking, however, you can expect to pay anywhere from $450-$600 USD for your application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam.

4. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, deploying, and managing Microsoft solutions. The MCSE certification is designed to be an industry-recognized credential that validates technical skills and knowledge in the areas of Windows Server, Windows Client, Networking Infrastructure, Desktop Infrastructure, Messaging, Security and other related technologies.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the training courses and exams required for the MCSE certification. To get the MCSE certification you must first pass a series of exams which cover topics such as Windows Server 2012/2016, networking infrastructure, desktop infrastructure, messaging systems, security fundamentals and more. After passing all the required exams you will receive your MCSE certification.

The cost of getting the MCSE certification varies depending on the type of training program you choose. Generally speaking it can range from $2,000-$5,000 USD for self-study materials or up to $10,000 USD for instructor-led classroom training.

5. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ certification is a vendor-neutral credential designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in networking technologies. It is the most widely recognized entry-level networking certification available, and is an excellent stepping stone for IT careers.

The CompTIA Network+ exam covers topics such as network architecture, network operations, network security, troubleshooting, and industry best practices. To become certified, individuals must pass a 90-minute multiple choice exam with a minimum score of 720 on a scale of 100-900.

To get CompTIA Network+ certified, individuals must first register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of the exam varies by country but typically ranges between $200-$300 USD. Once registered for the exam, individuals should prepare using study materials such as books, practice tests, and online courses. Depending on the amount of time one puts into studying and preparation, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to be fully prepared for the exam.

Once an individual passes their CompTIA Network+ exam they will receive their certification which is valid for three years from date of passing. After three years individuals must recertify by either passing another CompTIA Network+ exam or earning Continuing Education (CE) credits through approved activities such as attending conferences or taking online courses related to networking technologies.

6. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is an industry-recognized certification that validates your expertise in designing and deploying cloud solutions using AWS. This certification demonstrates your ability to design, deploy, and troubleshoot applications on the AWS platform.

It typically takes around 8-10 hours of study time to get the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification. You can prepare for this exam by taking online courses, attending instructor-led classes, or studying on your own with books and other resources.

To get the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification, you must pass the exam which consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions. The exam covers a wide range of topics including: designing highly available and fault tolerant systems; selecting appropriate AWS services; estimating costs; implementing security best practices; and more.

The cost for the exam is $150 USD for non-members and $100 USD for members of Amazon Web Services (AWS).

7. 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 respected certification in the project management field. The PMP credential demonstrates an individual’s experience, education, and competency in leading and directing projects.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for and pass the PMP exam. To be eligible to take the exam, individuals must have either a four-year degree or equivalent experience with at least 3 years of project management experience, 4500 hours of leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education.

To get the PMP certification, individuals must first apply to take the exam through PMI’s website. Once approved, they must then register for and pay for the exam. The cost of taking the exam is $405 for members of PMI or $555 for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their official PMP credential from PMI.

8. Oracle Database Administrator Certified Master

Oracle Database Administrator Certified Master (OCM) is a certification offered by Oracle Corporation that recognizes an individual's expertise in the administration and management of Oracle databases. It is the highest level of certification available from Oracle, and it requires a deep knowledge of all aspects of database administration, including installation, configuration, security, backup and recovery, performance tuning, replication, and more.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the OCM program. To get certified as an OCM you must pass two exams: the Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional exam and the Oracle Database 12c Advanced Administration exam. Both exams are administered online through Prometric testing centers.

The cost of the OCM certification depends on which exams you take and how many times you take them. The cost for both exams combined is approximately $2,000 USD.

9. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program from Red Hat, Inc. that validates the skills and knowledge of system administrators who manage and maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in areas such as installation, configuration, security, troubleshooting, maintenance, and management of Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.

The RHCSA exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. To get certified, you must pass the RHCSA exam with a score of at least 70%. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $400 to $500 USD.

To prepare for the RHCSA exam, you should have experience working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems and be familiar with topics such as system administration tasks, networking concepts, storage devices and file systems, user management and authentication methods, system security measures, package management tools and techniques, shell scripting basics, system logging services and monitoring tools. Additionally it is recommended that you take a course or self-study materials offered by Red Hat or an approved training partner.

10. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in networking. It is the entry-level certification for Cisco's networking certifications and provides the foundation for more advanced certifications.

It takes approximately 8-12 months to get a CCNA certification depending on your prior experience and learning style. To obtain the CCNA certification, you must pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 2). Both exams are 90 minutes long and contain between 40-60 questions each.

The cost of the CCNA certification varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $300-$400 per exam. The total cost of obtaining the CCNA certification can range from $600-$800, including exam fees and any additional study materials or courses you may need to purchase.

11. VMware Certified Professional (VCP).

VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification program designed to validate an individual's knowledge and skills in virtualization technologies. It is one of the most sought-after certifications for IT professionals who work with VMware products.

To become a VCP, you must first complete a VMware authorized training course and then pass the corresponding VCP exam. The length of the training course varies depending on the type of certification you are pursuing, but typically takes between two and five days. After completing the training, you must pass an online proctored exam that covers topics such as installation, configuration, management, troubleshooting and optimization of VMware products.

The cost of becoming a VCP varies depending on which type of certification you are pursuing. Generally speaking, it will cost around $3,000-$4,000 for the training course and $250 for the exam fee.

Once you have completed all requirements for your chosen level of certification, you will be awarded your VCP credential from VMware. This credential is valid for two years after which time you must renew it by taking additional courses or exams to maintain your certification status.

Do You Really Need a Information Systems Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not necessarily need an Information Systems Manager certificate in order to be successful in the field. However, having a certification can provide you with certain advantages that may give you an edge over other job applicants or employees.

For starters, having a certification in Information Systems Management shows that you have taken the time and effort to learn the necessary skills and knowledge required to manage and maintain information systems. This can demonstrate your commitment to the profession and can help employers recognize your dedication to excellence. Additionally, certifications are often seen as being more reliable than just having a college degree since they show proficiency in specific areas of expertise.

Furthermore, many employers view certifications as evidence of current knowledge and experience in the field since they require the applicant to stay up-to-date with new technologies and trends. They also provide tangible proof that you have mastered certain topics related to Information Systems Management. This can help improve your chances of advancing within your organization or getting hired by another company for a higher position.

Finally, having a certification may also open up opportunities for networking with other professionals who have similar credentials or have achieved success in the field. It can also provide access to industry resources such as conferences, seminars, and workshops where you can gain valuable insights into new technologies or strategies related to Information Systems Management.

Overall, while it is not necessary to obtain an Information Systems Manager certificate in order to be successful in this profession, it certainly has its advantages when it comes to building a competitive resume and advancing one’s career prospects.

Related: Information Systems Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Information Systems Manager Certifications

Q1. What is an Information Systems Manager Certification?

A1. An Information Systems Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage an organization’s information systems. It is typically granted by an independent body such as the Institute for Certified IS Managers or the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).

Q2. How do I become certified as an Information Systems Manager?

A2. To become certified, you must meet certain criteria, including passing a comprehensive exam administered by the certifying body. The exam covers topics such as security, networking, database management, systems analysis and design, project management, and more.

Q3. What types of organizations benefit from having certified Information Systems Managers?

A3. Any organization that uses technology to store and manage data can benefit from having a certified Information Systems Manager on staff. This includes businesses of all sizes, government agencies, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, non-profits, and more.

Q4. How long does it take to become an Information Systems Manager?

A4. The amount of time it takes to become an Information Systems Manager varies depending on your experience level and how quickly you can complete the certification program requirements. Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all requirements for certification as an Information Systems Manager.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming an Information Systems Manager?

A5. Yes, most certifying bodies require applicants to have at least three years of work experience in information systems management or related fields before they are eligible to take the certification exam. Additionally, some programs may also require applicants to have completed certain courses or hold specific degrees prior to applying for certification.