Top 11 Intelligence Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for intelligence specialists in the job market because they provide a level of assurance to employers that the individual has been properly trained and is knowledgeable in their field. They also demonstrate an individual’s commitment to their profession and a willingness to invest in their own development. Certifications can provide an advantage over other applicants who lack these credentials and may be viewed as more qualified by potential employers. Additionally, certifications may be required for certain positions, so having them can increase the number of job opportunities available to an intelligence specialist.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Intelligence Specialists and explains how they can help to advance an intelligence specialist's career.

What are Intelligence Specialist Certifications?

Intelligence Specialist Certification is a form of professional certification that is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in intelligence analysis or related fields. This certification can be obtained through a variety of organizations, such as the International Association of Intelligence Professionals (IAIP) or the National Security Agency (NSA).

The certification process typically involves passing an exam that covers topics such as intelligence collection and analysis, counterintelligence operations, and intelligence security. It also includes additional requirements such as training courses, field experience, and other professional development activities. Upon successful completion of the exam and meeting all requirements, individuals receive an official Intelligence Specialist Certification from the respective organization.

Having this certification can give professionals several advantages in the competitive job market for intelligence specialists. It demonstrates to employers that the individual has achieved a level of expertise in specific areas related to intelligence work, which can make them more attractive candidates for open positions. In addition, having this credential can also provide access to exclusive networking opportunities with other certified professionals in the field. Having these connections can provide valuable insight into current trends and practices within the profession and help individuals stay up to date on new developments in their field.

Pro Tip: When considering an Intelligence Specialist Certification, look for programs that are accredited by the National Security Agency (NSA) or the National Intelligence University (NIU). These certifications will provide you with the highest level of intelligence training and expertise.

Related: What does an Intelligence Specialist do?

Top 11 Intelligence Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Intelligence Specialists today.

1. Certified Intelligence Professional (CIP)

Certified Intelligence Professional (CIP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of intelligence. The CIP is awarded by the International Association for Intelligence Education (IAFIE) and is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence in the intelligence profession.

The CIP requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience through an application process that includes a written exam, an oral interview, and a portfolio review. To be eligible for the CIP, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least five years of professional experience in intelligence-related fields and completing at least 40 hours of continuing education related to intelligence topics.

The CIP application process typically takes three months or more from start to finish. Applicants should plan to spend time preparing for the written exam, gathering materials for their portfolio, and scheduling their oral interview.

The cost of applying for the CIP varies depending on where you live and which version of the exam you take. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 USD to apply for the CIP.

2. Certified Cyber Intelligence Professional (CCIP)

Certified Cyber Intelligence Professional (CCIP) is a certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of cyber intelligence. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of threat intelligence, incident response, digital forensics, malware analysis, and other related topics.

The CCIP certification requires candidates to pass an online exam that covers topics such as cyber threats, data security, risk management, and ethical hacking. The exam typically takes between two and four hours to complete. Candidates must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in the field.

The cost of the CCIP certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it costs anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD to take the exam and submit the required materials.

In order to get certified as a CCIP professional, you must meet certain criteria set by your chosen provider. Most providers require applicants to have at least three years of experience in cyber security or related fields before they can apply for the certification. Additionally, applicants must have completed specific courses or training programs related to cyber security before they can be considered for the certification.

3. 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 one’s knowledge and expertise in the field of information security, including topics such as risk management, access control, cryptography, and application security.

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and takes up to six hours to complete. To become certified, you must pass the exam and have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains covered by the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).

To get started on your path to becoming a CISSP, you will need to register with (ISC)², the organization responsible for administering the CISSP exam. You can register online or through their customer service center. Once registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your exam.

The cost for taking the CISSP exam is $699 USD for members of (ISC)² and $999 USD for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with renewing your certification every three years ($125 USD for members/$145 USD for non-members).

4. GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)

GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA) is a certification offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to detect, respond to, and prevent network intrusions. The GCIA certification validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in intrusion detection and prevention, as well as their understanding of the latest security technologies.

It typically takes about three months of study and preparation to successfully pass the exam. Candidates must have at least one year of experience in information security or related field before attempting the exam.

To get the GCIA certification, candidates must first register for the exam with GIAC. After registration is complete, they must then purchase a voucher from GIAC which will allow them to schedule their exam date and time. Once they have passed the exam, they will be able to download their certificate from GIAC's website.

The cost of the GCIA certification varies depending on where you are located, but typically ranges between $1,000 - $1,500 USD.

5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a professional certification offered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). It is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge to identify, assess, and counter threats posed by malicious hackers. The certification covers the latest security tools, techniques, and procedures used in ethical hacking.

The CEH exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To become certified, candidates must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To get the CEH certification, you must first complete an approved training program. This can be done through self-study or through an accredited training provider. After completing the coursework, you will need to register for and take the CEH exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.

The cost of getting the CEH certification varies depending on how you choose to pursue it. Self-study materials cost anywhere from $250-$500 while attending an accredited training program can cost up to $3,000 or more. The cost of taking the exam is around $500 USD.

6. CompTIA Security+ Certification

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in the field of cybersecurity. It is designed to demonstrate competency in areas such as network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control, cryptography, and more.

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, you must have at least two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security or have a CompTIA Network+ certification.

To get the Security+ certification, you need to pass the Security+ exam which can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $320-$350 USD.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official CompTIA Security+ certificate within 4-6 weeks.

7. EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)

EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) is a professional certification program designed to provide information security professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess the security posture of an organization. It certifies that the individual has the expertise to perform in-depth assessments of IT systems, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend corrective measures.

The ECSA certification requires candidates to complete a five-day training course and pass a proctored exam. The course focuses on hands-on exercises, allowing students to gain real-world experience with tools such as Nmap, Nessus, Metasploit, and more. After completing the course, students must pass an online proctored exam which consists of 125 multiple choice questions.

To get the ECSA certification, individuals must first register for the training course through an approved EC-Council training provider. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $2,500 - $3,000 USD. Once registered for the course, individuals must attend all five days of instruction and successfully pass their final exam in order to receive their ECSA certification.

In total, it takes approximately one week to obtain your ECSA certification. The cost of obtaining this certification can range from $2,500 - $3,000 USD depending on your chosen training provider.

8. SANS/GIAC Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP)

SANS/GIAC Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP) is a certification program for professionals who work in industrial control systems and SCADA environments. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the security principles and best practices necessary to protect these systems from cyber threats.

The GICSP certification requires successful completion of two exams: GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) and GIAC Industrial Control Systems Security Professional (GICSP). The GSEC exam covers the fundamentals of information security, while the GICSP exam focuses on industrial control system security.

The GSEC exam takes approximately four hours to complete, while the GICSP exam takes approximately five hours to complete. Both exams are proctored online and require a passing score of 80% or higher.

In order to get certified, candidates must first register for the program through GIAC's website. Once registered, they can purchase vouchers for each exam separately or as a bundle at discounted rates. The cost for each individual exam is $599 USD, while the bundle price is $999 USD.

Once both exams have been completed successfully, candidates will receive their GICSP certification within 30 days.

9. ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved the highest level of competency in information security management. It is a globally accepted standard for those who manage, design, and oversee an enterprise’s information security.

The CISM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in four areas: Information Security Governance, Risk Management and Compliance, Information Security Program Development and Management, and Information Security Incident Management.

To become certified as a CISM, you must pass the CISM exam administered by ISACA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To qualify for the exam, you must have at least five years of professional experience in information security management or related fields.

The cost of the CISM certification varies depending on your ISACA membership status. For non-members, the fee is $595; for members, it's $445; and for students, it's $245. The fee covers all materials needed to take the exam including application fees and study materials.

Once you've passed the exam, you will need to maintain your certification by completing continuing professional education (CPE) credits every three years. You can earn these credits through activities such as attending conferences or taking courses related to information security management.

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

ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is a certification program offered by ISACA, an international professional association focused on IT governance. The CRISC certification is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills needed to identify, assess, control and monitor information system-related risks.

The CRISC certification requires candidates to have at least three years of relevant work experience in risk management, information systems control or audit within the last 10 years. Candidates must also pass a four-hour exam that consists of 150 multiple choice questions.

To obtain the CRISC certification, candidates must first register with ISACA and pay the registration fee of $575 for members or $750 for non-members. Once registered, candidates can then purchase study materials from ISACA to prepare for the exam. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their CRISC certification and be eligible to use the designation after their name.

In total, it could take anywhere from 3 months to a year to complete all requirements for obtaining the CRISC certification depending on how much time you are able to dedicate towards studying for the exam.

11. ISACA Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT).

ISACA Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage enterprise IT governance. The CGEIT certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring and/or assessing an organization's IT governance framework.

The CGEIT certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical experience requirement. The written exam covers topics such as risk management, compliance, strategy, information security, and organizational structure. To obtain the CGEIT certification, applicants must pass the written exam with a score of at least 70%.

In order to satisfy the practical experience requirement, applicants must have at least five years of experience in an IT governance role or related field. This experience must include activities such as developing or managing an IT governance framework; providing advice on IT governance matters; or leading or participating in projects related to IT governance.

The cost of obtaining the CGEIT certification varies depending on how you choose to pursue it. If you register for both the exam and application fee at once, it will cost $595 USD for ISACA members and $795 USD for non-members. If you choose to take only the exam, it will cost $395 USD for ISACA members and $495 USD for non-members.

It typically takes about six months to complete the entire CGEIT certification process from start to finish.

Do You Really Need a Intelligence Specialist Certificate?

When it comes to the question of whether or not you need an intelligence specialist certificate, the answer is highly dependent upon your individual career goals and ambitions. If you are seeking a career in intelligence analysis, then having a certificate can be beneficial in helping you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field.

Having an intelligence specialist certificate can also help open up doors to additional opportunities within the intelligence community, such as working on classified projects or with sensitive information. It can provide employers with tangible evidence that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in an intelligence-related role. Additionally, having certification may make it easier for you to obtain security clearance if required by your job.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue an intelligence specialist certificate is up to you. There are many benefits that come with having one, but there is also no guarantee that having certification will guarantee success in your chosen field of work. It’s important to weigh all factors before deciding if earning a certificate is right for you and your career goals.

Related: Intelligence Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Intelligence Specialist Certifications

Q1: What is an Intelligence Specialist Certification?

A1: An Intelligence Specialist Certification is a professional certification program designed to train and certify individuals in the field of intelligence analysis. It provides knowledge and skills related to the collection, analysis, and interpretation of intelligence data from a variety of sources.

Q2: What are the benefits of obtaining an Intelligence Specialist Certification?

A2: Obtaining an Intelligence Specialist Certification can provide many benefits, including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and the ability to work more effectively with other intelligence professionals. It can also demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in intelligence analysis.

Q3: How long does it take to complete an Intelligence Specialist Certification?

A3: The length of time it takes to complete an Intelligence Specialist Certification will depend on which certification you choose and how quickly you progress through the courses. Generally speaking, most certifications require anywhere from 12-24 months of study in order to be completed.

Q4: What types of topics are covered in an Intelligence Specialist Certification program?

A4: Topics typically covered in an Intelligence Specialist Certification program include intelligence theory, research methods, data analysis techniques, report writing skills, communication strategies, ethics and legal issues related to intelligence gathering and analysis.

Q5: Are there any prerequisites for obtaining an Intelligence Specialist Certification?

A5: Yes, most programs require applicants to possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field such as political science or international relations before they can apply for certification. Additionally, some programs may also require prior experience working in the field of intelligence or security.