Top 10 IT Director Certifications

Certifications are important for an IT Director in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and expertise in a certain technology or area. They show employers that the individual has taken the time to learn and develop their skills and knowledge, which can be especially beneficial when competing against other applicants for a role. Additionally, certifications can provide employers with confidence that the applicant is up to date on industry trends and best practices. Finally, certifications can also give an IT Director an edge in negotiations when it comes to salary, as employers may be willing to pay more for someone with additional qualifications.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for IT Directors and explain how these certifications can help advance their career.

What are IT Director Certifications?

Director certification is a process of having a director, or board of directors, formally certified by an independent third-party auditor. This certification serves to ensure that the director has the necessary qualifications and experience to be in a leadership role. It helps to provide assurance that the director is committed to making decisions in the best interest of their organization and its stakeholders, as well as upholding ethical standards. The certification process typically involves an audit of the director's background, qualifications, and performance history. Additionally, it may include checks on their financial stability and any potential conflicts of interest which may arise from their position. Director certification can help organizations improve their governance structure by providing greater transparency into who makes up the board of directors and how they are held accountable for their actions. By verifying that directors have the proper qualifications and experience to serve in a leadership role, organizations can better ensure that decisions made by their board are sound and in line with organizational goals.

Pro Tip: Becoming certified as an IT Director requires a combination of technical and leadership skills. It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and industry trends, as well as having a solid understanding of project management and organizational development principles. Additionally, obtaining certifications from professional organizations such as CompTIA or ISACA can help demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field.

Related: What does an IT Director do?

Top 10 IT Director Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to IT Directors today.

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification that validates a professional’s expertise in information security. It is designed to assess the knowledge, skills and abilities of professionals working in the field of information security. The CISSP exam tests for a comprehensive understanding of the eight domains of information security:

1. Security and Risk Management

2. Asset Security

3. Security Engineering

4. Communications and Network Security

5. Identity and Access Management

6. Security Assessment and Testing

7. Security Operations

8. Software Development Security

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within six hours, with a passing score of 700 out of 1000 points or higher required to pass the exam. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center around the world, or online in certain countries with prior approval from (ISC)², the organization that administers the CISSP exam. The cost to take the CISSP exam is $699 USD for members of (ISC)² and $999 USD for non-members, plus applicable taxes where applicable. Depending on your experience level and study habits, it can take anywhere from three months to one year to prepare for the CISSP exam and become certified as a CISSP professional.

2. Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)

Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) is a professional certification program that is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the governance of enterprise IT. The CGEIT certification is offered by ISACA, an international professional association focused on IT governance, assurance, security and risk management.

The CGEIT certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices for the effective governance of enterprise IT. This includes topics such as risk management, compliance, strategic alignment, value delivery, resource optimization and stakeholder relationships.

To become certified as a CGEIT professional, applicants must pass an exam that covers these topics. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must also meet certain experience requirements before they can take the exam; they must have at least five years of experience in IT governance or related areas.

The cost to take the CGEIT exam varies depending on where you are taking it; however, it typically ranges from $500-$750 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CGEIT certificate within six weeks.

3. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to teach and validate the fundamental principles and practices of Scrum. It is offered by the Scrum Alliance, an international organization dedicated to promoting and teaching the Agile methodology.

A CSM certification requires attending an in-person or virtual two-day course, passing a multiple-choice exam, and committing to ongoing education. The course covers topics such as the history of Scrum, roles/responsibilities of team members, sprints/iterations, product backlogs, release planning, retrospectives, and more.

The cost of the CSM certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it ranges from $500-$2,000 USD.

To become a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), you must attend a two-day training course led by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). After completing the course and passing the exam with at least 75% accuracy, you will become a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a project manager’s expertise in leading and directing projects. The PMP certification is highly sought after by employers, as it demonstrates a commitment to the profession and a mastery of project management principles.

To become PMP certified, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements. You must have either:

• A four-year degree plus 4,500 hours of project management experience
• A secondary diploma plus 7,500 hours of project management experience

In addition, you must pass the PMP exam. This exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and covers topics such as project integration management, quality management, risk management and more. It typically takes between two to three months to prepare for the exam.

The cost to take the PMP exam varies depending on where you are taking it. In North America, it costs $555 for members of PMI and $405 for non-members. In Europe, Middle East and Africa it costs €405 for members and €555 for non-members.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your PMP certification which is valid for three years. To maintain your certification status you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years or retake the exam after three years.

5. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their ability to design and implement Microsoft-based solutions. The MCSE certification is awarded by Microsoft after successful completion of a series of exams that validate an individual's skills in designing, implementing, and managing Microsoft technologies.

The MCSE certification typically takes between six months and one year to complete, depending on the individual's experience level. To get the MCSE certification, individuals must first pass two core exams related to Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2019, as well as four elective exams from a list of approved topics. The cost of each exam varies; however, the total cost for all six exams can range from $1,000 to $2,000 USD.

6. Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)

Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA). The CITP credential is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of information technology. The CITP credential is aimed at professionals who have experience in managing, designing, implementing, and maintaining IT systems, networks, and applications.

It typically takes between 18-24 months to obtain the CITP credential. To be eligible for the CITP credential, candidates must have at least five years of relevant work experience in an IT-related field or hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related discipline. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by ICMA that covers topics such as project management, system design and implementation, security and risk management, database administration, network architecture and engineering, software development life cycles, and more.

The cost for obtaining the CITP credential varies depending on the country you are located in. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,200 USD to take the exam plus any applicable taxes or fees. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with studying materials or taking preparatory courses prior to taking the exam.

7. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. It is designed to help organizations and individuals understand how to use ITIL best practices in order to improve service delivery, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.

The certification consists of an exam that takes approximately two hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as service management concepts, processes, functions, and roles; ITIL terminology; and service lifecycle stages. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in an IT environment or have completed an accredited training course.

To get certified, applicants must register with an accredited provider and take the exam. Accredited providers offer both online and classroom-based courses that cover all aspects of the ITIL Foundation Certification syllabus. The cost of these courses varies depending on the provider but typically range from $500-$1000 USD.

Once applicants pass the exam they will receive their official certificate from the accreditation body within 4-6 weeks after taking it. The cost for taking the exam is usually around $200 USD and includes one free retake if needed.

Overall, obtaining ITIL Foundation Certification can be a valuable asset for those looking to further their career in IT service management or other related fields. It demonstrates knowledge in key areas such as service delivery processes, customer satisfaction improvement strategies, and cost reduction techniques which can give job seekers a competitive edge when applying for positions.

8. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-recognized credential for entry-level IT professionals. It validates the knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure, diagnose, maintain, and troubleshoot a variety of hardware and software technologies. It is considered the foundation of all other IT certifications and is required by many employers.

It typically takes about two months to complete the training for CompTIA A+ certification. The course includes lectures, labs, hands-on activities, and exams. To get certified, you must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002).

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $250 per exam or $500 for both exams.

9. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed for professionals who are looking to improve their business processes, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.

The certification process typically takes about four months to complete, depending on the individual's level of experience and commitment. The first step is to take a preparatory course and pass an exam. After passing the exam, individuals must complete a project related to Six Sigma principles and demonstrate their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. Once they have completed the project, they must submit it for review by a panel of Six Sigma experts.

Individuals can obtain Six Sigma Green Belt Certification through various organizations such as ASQ (American Society for Quality), IASSC (International Association for Six Sigma Certification), or ISM (Institute of Supply Management). Each organization has its own set of requirements and fees associated with obtaining the certification. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,000-$2,000 USD depending on the organization chosen.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, individuals will receive their official Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from the certifying organization. This certificate will serve as proof of their expertise in the application of Six Sigma principles and provide them with greater job opportunities in their field.

10. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a certification program offered by the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA). It provides an industry-recognized credential to professionals who demonstrate expertise in cloud security architecture, design, operations and service orchestration. The CCSP credential is designed for IT professionals who have at least five years of experience in information security, with three years of experience in one or more of the six domains of the CCSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).

The CCSP exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. To become certified, candidates must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher out of 1000.

To get the CCSP certification, you must first register for the exam through Pearson VUE. After registering for the exam, you will need to study for it using recommended resources provided by CSA. You can also take training courses from accredited providers to help you prepare for the exam.

The cost to take the CCSP exam is $549 USD. However, if you are a member of CSA, you may be eligible for discounts on your registration fee.

Do You Really Need a IT Director Certificate?

An IT Director Certificate is not a requirement for becoming an IT Director, but it can be valuable in helping to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field. The certificate can also provide a competitive edge when it comes to job opportunities, as employers often look for candidates who have taken the extra step of obtaining certification.

The IT Director Certificate is typically offered by organizations such as CompTIA, Microsoft and Cisco. It covers topics such as network architecture, system design and risk management. It also provides knowledge on how to manage an IT infrastructure and develop strategies for meeting customer needs. The certificate is designed to give you an understanding of the responsibilities of an IT Director and help you develop the necessary skills to succeed in this role.

It’s important to note that the IT Director Certificate does not guarantee success or even a job offer; it simply demonstrates that you have taken the time to learn about the field and understand its complexities. This can be particularly beneficial if you are transitioning from another field or have limited experience in IT management. Employers may view your certification favorably because it shows that you are serious about developing your career in this area and willing to invest in yourself by taking additional training courses.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an IT Director Certificate depends on your individual situation. If you are confident in your ability to manage an IT infrastructure without formal training, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a certificate. However, if you feel like there are areas where additional education would benefit you, then obtaining a certificate could be advantageous for both your career prospects and overall professional development.

Related: IT Director Resume Examples

FAQs About IT Director Certifications

1. What is an IT Director Certification?

Answer: An IT Director Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates knowledge and experience in the field of information technology management. The certification typically involves passing an exam, completing a course or program, or meeting other requirements to demonstrate expertise.

2. What are the benefits of having an IT Director Certification?

Answer: Having an IT Director Certification can help professionals stand out from their peers and demonstrate their expertise in the field. Additionally, it can open up new career opportunities and provide access to higher salaries and positions of responsibility within organizations.

3. What organizations offer IT Director Certifications?

Answer: Many organizations offer IT Director Certifications, including CompTIA, Microsoft, ISACA, Cisco Systems, EC-Council and more. Each organization has its own set of requirements for obtaining the certification.

4. How much does it cost to get an IT Director Certification?

Answer: The cost of an IT Director Certification varies depending on the organization offering it and the specific requirements needed to obtain it. Generally speaking, costs range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the level of certification sought after.

5. How long does it take to get an IT Director Certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to obtain an IT Director Certification depends on the organization offering the certification and what is required for completion (e.g., passing exams, completing courses or programs). Generally speaking, most certifications can be obtained in a few months if all requirements are met in a timely fashion.