Top 11 Personnel Security Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for personnel security specialists in the job market because they demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills to effectively perform their job. Certifications also provide assurance to employers that a specialist is qualified to handle sensitive information, protect against security threats, and maintain a secure environment. Additionally, certifications can give personnel security specialists a competitive edge in the job market by distinguishing them from other applicants who may not have the necessary qualifications. Finally, certifications can help personnel security specialists stay up-to-date on industry best practices and trends, which is essential for staying ahead of potential threats.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications for Personnel Security Specialists and explain how they can help advance their careers.

What are Personnel Security Specialist Certifications?

Personnel security specialist certification is an accreditation program developed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and experience in personnel security. It is a way for personnel security specialists to prove competence and maintain professional standards within the field. The certification requires that applicants meet certain qualifications, such as having a minimum of two years of experience in personnel security or related fields, completing a course of study, and passing an exam.

Having a personnel security specialist certification provides many benefits to both employers and employees. For employers, it can signify that they have hired qualified individuals who are knowledgeable about the latest developments in personnel security. For employees, the certification can provide them with recognition for their work and evidence that they are knowledgeable about their field. Additionally, having this certification can help them stand out from other job candidates when seeking employment or promotions. Furthermore, it can also allow them to command higher salaries due to the added value they bring to their organization’s personnel security operations.

Pro Tip: To become a personnel security specialist, it's important to obtain certification from a reputable organization. Look for certifications that are accredited by the National Association of Security Professionals (NASP) and have been verified by an independent third-party auditor. This will ensure that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in the field.

Related: What does a Personnel Security Specialist do?

Top 11 Personnel Security Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification program in the information security field. It is sponsored by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2. The CISSP certification is designed to demonstrate a person’s knowledge and experience in the areas of security management, architecture, engineering, and operations.

To obtain the CISSP credential, individuals must meet certain criteria including having at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). The CBK consists of topics such as access control systems and methodology; cryptography; physical security; operations security; telecommunications and network security; business continuity planning and disaster recovery planning; legal, regulations, compliance, and investigations; software development security.

The process to obtain the CISSP certification includes:

1. Register for an account with ISC2

2. Submit your application along with supporting documents

3. Pass the required exam

4. Successfully complete an endorsement process from another (ISC)2-certified professional

5. Pay an annual maintenance fee to maintain your credential

The exam itself consists of 250 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 6 hours. To pass the exam, you must score 700 or higher on a scale from 100-1000 points. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $500-$700 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is an internationally recognized certification for information security professionals. It is offered by ISACA, a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge and practices of IT governance and assurance. The CISM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the management of information security programs.

To become certified as a CISM, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by ISACA. To be eligible for the exam, you must have at least five years of experience in information security management, with three of those years focusing on information security management within the past 10 years. You must also agree to abide by ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics.

The CISM exam consists of four domains: Information Security Governance, Risk Management and Compliance, Information Security Program Development and Management, and Information Security Incident Management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the exam and complete all the necessary paperwork required for certification. During this time, it is recommended that you take advantage of any study materials or training courses available from ISACA or other organizations to help you prepare for the exam.

The cost to take the CISM exam varies depending on your country/region but generally ranges between $600-$800 USD. Additionally, there are annual renewal fees associated with maintaining your CISM certification which range from $50-$100 USD per year.

3. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a certification program offered by (ISC)², an international nonprofit organization that provides certifications for information security professionals. The CCSP certification is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and experience in cloud security architecture, design, operations, and service orchestration.

It takes approximately six months to prepare for the CCSP exam. To get the certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher. You must also have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in information technology and three years of information security related work experience within the last 10 years.

The cost of the CCSP exam varies depending on your country and location. In the United States, it costs $549 USD to take the exam.

4. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to identify, assess, and prevent security vulnerabilities in an organization’s network and systems. It is designed for IT professionals who are looking to gain an understanding of how hackers work and how to protect their networks from malicious attacks. CEH certification requires the completion of an intensive training program which covers topics such as system hacking, web application hacking, cryptography, malware analysis, and more. The program typically takes around 40 hours to complete and can be completed online or in-person at a designated training center.

In order to obtain the CEH certification, individuals must pass a rigorous exam consisting of 125 multiple choice questions. The exam must be taken at an approved testing center and costs $500 USD. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their Certified Ethical Hacker designation from EC-Council (the governing body behind CEH). This certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

5. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in the field of information security. It demonstrates a professional’s competency in areas such as network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control and identity management, cryptography, and more.

The Security+ exam typically takes 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as network security, risk management, cryptography, authentication protocols, disaster recovery plans, and more.

To get CompTIA Security+, you must first register for the exam with CompTIA. You can do this through their website or through an authorized testing center. Once registered, you will need to schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE or Prometric testing center near you.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Security+ exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $320-$400 USD.

6. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) is a certification offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). This certification is designed to validate an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of information security. It is an entry-level certification that focuses on the fundamentals of information security, such as cryptography, network security, system security and application security.

The GSEC certification requires passing a single exam and typically takes about two hours to complete. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as computer networks, operating systems, cryptography, risk management, incident response and more.

To become certified, you must register for the GSEC exam through GIAC's website. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $500 to $750 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a certificate from GIAC confirming your GSEC certification status. You will also be able to add this credential to your resume or CV and use it to demonstrate your knowledge in the field of information security.

7. Project Management Professional in Information Security (PMP-IS)

Project Management Professional in Information Security (PMP-IS) is a certification program offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). The PMP-IS credential is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of information security professionals who have achieved a level of proficiency in project management.

The PMP-IS certification requires that applicants have at least five years of experience in information security project management and demonstrate their knowledge through an examination. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours. To become certified, applicants must score at least 700 out of 1000 points on the exam.

To obtain the PMP-IS certification, applicants must first register with ISC2 and pay an application fee. After registering, applicants must submit proof of their professional experience and pass the exam. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their certification from ISC2.

The cost for obtaining the PMP-IS credential varies depending on where you live. In the United States, it costs $549 for members of ISC2 or $699 for nonmembers to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registration and recertification every three years.

8. Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E)

Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of European data protection laws and regulations. It is designed for professionals who work in the field of privacy and data protection, including those working in legal, compliance, IT, HR, and marketing roles.

The CIPP/E certification requires applicants to pass a four-hour online exam. This exam covers topics such as EU data protection law, GDPR principles and implementation strategies, international data transfers, and other related topics. The exam is administered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).

In order to take the CIPP/E exam, applicants must first register with IAPP. Registration costs $399 USD for IAPP members or $499 USD for non-members. Once registered, applicants must complete an online course before taking the exam. The course takes approximately 25 hours to complete and costs $1,000 USD for IAPP members or $1,200 USD for non-members.

Once all requirements are met, applicants can take the CIPP/E exam at any time during the year. Upon passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their CIPP/E certification from IAPP.

9. Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT)

Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to understand, implement, and manage privacy programs. It is designed for those who are responsible for designing, implementing, or managing privacy programs in their organizations. The CIPT program is offered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).

The CIPT certification requires a minimum of 18 hours of coursework and passing an exam. The coursework covers topics such as privacy law and regulations, data protection principles, risk management strategies, technology implementation considerations, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered online.

To get the CIPT certification, you must first complete the required coursework. You can take the courses online or in person at IAPP-approved training centers around the world. Once you have completed the coursework, you can register for the exam on IAPP’s website. After passing the exam, you will be awarded your CIPT certification.

The cost of obtaining the CIPT certification depends on whether you choose to take an online or in-person course. Online courses typically range from $1,500 to $2,000 USD while in-person courses can range from $2,000 to $3,000 USD. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the exam which ranges from $150 to $200 USD depending on your location.

10. Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)

The Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) is an internationally recognized certification program that provides software security professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop secure software applications. This certification is designed to help organizations produce secure software products and services, while providing assurance to customers that their data is safe.

The CSSLP program consists of a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics such as risk management, secure coding practices, security testing, and more. It also includes a hands-on exam which tests the candidate’s ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. To earn the CSSLP credential, candidates must pass this exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The duration of the program depends on the individual’s experience level and commitment to studying for the exam. Generally speaking, it takes about six months for an experienced professional to complete all of the coursework and prepare for the exam.

To get started on your journey towards becoming a CSSLP certified professional, you will need to register with (ISC)2 and pay an application fee of $100 USD. Once registered, you can begin studying for the exam using resources provided by (ISC)2 such as study guides, practice exams, and online courses.

The cost of taking the CSSLP exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, it costs around $450 USD per attempt at the exam. However, some test centers may offer discounts or special pricing deals so be sure to check with your local testing center before registering for your exam date.

11. ISACA’s Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC).

ISACA’s Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is a certification designed to help IT professionals gain the skills necessary to identify, assess, and manage risk within their organizations. The CRISC certification provides an understanding of the various types of risks associated with IT systems and how to effectively mitigate them. It also teaches how to develop an effective risk management strategy for an organization.

To become certified as a CRISC, applicants must pass a four-hour exam consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as risk identification, assessment, response, monitoring, and reporting. Candidates must have at least three years of experience in IT risk management or related fields in order to be eligible for the certification.

The cost of the CRISC certification varies depending on the country or region where it is taken. In the US, the cost is around $550 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. The cost includes the exam fee and access to study materials such as practice exams, online courses, and webinars.

Once you have passed the exam and been awarded your CRISC certification, it is valid for three years from the date you received it. You will need to renew your certification every three years by completing 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits over that period of time.

Do You Really Need a Personnel Security Specialist Certificate?

The need for a Personnel Security Specialist Certificate depends greatly on the type of job you are seeking. If you want to work in the field of personnel security, such as in a corporate security setting or with government agencies, then having a Personnel Security Specialist Certificate is highly recommended. This certificate will demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field, and can give you an edge over competing applicants.

The Personnel Security Specialist Certificate typically covers topics such as background checks, investigation techniques, security clearance processes, and other related topics. It also provides an opportunity to gain specialized skills that could be beneficial to employers. With this certificate, employers can rest assured that they have hired someone who is qualified and experienced in the area of personnel security.

In addition to demonstrating your knowledge and experience in the field, having a Personnel Security Specialist Certificate can also provide recognition within your profession. It may open up more job opportunities or provide access to additional resources that would otherwise not be available.

Overall, it is important to consider whether or not obtaining a Personnel Security Specialist Certificate is right for you based on your career goals and objectives. If you are interested in working in personnel security or if you want to further advance your career within this field, then obtaining this certification could prove beneficial.

Related: Personnel Security Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Personnel Security Specialist Certifications

1. What is a Personnel Security Specialist Certification?

Answer: A Personnel Security Specialist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of personnel security. It is designed to provide employers with a reliable measure of an individual's ability to effectively manage personnel security operations.

2. How do I become certified as a Personnel Security Specialist?

Answer: To become certified as a Personnel Security Specialist, you must successfully complete an approved certification program offered by an accredited training provider. Upon successful completion, you will receive your certification and be recognized as a qualified specialist in personnel security operations.

3. What are the requirements for obtaining a Personnel Security Specialist Certification?

Answer: Requirements for obtaining a Personnel Security Specialist Certification vary depending on the specific program, but typically include passing a written exam, completing coursework related to personnel security topics, and demonstrating experience or knowledge in the field.

4. Is there ongoing education required to maintain my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require individuals to complete continuing education courses or other activities to maintain their credentials over time. Completing such activities allows individuals to stay up-to-date with changing trends and best practices in the field of personnel security operations.

5. How long does it take to receive my certificate after completing the program?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to receive your certificate varies from program to program; however, most programs issue certificates within 30 days of successful completion of all requirements for the program.