Top 10 Principal Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a principal's job market success. They demonstrate to potential employers that the candidate has the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to be successful in the role. Certifications also provide evidence that the individual is committed to professional development in their field of expertise, which can be a valuable asset in a competitive job market. Additionally, certifications often provide access to additional resources and support networks that can help principals more effectively manage their schools and staff.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Principals and explains how they can contribute to a principal's career, helping them to become more successful in their role.

What are Principal Certifications?

Principal certification is a process of verifying the authenticity and accuracy of an individual's educational credentials. This process involves conducting a thorough review of the applicant's academic background, including transcripts, diplomas, and other documents. The purpose of principal certification is to ensure that the individual has met all qualifications for their desired position or program.

By verifying the accuracy of an individual's educational credentials, potential employers can be assured that they are hiring qualified individuals who have met all necessary requirements. Additionally, this process can help protect institutions from fraudulent applicants attempting to gain admission or employment without having met the necessary criteria. For example, if someone were to provide false or incomplete transcripts in order to gain admission into a college or university program, principal certification could help prevent this from occurring.

In addition to providing protection against fraud, principal certification also helps institutions make sure that applicants meet specific standards set by the institution. By confirming that an individual has achieved certain educational goals, such as graduating with a certain degree or achieving a certain GPA, institutions can be more confident in their admissions and hiring decisions.

Overall, principal certification is an important step in ensuring that individuals meet appropriate qualifications for any given position or program. By verifying an individual's educational credentials and ensuring that they meet all necessary requirements for admission or employment, institutions can be sure that they are selecting qualified candidates who are capable of meeting their expectations.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various principal certification requirements in your state before beginning the process. Each state has different requirements, so it is important to be familiar with them prior to starting your certification journey.

Related: What does a Principal do?

Top 10 Principal Certifications

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

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized information security certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of information security. It is administered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). The CISSP credential is designed to demonstrate a mastery of a comprehensive set of skills required for designing, implementing, and managing an organization's information security program.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the CISSP exam, depending on your experience level. To get started, you will need to become a member of ISC2 and then register for the exam. Once registered, you can begin studying from the Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP CBK or use other study materials such as practice tests, books, or online courses.

The cost of taking the CISSP exam varies depending on your location. The exam fee ranges from $699-$1,199 USD depending on where you take it. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with becoming a member of ISC2 and registering for the exam.

2. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is an IT certification offered by ISACA, a nonprofit organization that provides education and guidance for IT professionals. The CRISC certification is designed to recognize IT professionals who have the knowledge and skills to identify, assess, and manage enterprise-wide risk. It is intended for those responsible for the design, implementation, monitoring, and maintenance of risk-based information systems controls.

To become certified in CRISC, you must meet certain requirements. These include having at least three years of experience in IT risk management or related fields within the past 10 years; passing an exam; and completing continuing professional education (CPE) credits each year. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering four domains: Risk Identification, Risk Assessment, Risk Response & Mitigation, and Risk & Control Monitoring & Reporting. It takes about 4 hours to complete the exam.

The cost of taking the CRISC exam varies depending on your geographic location. In the United States it costs $575 for members of ISACA or $760 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with renewing your certification every three years which range from $50-$100 depending on whether you are a member or non-member of ISACA.

3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify, assess, and counter security threats. It is offered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council).

The CEH credential requires that candidates demonstrate their understanding of topics such as network security, cryptography, malware analysis, and penetration testing. The certification process includes a comprehensive exam that covers 18 different domains within the field of ethical hacking. The exam must be passed with a score of at least 70% in order to earn the credential.

CEH certification generally takes around three months to complete. This includes time for studying for and taking the exam. In order to qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in information security or related fields.

In order to get certified as an ethical hacker, applicants must purchase an official CEH training course from EC-Council or one of its authorized training partners. These courses range in cost from $1,000-$3,000 depending on the provider and format chosen (online vs classroom). After completing the coursework, applicants can register for the CEH exam through EC-Council’s website or one of its authorized testing centers. The cost of taking the exam is $950 USD.

4. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in cloud security. It is designed to demonstrate the ability to design, manage, and secure data, applications, and infrastructure in the cloud.

The CCSP exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of 125 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as identity and access management, data protection, risk management, compliance, architecture, operations, application security, encryption technologies, incident response planning, and more.

In order to become certified as a CCSP professional you must have at least five years of experience in IT security with three years specifically focused on cloud security. You must also pass the CCSP exam which is administered by (ISC)² or Prometric testing centers.

The cost for the exam varies based on your location but typically ranges from $549 - $599 USD. Additionally there may be additional fees for retaking the exam if needed.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which is an international non-profit organization that sets standards for project management professionals. The PMP certification demonstrates a professional’s ability to effectively manage projects, from planning and scheduling to budgeting and execution.

It typically takes six months to two years to get the PMP certification, depending on how much time you have available for studying and preparing for the exam. To become certified, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having at least 3 years of project management experience and 35 contact hours of formal project management education.

To get the PMP certification, you must apply online through the PMI website and submit your application along with supporting documentation. Once approved, you can register for the exam on the PMI website and schedule a date to take it at an authorized testing center.

The cost of getting the PMP certification varies based on whether or not you are a member of the PMI. For members, it costs $405 USD; for non-members, it costs $555 USD.

6. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a certification offered by ISACA, a global professional association for information security professionals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of information security management. The CISM certification is one of the most sought-after and respected certifications in the IT industry.

The CISM certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in designing, managing, and assessing an organization’s information security program. To earn this certification, candidates must pass a rigorous exam that covers topics such as risk management, incident response, access control, and business continuity planning.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the CISM exam. During this time, it is important for candidates to gain hands-on experience with information security principles and practices through internships or other job opportunities. Additionally, it is recommended that candidates take an approved course or self-study materials to help them prepare for the exam.

To qualify for the CISM exam, applicants must meet certain prerequisites including having at least five years of cumulative work experience in information security management within the past 10 years prior to applying for the exam. Additionally, applicants must have at least three years of work experience in each of the four domains covered by the CISM exam: Information Security Governance; Risk Management; Information Security Program Development & Management; and Information Security Incident Management.

The cost of taking the CISM exam varies depending on where you are taking it but generally ranges from $450-$600 USD plus applicable taxes.

7. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to effectively lead and manage Scrum projects. It is designed to help professionals become more effective in their role as a Scrum Master, helping teams work together more efficiently and effectively.

The CSM certification requires a two-day course that covers the fundamentals of Scrum, including roles, ceremonies, artifacts, and values. The course also includes an extensive review of the Scrum Guide and other resources related to successful implementation of Scrum. After completing the course, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a Certified Scrum Master (CSM), you must attend an approved CSM training class offered by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). The cost of the training varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. Once you have completed the training, you will need to pass an online exam administered by Scrum Alliance in order to receive your certification.

The cost of taking the exam is included in the cost of your training class; however, if you choose to retake it for any reason there is an additional fee of $50 USD per attempt. Once you have passed the exam, you will be officially certified as a Certified Scrum Master (CSM).

8. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program developed by Microsoft that validates a professional’s ability to design, implement, and manage complex IT infrastructures. The MCSE certification is designed for IT professionals who have experience with Windows Server, Azure, SQL Server, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, System Center and other Microsoft technologies.

It typically takes about 6-8 months to complete the training and exams required for the MCSE certification. To get the MCSE certification you must first pass at least one of the core exams and then pass two elective exams in your chosen technology area. You can find more information on the specific exams required on Microsoft’s website.

The cost of the MCSE certification varies depending on the number of exams you take and if you are taking them online or in a classroom setting. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $165 USD per exam and there are discounts available for multiple exams taken at once.

9. CompTIA Security+ Certification

CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT security professionals. It is an entry-level certification that covers topics such as network security, risk management, access control, cryptography, and organizational security.

The Security+ exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. The exam is available in English and Japanese languages. To become certified, candidates must pass the Security+ exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale of 100-900.

To get the CompTIA Security+ certification, candidates must first register for the exam through CompTIA's website or through an authorized testing center. After registering for the exam, candidates can purchase study materials from CompTIA or other vendors to help them prepare for the test. Once they are ready to take the exam, they can schedule their appointment at an authorized testing center.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Security+ exam varies depending on where you take it and which version of the test you choose (standard or extended). Generally speaking, it costs between $300-$400 USD for a standard version of the test and $450-$550 USD for an extended version.

10. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates an individual’s understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to implement and manage IT service management processes. The certification is awarded by AXELOS, a joint venture between the UK government and Capita plc, which owns the intellectual property rights for ITIL.

The ITIL Foundation Certification exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within 60 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65% or 26 out of 40 questions correctly. The exam covers topics such as service strategy, service design, service transition, service operation, continual service improvement and more.

To get certified in ITIL Foundation, individuals must first complete an accredited training course from an approved provider such as Simplilearn or PeopleCert. These courses are typically delivered online or in-person and can take anywhere from two days to two weeks to complete depending on the provider and format chosen. After completing the course, candidates can register for the exam with AXELOS and select a date and time that suits them best.

The cost of getting certified in ITIL Foundation varies depending on where you take your training course but it typically ranges from $500 - $1,500 USD.

Do You Really Need a Principal Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual situation and what it is you are hoping to achieve. For some, a principal certificate may be necessary in order to lead a school or district. In most cases, however, a principal certificate is not required if you wish to pursue a career in educational administration.

If you are considering becoming an administrator in an educational setting, there are other qualifications and credentials that may be more applicable than a principal certificate. Depending on the type of educational institution you are looking to work in, you may need to earn additional certifications or complete advanced coursework. For example, if you want to become an elementary school principal, completing coursework related to early childhood education may be beneficial. If you’re interested in working at the college level as an administrator, earning a master’s degree in higher education administration or student affairs might be necessary.

In addition to these types of qualifications and credentials, having prior experience working with students and teachers can also help give your application for an administrative position a boost. Even if you don’t have a principal certificate, any experience that demonstrates your ability to effectively manage people and resources could prove invaluable when applying for administrative positions.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a principal certificate will depend on your specific goals and the type of organization where you would like to work. If you think that having this credential would provide added value in your field of choice then it may be worth pursuing; however, if this isn’t necessary then there are other ways that you can demonstrate your commitment to the field through additional certifications or coursework instead.

Related: Principal Resume Examples

FAQs About Principal Certifications

1. What is a Principal Certification?

A Principal Certification is a professional credential that is earned by completing an accredited program of study and passing a certification exam. This credential indicates that the individual has met the standards set forth by their state or national governing body for school principals.

2. How do I obtain a Principal Certification?

In order to obtain a Principal Certification, you must first complete an accredited program of study in educational leadership and administration, such as a Masters in Education Administration or Educational Leadership. Once you have completed the program, you will be eligible to take the certification exam which is administered by your state department of education or other governing body.

3. What are the benefits of having a Principal Certification?

Having a Principal Certification demonstrates to employers that you have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to lead an educational organization in an effective manner. It also provides evidence of your commitment to continuing professional development and sets you apart from other candidates who may not have pursued this type of credentialing process.

4. Is there any continuing education required after obtaining my certification?

Yes, most states require that certified school administrators maintain their credentials through ongoing professional development activities such as attending workshops, conferences and seminars related to their field. Additionally, many states require principals to complete additional coursework or credits every few years in order to remain certified.

5. How long does it take to earn a Principal Certification?

The amount of time it takes to earn a principal certification depends on several factors including the type of program chosen and how much prior experience you have with educational leadership topics. Generally speaking, most individuals can expect to spend anywhere from one year up to three years completing all requirements for their certification depending on their particular situation and goals for completion time-frame.