Top 10 Security Architect Certifications

Certifications are important for a security architect in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge. A certification shows employers that the security architect has taken the time to learn about best practices and technologies related to their field. It also shows that the security architect is dedicated to staying up-to-date with changes in the industry, which makes them more attractive as a potential employee. Furthermore, certifications can open doors to higher paying jobs and greater opportunities for career growth.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Security Architects and discusses how these certifications can help to advance a Security Architect's career.

What are Security Architect Certifications?

Security Architect Certification is a professional certification that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in designing, developing, and implementing secure IT solutions. By obtaining a Security Architect Certification, professionals can demonstrate their proficiency in the field of information security and demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the profession. This certification can be beneficial to both employers and employees alike.

For employers, having certified professionals on staff helps ensure that their IT infrastructure is secure and up-to-date with the latest security best practices. Having certified personnel also helps to reduce costs associated with hiring new staff or training existing staff on security protocols. Additionally, it provides assurance that the organization’s sensitive information is protected from potential threats posed by malicious actors.

For employees, Security Architect Certification demonstrates expertise in the field of information security and can help them stand out amongst other job applicants when applying for positions within the industry. It also increases earning potential due to the added value of having a certification. Furthermore, certifications provide continuing education opportunities for individuals who want to stay ahead of the curve in terms of emerging threats and technologies related to information security.

Pro Tip: When considering a security architect certification, make sure to evaluate the certifying organization's experience and reputation in the industry. Also, research the specific skills and knowledge you will need to acquire in order to successfully complete the certification process. Finally, look for a program that offers hands-on training and/or mentorship opportunities to ensure you are adequately prepared for your security architect role.

Related: What does a Security Architect do?

Top 10 Security Architect Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Security Architects 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 demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of information security. The CISSP credential validates one’s expertise in designing, implementing and managing a best-in-class cybersecurity program.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the CISSP exam, depending on your prior experience and familiarity with the material. Preparation usually involves taking a course or studying from textbooks, online resources, or practice exams.

To become certified, you must pass the CISSP exam administered by (ISC)², which consists of 250 questions over a six-hour period. You must also have at least five years of cumulative paid full-time work experience in two or more domains of the (ISC)² Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).

The cost to take the CISSP exam varies depending on where you take it and who administers it. The cost can range from $699 USD to $1,199 USD.

2. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their understanding of cloud security principles and best practices. The certification is offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).

The CCSP exam consists of six domains that cover cloud computing, risk management, architecture and design, operations, legal and compliance, and software development security. It takes an average of four to six months to prepare for the exam.

To get the CCSP certification, you must have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in information technology with three years in one or more of the six CCSP domains. You must also pass a written exam administered by ISC2. The cost for the exam is $599 USD.

3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is an internationally recognized certification for information security professionals. It is administered by ISACA, an independent, non-profit organization that sets standards and provides education and guidance in the field of information security.

The CISM certification is designed to demonstrate a professional’s knowledge and experience in the areas of risk management, information security governance, incident response, compliance management, and other related topics. It is intended to give employers confidence that their IT staff has the necessary skills to manage their organization’s information security program effectively.

To obtain the CISM certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers four domains: Information Security Governance; Risk Management; Incident Response; and Compliance Management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours to complete. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have at least five years of experience in one or more of the four domains covered by the exam.

The cost for taking the CISM exam varies depending on when you take it and where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $600-$700 USD for members of ISACA ($900-$1000 USD for non-members). There are also additional fees associated with applying for and maintaining your CISM certification over time.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will be awarded your CISM certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

4. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT security professionals. It is designed to demonstrate competency in system security, network infrastructure, cryptography, access control, authentication, external attack and operational security.

The CompTIA Security+ exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $300-$400 USD.

To obtain the CompTIA Security+ certification, an individual must pass the corresponding exam. Candidates should have at least two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security as well as a CompTIA Network+ certification or equivalent knowledge before attempting the exam.

In order to prepare for the exam, it is recommended that candidates review study materials such as textbooks or online courses offered by CompTIA or third-party providers. Additionally, there are practice tests available online which can help individuals become familiar with the types of questions they may encounter on the actual exam.

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 needed to identify, assess, and prevent security vulnerabilities in computer systems. The CEH certification validates an individual’s ability to understand and use ethical hacking techniques to protect networks from malicious attacks.

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

To get the CEH certification, applicants must first complete an official training course provided by EC-Council. This can be done online or in person at one of their many approved training centers around the world. The cost of the training course varies depending on where it is taken and how it is taken (online or in person).

Once the training course has been completed, applicants can register for the CEH exam through EC-Council's website. The cost for taking the exam is $500 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CEH certification within two weeks.

6. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in information security. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of the core security concepts, skills, and tasks required for securing organizational assets. The GSEC certification is offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), which is a leading provider of cyber security certifications.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skills in areas such as network security, system hardening, intrusion detection/prevention systems, cryptography, authentication protocols, risk management, and incident response. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the GSEC certification exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in IT security or a related field. Additionally, they must attend an approved training course or obtain GIAC-approved training credits prior to taking the exam.

The cost of the GSEC certification exam varies depending on whether you take it online or at a proctored testing center. Online exams typically cost $699 USD while proctored exams can range from $799 USD to $899 USD depending on your location.

7. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Enterprise Mobility + Security

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Enterprise Mobility + Security (MCSE: EMS) is a certification that validates an individual's skills in designing, deploying, and managing enterprise mobility and security solutions using Microsoft technologies. It demonstrates expertise in the areas of identity management, data protection, device management, application management, and compliance.

It typically takes approximately three months to complete the training and exam requirements for the MCSE: EMS certification. To get certified, candidates must pass two exams – Exam 70-398: Planning for and Managing Devices in the Enterprise and Exam 70-399: Designing and Deploying Microsoft 365 Identity and Access Solutions. The cost of each exam is $165 USD.

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

The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is a certification offered by ISACA, an international professional association focused on IT governance. The CRISC certification is designed to help professionals understand how to identify, assess and manage IT risks related to the enterprise. It also provides guidance on how to implement and maintain effective risk management processes.

To obtain the CRISC certification, you must complete an application process that includes passing an exam and meeting certain experience requirements. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover four domains: Risk Identification, Risk Assessment, Risk Response, and Risk Monitoring & Reporting. To be eligible for the exam, you must have at least three years of cumulative work experience in at least two of the four domains within the past 10 years.

The cost of the CRISC certification varies depending on your country or region of residence. In the United States, it costs $575 for ISACA members and $815 for non-members. The cost also includes access to online study materials and practice exams as well as a one-year membership with ISACA.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the CRISC exam if you are studying full time; however, this can vary depending on your prior knowledge and experience in risk management and IT security.

9. EC-Council Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA)

EC-Council Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals gain the skills and knowledge needed to secure computer networks against malicious attacks. This certification is intended for network security architects, security engineers, and analysts who are responsible for designing and implementing secure network architectures.

The CNDA certification requires applicants to complete a four-day course that covers topics such as network security architecture, network defense principles, intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and virtual private networks. Upon completion of the course, applicants must pass a proctored exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CNDA certification varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD. The cost includes the four-day course and the proctored exam.

To become certified as an EC-Council Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA), applicants must first register for the four-day course offered by an approved training provider. After completing the course and passing the proctored exam with a score of 70% or higher, they will be officially certified as a CNDA.

10. ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) is a globally recognized certification issued by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It is designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to secure and protect information systems.

The SSCP certification requires candidates to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of security principles, practices, and technologies. The exam covers seven domains: Access Controls, Security Operations & Administration, Risk Identification & Analysis, Incident Response & Recovery, Cryptography, Network & Communications Security, and Systems & Application Security.

In order to obtain the SSCP certification, candidates must pass an exam administered by ISC2. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and takes up to three hours to complete. Candidates must also have at least one year of cumulative paid work experience in one or more of the seven domains covered on the exam.

The cost of taking the SSCP exam varies depending on the country in which you take it. In the United States, for example, it costs $549 USD. Once you have successfully passed the exam and met all other requirements for certification, there is an annual maintenance fee of $125 USD per year.

Do You Really Need a Security Architect Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors. It is important to consider your current job role, the type of security architecture you are looking to implement, and the level of expertise that you want to achieve.

If you are already working in a security-related field, such as a system administrator or IT security specialist, then a Security Architect Certificate may be beneficial for you in order to gain additional knowledge and skills. Having a certification will also help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions within the security field. It can also demonstrate your commitment to the profession and provide evidence of your technical capabilities.

On the other hand, if you are looking to move into the field of security architecture from another discipline, then it may be worth considering taking an introductory course first before enrolling in a formal certification program. This will give you an opportunity to learn about the basics of security architecture and decide if it is something that interests you before investing time and money into obtaining a certificate.

Overall, whether or not you need a Security Architect Certificate depends on your individual goals and circumstances. If you feel that it is necessary for your career progression then it may be worthwhile obtaining one. However, if it is not essential for your current job role then it may be better off spending time developing other skills instead.

Related: Security Architect Resume Examples

FAQs About Security Architect Certifications

1. What is a Security Architect Certification?

Answer: A Security Architect Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s ability to design, implement, and manage secure systems. It demonstrates expertise in security architecture principles, frameworks, and best practices.

2. How do I become certified as a Security Architect?

Answer: To become certified as a Security Architect, you must successfully pass an exam administered by a recognized certification body such as ISC2 or CompTIA. The exam covers topics such as network security, cryptography, authentication and authorization, application security, and risk management.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Security Architect?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a Security Architect depends on the specific certification program you choose and your level of experience with the subject matter. Generally speaking, most people can expect to spend several months preparing for the exam before taking it.

4. What are the benefits of getting certified as a Security Architect?

Answer: By becoming certified as a Security Architect you can demonstrate your knowledge and skills in this field to employers or clients. Additionally, it may help you stand out from other candidates when applying for roles in the cybersecurity industry and may open up new opportunities for career advancement or higher pay grades.

5. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified as a Security Architect?

Answer: Yes, there are certain prerequisites that must be met before taking the exam for certification as a Security Architect depending on which certifying body you choose (e.g., ISC2 or CompTIA). These usually include having at least two years of experience working in IT security-related roles and completing relevant training courses or workshops related to the topics covered on the exam.