Top 10 Security Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for security managers in the job market because they signify a level of expertise and knowledge. Security manager certifications demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary skills, education, and experience to be successful in their role. The certifications also show that the security manager is up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices. Additionally, certification can give an edge to a security manager’s resume when competing with other applicants for a position. This can help them stand out among other candidates who may not have obtained any certifications.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Security Managers and explains how they can contribute to a security manager's career, providing insight into how to best leverage these credentials for professional success.

What are Security Manager Certifications?

Security Manager Certification is a certification program designed to help security professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and lead security operations. The certification program is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of security management, as well as the tools and techniques that are used in the field. This certification can help individuals gain an understanding of how to assess risk, develop policies and procedures, evaluate security systems, implement effective incident response plans, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The Security Manager Certification Program includes topics such as risk assessment and mitigation, physical security planning, information security management, access control systems, personnel screening processes, emergency planning and response procedures, crisis communication plans, legal issues related to security operations, computer forensics techniques, investigations techniques, business continuance strategies, disaster recovery planning techniques and more. By completing this certification program individuals will increase their knowledge base in all facets of security management enabling them to make informed decisions when managing or leading a security operation. Additionally they will have access to industry best practices which will help them stay ahead of emerging threats while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Pro Tip: Before applying for a security manager certification, make sure to study the relevant regulations and best practices for your industry. This will help you understand the requirements of the certification and prepare you for any questions that may arise during the examination process.

Related: What does a Security Manager do?

Top 10 Security Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of information security. It is a standard for professionals who design, implement, manage, and assess an organization's security program. It is one of the most sought-after certifications in the IT industry.

To become a CISSP, you must pass the CISSP exam administered by (ISC)2. The exam consists of 250 multiple choice questions that cover eight domains of information security: Security and Risk Management; Asset Security; Security Engineering; Communications and Network Security; Identity and Access Management; Security Assessment and Testing; Security Operations; Software Development Security.

The exam takes approximately 6 hours to complete. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have at least 5 years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the 8 domains listed above.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on where you are taking it from but typically ranges from $699 - $1,499 USD.

2. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals understand and apply the best practices for securing cloud computing environments. It is offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).

The CCSP certification requires a minimum of five years of cumulative, paid work experience in information technology, with three years of security-related experience and one year in one or more of the six domains covered by the CCSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). The CBK covers cloud architecture, design, operations, legal and compliance, data security, and application security.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the CCSP exam. This includes studying for the exam itself as well as gaining hands-on experience in cloud security. Candidates can use online resources such as practice tests and study guides to help them prepare for the exam.

To get certified as a CCSP, candidates must pass an online proctored examination that consists of 125 multiple choice questions. The cost of taking this exam is $549 USD. Once candidates have passed the exam, they will be awarded their official CCSP certification from ISC2.

3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a certification offered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). It is designed to help individuals understand and practice ethical hacking techniques. The certification is aimed at IT professionals who want to ensure their organizations' networks are secure from malicious attacks.

The CEH exam consists of 125 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 4 hours to complete. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of information security experience or have completed an EC-Council approved training program.

The cost of the CEH exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken, but typically ranges between $500 - $1000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as application fees, travel costs, and lodging expenses.

To get certified, applicants must pass the CEH exam with a minimum score of 70%. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their official CEH certification from EC-Council.

4. 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 is designed to ensure that individuals have the skills and knowledge necessary to identify security risks, implement security measures, and respond to incidents.

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control and identity management, cryptography, and application, data, and host security.

To get CompTIA Security+, you must first pass the Security+ exam. You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through OnVUE. The cost for the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $320-$390 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CompTIA Security+ certification which is valid for three years from the date of completion. After three years, you must retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

5. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of information security principles. It is designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their proficiency in the field of information security.

The GSEC certification requires candidates to pass a single exam, which consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. The exam covers topics such as network security, cryptography, authentication, access control, system hardening, incident response and forensics.

In order to become certified with the GSEC credential, individuals must first register for the exam through GIAC’s website. After registering for the exam, individuals will receive an authorization code that will allow them to take the test at any Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam is $699 USD.

Once individuals have passed the GSEC exam they will be awarded their certificate from GIAC. This certificate is valid for four years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by taking another GSEC exam or by completing certain continuing education activities.

6. ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is an internationally-recognized certification for information security professionals. It is designed to recognize the individual who has achieved a high level of proficiency in managing and designing information security programs. The CISM certification validates an individual’s expertise in developing and managing enterprise information security programs, aligning those programs with business objectives, and overseeing risk management activities.

To become certified, applicants must have at least five years of experience in Information Security Management (ISM). This experience must include three out of the four CISM job practice areas: Information Security Governance, Risk Management & Compliance, Information Security Program Development & Management, and Information Security Incident Management.

The CISM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that are administered over a four-hour period. The exam fee is currently $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members. To maintain certification, individuals must earn 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every three years.

7. EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)

EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) is an advanced security certification that demonstrates a professional’s ability to assess the security posture of an organization and identify vulnerabilities. It is designed for experienced security professionals who have a good understanding of information security principles and practices. The certification requires passing a rigorous exam, which covers topics such as network scanning, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and exploitation techniques.

The ECSA certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed by taking the latest version of the ECSA exam. In order to obtain the certification, candidates must complete a training program offered by EC-Council or its authorized training partners. The training program consists of five days of instructor-led classroom instruction followed by a four-hour proctored exam.

The cost of obtaining the ECSA certification varies depending on the chosen training provider but typically ranges between $2,000 - $3,000 USD. This cost includes all necessary materials and exams fees required to obtain the certification.

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

ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in risk management, IT control, and information systems audit. It is the only globally accepted certification that validates an individual’s ability to design, implement, monitor and maintain an enterprise’s information security risk management processes.

The CRISC certification requires candidates to have at least three years of experience in IT risk management or IT control roles. Candidates must also pass a four-hour exam that covers topics such as risk identification, assessment and evaluation; design, implementation and monitoring of controls; response and recovery planning; business continuity planning; and governance of enterprise IT.

The entire process typically takes about six months from start to finish. The first step is to register for the exam with ISACA. Once registered, candidates can begin studying for the exam using ISACA’s study materials or other resources available online. Once ready, candidates can then schedule their exam with Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers.

The cost of the CRISC certification varies depending on the country you are located in but typically ranges from $600 - $900 USD. This includes the registration fee as well as any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exam.

9. Microsoft Technology Associate: Security Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Security Fundamentals is a certification that validates your understanding of core security concepts. It is an entry-level certification that demonstrates your knowledge of the fundamentals of information security and helps you build a foundation for more advanced certifications.

The MTA Security Fundamentals exam covers topics such as network security, computer and data security, authentication and access control, cryptography, and operational security. The exam consists of 40-60 questions and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.

You can get the MTA Security Fundamentals certification by taking the exam at any Microsoft Certified Testing Center or online through Pearson VUE. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location, but it typically ranges from $75 - $125 USD.

To prepare for the MTA Security Fundamentals exam, you should review the official study guide provided by Microsoft which covers all of the topics tested on the exam. Additionally, there are several online resources available to help you prepare for this certification.

10. SANS Global Information Assurance Certification

SANS Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) is an internationally recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive set of security certifications for IT professionals. GIAC certifications are designed to validate a practitioner’s knowledge and skills in the areas of information security, risk management, incident response, and compliance.

GIAC offers a wide range of certifications for different levels of expertise and experience. The most popular certifications include the Security Essentials (GSEC), Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA), Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA), and Certified Penetration Tester (GPEN). Each certification requires successful completion of an exam as well as additional training or experience.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual's level of expertise and experience. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete all the requirements for a GIAC certification.

To get certified, individuals must first register for an exam with SANS Institute. Once registered, they must complete the required coursework or training and pass the associated exam before receiving their certificate. Depending on the certification level, individuals may also need to provide evidence of work experience in order to qualify for certification.

The cost of GIAC certifications varies depending on which certification is chosen and whether or not additional training is required. Generally speaking, exams range from $500-$1,000 USD while additional training can cost anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 USD depending on the length and complexity of the course material.

Do You Really Need a Security Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals and the type of security manager position you are seeking. If you are looking for a job in the field of information security, then having a security manager certificate can be beneficial. It can help demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge and experience to effectively manage a company’s security systems.

However, if your goal is to become a general manager or director in the field of information security, then having a security manager certificate may not be as important. In these positions, employers will be more interested in seeing your overall qualifications and experience. While having a certificate may still be beneficial, it is not necessarily required to get hired for these roles.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether obtaining a security manager certificate is worth the time and effort. Those who choose to pursue this certification should understand that it requires dedication and hard work in order to successfully complete all of the courses required for certification. Furthermore, even after obtaining certification, individuals should continue learning new technologies and concepts related to information security management in order to stay competitive in their field.

Related: Security Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Security Manager Certifications

1. What is a Security Manager Certification?

Answer: A Security Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals in the field of security management. It demonstrates a person’s ability to effectively manage security operations, systems, processes and personnel.

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

Answer: To become certified as a Security Manager, you must complete an approved course of study and pass an examination administered by an accredited organization such as (ISC)2 or CompTIA.

3. What are the different levels of certification available for Security Managers?

Answer: The two main levels of certification for Security Managers are Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). Each level requires different levels of education and experience, so it is important to research each one before deciding which best suits your needs.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Security Manager?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Security Manager can help you advance in your career, demonstrate your commitment to the profession, increase your earning potential and provide credibility when applying for jobs or promotions in the security field. Additionally, many employers require certification when hiring new security managers.

5. How long does it take to become certified as a Security Manager?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified as a Security Manager depends on the type of certification you are pursuing, but typically ranges from six months to two years depending on your experience level and how quickly you complete any required courses or exams.