Top 11 VP of Information Technology Certifications

Certifications are important for a VP of Information Technology in the job market because they demonstrate the individual's knowledge and expertise in the field. They also show potential employers that the individual has taken the initiative to obtain additional training and education, which demonstrates commitment and dedication to their profession. Additionally, certifications can help a VP of Information Technology stand out from other applicants when competing for positions, as many employers are looking for candidates with specific skills or qualifications. Finally, certifications may also open up opportunities for advancement within an organization, as employers often prefer to promote from within rather than hiring externally.

The purpose of this article is to review and analyze some of the top certifications for VP of Information Technology and explain how they can help to advance a VP of Information Technology's career.

What are VP of Information Technology Certifications?

VP of Information Technology (VPIT) certification is a professional credential issued by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It is designed for senior IT professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of information security, risk management, and software development. This certification provides individuals with an advanced understanding of IT security, risk management, and software development that is necessary to lead teams in these areas. VPIT certified professionals can provide strategic guidance on how to protect organizations from cyber threats and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. They also have the ability to develop secure systems that can withstand potential attacks.

Having the VPIT certification can give IT professionals a competitive edge in the job market and provide them with opportunities for career advancement. This certification is highly sought after by employers as it indicates that an individual has a deep knowledge of IT security principles, practices, and procedures. Furthermore, this certification shows that an individual has the skills needed to protect an organization's data from malicious actors while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Finally, having this certification signals to employers that an individual can be trusted to manage complex projects related to information technology security.

Pro Tip: When considering VP of Information Technology certification, make sure to research the specific requirements and certifications associated with the position. Also, be sure to take advantage of any online training or continuing education opportunities available to help you stay current on best practices in the field.

Related: What does a VP of Information Technology do?

Top 11 VP of Information Technology Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to VP of Information Technologys today.

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification in information security. It is a vendor-neutral certification that is administered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). The CISSP certification validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in designing, implementing, managing, and maintaining an organization’s information security program.

It typically takes between 6 to 12 months to prepare for the CISSP exam. Preparation includes studying textbooks, attending seminars or taking online courses, and having hands-on experience with information security technologies.

To become certified as a CISSP, you must pass the exam given by ISC2. The exam consists of 250 multiple choice questions and requires a minimum score of 700 out of 1000 points to pass. You must also have at least 5 years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the (ISC)² Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).

The cost for the CISSP exam varies depending on your location and whether or not you are a member of ISC2. In the United States, it costs $699 for non-members and $599 for members.

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 global professional association for information security, assurance, risk management, and governance. It is designed to help individuals understand the risks associated with IT systems and how to manage those risks. The CRISC certification is aimed at professionals who work in risk management, IT audit, control and security roles.

It typically takes 18-24 months to earn the CRISC certification. This includes studying for the exam, attending training courses or seminars, gaining relevant experience in the field of risk management, and passing the four-hour CRISC exam.

To get the CRISC certification you must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least three years of cumulative paid full-time professional experience in two or more of the four domains covered by the exam: Risk Identification; Risk Assessment; Risk Response; and Risk Monitoring & Reporting. You must also have a valid email address that can be used to register for the exam.

The cost of getting the CRISC certification varies depending on your country of residence. Generally speaking it costs around $600-$700 USD for non-members and around $450-$550 USD for members of ISACA.

3. Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)

Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) is a certification offered by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in IT-related fields, such as software engineering, database administration, network engineering, and system administration. The CITP certification is valid for three years and requires renewal every three years.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in an IT-related field from an accredited college or university; have at least four years of professional experience in IT; and pass the CITP exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as computer systems architecture, software development methodologies, database management systems, network security principles, and project management techniques.

The cost to become certified varies depending on the country where you are applying for the certification. In the United States, the fee is $495 USD for ICMA members and $595 USD for non-members. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or renewing your certification.

4. Certified Chief Information Officer (CCIO)

A Certified Chief Information Officer (CCIO) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise of senior-level IT executives. The CCIO certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the field of information technology and provides recognition for those who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge and experience in the management of IT operations.

The CCIO certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in areas such as project management, risk management, security, data governance, cloud computing, and more. To be eligible for certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in IT leadership roles.

The CCIO certification process consists of two parts: an online application and an exam. Applicants must complete the online application form which includes questions about their education, work history, and IT skills. Once approved by the CCIO program administrators, applicants can then take the exam which consists of multiple-choice questions on topics related to IT leadership.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. The exam typically takes three hours to complete but may vary depending on individual performance. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CCIO certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals in the field of project management. PMP certification requires passing an exam that tests a person’s ability to plan, execute, and manage projects.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam. This time can be shortened or lengthened depending on how much time you are able to commit to studying. During this time, it is important to become familiar with the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge) and review sample questions from the PMP Exam Prep book. Additionally, it is recommended that you take a course or attend workshops related to project management best practices and principles.

To get certified as a PMP, you must meet certain eligibility requirements set by the PMI. These requirements include having either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) plus four years of project management experience with 7500 hours leading and directing projects; or having a four-year degree plus three years of project management experience with 4500 hours leading and directing projects. You must also have 35 contact hours of formal education in project management topics such as scheduling, budgeting, risk management, etc.

The cost for taking the PMP exam varies depending on where you live but generally ranges from $405 - $555 USD for members of PMI and $555 - $705 USD for non-members.

6. Certified Network Professional (CNP)

Certified Network Professional (CNP) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in networking. The CNP certification is offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). It covers topics such as network architecture, network security, virtualization, cloud computing, and network troubleshooting.

The CNP certification requires that applicants pass two exams: CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+. Both exams are 90 minutes long and have a maximum score of 100 points. The cost of each exam is $329 USD.

In order to become certified, applicants must first register for the exam through CompTIA's website. After registering, applicants can then schedule their exam at a testing center or online with Pearson VUE. Once the exams are completed, applicants will receive their results within 48 hours. If they pass both exams, they will be awarded the CNP certification.

The entire process typically takes about three months from start to finish. The cost of the entire certification process is approximately $658 USD ($329 per exam).

7. Certified Data Center Professional (CDCP)

Certified Data Center Professional (CDCP) is a professional certification offered by the Uptime Institute. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of data center operations, management, and design. The certification covers topics such as data center infrastructure, physical security, power and cooling systems, and environmental monitoring.

The CDCP exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in data center operations or design.

To get the CDCP certification, applicants must first register with the Uptime Institute and pay an application fee. Once approved, they can take the exam online or at a testing center. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate within four weeks.

The cost of the CDCP certification varies depending on whether you take the exam online or at a testing center. The online version costs $595 USD while the in-person version costs $795 USD.

8. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in designing, building, and maintaining Microsoft-based infrastructures. This certification is intended for individuals who have experience in implementing and managing Windows Server, networking infrastructure, virtualization, security, storage solutions, and client operating systems.

It typically takes around six months to one year to prepare for the MCSE certification exam. To get the MCSE certification, you need to pass one or more of the following exams: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals; MS-100: Microsoft 365 Identity and Services; MS-101: Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security; MS-200: Planning and Configuring a Messaging Platform; MS-300: Deploying Enterprise Voice with Skype for Business; MS-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions.

The cost of taking the MCSE certification exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, it will cost around $165 USD per exam.

9. Oracle Database Administrator Certification (OCA/OCP/OCE)

Oracle Database Administrator Certification (OCA/OCP/OCE) is a professional certification program offered by Oracle Corporation to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and skills in working with Oracle databases. The OCA, OCP, and OCE certifications are designed to validate the expertise of database administrators in specific areas of Oracle technology.

The OCA is the entry-level certification for database administrators. It requires passing one exam, which covers basic concepts such as installation, configuration, architecture, backup and recovery, and performance tuning. The OCP is the intermediate level certification for database administrators. It requires passing two exams that cover more advanced topics such as security, data warehousing, replication, and advanced tuning techniques. The OCE is the highest level of certification for database administrators. It requires passing three exams that cover topics such as high availability solutions, enterprise manager features, and troubleshooting techniques.

It typically takes several months to prepare for each certification exam depending on an individual's experience level with Oracle technologies. Candidates should have a good understanding of the material covered in each exam before attempting it. Additionally, they should take practice tests to become familiar with the format of the actual exam questions.

The cost of each exam varies depending on when it is taken and where it is taken. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $200 USD but this can vary based on discounts or promotions offered by Oracle at any given time. In addition to the cost of each exam there may also be other associated costs such as study materials or training courses that need to be factored into the total cost of obtaining a certification.

In order to get certified candidates must register for their desired exams through Oracle's website or through an authorized testing center. After successfully completing all required exams they will receive an official certificate from Oracle verifying their achievement along with access to exclusive resources available only to certified professionals.

10. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ Certification is an industry-recognized credential for entry-level computer technicians. It is a comprehensive certification program that covers a wide range of topics related to computer hardware, software, networking, and security. The certification proves competence in areas such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.

The CompTIA A+ exam consists of two parts: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Both exams must be completed to become certified. The exams are 90 minutes long and include a maximum of 90 multiple choice questions.

In order to obtain the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass both Core 1 and Core 2 exams with a score of at least 675 out of 900 points on each exam. You can take the exams at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take the exam and if you purchase any additional study materials or practice tests. Generally speaking, it will cost around $200-$300 USD for both exams plus any additional fees for study materials or practice tests.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification if you are studying full time; however, this timeline may vary depending on your experience level and how much time you have available to dedicate to studying.

11. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized entry-level certification program that provides a comprehensive overview of IT service management best practices. It is based on the ITIL framework, which was developed by the UK Office of Government Commerce (OGC). The ITIL Foundation certification covers topics such as service strategy, design, transition, operation, and continual service improvement.

The ITIL Foundation Certification can be completed in two to four days depending on the delivery method. There are several ways to obtain the certification including online courses, instructor-led training, and self-study.

The cost of obtaining the ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on the delivery method. Online courses typically range from $500 to $1000 USD while instructor-led training can range from $1500 to $3000 USD. Self-study options are available for free or at a reduced cost depending on the provider.

In order to become certified, candidates must pass an exam consisting of 40 multiple choice questions which must be completed within 60 minutes. Candidates must score at least 65% in order to pass the exam and receive their certification.

Do You Really Need a VP of Information Technology Certificate?

The answer to this question is highly dependent on the individual's career goals and personal objectives. Generally speaking, a Vice President of Information Technology (VPIT) certificate can be a great asset for those looking to advance their careers in technology or information systems management. A VPIT certificate is typically offered by colleges and universities and provides an individual with the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to lead technology teams within an organization.

That being said, there are many other ways one can acquire the same level of expertise without having to obtain a VPIT certification. For example, individuals who already possess a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Information Systems may find that they have sufficient knowledge and experience to manage IT projects and teams. Additionally, there are many resources available online that offer training in specific areas of information technology such as software development, security, networking, and cloud computing.

Ultimately it is up to the individual to decide if obtaining a VPIT certificate would be beneficial to their career path. If one is looking for more advanced roles within IT leadership or management then obtaining a VPIT certification may be worthwhile. However, if someone has already acquired the necessary skill sets through other means then obtaining a certificate may not be necessary.

Related: VP of Information Technology Resume Examples

FAQs About VP of Information Technology Certifications

Q1: What certifications are available for a VP of Information Technology?

A1: Depending on the organization, there are several different certifications that may be available for a VP of Information Technology. These include Certified Chief Information Officer (C|CISO), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Project Management Professional (PMP).

Q2: How do I become certified as a VP of Information Technology?

A2: To become certified as a VP of Information Technology, you will need to meet the requirements set by the particular certification program you are interested in. This typically includes passing an exam and/or completing an approved course or program.

Q3: How long does it take to become certified as a VP of Information Technology?

A3: The amount of time needed to become certified as a VP of Information Technology can vary depending on the certification program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs require between 6 months and one year to complete all requirements.

Q4: What is the cost associated with becoming certified as a VP of Information Technology?

A4: The cost associated with becoming certified as a VP of Information Technology can vary depending on the certification program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$5,000 in total cost.

Q5: Are there any additional resources or study materials that could help me prepare for my certification exam?

A5: Yes! Many organizations offer additional resources and study materials to help individuals prepare for their certification exams. These resources can include online courses, practice tests, study guides, and more.