1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

What is the CISSP certification? CISSP is a globally recognized certification offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium. It is designed and structured to test the expertise of professionals in different domains in the field of information technology.

Where to get the certificate? The CISSP certificate is only issued by  ISC² upon passing the examination. To obtain the CISSP certification, candidates must meet certain requirements set by ISC². These requirements include a minimum of five years of cumulative paid work experience in at least two or more of the eight CISSP domains. Additionally, candidates must pass the CISSP exam, which consists of 250 multiple-choice questions covering all eight domains.  ISC² also provides traning content and exam preps. https://www.isc2.org/register-for-exam

Cost of the Certifcatication -The CISSP certification exam costs $749. Individuals can receive vouchers from partner organizations after completing CISSP exam training courses

Possibility of Scholarship – There are a couple of external scholarships to take up the course.

1. 2023 Cyversity Training Scholarship
2. Elizabeth Sloane Institute of Technology ESIT
3. Cybersecurity & The Latinx Community Scholarship

Benefits of obtaining the CISSP certification

1. Industry Recognition: The CISSP certification is globally recognized as a standard for information security professionals. It demonstrates a high level of expertise and commitment to the field.
2. Career Advancement: Holding the CISSP certification can open doors to new career opportunities and higher-level positions in information security. Many organizations require or prefer candidates with this certification for senior-level roles.
3. Knowledge Enhancement: The CISSP certification covers a broad range of topics in information security, providing professionals with a comprehensive understanding of various domains. This knowledge can be applied to real-world scenarios and help in making informed decisions to protect organizational assets.

Marketability of CISSP Certification

CISSP holders are able to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and their ability to   address complex security challenges – as such, the certification is highly regarded by employers, industry professionals, and government entities worldwide, making it a valuable asset for career advancement.

2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

What is the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification? The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is a globally recognized credential for information security management. It is offered by ISACA (formerly known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association) and is designed to validate the knowledge and expertise of professionals in the field of information security management and governance.

Where to get the certification? To obtain the CISM certification, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including having a minimum of five years of work experience in information security management, with at least three years of experience in at least three of the four CISM domains. Candidates must also pass the CISM exam, which assesses their knowledge of information security governance, risk management, information security program development and management, and incident response. ISACA provides study materials and resources to help candidates prepare for the exam. The CISM exam is typically administered at Pearson VUE test centers. Candidates can apply for the CISM exam on the ISACA website: https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cism

Cost of the Certification – The cost of the CISM certification includes the exam fee, ISACA membership (optional but often recommended for reduced exam fees), and any study materials or courses that candidates choose to purchase. The exam fee varies for ISACA members and non-members and can range from $575 to $760 USD.

Possibility of Scholarship – ISACA and various ISACA chapters may offer scholarships or financial assistance to individuals pursuing information security certifications, including CISM. Scholarship availability can vary, so candidates should check with ISACA and local ISACA chapters for potential opportunities.

Benefits of obtaining the CISM Certification:

1. Information Security Expertise: The CISM certification demonstrates expertise in information security management and governance, including risk management, security program development, and incident response.

2. Career Advancement: Earning the CISM certification can lead to career advancement opportunities in information security and cybersecurity. Many organizations seek CISM-certified professionals for leadership and managerial roles in security.

3. Industry Recognition: The CISM certification is globally recognized and respected in the information security field. It signifies a high level of competence and commitment to information security best practices.

Marketability of CISM Certification:

The CISM certification is highly marketable and sought after by organizations that prioritize information security and risk management. Information security is a critical aspect of modern business operations, and organizations are constantly seeking professionals with the knowledge and skills to protect their assets and data. Having the CISM certification on your resume can make you highly competitive in the job market and can increase your earning potential. It signals to employers that you have the expertise to develop and manage effective information security programs and to address the complex challenges of the cybersecurity landscape. Additionally, the CISM certification is not limited to any specific industry, making it valuable for information security professionals in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, government, and more.

3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

What is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification? The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is a professional credential that validates the skills and knowledge of individuals in the field of ethical hacking and cybersecurity. Ethical hackers, also known as penetration testers or white-hat hackers, use their expertise to identify and address security vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks, helping organizations strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.

Where to get the certification? The CEH certification is offered by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). To earn the CEH certification, candidates must complete an official CEH training program from an EC-Council accredited training center or through the EC-Council’s online platform. After completing the training, candidates can register for the CEH exam, which tests their knowledge of ethical hacking techniques and concepts. The exam is typically administered at Pearson VUE test centers. Candidates can find more information and register for CEH training and the exam on the EC-Council’s official website: https://www.eccouncil.org/programs/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh/

Cost of the Certification – The cost of obtaining the CEH certification includes the training program fee, exam fee, and any study materials or resources candidates choose to purchase. The training program fee can vary depending on the training provider, while the exam fee typically is around $1199.

Possibility of Scholarship – EC-Council may offer scholarships or discounts on training programs and exams for individuals pursuing cybersecurity certifications, including CEH. Scholarship availability can vary, so candidates should check with EC-Council for potential opportunities.

Benefits of obtaining the CEH Certification:

1. Ethical Hacking Skills: The CEH certification validates an individual’s expertise in ethical hacking techniques, tools, and methodologies, enabling them to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities effectively.

2. Career Opportunities: Earning the CEH certification can lead to career opportunities in cybersecurity, penetration testing, and ethical hacking roles. Many organizations require or prefer CEH-certified professionals to help secure their systems.

3. Industry Recognition: The CEH certification is widely recognized in the cybersecurity industry and is respected by employers, government agencies, and cybersecurity professionals worldwide.

Marketability of CEH Certification:

The CEH certification is highly marketable, as organizations are increasingly prioritizing cybersecurity to protect their data and assets from cyber threats. Ethical hackers with CEH certification are in high demand as they possess the skills and knowledge needed to proactively identify and mitigate security risks. Having the CEH certification on your resume can make you more competitive in the job market and increase your earning potential in the cybersecurity field. It signals to employers that you are trained to think like a hacker and can help protect their systems and networks from cyberattacks. Additionally, CEH-certified professionals may have opportunities for specialization in various cybersecurity roles, such as penetration testing, security auditing, and incident response, further enhancing their marketability and career prospects.