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ISACA certifications are some of the most popular and highest-paying in the Global Knowledge 2019 IT Skills and Salary Report. Eleven percent of IT professionals in the United States and Canada are ISACA-certified, and their salaries are 12% above the North American average.
ISACA is now associated with three truths:
- Enhancing a wide range of careers
- Sought-after certifications
- High salaries
ISACA’s certifications in cybersecurity and governance are industry standards and produce the highest salaries. This is in line with our overall salary data, as Cybersecurity, Governance, Compliance and Policy certifications are the most popular worldwide and are associated with a global average salary of $96,308, seven percent above the average.
Here’s a list of the five top-paying ISACA certifications for 2019 (average salaries are for North America):
1. CGEIT: Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT
Average salary: $137,050
CGEIT would be the top-paying certification in the United States this year but it missed the respondent threshold. CGEIT-certified professionals earn 25% more than the North American average. It ranks 12th globally with an average salary of $104,272.
Tenure is a main reason with CGEIT-certified professionals tend to have higher salaries. To take the exam, an individual needs at least five years of experience in at least three of the five areas the certification covers, including at least one year in the IT governance framework area.
2. CISM: Certified Information Security Manager
Average salary: $132,919
CISM ranks second in North American salary and 17th globally ($99,778). This credential is designed for information security management professionals, focusing on security strategy and assessing the systems and policies in place. To take the exam, you’re required to have at least five years of experience in IS, with at least three as a security manager.
It’s now common that many government agencies require their IS and IT professionals to have a CISM certification.
Related training: CISM - Certified Information Security Manager Prep Course
3. CRISC: Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control
Average salary: $128,556
CRISC ranks eighth in North America and 14th worldwide in average salary. Its average salary is 17% higher than the average North American IT professional. CRISC is a cybersecurity credential designed for IT professionals, project managers and others whose job it is to identify and manage IT and business risks through Information Systems controls.
Globally, 522 IT professionals have their CRISC certification, making it the third most popular ISACA credential behind CISA (1,416) and CISM (934).
Related training: CRISC - Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control Prep Course
4. CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor
Average salary: $118,232
CISA ranks 12th in North America in average salary. It’s also the most popular ISACA certification. CISA is perfect for individuals whose job responsibilities include auditing, monitoring, controlling, and assessing IT and business systems. The exam tests the ability to manage vulnerabilities.
Originating in 1978, CISA is ISACA’s oldest certification. It requires at least five years of experience in information systems auditing, control or security.
Related training: CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor Prep Course
5. COBIT 5 Foundation
Average salary: $114,949
This premiere governance certification has a high North American salary but missed the respondent threshold to qualify for our top-paying list. However, it does meet the thresholds for Latin America (eighth) and EMEA (12th). COBIT 5 provides a comprehensive framework that assists enterprises in achieving their objectives for the governance and management of enterprise IT.
Related training: COBIT 5 Foundation