Curious to know which certifications organizations are the most well respected? Which certification vendors should you consider looking at to gain a highly sought after and thought of certification?
In this article, we will review some of the vendor neutral certification options for IT individuals. These organizations are well thought of in the IT and IT security industries and ware most likely to show up on security job postings.
GIAC
Working together with SANS, GIAC is a well know security certification focused company. Their company has expanded their certification offerings to include more general and very specific certifications. New changes includes recently implemented cyber live computerized adaptive testing.
GIAC certifications are well known in the industry and are often seen as a positive for resumes. It’s common for GIAC certifications to be listed on job requirements for new roles for advanced and management positions.
These certifications are easy to renew through continued GIAC and SANS training as well as through a plethora of other IT related activities and certifications. Therefore, this variety of renewal options through various activities provides flexibility to IT professionals to use the GIAC certifications as a starting point and doesn’t lock them down to GIAC and SANS specific training or future certifications.
(ISC)2
Known as “world’s largest IT security organization”, the (ISC)2 or International Information System Security Certification Consortium, is a non-profit organization which specializes in training and certifications for cybersecurity professionals. The ISC2 is most famous for the CISSP exam, which requires 5 years of experience and has a code of ethics that all certificate holders have to maintain.
CompTIA
CompTIA is a vendor neutral certificate organization that offers many certifications for IT individuals of every level. There are a wide variety of certifications such as the A+, Security+, and PenTest+. CompTIA is well thought of and is often seen on job requirements. With many different certification options for IT professionals at every level, a plethora of webcasts and renewal options, CompTIA is a great organization for professionals.
ISACA
With more than 200 chapters around the world, Information Systems Audit and Control Association or ISACA is one of the most well respected cybersecurity certification organizations. It is an international professional association focused on IT governance, with 8 certification paths as well as micro certification paths. Some of the most well known ISACA certifications include the CISM and CISA. The CISM stands for Certified Information Security Manager and CISA means Certified Information Security Auditor. ISACA is a great organization to network with like minded information security professionals.
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