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Best security architect certifications
Security architect certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an security architect to employers. However, not all security architect certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a security architect are Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Below is a list of the best security architect certifications. Obtaining an security architect certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
9 best certifications for security architects
| Rank | Security architect certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP) | (ISC)2 |
| 2 | Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | ISACA |
| 3 | Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | Global Knowle... |
| 4 | Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) | ISACA |
| 5 | IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL) | Zavata |
| 6 | Security 5 Certification | EC-Council |
| 7 | Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) | (ISC)2 |
| 8 | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | SANS |
| 9 | Certification in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) | ISACA |
9 best security architect certifications
1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP)
CISSP-ISSAP requires a candidate to demonstrate 2 years of professional experience in the area of architecture and is an appropriate credential for Chief Security Architects and Analysts who may typically work as independent consultants or in similar capacities. The architect plays a key role within the information security department with responsibilities that functionally fit between the C-suite and upper managerial level and the implementation of the security program. The candidate would generally develop, design, or analyze the overall security plan. Although this role may typically be tied closely to technology, it may be fundamentally closer to the consultative and analytical process of information security.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) certification program is developed specifically for experienced information security managers and those who have information security management responsibilities. The CISM certification is for the individual who manages, designs, oversees and/or assesses an enterprise's information security (IS). The CISM certification promotes international practices and provides executive management with assurance that those earning the designation have the required experience and knowledge to provide effective security management and consulting services. Individuals earning the CISM certification become part of an elite peer network, attaining a one-of-a-kind credential. The CISM job practice also defines a global job description for the information security manager and a method to measure existing staff or compare prospective new hires.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP has clearly emerged as the key certification for security professionals. In fact, in an informal survey of information security jobs on a major employment web site, more than 70% of the positions required CISSP certification. Corporations are demanding experienced information security professionals with the certifications to prove it to protect their information and assets. Our course has been prepared with great care to provide the most exhaustive survey of the CISSP information, test taking techniques, and preparation materials available in the industry. While other CISSP course providers require extensive reading and practice test preparation between completing the class and taking the exam, our students have found that the high quality of our course and its in-class practice test result in a minimum of extra time spent preparing for the exam.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
4. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The CISA designation is a globally recognized certification for IS audit control, assurance and security professionals. Being CISA-certified showcases your audit experience, skills and knowledge, and demonstrates you are capable to manage vulnerabilities, ensure compliance and institute controls within the enterprise.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
5. IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL)
The ITIL Foundations Certification course is designed for all IT service and support staff members. Whether you are just adopting ITIL or are working on continuous service improvement, you will gain a fundamental understanding of how IT service and support can be best organized to align IT with business needs, improve service quality, and reduce long-term costs. Course Benefits: 1) Gain an understanding of the ITIL framework and its relationship with the 10 foundational processes and Service Desk function, 2) Learn how ITIL processes can be utilized in any size organization, 3) Promote a common vision and language within the IT infrastructure.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
6. Security 5 Certification
The Security5 Certification is the entry level for anyone interested in learning computer networking and security basics. The Security5 program gives individuals basic networking literacy skills to begin high-end IT programs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
7. Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP)
Demonstrates competence in the rigorous requirements for information security architecture.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
8. Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
The SANS Institute founded GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification) in 1999 in response to the need to validate the skills of security professionals. The purpose of GIAC is to provide assurance that a certified individual holds the appropriate level of knowledge and skill necessary for a practitioner in key areas of information security. In 2002 SANS' Security Essentials was certified as 100% compliant with NSTISSI's 4013 training standards.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
9. Certification in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control™ certification (CRISC™) is designed for IT professionals who have hands-on experience with risk identification, assessment, and evaluation; risk response; risk monitoring; IS control design and implementation; and IS control monitoring and maintenance. The CRISC designation will not only certify professionals who have knowledge and experience identifying and evaluating entity-specific risk, but also aid them in helping enterprises accomplish business objectives by designing, implementing, monitoring and maintaining risk-based, efficient and effective IS controls.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for a security architect?
The best security architect certification is Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP). The Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP) is awarded by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. the advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this security architect certification:
- To become a certified Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for security architects?
The most in-demand security architect certification is Certified Information Security Manager based on all active job postings. Having this security architect certification will give you access to more security architect jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of security architect certifications include: Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Online courses for security architects to earn certifications
1. Ethical Hacker
Meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals by gaining the offensive security skills to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems...
2. Security Engineer
Gain the highly sought-after skills to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems from security threats or attacks...
3. AWS Fundamentals: Addressing Security Risk
Welcome to AWS Fundamentals: Addressing Security Risk! This course will give you an overview of security best practices when developing and managing applications on AWS. The course, created by AWS experts and delivered by AWS Solutions Architects, uses video lectures, hands-on exercise guides, demonstrations, and quizzes to dive deep on concepts about security on AWS. You will learn about the concept of “least privilege” and the AWS Shared Responsibility Model, as well as view demonstrations of...
4. Microsoft Azure Management Tools and Security Solutions
Microsoft Azure offers a wide range of services to deploy your applications. To keep control of your environment and to make deployments easier, it also offers a wide array of management tools and services. In this course, you will be introduced to these tools and services and you will be asked to help choose the best one for a given business scenario. Some modules cover software development processes and services. You will learn about cloud monitoring solutions for your applications and...
5. ISO/IEC 27005:2022. Information security risk management
Understand the framework proposed by ISO for managing information security risks in an organization...
6. PCI DSS Bootcamp: The A-Z™ Information Security Course
Master the 12 Requirements of PCI DSS v4.0 Compliance, Cyber Security and Identity Access Management + Practice Test...
7. Intro to Cybersecurity
Get your start in the high growth field of Cybersecurity by building foundational skills in how to evaluate, maintain, and monitor the security of computer systems...
8. Security Analyst
Meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals by gaining the skills to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems...
9. Managing Network Security
Almost every organization uses computer networks to share their information and to support their business operations. When we allow network access to data it is exposed to threats from inside and outside of the organization. This course examines the threats associated with using internal and external networks and how to manage the protection of information when it’s accessible via networks. In this course, a learner will be able to: ● Describe the threats to data from information communication...
10. ISO/IEC 27002:2022. Information security controls
Learn about the comprehensive set of information security controls proposed by ISO/IEC 27002:2022...
11. AWS Security and Governance Administration for Professionals
In-Depth AWS Security Administration and Governance: Learn hands-on with certified industry professionals...
12. Security Architect
Meet the growing demand for security architects and learn the skills required to advance your cybersecurity career. You will master the skills necessary to become a successful security architect. Learn core strategies and implementation elements of security infrastructure design and management at an enterprise level...
13. Enterprise Security
Meet the growing demand for enterprise security engineers and learn the foundational skills of security engineering within an enterprise setting...
14. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)...
15. Planning and Implementing a Security Incident Response
Learn all about planning and implementing a Security Incident Response along with best practices and recommendations...
16. Cybersecurity for Business Leaders
Learn to leverage the capabilities of cybersecurity best practices to protect your organization and unlock next-level results...
17. Zero Trust Security
Companies around the world are facing constant and evolving cyber attacks, so it’s imperative that they find talent with the dynamic skills to address these pressing issues...
18. ISACA CISM Certified Information Security Manager
One of the highest paid certifications! Become a Certified Information Security Manager!...
19. Cloud Security Course: Cloud Compliance, Audits,Legal issues
For CCSK and CCSP Aspirants - Cloud Agreements/Contracts, Legal and Compliance Concepts...
20. Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) V4
Your first step toward cloud security expertise...