This certification was created by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants to test the abilities of IT professionals to identify holes and weaknesses in an end user's network defense by using the same methods malicious hackers would employ. IT professionals with Ethical Hacker certifications are greatly needed in the enterprise, as businesses hope to be able to catch critical vulnerabilities before cybercriminals do. According to the 2015 IT Skills and Salary Survey conducted by business training and certification company Global Knowledge and Windows IT Pro, Certified Ethical Hackers make an average salary of $95,000.
IT professionals with a CISA certification have been tested to ensure they are able to manage critical vulnerabilities, ensure compliance with required IT standards and propose controls, processes and updates to an organization's policies. Applicants with this certification are often in charge of auditing, monitoring, controlling or assessing responsibilities within the IT or business network ecosystem. To achieve a CISA certification, candidates must have a minimum of five years in auditing, control or security experience and be able to pass an exam offered only three times a year. Because of the more rigorous requirements for the Certified Information Systems Auditor certificate, the average annual salary for an IT professional with such an achievement is $106,000.
IT professionals with a CISSP certification are proven to have the vendor-neutral security expertise necessary to complete high-level tasks that ensure the security of business environments in a variety of IT areas, including architecture, design, management and controls. Security is a growing concern for most enterprises, increasing the demand for IT professionals who are capable of identifying security vulnerabilities and improving defenses. Because of the rising interest in such IT workers, the average yearly salary for an employee with a CISSP certification is $110,600, according to the Global Knowledge survey. This high salary is due in part because of the need for professionals with such skills, but also because of the requirements to obtain such a certification. Candidates for a CISSP certificate must also earn Continuous Professional Education credits every year to maintain their certification, as well as have at least five years of full-time experience in at least two of the areas tested on the exam.
There has never been a better time to be a knowledgeable IT professional than right now. With so many unfilled positions throughout the enterprise, candidates with the appropriate certifications can take advantage of higher salaries than ever before. For IT workers looking to achieve the certifications that will give them a leg up in the current tech workforce, taking classes to achieve advanced certifications can give applicants a boost to their otherwise tired resumes.
Computer learning centers around the country offer courses on in-demand fields like cybersecurity and network administration, allowing students to gain experience in profitable areas. Classes can be taken online, at night or on the weekends to accommodate even the busiest schedule. Exams on a variety of advanced certifications are also available to make a resume stand out from the crowd and command the highest salary possible.