ISACA’s CRISC and CISM among the top 5 highest-paying IT certifications in 2015

The Global Knowledge 2015 IT Skills and Salary Survey has ranked three ISACA certifications in the top five highest-paying credentials this year. ISACA’s Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certifications earned the top two spots, while Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) rounded out the top five.

The IT Skills and Salary Survey is a nationwide survey that was conducted in part with Windows IT Pro in the fall of 2014. The survey found that certifications in IT security, networking and systems management are at the top of the certification pay scale.

“We are pleased that ISACA certifications earned three of the top-paying certifications in the Global Knowledge IT Skills and Salary Survey,” said Tori Easterly, product director for networking and security of Global Knowledge. “Professionals with a certification from ISACA demonstrate credibility in the areas of risk and control, information security and assurance.”

Introduced in 2010 for risk and control professionals, CRISC holds the top spot on the list with an average salary of $119,227. CRISC is designed for professionals who identify and manage risk through the development, implementation and maintenance of appropriate information systems controls. More than 18,000 people have earned CRISC certification since inception.

CISM is ranked as the second-highest-paying certification on the list, with an average salary of $118,348. Designed for experienced information security managers, CISM has been earned by more than 27,000 professionals since it was created in 2002.

With an average salary of $106,181, the CISA credential ranks as the fifth-highest-paying certification on the list. Established in 1978 as a standard of achievement for information systems auditors, CISA has been earned by more than 115,000 individuals since inception.

“ISACA credentials are strong career enhancers for professionals in the IT audit, security,  and risk management fields,” said Prof. Frank Yam, international director of ISACA and CEO of Focus Strategic Group Inc. “The study results show that employers recognize the value of these credentials—and that they are willing to pay a premium for those who have them.”