2023 SC Awards Finalists: Best Professional Certification Program

Fortinet’s Network Security Expert Certification Program keeps evolving to address today’s threat landscape and global economic climate. The program offers more than 600 hours of training in various languages and updates over 300 hours of training yearly to stay current on the latest threats. The Fortinet Certification program offers role-based training, transferable knowledge, in-house content development, and product integration training. It also offers a foundational “Networking Fundamentals for Cybersecurity” course and collaborates with over 500 educational institutions worldwide. Since its launch in 2013, Fortinet has issued 1,159,806 certifications and achieved 30% YoY growth. Overall, Fortinet’s certification program effectively meets the needs of IT security professionals by emphasizing accessibility, role-based training, and real-world threat research.

INE, a provider of IT security certifications, offers 15 industry-respected certifications, including 14 under the eLearnSecurity brand, endorsed by the European Central Bank within its TIBER-EU Framework. Recently, INE launched the INE Certified Cloud Associate (ICCA). INE/eLS certifications prioritize hands-on components, versatility, and vendor neutrality, catering to IT professionals in a rapidly evolving tech industry. INE’s certification programs emphasize hands-on components and focuses on cybersecurity job preparation as described in the NICE Framework by NIST. All INE certifications use real-world-scenario-based live virtual labs to ensure students develop hands-on knowledge and job role readiness. More than 2,300 LinkedIn job postings request INE/eLS certifications, indicating the program’s high industry-wide respect. INE’s free “Starter Pass” tier prepares students for entry-level eJPT certification through hands-on labs, on-demand training, and interactive learning experiences. Additionally, INE offers training courses for more than 50 other highly-respected industry certifications.

ISACA, a global community focused on advancing digital trust, has been equipping individuals and enterprises with knowledge, credentials, education, training, and community for over 50 years. With more than 169,000 members in 188 countries, ISACA supports IT education and career paths for underrepresented populations through its foundation, One In Tech. The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification, earned by over 189,000 professionals since its inception in 1978, is valued by recruiters and hiring managers worldwide. Considered a high standard for IS audit, control, and assurance professionals, CISA has been accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and recognized internationally for a student’s ability to manage vulnerabilities, ensure compliance, and effectively leverage information systems and technology. CISAs are highly in-demand because of the certification’s adaptability to the latest industry challenges. Many organizations worldwide require CISAs for roles with security and audit responsibilities, and the UK Cyber Security Council requires CISA for individuals to become chartered auditors. CISA was also ranked among Global Knowledge’s top-paying IT certifications for 2022.

ISACA has been offering individuals and enterprises with knowledge, credentials, education, training, and community for over 50 years. With more than 169,000 members in 188 countries, ISACA supports IT education and career paths for underrepresented populations through its foundation, One In Tech. The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification has been one of the leading management-level certification for information security professionals for over 20 years. While most security certifications measure candidates’ understanding of security technologies and processes, CISM also measures their understanding of how these processes drive business goals. Earned by more than 78,000 professionals since its inception in 2002, CISM distinguishes certification-holders as possessing expertise in the development and management of an information security program that aligns with organizational objectives. As the information security landscape grows increasingly complex, CISM certification lets professionals meet employers’ urgent need for experienced information security managers who understand business. CISM-certified professionals are highly sought-after and compensated, with the certification ranking second on Global Knowledge’s 2022 list of top-paying IT certifications.

(ISC)², an international nonprofit membership association, aims to inspire a safe and secure cyber world through its acclaimed Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification and other credentials. With nearly 330,000 members, (ISC)² addresses the 3.4 million cybersecurity workforce gap by offering a way for professionals from non-technical backgrounds to enter the field. The (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity certification was designed for individuals with non-technical backgrounds to test their aptitude and interest in cybersecurity careers. This entry-level certification requires no prior work experience, allowing employers to confidently build resilient cyber teams across all experience levels. To further lower barriers to entry, (ISC)² has pledged to give away one million free Certified in Cybersecurity exams, with 500,000 directed toward minority groups, tribal, and women’s organizations globally. Since its launch in August 2022, the program has seen 62,901 exam appointments and translated exams into five languages. By focusing on entry-level professionals, (ISC)² helps to close the workforce gap and empowers seasoned cybersecurity experts to protect their organizations more effectively.