9 Best GRC Certifications That Boost Your Salary in 2025 [With Costs]

GRC certifications are now career builders in the demanding information security and risk management field. GRC professional credentials validate your ability to apply and manage governance, risk, and compliance procedures in organisations.

GRC combines three elements:

• Governance validates business processes align with long-term goals.
• Risk involves identifying and minimising potential threats.
• Compliance checks that rules, laws, and standards are followed.

Corporate collapses like Enron and WorldCom and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 emphasised the need for stronger internal controls—spurring demand for GRC professionals.

Entering for the first time or seeking to advance, GRC certifications offer opportunities in governance, strategy, audit, compliance, and cybersecurity. Opportunities such as Cybersecurity Auditor, GRC Analyst, IT Risk Manager, and CIO particularly stand to gain.

Most certifications need specialised training and testing, but they're well worth it—providing higher pay, industry flexibility, and global relevance. Finance, healthcare, technology, and government industries all rely on certified GRC professionals to guide them through complex regulations.

Organisations also benefit from GRC. Certified GRC professionals help reduce risk, streamline operations, and demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical and responsible business operations.

Top 9 GRC Certifications to Boost Your Salary and Career

In the rapidly evolving world of governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC), certifications are essential in adding to your professional stature and creating greater opportunities for better careers. Getting a reputable GRC certification not only proves your skill set but also increases your earning capacity, making you a top-class a professional with a high demand. Here are nine of the best GRC certifications that can elevate your career and salary:

1. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
3. Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP)
4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
5. Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
6. Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC)
7. Project Management Institute Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)
8. GRC Professional Certification (GRCP)
9. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

1. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is a world-class certification for IT risk management professionals who want to be the best. Offered by ISACA, this highly regarded credential demonstrates your capability to design, implement, and maintain successful risk management programmes based on industry best practices.

CRISC Focus

The exam covers four domains:
Governance (26%) – Aligning organizational strategy, policies, and risk frameworks
IT Risk Assessment (20%) – Identifying risks, assessing threats, and analyzing business impact
Risk Response and Reporting (32%) – Designing controls, implementing treatment plans, and monitoring risk
Information Technology and Security (22%) – Understanding IT systems, security concepts, and disaster recovery

CRISC Requirements

To apply, you must have at least three years of hands-on experience in IT risk management and information systems control. No waivers or substitutions—this ensures all CRISC-certified professionals have real-world expertise.

CRISC Pricing

• Exam Fee: $575 for ISACA members, $760 for non-members
• Application Fee: $50 (paid after you pass the exam)
• Annual Maintenance Fee: $45 (members), $85 (non-members)

2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is one of the most respected certifications for IT audit, control, and security professionals worldwide. Managed by ISACA, this credential validates your ability to assess vulnerabilities, report on compliance, and manage enterprise IT systems.

CISA Focus:

The exam tests your skills across five critical domains:

• Information System Auditing Process (18%) — Planning, performance, and reporting of audits
• Governance and Management of IT (18%) — Review of IT strategy and governance
• Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation (12%) – Control over IT in new systems
• Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience (26%) – IT operations and business continuity
• Protection of Information Assets (26%) – IT cybersecurity and data protection

CISA Requirements

• Five years of experience in information systems auditing, control, security, or assurance
• Continuing education: 20 CPE hours per year for three years, for a total of 120 hours

CISA Pricing

• Exam Fee: $575 (ISACA member), $760 (non-member)
• Annual Maintenance Fee: $45 (member), $85 (non-member)

3. Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP)

The Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) is a leading credential for professionals in compliance and ethics management. Offered by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE), it demonstrates your ability to implement and oversee effective compliance programmes.

CCEP Focus

The exam covers seven key areas:

• Standards and policies
• Program administration
• Training and communication
• Auditing and monitoring
• Investigations and response
• Discipline and incentives
• Risk assessment

CCEP Requirements

• One year of full-time compliance work or 1,500 hours of compliance duties in the past two years
• 20 CEUs required before the exam, with at least 10 from live training

CCEP Pricing

• Exam Fee: $350 (SCCE members), $450 (non-members)
• Renewal Fee (every two years): $145 (members), $265 (non-members)
• Rescheduling Fee: $75
• Extension Fee: $50/month (up to 2 months)

4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a top-tier certification for professionals transitioning into leadership positions within cybersecurity. Supported by ISACA, CISM combines technical know-how with strategic management, which makes it ideal for those aligning security initiatives with business objectives.

CISM Focus

The test analyses your ability within four main areas:

• Information Security Governance (17%) – Security strategy, legal compliance, and organizational culture
• Information Security Risk Management (20%) – Risk evaluation, vulnerability scanning, and response planning
• Information Security Program (33%) – Program planning, resource management, and control deployment
• Incident Management (30%) – Response planning, containment, and business continuity

CISM Requirements

• Five years of experience in information security, at least three of them in security management
• 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours every three years to retain certification

CISM Pricing

• Exam Fee: $575 (members of ISACA), $760 (non-members)
• Application Fee: $50
• Annual Maintenance Fee: $45 (members), $85 (non-members)
• Optional Chapter Dues: Approx. $145 (region-specific)

5. Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)

The Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) is the only certification dedicated solely to IT governance. Offered by ISACA, CGEIT proves your ability to align IT with business goals and maximize enterprise resources.

CGEIT Focus

The test addresses four areas:

• Governance of Enterprise IT (40%) – Strategy, frameworks, organization design, and information governance
• IT Resources (15%) – Resource planning, optimization, and asset management
• Benefits Realization (26%) – Value delivery, investment performance, reporting
• Risk Optimization (19%) – Mitigation strategies, risk assessment, identification

CGEIT Requirements

• Five or more years of experience in a governance-related position
• Pass the exam and apply for certification within five years
• Keep certification current by meeting CPE requirements

CGEIT Pricing

• Exam Fee: $575 (ISACA members), $760 (non-members)
• Application Fee: $50 (upon passing)

6. Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC)

The Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC)—formerly known as CAP—is an ISC2 certification designed for IT professionals working with risk management frameworks and information system authorization.

CGRC Focus

The exam tests your expertise in seven key domains, including security and privacy governance, risk management, control selection and implementation, compliance auditing, and continuous compliance maintenance.

CGRC Requirements

• Two years of experience in one or more of the exam domains
• Those without qualifying experience can become ISC2 Associates and have three years to acquire qualifying experience

CGRC Pricing

• Standard Exam Fee: $599 USD
• Europe: €555 EUR
• UK: £479 GBP

7. Project Management Institute Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)

PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) is project-based certification that is meant for professionals managing risk across the project life cycle. Backed by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this credential reflects sophisticated risk management ability with project management best practices.

PMI-RMP Focus

PMI-RMP focuses on identifying project risk, evaluating opportunities, and applying proven risk methods to direct successful project delivery.It integrates risk management competency with project planning and execution and is suited for professionals who wish to ensure performance in dynamic project settings.

PMI-RMP Requirements

Education & Experience:

• 3 years in project risk management with a secondary degree, or
• 2 years with a bachelor’s degree
• Education Hours: 30–40 hours of project risk management training

PMI-RMP Pricing

• Exam Fee: $520 for PMI members, $670 for non-members
• Renewal: Earn 30 PDUs every 3 years to maintain certification

8. GRC Professional Certification (GRCP)

GRC Professional Certification (GRCP) is a flexible, high-impact credential that validates your ability to integrate governance, risk, and compliance across. It's ideal for professionals who want to strengthen their GRC foundation while boosting career potential.

GRCP Focus

GRCP focuses on your ability to align governance, risk, compliance, ethics, and performance into a unified framework. It tests knowledge of GRC terminology and the OCEG GRC Capability Model’s four components—Learn, Align, Perform, and Review.

GRCP Requirements

• No formal education or work experience required
• Open to early-career professionals and seasoned experts alike

GRCP Pricing

• Exam Fee: $575
• Preparation Materials: Optional all-access pass of $499/year
• License Options: Annual fees from $400 to $175,000 based on usage

9. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is the sole internationally recognised certification for internal auditors. This valued IIA-supported credential demonstrates your competence in internal auditing and provides access to increased incomes and career prospects.

CIA Focus

CIA emphasises main areas of internal auditing such as governance, risk management, fraud risk, independence, proficiency, and quality assurance. It covers essential auditing practices across three exam parts.

CIA Requirements

• No experience required to begin
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) typically needed
• Final-year students and those with relevant experience can apply
• Must pass all three exam parts and meet ethical standards

CIA Pricing:

Application Fee: $120 (members), $240 (non-members), $65 (students)
Exam Fees:
 • Part 1: $310 (members), $445 (non-members), $245 (students)
 • Part 2: $280 (members), $415 (non-members), $215 (students)
 • Part 3: $280 (members), $415 (non-members), $215 (students)

Why are GRCs the best way to boost your salary?

"Industry Matters: Sectors like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing—where compliance and risk management are critical—often offer higher compensation packages for SAP GRC roles." — SecurityBridge, SAP security and compliance solutions provider
GRC certifications are powerful income boosters in today’s job market.
GRC professionals earn significantly more—"GRC" careers pay 34% more than similar careers without it. In America, GRC-certified experts have an average of $125,000 annually, and new graduates make $103,381, with experienced experts at up to $165,519.
These certifications pay off consistently:

• IT-certified professionals see raises up to $13,000
• CCEP-certified Directors earn 22% more than peers
• CRISC holders average $151,995 annually

GRC certifications offer cross-industry flexibility—benefiting professionals in finance, healthcare, and tech—boosting job security and income. As regulatory pressures grow, certified experts are in demand for their ability to manage risk, spot opportunities, and protect organizational resilience.

Bottom line: GRC certification isn't just a title—it’s a proven path to higher earnings and long-term career growth.

Comparison Table

Boost Your Career With GRC Certifications Today

GRC certifications provide more than a certificate—they lead to increased salaries, career growth, and long-term development. Many professionals realise direct benefits, with salary increases of $13,000 or more upon certification. Certified professionals on average earn $104,470 to $151,995, outpacing their peers by a wide margin.

Why these certifications are even more valuable is that they're flexible. No matter whether you're in finance, healthcare, tech, or manufacturing, GRC skills transfer to any industry. There's something for everyone—CISM and CGRC are terrific for security professionals, CGEIT and CISA are good for leadership positions, and CRISC or PMI-RMP are perfect for risk-oriented careers.

The investment is worth it—exam costs typically fall between $350 and $760—and the return on investment is worthwhile. And there's more. Maintaining your certification through on.

The investment is worth it—exam costs typically fall between $350 and $760—and the return on investment is worthwhile. And there's more. Maintaining your certification through ongoing education keeps you current and relevant.

The right GRC certification isn’t just a career move—it's a better step towards better compensation, enhanced job security, and a future you can control.