Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) is a vendor-neutral certification for experienced tech professionals looking to expand their knowledge and skills in enterprise information technology (IT) governance. The CGEIT credential is designed to provide certification for those who direct, manage or otherwise support the governance of IT in large organizations. ISACA, an international non-profit organization previously known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, developed and runs CGEIT, which is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Information technology governance in large organizations continues to grow in importance due to an ever-increasing reliance on IT to deliver services, along with the rising need to comply with complex laws and regulations concerning financial accountability, data security and protection, and privacy. As a result, the need arises for governance credentials, such as Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), as well as others such as ITIL Expert, run by Axelos, Certified in IT Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (CRISC) from ISACA and PMI Risk Management Professional from the Project Management Institute.
Since the introduction of CGEIT in 2007, more than 7,000 individuals have achieved the certification, with a large percentage holding senior positions as IT directors, audit directors, CIOs, CISOs
Having CGEIT credentials can give IT pros a leg up at their current firms as well as during recruiting and hiring. Additionally, CGEIT is among the highest-paying IT certifications, with an average salary of US $121,363, according to the 2018 IT Skills and Salary Report conducted by Global Knowledge.
CGEIT Qualifications: Education and Experience
To receive the certification, candidates must pass a four-hour exam, which includes 150 questions and covers five areas: Framework for the Governance of Enterprise IT, Strategic Management, Benefits Realization, Risk Optimization and Resource Optimization. CGEIT-certified professionals also must have at least five years of cumulative work experience in IT enterprise governance, including at least one year defining, implementing and managing a governance framework. (Individuals may take the CGEIT exam before meeting the experience requirements, which must be met before the CGEIT designation is awarded.)
Additionally, CGEIT holders are expected to comply with the ISACA Code of Professional Ethics as well as the CGEIT Continuing Education Policy, attaining an annual minimum of 20 continuing professional education (CPE) hours in related coursework to reach a minimum of 120 CPE hours for a three-year reporting period.