CISA and CISM Among Most Valuable IT Certifications,
According to New Foote Partners Study

Rolling Meadows, IL, USA (12 June 2007)—ISACA’s Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) designations are among a select few IT certifications earning premiums of 10 percent to 14 percent of base pay, according to independent consultancy Foote Partners LLC.

The certifications were the highest performing, according to the firm’s study of 149 certified IT skills, an achievement especially notable since overall, pay performance for certified skills fell 2.1 percent over the past year.

“There is one category of IT certifications—and only one, according to our data—that is showing signs of life: IT security,” said David Foote, CEO and chief research officer of Foote Partners. “Customers are becoming nervous and demanding more security in their vendors’ products and services.”

The CISA certification, established in 1978, has been earned by more than 50,000 professionals worldwide since inception. Nearly 14,400 candidates registered for the June 2007 CISA exam, a 19 percent increase from the June 2006 exam. It is offered in 11 languages and at more than 230 locations worldwide.

The CISM certification has been earned by more than 6,500 information security professionals in its first five years. More than 2,000 candidates registered for the June 2007 CISM exam—nearly a 25 percent increase from June 2006. The CISM exam is available in three languages and at more than 230 global testing sites.

Both ISACA certifications have earned accreditation by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and are among only 13 certifications approved by the US Department of Defense under Directive 8570 for its information assurance personnel.

With more than 65,000 members in more than 140 countries, ISACA (http://www.isaca.org) is a recognized worldwide leader in IT governance, control, security and assurance. Founded in 1969, ISACA sponsors international conferences, publishes the Information Systems Control Journal, develops international information systems auditing and control standards, and administers the globally respected CISA and CISM certifications.

A Foote Partners press release with additional details of the study is available at http://www.footepartners.com/FooteNewsrelease_1Q2007skillspay_053007.pdf.

Media Contacts
Kristen Kessinger, +1.847.590.7455, kkessinger@isaca.org
Deborah Vohasek, +1.847.590.7466, dvohasek@isaca.org
ISACA
3701 Algonquin Road, Suite 1010
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008, USA