7 Cybersecurity Credentials IT Admins Must Get from GIPMC to Step into Their Next Role

As of 2024, the World Economic Forum reported a need for 4 million professionals to fill the talent gap in the global cybersecurity industry. This is essential because IT admins are the actual first responders to all types of security incidents in all kinds of organizations.

Key Takeaways:

• A single globally-accredited certification can secure a new title, salary jump, and worldwide employability.
• GIPMC offers 7 certifications mapped to distinct career stages, from entry-level to CIO-track governance.
• The right certification depends on your current role and target career path, not one-size-fits-all.
• Professionals can stack multiple certifications as their career goals evolve.

But most professionals with degrees come without credible certifications to prove their skills and practical abilities. In this case, a single globally-accredited certification can get you a new title, a salary band jump, and global employability.

GIPMC has a whole range of cybersecurity credentials suitable for all working IT professionals. Here are 7 certifications that IT admins across the world can use to step into their next role.

Top 7 Cybersecurity Certifications That IT Admins Should Consider

The Global Institute of Professional Management Certification (GIPMC) offers the following certifications that are valid in all workplaces and all around the world.

#1 — Cyber Security Professional (CSP-G)

Cyber Security Professional (CSP-G) is for IT admins who have no prior security credentials or credible work experience. If you are someone seeking a globally-recognized entry point into cybersecurity, this certification is what you will need.

• What It Covers: Topics include threat intelligence, network defense, security operations fundamentals, and incident response basics.
• Career Outcome: You can be a Junior Security Analyst, Security Operations Analyst, or a Security Admin.

#2 — Information Security Governance Manager (ISGM)

Information Security Governance Manager (ISGM) is a good choice for you if you are a mid-level IT admin planning to transfer from operations into compliance, governance, or managerial roles.

• What It Covers: Core concepts include ISMS design and implementation, security policy frameworks, risk management, and regulatory compliance alignment.
• Career Outcome: The skills make you suitable for roles like IT Security Manager, Information Security Officer, and CISO Track.

#3 — Cyber Penetration Testing Professional (CPTP)

GIPMC’s Cyber Penetration Testing Professional (CPTP) is another option for IT admins associated with networking and systems knowledge. Specifically, if they are planning to transition into offensive security or red team roles.

• What It Covers: The major concepts include ethical hacking methodology, exploitation techniques, vulnerability assessment, and reporting standards.
• Career Outcome: With skills from this certificate, you can apply for roles like Penetration Tester, Vulnerability Analyst, or Red Team Engineer.

#4 — Identity & Access Governance Analyst (IAGA)

Identity & Access Governance Analyst (IAGA) is recommended for IT admins who are responsible for Active Directory, user provisioning, and access control policy. If your goal is to improve expertise in access control, identity governance, and authorization risk management, this should be your pick.

• What It Covers: Topics cover concepts like IAM frameworks, Privileged Access Management (PAM), Zero Trust access models, and governance reporting.
• Career Outcome: With this digital credential, you become eligible for roles like IAM Engineer, Access Governance Lead, or Identity Security Analyst.

#5 — ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Lead Auditor Certification

Try ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Lead Auditor Certification if you are an IT admin in organizations that implement or maintain an Information Security Management System.

• What It Covers: The core competencies you get to learn include ISO/IEC 27001:2022 audit methodology, control implementation review, ISMS gap analysis, and non-conformity reporting.
• Career Outcome: If you pass the examination, you can apply for job roles like IT Auditor, Compliance Manager, or ISMS Lead Auditor.

#6 — ISO/IEC 38500 IT Governance Manager Certification

The ISO/IEC 38500 IT Governance Manager Certification Senior is suitable for IT admins who are planning to step into director-level or governance transition roles within 12–24 months.

• What It Covers: The major topics that come under this certification are IT governance principles, IT service alignment, board-level accountability frameworks, and performance measurement.
• Career Outcome: On successful completion of this certification program, you can plan to get into roles like IT Governance Manager, Head of IT, or CIO Track.

#7 — Digital Forensics Analyst (DFA)

Lastly, the Digital Forensics Analyst (DFA) is a good certification option for IT admins who are already working in incident response teams or moving into investigative security roles.

• What It Covers: You get to learn digital evidence collection, forensic investigation techniques, chain of custody, malware artefact analysis, and court-ready reporting.
• Career Outcome: Suitable job roles for this certification include Incident Response Analyst, Digital Forensics Investigator, and Threat Hunting Analyst.

See also: The Role of Neural Networks in Artificial Intelligence

Summing Up the Certifications

#	Certification	Acronym	Best For	Key Skill Domain	Career Move
1	Cyber Security Professional	CSP-G	IT Admins entering security	Threat detection, defense frameworks	Junior Security Analyst/Security Admin
2	Information Security Governance Manager	ISGM	Mid-level IT admins moving to governance	ISMS, policy & compliance	IT Security Manager/CISO Track
3	Cyber Penetration Testing Professional	CPTP	Admins moving to offensive security	Ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment	Penetration Tester/Red Team Engineer
4	Identity & Access Governance Analyst	IAGA	Admins managing user provisioning	IAM, Zero Trust, PAM	IAM Engineer/Access Governance Lead
5	ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Lead Auditor	ISO 27001 LA	Admins targeting audit & compliance roles	ISMS audit, risk assessment	IT Auditor/Compliance Manager
6	ISO/IEC 38500 IT Governance Manager	ISO 38500 IGM	Senior IT admins in governance transition	IT governance, board-level alignment	IT Governance Manager/CIO Track
7	Digital Forensics Analyst	DFA	Admins in incident response teams	Evidence collection, forensic investigation	Digital Forensics Investigator/IR Analyst

Table 1: The Cybersecurity Certifications At a Glance

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Cybersecurity Job Role?

It’s not that you will need only one certification. You can get multiple as per your career goals and required skills. If these certifications do not match your career stage or desired job role, you can explore more certifications at GIPMC’s Cybersecurity, Risk & Compliance Governance page. Compare the program outcomes, choose one, learn at your own pace, and step into your next role!