The highest-paying IT certifications

ISACA's Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) credentials have been named among the highest-paying IT certifications in the latest Foote Partners' IT Skills and Certifications Pay Index (ITSCPI).

ISACA, a nonprofit association of more than 110,000 IT governance professionals in 180 countries, advances and attests business-critical IT skills and knowledge through its CISA, CISM, CGEIT and CRISC certifications.

CISM and CGEIT tied with other certifications for the fourth- highest-paying certification in Foote Partner's report for the period 1 April 2013 - 1 July 2013, while CISA and CRISC tied for the fifth spot. Additionally, CGEIT's market value increased by at least 10 percent for the quarter ending 1 July 2013. The recognitions indicate that employers are investing in professionals with specific IT skill sets that demonstrate the knowledge and expertise to address current and emerging challenges.

Allan Boardman, CISA, CISM, CGEIT, CRISC, CA (SA), ACA, CISSP, chair of ISACA's Credentialing Board and risk officer at a global investment bank said: "The rigorous certification programs developed by ISACA help professionals enhance their credibility and recognition and differentiate themselves from the competition." "As the Foote Partners' report shows, professionals holding any of the ISACA certifications have the potential to earn high premiums for their valued work."

CISA is considered the gold-standard certification for IT audit. The number of CISAs has quadrupled in just over a decade, now totaling more than 103,000 professionals who have been certified since CISA's inception in 1978. CISA measures the candidate's understanding of technologies and processes and examines experience in applying knowledge and demonstrating skills of qualified information systems audit, control and security professional.