As cyber security risks become a core boardroom concern, organisations are increasingly seeking professionals who can identify, assess and manage these concerns. One recognised way to demonstrate this expertise and advance your career is through CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) certification.
With more than 30,000 CRISC holders worldwide, this credential has become a trusted, employer-recognised signal of IT risk competence – particularly valued across audit, information security and risk leadership roles.
CRISC-certified professionals bridge the gap between technical controls and business strategy, ensuring that IT risk is managed in line with organisational objectives and regulatory expectations.
CRISC salaries in the UK
For professionals considering CRISC, the salary outlook remains strong. In the UK, the average annual salary for a CRISC-certified professional is around £81,000, with experienced practitioners often earning £100,000 or more in senior roles.
Salary levels, however, vary considerably depending on the nature of the role and the environment in which you work.
Seniority plays an equally significant role. Moving from an analyst or specialist position into a management or leadership post can quickly elevate salaries.
Where the demand is strongest (and why)
Professionals in finance and insurance tend to command the highest pay, reflecting the sector’s stringent regulatory requirements and reliance on strong IT risk management frameworks.
Those working in consulting or client-facing positions can also expect to receive a premium, as organisations increasingly value certified consultants who can advise on governance and risk strategy across multiple industries.
CRISC appears frequently in UK job descriptions as either a ‘preferred’ or ‘required’ credential for risk-focused roles – particularly those dealing with IT governance, assurance and regulatory compliance.
You’ll often see listings such as:
- “Risk Manager – CRISC preferred; experience with enterprise risk frameworks”
- “IT Risk Analyst – CRISC or CISM/CISSP required; controls testing & remediation”
- “GRC Consultant – CRISC required for client engagements in FS”
The key driver across all these sectors is regulatory pressure. Organisations must demonstrate sound IT risk governance and control mechanisms to satisfy auditors, regulators and clients alike, creating ongoing demand for CRISC-certified staff.
Common job titles and career paths
CRISC is relevant across a range of mid-to-senior IT governance and risk roles. Common job titles include:
- Risk manager;
- IT risk manager;
- Information security manager;
- Risk analyst;
- Security analyst;
- Compliance auditor; and
- GRC consultant.
For many, CRISC marks a significant step in career progression. A typical journey might begin in an analyst or audit position, where exposure to control frameworks and assurance processes lays the foundation for advancement into management.
From there, professionals often move into roles such as IT risk manager or risk and controls lead, before progressing to more senior leadership positions like head of IT risk or GRC manager.
Those with a background in information security or systems management may find CRISC particularly valuable for transitioning into enterprise or second-line risk roles.
In these positions, the certification helps demonstrate both technical understanding and strategic oversight – two qualities that define effective IT risk leaders and continue to drive strong demand for CRISC-qualified professionals.
CRISC certification helps professionals consolidate their expertise and move from operational or audit-based roles into strategic, oversight-focused positions.
Why employers care
Employers look for CRISC because it equips professionals to express technical risk in business language. This skillset supports audit readiness and underpins enterprise resilience strategies that boards now expect.
CRISC-certified professionals add measurable value by improving how organisations understand and communicate risk. Hiring managers often use CRISC as a benchmark to validate that candidates can:
- Evaluate and quantify IT risk;
- Align risk management with business objectives; and
- Operate effectively under regulatory or audit scrutiny.
How CRISC compares to other certifications
While certifications such as CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) and CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) also focus on information security and governance, CRISC occupies a unique space.
It emphasises the direct link between IT risk and business impact, rather than purely technical security or governance oversight. For professionals who want to move from security operations or audit into roles that influence enterprise risk strategy, CRISC offers a more business-oriented lens.
Many experienced practitioners ultimately hold CRISC alongside CISM or CISSP, using it to complement their technical credentials with risk and control expertise.
Career outlook for 2025 and beyond
The demand for CRISC-certified professionals is not slowing down any time soon. As organisations continue to digitise operations and adopt AI-driven systems, the complexity of IT risk will only increase.
New regulations, including the Artificial Intelligence Act and DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) are already prompting firms to invest in stronger governance and risk control capabilities.
For professionals with CRISC certification, this translates into sustained demand, higher visibility within leadership structures, and a growing influence over how technology risk shapes business strategy.
Is CRISC worth it for you?
CRISC is best suited to professionals who already have experience with IT governance or risk management and want to move into more strategic or advisory positions.
It’s an ideal next step for individuals who have a strong understanding of operational control environments but need to demonstrate a grasp of risk quantification, reporting and business alignment. Because ISACA requires a minimum of three years’ experience to become certified, CRISC tends to attract mid-career professionals aiming to bridge technical execution and risk oversight.
For consultants, CRISC provides a portable credential that strengthens client confidence and helps win work in regulated industries.
So, if you have relevant experience in IT risk, controls, or audit – and you’re looking to progress into a leadership, consulting or assurance-focused role – CRISC is one of the best investments you can make in 2025.
It not only boosts earning potential but also broadens your career prospects across industries that value governance and accountability. The certification’s mix of technical understanding and business alignment is what makes it so versatile – and why it continues to hold its value globally.
How to become CRISC certified
To become CRISC-certified, candidates must pass a rigorous exam covering four domains:
- Governance;
- IT Risk Assessment;
- Risk Response and Reporting; and
- Information Technology and Security.
ISACA also requires verified professional experience and ongoing CPE (Continuing Professional Education) to maintain certification. This ensures that CRISC holders stay current with evolving risk methodologies and best practices – a key reason employers continue to value the credential.
Book your CRISC training
If you’re ready to take the next step in your IT risk management career, a structured training programme is the best way to prepare.
Our CRISC Training Course uses official ISACA content, delivered by expert trainers, to help you build the knowledge and confidence you need to pass the exam.
You’ll gain a deep understanding of ISACA’s four CRISC domains, practical insights into real-world control environments, and the assurance that you’re learning directly from industry-aligned materials.
Official ISACA content, expert trainers, exam-ready support.
