CGRC Vs CRISC: Salaries, Job Roles, Advantages & Disadvantages

Professionals seeking to enhance their careers often face the dilemma of choosing the right certification. Among the most respected credentials in the field are the Certified in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (CGRC) and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC). 

Both certifications offer distinct advantages, but understanding their key differences is essential for making an informed decision that aligns with your career goals.

The CGRC and CRISC certifications serve as a testament to an individual’s knowledge and expertise in risk management, compliance, and IT governance. While both are highly regarded, they cater to different career paths and industries. 

Choosing between them depends on a variety of factors, including your professional aspirations, industry preferences, and the cost and time investment required.

This article will critically analyze CGRC vs CRISC in terms of their focus areas, career opportunities, salary expectations, costs, and more. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the insights needed to determine which certification best fits your career trajectory.

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CGRC Vs CRISC: Comparison Table

Criteria	CGRC (Certified in Governance, Risk, and Compliance)	CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control)
Focus	Specializes in Governance, Risk, and Compliance, specifically in federal sectors	Focuses on IT risk management and systems control across various industries
Key Areas of Expertise	NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), federal compliance, governance	IT risk management, risk assessment, systems controls, risk mitigation
Industry Applications	U.S. federal agencies, contractors, and government-related projects	Broad application across industries like finance, healthcare, technology
Career Opportunities	– Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)- Governance Analyst- Risk Assessment Specialist	– Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)- IT Risk Manager- Risk Analyst
Salary Range	$90,000 – $130,000 (varies by role and organization)	$100,000 – $150,000 (higher earning potential in larger sectors)
Certification Cost	$400 – $500 exam feeStudy materials: $100 – $500Annual maintenance: $85 – $100	$575 – $760 exam fee (depending on membership)Study materials: $200 – $1,000Annual maintenance: $45 – $85
Global Recognition	Primarily recognized within U.S. federal and government environments	Globally recognized across multiple industries, including IT and cybersecurity
Exam Duration & Format	2 hours, 100 questions, Multiple Choice	4 hours, 150 questions, Multiple Choice
Maintenance Requirements	Continuous learning and annual CPE credits	20 CPE credits annually, continuous professional development
Ideal Certification For	Professionals seeking a niche role in federal governance and compliance	IT risk managers and professionals focusing on enterprise-wide risk management
Complementary Certifications	Best for those with federal compliance roles, could complement CISA or CISSP	Often paired with CISSP for broader security management roles

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What is CGRC?

The Certified in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (CGRC) certification is a specialized credential designed for professionals involved in governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC). 

This certification is ideal for those working within federal systems, such as government agencies or contractors, particularly in the United States. At its core, CGRC focuses on the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), a crucial component for ensuring federal information systems’ security and compliance with regulations.

The CGRC certification demonstrates a deep understanding of how to manage and embed governance and compliance strategies within an organization’s infrastructure. For professionals involved in federal IT projects, the CGRC is a valuable credential that validates their expertise in applying NIST RMF to meet rigorous federal standards.

While the CGRC is more niche compared to other certifications in the risk management domain, it is increasingly recognized in the cybersecurity community, especially among those working with government contracts. 

As cybersecurity and compliance grow in importance within federal agencies, professionals with CGRC certification stand out as experts who can navigate the complexities of governance, risk, and compliance within these highly regulated environments.

READ MORE: ESG Vs GRC: Aligning Sustainability with Risk & Compliance in Business (2025)

What is CRISC?

The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification is a globally recognized credential that focuses on IT risk management and the design, implementation, and maintenance of information systems controls. 

Offered by ISACA, CRISC is highly regarded in the IT and cybersecurity fields due to its broad applicability across industries, making it a versatile certification for professionals seeking to manage and mitigate IT-related risks.

CRISC equips professionals with the skills needed to identify, assess, and manage risks to critical IT systems. 

The certification’s four key domains cover areas such as governance, IT risk assessment, risk response, and information security management, preparing individuals for roles that require a deep understanding of both risk management and information systems control.

Unlike CGRC, which primarily caters to the U.S. federal sector, CRISC has a global reach and can be applied to various industries, including finance, healthcare, technology, and more. 

CRISC certification is an excellent choice for those aiming to build a career in enterprise IT risk management, as it provides the knowledge needed to manage risks that can impact the organization’s information systems and overall business operations.

Comparing CGRC and CRISC: Core Differences

When deciding between CGRC and CRISC, it’s important to understand the core differences in terms of focus areas, target audiences, and the types of careers they lead to. Both certifications are highly valuable, but they serve different purposes in the world of IT governance, risk management, and compliance.

Focus Areas

• CGRC: The CGRC certification is highly specialized, focusing primarily on governance, risk management, and compliance within federal agencies and contractors. The certification is built around the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), which is a critical standard for ensuring federal information systems meet security and compliance requirements. If you are working with government IT systems or in a federal contracting role, CGRC is particularly relevant.
  
• CRISC: CRISC, on the other hand, has a broader scope, focusing on managing IT-related risks across a variety of industries. It covers governance, risk assessment, and response, as well as IT systems controls, which are critical for managing risk in enterprise-level IT environments. CRISC is ideal for professionals who work in industries like finance, healthcare, and technology, where IT risk management is a top priority.

Target Audience

• CGRC: Primarily targeted at professionals working with federal agencies or contractors in the U.S. This certification is beneficial for those involved with federal information systems or who want to specialize in NIST RMF and federal compliance standards.
  
• CRISC: Designed for IT professionals across all industries who are responsible for managing enterprise IT risks. It is not limited to federal work and can be applied in a wide range of sectors, including banking, healthcare, technology, and more. CRISC is suitable for those looking to build a career in broader IT risk management.

Career Opportunities

• CGRC: Those with a CGRC certification typically pursue roles such as:
  
  • Chief Compliance Officer
    
  • Governance Analyst
    
  • Risk Assessment Specialist
    
  • Compliance and Ethics Manager
    

These roles are often found in government agencies or companies that operate under federal regulations.

• CRISC: CRISC opens the door to a wider range of roles in IT risk management across industries. Professionals with this certification may become:
  
  • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
    
  • IT Risk Manager
    
  • Risk Analyst
    
  • IT Auditor
    

These positions are critical for organizations seeking to manage and mitigate IT risks at an enterprise level.

SEE ALSO: ERM Vs GRC: A Complete Analysis

CGRC vs CRISC Salary

When considering certifications, salary potential is often a key deciding factor. Both CGRC and CRISC offer impressive earning potential, but the salary range can differ based on the focus of each certification, the industries they serve, and the level of expertise required for each role.

CGRC Certification Salary

CGRC-certified professionals typically work in compliance and governance roles within government agencies or related fields. These positions often come with competitive salaries, particularly when dealing with federal contracts or high-security projects.

• Average Salary: A typical CGRC-certified professional can expect to earn between $90,000 and $130,000 per year. However, those in senior positions, such as Chief Compliance Officers or Governance Analysts, may earn higher salaries, especially in government roles or large organizations that deal with federal regulations.
  
• Salary Factors: The salary for CGRC-certified roles tends to be influenced by the level of experience, the size of the organization, and the specific sector within which a professional works. Roles in larger government agencies or federal contracting firms may offer higher compensation due to the complexity and security requirements of the work.

CRISC Certification Salary

CRISC-certified professionals generally have a broader field of career opportunities, as the certification applies to IT risk management across various industries. As such, the earning potential for CRISC-certified individuals is often higher due to the diverse range of industries that require IT risk management expertise.

• Average Salary: On average, CRISC-certified professionals can earn between $100,000 and $150,000 per year. Those in higher-level positions such as Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) or IT Risk Managers can earn significantly more, often reaching salaries of $170,000 or more, depending on the size and scope of the organization.
  
• Salary Factors: The salary for CRISC-certified professionals is heavily influenced by the industry and the global recognition of the certification. IT risk management roles in sectors like banking, technology, or healthcare tend to offer the highest compensation due to the critical nature of managing enterprise IT risks.

CGRC vs CRISC Cost

When choosing between CGRC and CRISC, the cost of obtaining and maintaining the certification is an important consideration. 

Each certification comes with its own set of costs, including exam fees, study materials, and the ongoing requirements for certification maintenance. Below, we break down the costs associated with both certifications to help you make an informed decision.

CGRC Certification Cost

The CGRC certification, offered by (ISC)², requires a financial investment in the exam, study materials, and continued education.

• Exam Cost: The CGRC exam fee typically ranges from $400 to $500, depending on your location and the specific testing center. This cost covers the exam itself and the associated administrative fees.
  
• Study Materials: While study materials for CGRC are available online and through various providers, the cost for preparatory materials can vary. Expect to pay between $100 and $500 for high-quality study guides, courses, or practice exams, depending on the depth of the resources.
  
• Ongoing Maintenance: After passing the CGRC exam, you must maintain the certification through continuing education (CE). The maintenance fee is typically around $85 to $100 per year. Additionally, you will need to earn a set number of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits each year to keep the certification active.

CRISC Certification Cost

The CRISC certification, offered by ISACA, is also a significant investment, but it offers a broad applicability across industries, making it a valuable long-term asset.

• Exam Cost: The CRISC exam fee is generally around $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members. The cost includes the exam and the associated administrative fees.
  
• Study Materials: ISACA provides various official study materials, including review manuals, training courses, and online resources. The cost for these materials can range from $200 to $1,000, depending on whether you choose self-paced study guides or instructor-led courses.
  
• Ongoing Maintenance: Similar to CGRC, CRISC-certified professionals must also maintain their certification by earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. The annual maintenance fee is about $45 for ISACA members and $85 for non-members. Maintaining your CRISC certification also requires you to earn 20 CPE credits annually.

MORE: How to Get GRC Certified: Free, Beginner & Expert Steps

CRISC vs CISSP

While both CRISC and CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) are highly respected certifications in the field of cybersecurity and risk management, they focus on different areas of expertise. Understanding the distinctions between these certifications can help you decide which one aligns best with your career goals.

CRISC Certification

CRISC focuses specifically on IT risk management and information systems control. It is aimed at professionals who are responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing risks to IT systems and critical business operations. 

CRISC-certified professionals work to mitigate risks related to information technology and ensure the stability and security of enterprise IT infrastructure.

• Key Focus Areas:
  
  • IT Risk Identification and Assessment
    
  • Risk Response and Mitigation
    
  • Information Systems Controls
    
  • IT Governance
    
• Ideal Candidates: CRISC is best suited for professionals managing enterprise-level IT risks, including roles such as IT Risk Manager, Risk Analyst, and IT Auditor.
  

CISSP Certification

CISSP, on the other hand, is a broader certification that covers a wide range of information security domains, focusing on creating secure systems and ensuring their protection. The CISSP certification is recognized globally as a standard for professionals working in information security and cybersecurity leadership roles.

• Key Focus Areas:
  
  • Information Security Governance
    
  • Asset Security
    
  • Security Engineering
    
  • Security and Risk Management
    
  • Identity and Access Management
    
• Ideal Candidates: CISSP is ideal for those looking to build a career in information security leadership, including roles like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Security Consultant, and IT Security Manager.

Which One to Choose?

• CRISC is the better choice if your career focus is on managing risks to IT systems and critical business operations. It is more specialized in IT risk management and systems control.
  
• CISSP is more suited for individuals looking to advance in the broader field of information security, with a focus on building and maintaining secure IT systems. It is highly recommended for those in leadership positions or aiming for roles that require a broader scope of knowledge in cybersecurity.

Both certifications are highly valuable, but CRISC tends to be more focused on risk management within IT systems, while CISSP covers a broader spectrum of cybersecurity topics.

READ: Becoming a Certified Cloud Security Professional: A Comprehensive Guide

Career Pathways: Deciding Between CGRC and CRISC

Choosing between CGRC and CRISC ultimately boils down to the career path you envision for yourself. Both certifications offer excellent career opportunities, but they cater to different professional roles and industries. Here’s how to decide which certification aligns best with your career aspirations.

CGRC Career Path

CGRC is particularly valuable for professionals who want to focus on governance, risk, and compliance within regulated environments, especially federal systems. 

If you are interested in roles that involve overseeing compliance with federal standards, ensuring the security of government systems, and managing risks related to government IT infrastructure, then CGRC is the way to go.

Common Roles for CGRC-Certified Professionals:

• Chief Compliance Officer (CCO): Overseeing compliance programs and ensuring adherence to regulations and policies within organizations, particularly in government or federal sectors.
  
• Governance Analyst: Analyzing and implementing governance frameworks to ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.
  
• Risk Assessment Specialist: Focusing on identifying and assessing risks in government IT systems, particularly those related to federal information systems.
  
• Compliance and Ethics Manager: Ensuring that organizations follow the ethical standards and regulations required by law, especially in government-related projects.

The CGRC certification is ideal for professionals working in government contracts, federal IT projects, or roles related to federal compliance and security regulations, particularly in the U.S.

ALSO: Do Job Recruiters Actually Verify Cybersecurity Certifications

CRISC Career Path

CRISC, with its broader focus on IT risk management, is perfect for professionals aiming to manage enterprise-wide IT risks across various industries. CRISC-certified professionals are highly sought after in sectors like finance, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, where the integrity of IT systems is crucial for business operations.

Common Roles for CRISC-Certified Professionals:

• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): Leading an organization’s information security strategy and overseeing the implementation of security policies.
  
• IT Risk Manager: Identifying and managing risks related to IT systems, ensuring the organization’s information systems are resilient and secure.
  
• Risk Analyst: Analyzing potential risks to IT systems and developing strategies to mitigate them.
  
• IT Auditor: Conducting audits to assess the effectiveness of risk management practices and identifying vulnerabilities in an organization’s IT infrastructure.

CRISC opens doors to senior-level positions in IT risk management, making it ideal for those who aspire to work in leadership roles or broader IT risk and cybersecurity functions.

Conclusion

Both the CGRC and CRISC certifications offer distinct career advantages in the fields of governance, risk management, and IT compliance. The decision between the two ultimately depends on your career goals, industry preferences, and the level of specialization you desire.

In terms of salary, CRISC-certified professionals tend to earn higher wages due to the broader scope and demand for IT risk management expertise. CGRC salaries are competitive but are often more focused within the government sector.

Both certifications come with an investment in terms of cost, study materials, and ongoing maintenance. However, the return on investment for either certification is significant, with both offering robust career paths and professional recognition.

Whether you choose CGRC or CRISC, both certifications will position you as an expert in governance, risk management, and compliance, with plenty of opportunities for career growth and advancement. Take the time to reflect on your career aspirations and choose the certification that aligns best with the industry and roles you aim to pursue.

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