If you’re interested in enhancing the quality and security of your organization’s IT infrastructure, earning a Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC) certification provides an excellent solution.
This article will cover the most important things to know about obtaining a GRC certification, and explain how storing information about your board members’ certifications in a board management platform can benefit your business.
How to Get a GRC Certification
Earning a GRC certification is a 5-step process that progresses from researching potential programs to making sure you meet certain requirements to keep your certification active.
1. Research Certification Programs
Determining the right GRC certification is an important first step, so make sure to research all available options specific to your line of work
Several reputable online programs are available, which can provide a helpful solution if you cannot find the right program in your area, or if you need a flexible option that works with your busy schedule.
The OCEG GRC certification is one of the most common online options. Some colleges and other organizations also offer in-person options, though the type and length of these programs can vary significantly depending on your location. Some common GRC certification programs include:
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance Professional (GRCP) certification
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification
- Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) certification
- Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) certification
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification
2. Determine Eligibility Requirements
Not all GRC certification programs require specific education or work experience, but a background in security, risk, performance, or IT is generally helpful. Some programs may require experience in at least one of these areas (typically between two and five years).
You may also need to provide proof of previous training, personal statements that describe your interest in the GRC field, or other supplementary material.
Eligibility requirements for certain programs may also vary depending on whether you plan to use your certification to start a new career or enhance your current career.
Other requirements may include:
3. Prepare for the Exam
Once you’re accepted into a GRC program, you’ll need to start studying for the exam. One option is to purchase OCEG’s training materials, which give you access to a wide range of videos and helpful material to help you prepare for the exam.
You can also find supplementary information, practice tests, and other materials on YouTube and other websites to help you further hone your skills and increase your confidence prior to taking the GRC exam.
4. Take the Exam
If you purchased OCEG’s training materials, you’ll be able to take the exam for free whenever you feel ready, and also retake it as many times as needed to earn a passing score. If you take your certification course through another source, you’ll receive further information about how and when to register for the exam through your chosen program.
5. Maintain Certification
After earning a GRC certification, you’ll need to participate in regular professional development opportunities to keep the certification active.
You can fulfill this requirement by taking additional courses through OCEG at no extra cost, attending relevant conferences, joining other related professional organizations, and researching new developments on your own to increase your overall knowledge of the GRC field.
You generally need to take a minimum of eight continuing professional education (CPE) credits each year to keep your GRC certification current.
The comprehensive blueprint for selecting a results-driven board management vendor.
Understanding the Role of Board Portal Software
By keeping track of the certifications your board members hold, renewal terms, and any supplemental certifications members are currently in the process of earning, you’ll know who’s best qualified for new opportunities and who still needs to meet upcoming CPE requirements.
Integrating certification information into a comprehensive board portal with a wide range of key features makes it easier than ever for your board of directors to keep track of critical information from a central hub.
Additionally, OnBoard software helps your board of directors streamline operations by easily creating and storing detailed agendas and minutes, approving and voting on measures, performing risk analysis and management, spotlighting key meeting analytics, and enabling secure messaging to protect confidential information.
Getting Started With OnBoard
Keeping track of your board members’ certifications proves critical when determining who is most qualified to take on certain roles, as well as helping your members hone their skills in areas that interest them.
OnBoard includes a powerhouse of useful board meeting software features, such as:
- Streamlined agenda management and distribution
- Secure and centralized document storage
- Real-time collaboration and note-taking capabilities
- Task management and follow-up capabilities
- Support for regulatory compliance
To get started with OnBoard, download our Board Meeting Agenda Template.
Ensure effective, efficient meetings with our comprehensive Board Meeting Agenda Template.
About The Author
- Adam Wire is a Content Marketing Manager at OnBoard who joined the company in 2021. A Ball State University graduate, Adam worked in various content marketing roles at Angi, USA Football, and Adult & Child Health following a 12-year career in newspapers. His favorite part of the job is problem-solving and helping teammates achieve their goals. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two dogs. He’s an avid sports fan and foodie who also enjoys lawn and yard work and running.
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