Risk management and compliance are now essential to an organization’s success due to the growing complexity of business operations. 75% of organizations are struggling to improve their risk management practices according to PwC Pulse Survey.
Professionals with specific risk and compliance management abilities are in great demand on the job market in such a situation. There will be a greater need for risk professionals, making it a profitable career choice in the upcoming years.
A way to boost your career in this field is by obtaining relevant certifications. This article will discuss the top risk and compliance certifications that can help you advance your career in 2025.
Why Certifications Matter in Risk and Compliance?
2025 is the year of digital transformation and increased regulatory scrutiny. The skills-based on-the-job training is insufficient to handle risk and compliance management complexities.
Organizations want to ensure that their risk management and compliance professionals are up-to-date with industry standards, regulations, and best practices. Organizations favor individuals with certifications because they attest to their proficiency in these fields.
Additionally, certifications show a dedication to lifelong learning and career advancement. This is highly valued by employers and can result in increased job security, pay, and career opportunities.
In 2025, let’s examine the best risk and compliance certifications that can advance your career.
Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM)
The CRCM certification is offered by the American Bankers Association (ABA). It is designed for compliance professionals in the financial services industry, including banks, credit unions, and lending institutions.
The certification covers topics such as regulatory environment, risk assessment, monitoring and testing, audits and examinations, and ethics. The CRCM certification can help you advance your career in the highly regulated financial industry.
The eligibility criteria for this certification include at least three years of experience in compliance management. Two of the following compliance-related trainings are also required:
- ABA Compliance School – Foundational
- ABA ComplaAiance School – Intermediate
- Compliance Professional Certificate
Only individuals who have completed these requirements are eligible to take the certification exam. The code of ethics for CRCMs also requires them to complete.
A CRCM certified individual can work with the most recent compliance rules and financial services best practices. It can also help them stand out to potential employers, especially in the banking industry.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The CISA certification is designed to validate an individual’s expertise in information systems audit, control, and security. With the increasing threat of cybercrime and data breaches, this certification has become highly valued in the risk and compliance field.
IT governance, systems and infrastructure lifecycle management, IT operations, and protection of information assets are some of the key areas covered in this certification.Professionals with CISA certification assist organizations in identifying and reducing information systems risks.
A person needs five years of experience in information systems audit, control, or security in order to be eligible for the CISA certification. If the person has completed 120 credit hours of relevant education, this experience can be shortened to three years.
CISA-certified individuals can work in organizations as internal or external auditors. The certification can also open advanced career opportunities like information security manager or chief information officer.
Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)
The CRMP certification is offered by the Institute of Risk Management (IRM). Professionals can get help preparing for the certification exam through training programs. Online classes, live workshops, and self-study resources are some examples of these.
The certification covers all aspects of risk management, including identification, assessment, analysis, evaluation, and treatment. It emphasizes on practical knowledge and application of risk management principles in different industries.
A person must have at least three years of experience in risk management or related fields to be eligible for the CRMP certification. It also requires individuals to pass an online exam that assesses their understanding of risk management concepts and principles.
Professionals can enhance their careers with the globally recognized CRMP certification in any field where risk management is a concern. It also shows a dedication to lifelong learning and career advancement which is highly valued by employers.
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) offers the CFE certification. With the rise of financial crimes and frauds, organizations are in need of professionals who can detect, investigate, and prevent such incidents.
The CFE certification covers areas such as fraud prevention and deterrence, financial transactions and fraud schemes, investigation methods, and legal elements of fraud.
It gives professionals the tools they need to spot warning signs and reduce the risk of fraud.
To be eligible for the CFE certification, an individual must have at least two years of relevant professional experience. Additionally, they have to pass a demanding exam that assesses their knowledge, proficiency, and aptitude in fraud examination.
Professionals in banking, insurance, government, and consulting may find the CFE certification useful.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
The CIA certification is offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). More than 200,000 professionals around the world hold this certification. It is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in internal audit, risk management, and governance.
Business acumen, financial management, information technology, and internal audit basics are some of the key areas covered in this certification. It also includes a focus on ethical principles and professionalism.
A person must have an active role in internal audit for CIA certification. Additionally needed is five years of experience in internal auditing or allied disciplines. CIA certified Professionals are expected to uphold high ethical and professional standards.
Having CIA certification will make you qualified to support companies in reaching their goals and enhancing their operations. Advanced career prospects including Chief Audit Executive or Internal Audit Director can also result from it.
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
Cybersecurity and information systems risks are a growing concern for organizations. The CRISC certification is designed to help professionals understand and manage these risks effectively.
The CRISC certification covers 4 key areas,
- Information Systems Governance
- IT Risk Assessment
- Risk Management and Mitigation
- Information Systems Control, Monitoring and Reporting
It also emphasizes on the alignment of IT risk management with business objectives to ensure the organization’s overall success.
A minimum of three years of experience in information systems control and IT risk management is required to be eligible for the CRISC certification. You also have to pass a thorough test assessing their competency in several spheres. It can also present chances for professional development, including those of Chief Information Security Officer or IT Risk Manager.
Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) sponsors the CRMA certification. It is meant for internal auditors seeking to increase their risk management knowledge and abilities.
More precisely, the certification emphasizes the evaluation and assurance of hazards in several spheres including financial reporting, operations, and business processes. It also covers emerging risks, risk management frameworks, and best practices for risk management.
To be eligible for the CRMA certification, a person must an active certification as a CIA. The window to complete the exam for this certification is within two years of completing after accepting the programe.
Risk management professionals with CRMA certification can demonstrate a higher level of expertise and credibility in their field. It can also open up opportunities for career advancement, such as Risk Management Director or Chief Risk Officer. Additionally, the certification is recognized globally and can lead to networking opportunities with other risk management professionals.
Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP)
The Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) offers the CCEP certification. With increasing regulatory scrutiny and compliance requirements, organizations need professionals who can ensure ethical conduct and compliance within the organization.
A CCEP-certified professional has a strong understanding of compliance laws and regulations, risk management, and ethical principles. They are equipped to develop, implement, and maintain compliance programs within the organization.
To be eligible for the CCEP certification, a person must have relevant work experience in compliance and ethics. They must also pass an exam that assesses their knowledge and skills related to compliance program management.
The CCEP certification can lead to career opportunities as a Compliance Officer, Ethics Officer, or Chief Compliance Officer. It also demonstrates a commitment to ethical and compliant practices, which is highly valued by organizations.
Financial Risk Manager (FRM) Certification
Offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), the FRM certification is designed for professionals involved in financial risk management. It focuses on areas such as quantitative analysis, market risk, credit risk, and operational risk.
To be eligible for the FRM certification, a person must have at least two years of professional work experience in financial risk management or related fields. They must also pass two rigorous exams that test their knowledge and skills in these areas.
The FRM certification can lead to advanced career opportunities such as Chief Risk Officer or Head of Quantitative Analysis. It is highly recognized and respected in the financial industry, and can open up networking opportunities with other risk management professionals.
Conclusion
Earning a professional certification in risk management can set you apart from your peers and demonstrate your expertise in the field.
Whether it’s through the CIA, CRISC, CRMA, CCEP or FRM certification, investing in your professional development can lead to career growth and advancement opportunities. Additionally, these certifications showcase a commitment to ethical and effective risk management practices.
Keep learning, keep growing, and keep taking on new challenges in the field of risk management. Your certifications will not only benefit your career, but also help organizations mitigate risks and achieve their objectives.