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5 of the Most Difficult Certifications You Can Earn and Why They're Hard

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5 of the Most Difficult Certifications You Can Earn and Why They're Hard

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Employers today place a high value on the best certifications to get, especially those that show you can do some of the most difficult and or important work.

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Are you searching for a challenging certification? Don't worry; with this guide, you can learn about the most difficult professional exams. 

From getting certified in security systems to financial analysis, the time and effort spent will all be worthwhile. Now let's take a look at the best certifications to get: 

Project Management Professional   

This certification is often referred to as the premium standard of project management. However, it's not easy to attain; before you can even take the exam, you'll need a four-year degree. 

If you don't have a degree, you'll need 7,500 hours in project management and 35 hours in management education. Although, if you've graduated from a four-year college, then you only need 4,500 hours in project management and 35 hours in management education.  

The certification exam is only four hours long, with 200 multiple-choice questions. The test is broken up into five sections based on the stages of a project.  

Once you've gained your certification, you have earned 60 PDU's or professional development units every three years. You can earn PDU's in two ways either by educating or by giving back

Certified Information Security Systems Professional 

This technical certification covers a range of topics such as security, risk management, security engineering, and much more. However, potential candidates must work at least four years in the security industry before even taking the exam. 

The certification exam will last six hours long, and participants have to answer 250 grueling questions. Once you receive your certification, you have to renew it every three years by attending at least 120 hours of professional education. You'll also have to pay a yearly fee of 85 dollars to keep your certification.  

Certified Information Systems Auditor 

This certification is for security management professionals who want to manage and organize security. Candidates must have at least five years of security experience before taking the exam.   

The exam lasts about four hours, and participants have to answer 200 questions regarding information risk management, security governance, and much more. Participants are encouraged to study months in advance to prepare for the challenging material. 

If you pass the exam, you must maintain your certification by attending at least 20 hours of professional education each year. 

Chartered Financial Analyst

This financial certification can be challenging to complete due to time and money. For some, it takes up to four years to complete all three levels. Focused on investment analysis and portfolio management, the average cost of this certification is about $4,500. 

The certification exam is lengthly, and many prepare for the exam months ahead of time. However, less than 30% pass all three levels of certification. 

Financial Risk Manager Certification

Since it's aimed at risk analysts and risk officers, this certification can help those who wish to work in risk management. Unlike other certifications, it's quite inexpensive, only costing about $1,500. It also only takes about a year to complete. 

However, due to the range of topics, the certification exam is challenging. Only about 50% of participates pass the exam. 

In order to pass the exam, it's imperative that you study a couple of weeks or even a month ahead of time. Remembering FRM topics will increase your likelihood of passing. 

Final Thoughts on the Best Certifications to Get

While getting a certification is challenging, it allows you to become more aware of your industry. The exam itself provides you with expert knowledge, and if you pass, it increases your chances of promotion.  

By working towards a difficult certification, it proves that your hardworking, skillful, and determined. For more information on the best certifications to get, visit our blog. 

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