What Is a Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Certification?

At GRCMeet.org, we bring together the best minds in governance, risk management, and compliance to network, grow, and lead. One of the most impactful ways professionals in our community level up their careers is by earning a GRC certification—and one of the most recognized credentials in the field is the CGRC (Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance) certification from ISC2.

But what exactly is a GRC certification—and why should you consider earning one?

A Credential That Signals GRC Leadership

A Governance, Risk, and Compliance certification is more than just a few letters after your name—it’s a formal acknowledgment that you know how to integrate governance practices, risk frameworks, and compliance policies into real organizational strategies.

The CGRC certification is especially valuable for those of us working in information security, IT risk, and regulatory compliance. It proves that you can:

• Align cybersecurity and privacy controls with business goals

• Implement, assess, and maintain secure systems across a risk management framework

• Help organizations make informed, compliant decisions around data, supply chains, and infrastructure

Who Earns the CGRC?

Members of the GRCMeet.org community pursuing the CGRC include:

• GRC Managers and Directors

• Cybersecurity Auditors and Compliance Officers

• Risk Analysts and Architects

• InfoSec and Assurance Professionals

Whether you’re managing internal risk programs or assessing third-party risk, CGRC signals you're serious about doing it right.

What’s Covered in the CGRC Exam?

The CGRC exam spans seven key domains, each reflecting core competencies GRC professionals use daily:

1. Security & Privacy Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance Programs

2. Defining the System Scope

3. Selecting and Approving Security & Privacy Controls

4. Implementing Controls

5. Assessing and Auditing Controls

6. System Compliance

7. Ongoing Compliance Maintenance

This is not just about checking boxes—it's about building and sustaining secure, compliant environments that align with your organization's mission.

Work Experience and Eligibility

To qualify for certification, candidates need at least two years of paid, professional experience in one or more of the domains above. Don’t have the experience yet? You can still take the exam and earn Associate of ISC2 status while you gain the required experience.

Training That Fits Around Your Career

Our partners at ISC2 offer multiple ways to prepare—online self-paced, live bootcamps, and in-person training. Whether you’re prepping solo or as part of a cohort, there are official textbooks, guides, and practice tests to support your learning.

As GRC professionals know, preparation is half the battle—and at GRCMeet.org, you’ll find peers who’ve been there and are happy to share tips and support.

From Certification to Community

After passing the CGRC exam, you’ll go through a simple certification process that includes:

• Confirming your work experience

• Agreeing to the ISC2 Code of Ethics

• Paying a yearly maintenance fee ($135 for certified members, $50 for Associates)

Then, you’re officially part of an international community of certified professionals, with access to continuing education, thought leadership, and—you guessed it—more GRC meetups.

Final Thought from the GRCMeet.org Team

A GRC certification doesn’t just elevate your résumé—it helps raise the standard for how we govern, manage risk, and ensure compliance in a complex digital world.

If you’re passionate about doing things the right way—and helping others in your organization do the same—CGRC is a powerful next step in your journey.

🧠 Ready to connect with others earning or already holding their CGRC? Join the conversation at GRCMeet.org—where leaders in governance, risk, and compliance come together.