Cybersecurity is one of the most crucial areas for ensuring a business’s success and longevity. With cyberattacks growing in sophistication, it’s essential for business owners to protect their companies by hiring qualified cybersecurity experts to manage this aspect of their business. The best candidates will have a certification in information security and cybersecurity. This guide breaks down the top certifications and other guidance you’ll need to make the right hire for your company. It’s also a great primer for individuals who are embarking on a cybersecurity career.
When evaluating prospective InfoSec candidates, employers frequently look to certification as an important measure of excellence and commitment to quality. We examined five InfoSec certifications we consider to be leaders in the field of information security today.
This year’s list includes entry-level credentials, such as Security+, as well as more advanced certifications, like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). According to CyberSeek, more employers are seeking CISA, CISM and CISSP certification holders than there are credential holders, which makes these credentials a welcome addition to any certification portfolio.
Absent from our list of the top five is SANS GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC). Although this certification is still a very worthy credential, the job board numbers for CISA were so solid that it merited a spot in the top five. Farther down in this guide, we offer some additional certification options because the field of information security is both wide and varied.
1. CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker
The CEH (ANSI) certification is an intermediate-level credential offered by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). It’s a must-have for IT professionals who are pursuing careers in white hat hacking and certifies their competence in the five phases of ethical hacking: reconnaissance, enumeration, gaining of access, access maintenance and track covering.
CEH credential holders possess skills and knowledge of hacking practices in areas such as footprinting and reconnaissance, network scanning, enumeration, system hacking, Trojans, worms and viruses, sniffers, denial-of-service attacks, social engineering, session hijacking, web server hacking, wireless networks and web applications, SQL injection, cryptography, penetration testing, IDS evasion, firewalls and honeypots. CEH V11 provides a remapping of the course to the NIST/NICE framework’s Protect and Defend (PR) job role category, as well as an additional focus on emerging threats in cloud, OT and IT security, such as fileless malware.
To obtain a CEH (ANSI) certification, candidates must pass one exam. A comprehensive five-day CEH training course is recommended, with the test presented at the course’s conclusion. Candidates may self-study for the test but must submit documentation of at least two years of work experience in information security with employer verification. Self-study candidates must also pay an additional $100 application fee. Education may be substituted for experience, but this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Candidates who complete any EC-Council-approved training (including with the iClass platform, academic institutions or an accredited training center) do not need to submit an application prior to attempting the exam.
Because technology in the field of hacking changes almost daily, CEH credential holders are required to obtain 120 continuing-education credits for each three-year cycle.
Once a candidate obtains the CEH (ANSI) designation, a logical progression on the EC-Council certification ladder is the CEH (Practical) credential. The CEH (Practical) designation targets the application of CEH skills to real-world security audit challenges and related scenarios. To obtain the credential, candidates must pass a rigorous six-hour practical examination. Conducted on live virtual machines, candidates are presented 20 scenarios with questions designed to validate a candidate’s ability to perform tasks such as vulnerability analysis, identification of threat vectors, web app and system hacking, OS detection, network scanning, packet sniffing, steganography and virus identification. Candidates who pass both the CEH (ANSI) and the CEH (Practical) exams earn the CEH (Master) designation.
CEH facts and figures
| Certification name | Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (ANSI) |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites and required courses | Training is highly recommended. Without formal training, candidates must have at least two years of information security-related experience and an educational background in information security, pay a nonrefundable eligibility application fee of $100 and submit an test eligibility form before purchasing an test voucher. |
| Number of exams | One: 312-50 (ECC Exam)/312-50 (VUE) (125 multiple-choice questions, four hours) |
| Cost of exam | $950 (ECC test voucher) Note: An ECC test voucher allows candidates to test via computer at a location of their choice. Pearson VUE test vouchers allow candidates to test in a Pearson VUE facility and cost $1,199. |
| URL | https://www.eccouncil.org/programs/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh |
| Self-study materials | EC-Council instructor-led courses, computer-based training, online courses and more are available at ECCouncil.org. A CEH skills assessment is also available for credential seekers. Additionally, Udemy offers CEH practice exams. CEH-approved educational materials are available for $850 from EC-Council. |
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) training
While EC-Council offers both instructor-led and online training for its CEH certification, IT professionals have plenty of other options for self-study materials, including video training, practice exams and books.
Pluralsight currently offers an ethical-hacking learning path geared toward the 312-50 exam. With a monthly subscription, you get access to all of these courses, plus everything else in Pluralsight’s training library. Through Pluralsight’s learning path, students can prepare for all of the domains covered in the CEH exam.
CyberVista offers a practice test for the CEH 312-50 certification that includes several sets of exam-like questions, custom quizzes, flash cards and more. An test prep subscription for 180 days costs $149 and gives candidates access to online study materials, as well as the ability to obtain the materials for offline study. Backed by its “pass guarantee,” CyberVista is so confident its practice test will prepare you for the CEH test that the company will refund its VCE test costs if you don’t pass.
Besides certifications in information security and cybersecurity, the best IT certifications cover areas such as disaster recovery, virtualization and telecommunications.
2. CISM: Certified Information Security Manager
The CISM certification is a top credential for IT professionals who are responsible for managing, developing and overseeing information security systems in enterprise-level applications or for developing organizational security best practices. The CISM credential was introduced to security professionals in 2003 by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).
ISACA’s organizational goals are specifically geared toward IT professionals who are interested in the highest-quality standards with respect to the auditing, control and security of information systems. The CISM credential targets the needs of IT security professionals with enterprise-level security management responsibilities. Credential holders possess advanced and proven skills in security risk management, program development and management, governance, and incident management and response.
Holders of the CISM credential, which is designed for experienced security professionals, must agree to ISACA’s code of ethics, pass a comprehensive examination, possess at least five years of experience in information security management, comply with the organization’s continuing education policy and submit a written application. Some combinations of education and experience may be substituted for the full experience requirement.
The CISM credential is valid for three years, and credential holders must pay an annual maintenance fee of $45 (ISACA members) or $85 (nonmembers). Credential holders are also required to obtain a minimum of 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits over the three-year term to maintain the credential. At least 20 CPE credits must be earned every year.
CISM facts and figures
|
Certification name |
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) |
|---|---|
|
Prerequisites and required courses |
To obtain the CISM credential, candidates must do the following:
|
|
Number of exams |
One: 150 questions, four hours |
|
Cost of exam |
Exam fees: $575 (members), $760 (nonmembers) Exam fees are nontransferable and nonrefundable. |
|
URL |
https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cism |
|
Self-study materials |
Training and study materials in various languages, information on job practice areas, primary references, publications, articles, the ISACA Journal, review courses, an test prep community, terminology lists, a glossary and more are available at ISACA.org. Additionally, Udemy offers comprehensive training for the certification exam. |
Other ISACA certification program elements
In addition to CISM, ISACA offers numerous certifications for those interested in information security and best practices. Other credentials worth considering include the following:
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
The CISA designation was created for professionals working with information systems auditing, control or security and is popular enough with employers to earn it a place on the leaderboard. The CGEIT credential targets IT professionals working in enterprise IT management, governance, strategic alignment, value delivery, and risk and resource performance management. IT professionals who are seeking careers in all aspects of risk management will find that the CRISC credential nicely meets their needs.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) training
Pluralsight offers a CISM learning path containing five courses and 17 hours of instruction. The courses cover the domains addressed in the exam, but the learning path is aimed at the CISM job practice areas.
CyberVista offers a CISM online training course in both live and on-demand formats. The course includes more than 16 hours of training videos, supplementary lessons, custom quizzes, practice test questions and access to experts through the instructor. As with other CyberVista courses, the CISM training course comes with a “pass guarantee.”
According to CyberSeek, there are enough workers to fill only 68% of the cybersecurity job openings in the U.S. A cybersecurity certification is an important way to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to succeed in these job roles.
3. CompTIA Security+
CompTIA’s Security+ is a well-respected, vendor-neutral security certification. Security+ credential holders are recognized as possessing superior technical skills, broad knowledge and expertise in multiple security-related disciplines.
Although Security+ is an entry-level certification, the ideal candidates possess at least two years of experience working in network security and should consider first obtaining the Network+ certification. IT pros who obtain this certification have expertise in areas such as threat management, cryptography, identity management, security systems, security risk identification and mitigation, network access control, and security infrastructure. The CompTIA Security+ credential is approved by the U.S. Department of Defense to meet Directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements. In addition, the Security+ credential complies with the standards for ISO 17024.
The Security+ credential requires a single exam, currently priced at $381. (Discounts may apply to employees of CompTIA member companies and full-time students.) Training is available but not required.
IT professionals who earned the Security+ certification prior to Jan. 1, 2011, remain certified for life. Those who certify after that date must renew the certification every three years to stay current. To renew, candidates must obtain 50 continuing-education units (CEUs) or complete the CertMaster CE online course prior to the expiration of the three-year period. CEUs can be obtained by engaging in activities such as teaching, blogging, publishing articles or whitepapers, and participating in professional conferences and similar activities.
CompTIA Security+ facts and figures
|
Certification name |
CompTIA Security+ |
|---|---|
|
Prerequisites and required courses |
None. CompTIA recommends at least two years of experience in IT administration (with a security focus) and the Network+ credential before the Security+ exam. Udemy offers a complete and comprehensive course for the certification. |
|
Number of exams |
One: SY0-601 (maximum of 90 questions, 90 minutes to complete; 750 on a scale of 100-900 required to pass) |
|
Cost of exam |
$381 (discounts may apply; search for “SY0-601 voucher”) |
|
URL |
https://certification.comptia.org/certifications/security |
|
Self-study materials |
Exam objectives, trial questions, the CertMaster online training tool, training kits, computer-based training and a comprehensive study guide are available at CompTIA.org. |
CompTIA Security+ training
You’ll find several companies offering online training, instructor-led and self-study courses, practice exams and books to help you prepare for and pass the Security+ exam.
Pluralsight offers a Security+ learning path as a part of its monthly subscription plan for the latest SY0-601 exam. Split into six sections, the training series is more than 24 hours long and covers attacks, threats and vulnerabilities; architecture and design; implementation of secure solutions; operations and incident response; and governance, risk and compliance.
CyberVista offers a Security+ practice test so you can test your security knowledge before attempting the SY0-601 exam. The test comes with a 180-day access period and includes multiple sets of test questions, key concept flash cards, access to InstructorLink experts, a performance tracker and more. As with CyberVista’s other offerings, this practice test comes with a “pass guarantee.”
4. CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional
CISSP is an advanced-level certification for IT pros who are serious about careers in information security. Offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, known as (ISC)2 (pronounced “ISC squared”), this vendor-neutral credential is recognized worldwide for its standards of excellence.
CISSP credential holders are decision-makers who possess the expert knowledge and technical skills necessary to develop, guide and manage security standards, policies and procedures within their organizations. The CISSP certification continues to be highly sought after by IT professionals and is well recognized by IT organizations. It is a regular fixture on most-wanted and must-have security certification surveys.
CISSP is designed for experienced security professionals. A minimum of five years of experience in at least two of (ISC)2’s eight common body of knowledge (CBK) domains, or four years of experience in at least two of (ISC)2’s CBK domains and a college degree or an approved credential, is required for this certification. The CBK domains are security and risk management, asset security, security architecture and engineering, communications and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security.
(ISC)2 also offers three CISSP concentrations targeting specific areas of interest in IT security:
- Architecture (CISSP-ISSAP)
- Engineering (CISSP-ISSEP)
- Management (CISSP-ISSMP)
Each CISSP concentration test is $599, and credential seekers must currently possess a valid CISSP.
An annual fee of $125 is required to maintain the CISSP credential. Recertification is required every three years. To recertify, candidates must earn 40 CPE credits each year, for a total of 120 CPE credits within the three-year cycle.
CISSP facts and figures
|
Certification name |
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Optional CISSP concentrations:
|
|---|---|
|
Prerequisites and required courses |
At least five years of paid, full-time experience in at least two of the eight (ISC)2 domains or four years of paid, full-time experience in at least two of the eight (ISC)2 domains and a college degree or an approved credential are required. Candidates must also do the following:
|
|
Number of exams |
One for CISSP (English CAT exam: 100-150 questions, three hours to complete; non-English exam: 250 questions, six hours) One for each concentration area |
|
Cost of exam |
CISSP is $749; each CISSP concentration is $599. |
|
URL |
https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP |
|
Self-study materials |
Training materials include instructor-led, live online, on-demand and private training. There is an test outline available for review, as well as study guides, a study app, interactive flash cards and practice tests. |
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) training
Given the popularity of the CISSP certification, there is no shortage of available training options. These include classroom-based training offered by (ISC)2, as well as online video courses, practice exams and books from third-party companies.
Pluralsight’s CISSP learning path includes 12 courses and 25 hours of e-learning covering the security concepts required for the certification exam. Available for a low monthly fee, the CISSP courses are part of a subscription plan that gives IT professionals access to Pluralsight’s complete library of video training courses.
When you’re ready to test your security knowledge, you can take a simulated test that mimics the format and content of the real CISSP exam. Udemy offers CISSP practice exams to help you prepare for this challenging exam.
5. CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor
ISACA’s globally recognized CISA certification is the gold standard for IT workers seeking to practice in information security, audit control and assurance. Ideal candidates can identify and assess organizational threats and vulnerabilities, assess compliance, and provide guidance and organizational security controls. CISA-certified professionals demonstrate knowledge and skill across the CISA job practice areas of auditing, governance and management, acquisition, development and implementation, maintenance and service management, and asset protection.
To earn the CISA certification, candidates must pass one exam, submit an application, agree to the code of professional ethics, agree to the CPE requirements and agree to the organization’s information systems auditing standards. In addition, candidates must possess at least five years of experience working with information systems. Some substitutions for education and experience with auditing are permitted.
To maintain the CISA certification, candidates must earn 120 CPE credits over a three-year period, with a minimum of 20 CPE credits earned annually. Candidates must also pay an annual maintenance fee ($45 for members; $85 for nonmembers).
CISA facts and figures
|
Certification name |
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) |
|---|---|
|
Prerequisites and required courses |
To obtain the CISA credential, candidates must do the following:
|
|
Number of exams |
One: 150 questions, four hours |
|
Cost of exam |
$575 (members); $760 (nonmembers) |
|
URL |
|
|
Self-study materials |
ISACA offers a variety of training options, including virtual instructor-led courses, online and on-demand training, review manuals and question databases. Numerous books and self-study materials are also available on Amazon. |
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) training
Training opportunities for the CISA certification are plentiful. Udemy offers more than 160 CISA-related courses, lectures, practice exams, question sets and more. On Pluralsight, you’ll find 12 courses with 27 hours of information systems auditor training covering all CISA job practice domains for the CISA job practice areas.
More elected officials have joined the call for the resignation of anyone in Anaheim City Hall who may have participated in planning a mock council meeting ahead of a City Council discussion related to the sale of Angel Stadium.
Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, State Sen. Tom Umberg and U.S. Rep. Lou Correa, all Democrats, on Friday, Aug. 18, issued a joint statement calling the idea of mock meetings “unethical,” saying, “If any elected official’s or city staff’s actions as public servants were influenced by this preordained plan, we are calling on them to resign immediately.”
They said it was “imperative” to hold leaders accountable following “one of the most significant public corruption scandals in Orange County’s history.”
Their joint release echos earlier statements by Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken.
An email proposing mock council meeting sessions to be held in September 2020 – when the council was considering the development agreement that outlined what could be built on the stadium property – was among the details in an agreement former Mayor Harry Sidhu signed with the United States Attorney’s Office this week to plead guilty to four federal charges.
Valencia joined the council after the deal to sell the stadium for $320 million was approved by the council, as well as the follow up development agreement. He was voted to the Assembly last year.
The meeting mentioned in the plea agreement, which was proposed to include the then mayor, two council members, two city staffers and Angels representatives, did not occur, according to former Councilmember Trevor O’Neil. “Although the email referenced in the plea agreement proposed a mock council meeting, we did not do that, and instead, we simply had a discussion of items and policy, in compliance with the Brown Act.”
Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken on Thursday called for the resignation of any City Hall leaders involved in planning a mock council meeting to polish their pitch for a development agreement in the now-defunct sale of the city’s stadium to the Angels baseball organization.
Other former and current Anaheim officials agreed with Aitken that a rehearsal meeting would have been very unusual and highly unethical.
“As a council we are supposed to be a deliberative body, coming to council with opinions, but also an open ear to the public and colleagues,” Aitken said. “To have elected officials and city staff preparing a rehearsed council meeting makes a mockery of our democracy and, if true, those leaders should resign.”
An email about planning for mock council meeting sessions to be held in September 2020 was among the details in an agreement former Mayor Harry Sidhu signed with the United States Attorney’s Office this week to plead guilty to four federal charges: obstruction of justice, wire fraud, making a false statement to the Federal Aviation Administration and false statement to the FBI.
Sidhu is anticipated to appear before a judge in early September, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice said.
The email was sent, according to the plea agreement, to Sidhu, two city council members, two city employees, including the city’s chief communication officer, and Angels representatives and others on Sept. 20, 2020 by an Angels consultant, using personal email addresses for the city people.
Proposed to attend were Sidhu, the then-mayor pro tem and another council member as well as “two city employees” — no details were given on the employees in the plea agreement — and Angels representatives, who would all rehearse their talking points for an upcoming public meeting. In September 2020 the council was considering the development agreement that outlined what could be built on the stadium property the council had already agreed to sell for $320 million to a business partnership of Angels owner Arte Moreno.
Stephen Faessel was the mayor pro tem at the time and still represents District 5. He could not be reached for comment.
Mike Lyster has served as the city’s chief communication officer for eight years.
“That included working on the stadium proposal as required, sharing information with our community about a major issue before our City Council,” he said in a statement Friday. “What’s often lost is that communications does not propose or make policy or policy initiatives, but rather shares information about them. We do so in good faith and expect that good faith to go both ways.
“The record as we know it indicates that I received an email from the former mayor,” he said. “The email did not originate with me, and nor did I request it. I reject any suggestion of being involved in the planning of any meeting, which I also have no indication of taking place.”
Since only three council members, less than a quorum, were proposed to attend, the meeting would not have violated state open meeting laws. But city officials new and old said the meeting would have been morally wrong.
Three sessions were proposed in the email to have council members rehearse talking points, discuss areas of vulnerability, and have the “(Angels) team available to help develop “zingers” responses, and other points to Improve performance,” the agreement says.
When reached Thursday, Angels spokesperson Marie Garvey repeated a statement released Wednesday when the plea deal was announced: “It is important to note both the plea agreement along with the city’s investigation showed no evidence of any wrongdoing by the Angels Organization.”
A document attached to the email entitled “Angels Council Debate Prep” called for Sidhu to “play himself” and be “a strong defender of the deal.” Faessel was proposed to focus on the benefits to District 5, including new parks and union jobs, and was “expected to be the focus of attacks by (Councilmember Jose) Moreno due to election,” according to the plea agreement.
A third mock council session was proposed to take place on the day of the real meeting and focus on “key moments.”
Former Anaheim Councilmember Lucille Kring, who served on the dais for 16 years and supported the stadium sale, called the idea of a mock meeting “dreadful. There was no reason for any of that to happen.”
The stadium deal was scrapped by the council in May 2022 after revelations of the FBI investigation into Sidhu and the stadium sale.
Former Councilmember Trevor O’Neil said Thursday in a statement that the proposed mock meeting never took place and no open meeting laws were broken.
“As is common with many other city councils and governing bodies, and in compliance with the Brown Act, I met with the then-mayor on occasion before council meetings to prepare for discussion on certain items of city policy,” O’Neil said. “Although the email referenced in the plea agreement proposed a mock council meeting, we did not do that, and instead, we simply had a discussion of items and policy, in compliance with the Brown Act.”
When asked why was the meeting was canceled and by whom, O’Neil said, “I do not recall those details specifically. Meetings would sometimes have to be cancelled or rescheduled for various reasons.”
“I am glad that the former mayor has taken responsibility for his illegal and unethical actions, providing a sense of closure to the dark days behind us,” O’Neil said.
According to Sidhu’s plea agreement, the email suggested assignments for attendees at the mock meeting, one of which was to attack former Councilmember Moreno and counter his arguments against the stadium deal.
Moreno was angered to learn he was targeted by a group that was “rehearsing with the genuine tenant, which is what makes this so insidious.”
Tom Tait, who served as Anaheim mayor for eight years until 2018, said he suspected his foes on the council were similarly coordinated against him.
“I’ve never heard of anyone rehearsing and practicing. Now hearing this, it wouldn’t surprise me if it happened other times,” Tait said. “The public has the right to an open debate and open discussion.
“As a citizen of Anaheim, it’s very upsetting,” he said.
Chris Zapata, who was fired as Anaheim city manager in April 2020 by a Sidhu-led council and is now managing the city of Sausalito, said such mock meetings would not fly under his watch.
“Mock city council meetings happen at youth government days to provide civic education, but with such a serious course and real issues, I would not allow this meeting to occur,” Zapata said.
Maury Brown, a sports business writer for Forbes, said the Angel Stadium deal was extremely favorable for the Angels, and Angels owner Arte Moreno likely placed an importance on having the planned development around the stadium since income from that wouldn’t count toward league revenue sharing.
“The idea that the Angels would be able to negotiate a deal that was as favorable as it was before the scandal broke, I can’t imagine something like that would even be feasible,” Brown said.
Eventually, Brown said, the city and the Angels will have to negotiate again since the stadium lease expires in 2038.
Cynthia Ward, a former council aide, said the details in the plea agreement are alarming, especially how private email addresses were used and that city staffers were possibly going to help a few councilmembers argue against others.
“They are supposed to serve all the council,” Ward said, “not just the ones going along with what they want.”
This story has been updated with Mike Lyster's Friday [related_articles location="left" show_article_date="false" article_type="automatic-primary-tag"]statement.
Locals are angry after a council painted part of a seaside resort's famous "golden mile" bright blue.
People in Paignton, Devon, said the colour of the road measure resembles a "swimming pool" or a "dance floor".
One young girl even asked if a new playground had been installed.
Torbay Council said the new colour scheme, which also uses some red, is to make the Torbay Road junction with Garfield Road and Queen's Road safer for motorists and pedestrians by providing "greater clarity".
It comes after the road was previously – and controversially – pedestrianised. It opened back up to cars this week.
Locals took to social media to ridicule the new colour scheme.
Writing on Facebook group Spotted Paignton, residents labelled the work a "waste of money" that demanded explanation.
One person wrote: "How lovely, can't wait to get the chalk out and do some hopscotch."
One mother said: "Me and my daughter looked at this [this] afternoon. She said: 'Are they putting in a playground, mum?' I was puzzled."
Another added: "Are they turning it into a water feature? Fountain in the middle?"
One said: "Big swimming pool. Draw some circles and we have our very own Ludo board!"
Read more: The Crooked House pub fire: What happened and when
A spokesperson for Torbay Council said: "With increased traffic at this junction, the surface contrast provides greater clarity for road users and pedestrians, ensuring all road users can use the space safely.
"The red is to remind motorists as they approach the junction to slow down and think 'Should I be driving through here?' before proceeding to turn slowly at the junction.
"The blue is to better define the carriage for pedestrians and to reflect some of the place-making ambitions for a permanent scheme.”
The Academic Council of Mangalore University recently approved a draft statute to enable the university to appoint Professors of Practice in accordance with the direction by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to all universities and colleges to this effect. The statute will come into effect once the Governor who is the Chancellor of universities approved it.
A Professor of Practice is an expert or a professional from the industry who will teach the students based on his or her expertise.
The preamble of the draft said that the UGC has taken a new initiative to bring the industry and other professional expertise into the academic institutions through a new category of positions called ‘Professor of Practice’. This will help to take real world practices and experiences into the classrooms and also augment the faculty resources in higher education institutions. In turn, the industry and society will benefit from trained graduates equipped with the relevant skills.
“...For skilling of youth at the optimum level, learners are required to think like employers and employers are to think like learners...,” the preamble of the statute said.
Selection procedure
It said that the Vice-Chancellor may invite nominations from eminent experts for Professor of Practice positions. Such nominations will be considered by a selection committee consisting of two senior professors from the university and an eminent external member. Based on the recommendations of this committee, the Academic Council and the Syndicate of the university will decide on the engagement of Professors of Practice. The maximum duration of service of a Professor of Practice should not exceed two years. The initial engagement may be up to one year.
A Professor of Practice can be engaged in any of the three categories. They are the one funded by the industries, Professor of Practice funded by the university from its own resources and the one who teaches on honorary basis.
For engaging industry experts and professionals, the university may collaborate with the industries for financial support for Professor of Practice positions. If the university funds from its own resources it can pay ₹2,000 per lecture with a maximum ceiling of ₹50,000 per month.
If the university pays Professors of Practice from its own resources then the number of Professors of Practice in the university should not exceed 10% of the sanctioned posts of professors at the university.
A formal academic qualification is not considered essential for this position if they have exemplary professional practice in lieu.
The UGC asked the universities and colleges to appoint Professors of Practice in its letter on September 30, 2022.
CEO, Atlas Surgical Group, one of the largest private ASC groups in the U.S., Author of "Success in Ambulatory Surgery Centers."
The healthcare landscape has significantly changed in exact years, particularly regarding the dynamics between doctors and big hospitals. One aspect that deserves attention is the reluctance of doctors to unionize and stand up against the growing influence of these institutions.
Private practice, once a cornerstone of the medical profession, is facing a gradual decline. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including the rise of corporate healthcare entities, complex regulatory frameworks and declining reimbursement rates. However, I believe the lack of collective bargaining power among doctors exacerbates these challenges. This is where unionization could be an important tool.
Unionization empowers individuals to collectively negotiate better working conditions, fair compensation and greater control over their professional lives. Unfortunately, the medical profession has seen limited progress in this regard. Driven by a deeply ingrained culture of autonomy and individualism, many doctors remain hesitant to join unions or professional organizations that advocate for their rights.
The Power Imbalance's Impact On Private Practice
• Dominance Of Large Healthcare Systems
The reluctance of doctors to stand up against big hospitals has helped perpetuate a power imbalance that is detrimental to private practice. Fueled by their financial and administrative might, hospitals negotiate contracts with insurance companies that favor larger healthcare systems. Numerous studies have indicated a rise in hospital consolidation, leading to increased market concentration and reduced competition. A report published by the Health Affairs journal showed a rise in the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI)—a measure of market concentration—for hospitals between 2010 and 2016, indicating a decline in competition within the hospital market.
• Financial Strain On Private Practice
The power imbalance has also contributed to the financial strain on private practitioners. Hospitals' dominance enables them to negotiate higher reimbursement rates, leaving private practitioners at a disadvantage. The American Medical Association (AMA) reported that in 2020, a majority of physicians were working outside of physician-owned practices. "This is the first time the share of physicians in private practices has dropped below 50% since the AMA analysis began in 2012."
• Quality Of Patient Care
The erosion of private practice not only impacts doctors but also has implications for patient care. Private practitioners often have more personal connections with their patients, fostering trust, continuity of care and individualized attention. As big hospitals expand, patients may experience fragmented care, longer wait times and reduced access to personalized medical services.
The Call For Collective Action
To reverse the decline of private practice, I believe doctors must recognize the urgent need for collective action. By joining forces through professional associations or unions, doctors can increase their bargaining power, advocate for fair reimbursement rates and protect the integrity of private practice. United, doctors can more effectively engage in negotiations with insurance companies and hospitals, working toward a more balanced healthcare system.
Pulling from my own experience as the CEO of a multispecialty group, I feel that the strongest impetus for bargaining comes from collaboration at the grassroots level. Physicians should start by joining forces at all levels of practice, be it private hospitals or academia. As Aesop said, in union there is strength. Call upon your own strength to be heard. Fear of retribution dilutes as your numbers increase. One is a target. Two is a team. Three is a force.
Labor laws traditionally dissuade physicians from unionizing because they are considered part of management. The good news (or bad news, depending on how you view this) is that in employed positions, physicians are not management—they are typically treated more like worker bees, easy to dispose of. Right there is the carte blanche to form their own collaborations.
Successful Examples Of Collective Advocacy
There have been several instances where doctors' collective advocacy has yielded positive outcomes. For instance, the Physicians Advocacy Institute, a coalition of state medical societies, successfully lobbied for changes to Medicare's Quality Payment Program in 2019, alleviating some administrative burdens on small practices. More recently, residents have been voting to unionize at Mass General Brigham Hospital, with 75% of the trainees being for unionization. This should greatly increase their negotiating power. Such examples demonstrate the potential impact of organized efforts in reshaping policies and creating a more favorable environment for private practitioners.
The decline of private practice is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including doctors' reluctance to unionize and stand up against big hospitals. By embracing collective action, I believe doctors can regain their influence and advocate for fair compensation, improved working conditions and the preservation of private practice. In this way, the challenges facing private practitioners can be faced with a united front that can empower doctors to shape the future of healthcare and ensure the continuation of personalized, patient-centered care.
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Locals are angry after a council painted part of a seaside resort's famous "golden mile" bright blue.
People in Paignton, Devon, said the colour of the road measure resembles a "swimming pool" or a "dance floor".
One young girl even asked if a new playground had been installed.
Torbay Council said the new colour scheme, which also uses some red, is to make the Torbay Road junction with Garfield Road and Queen's Road safer for motorists and pedestrians by providing "greater clarity".
It comes after the road was previously – and controversially – pedestrianised. It opened back up to cars this week.
Locals took to social media to ridicule the new colour scheme.
Writing on Facebook group Spotted Paignton, residents labelled the work a "waste of money" that demanded explanation.
One person wrote: "How lovely, can't wait to get the chalk out and do some hopscotch."
One mother said: "Me and my daughter looked at this [this] afternoon. She said: 'Are they putting in a playground, mum?' I was puzzled."
Another added: "Are they turning it into a water feature? Fountain in the middle?"
One said: "Big swimming pool. Draw some circles and we have our very own Ludo board!"
Read more: The Crooked House pub fire: What happened and when
A spokesperson for Torbay Council said: "With increased traffic at this junction, the surface contrast provides greater clarity for road users and pedestrians, ensuring all road users can use the space safely.
"The red is to remind motorists as they approach the junction to slow down and think 'Should I be driving through here?' before proceeding to turn slowly at the junction.
"The blue is to better define the carriage for pedestrians and to reflect some of the place-making ambitions for a permanent scheme.”
Locals are angry after a council painted part of a seaside resort's famous "golden mile" bright blue.
People in Paignton, Devon, said the colour of the road measure resembles a "swimming pool" or a "dance floor".
One young girl even asked if a new playground had been installed.
Torbay Council said the new colour scheme, which also uses some red, is to make the Torbay Road junction with Garfield Road and Queen's Road safer for motorists and pedestrians by providing "greater clarity".
It comes after the road was previously – and controversially – pedestrianised. It opened back up to cars this week.
Locals took to social media to ridicule the new colour scheme.
Writing on Facebook group Spotted Paignton, residents labelled the work a "waste of money" that demanded explanation.
One person wrote: "How lovely, can't wait to get the chalk out and do some hopscotch."
One mother said: "Me and my daughter looked at this [this] afternoon. She said: 'Are they putting in a playground, mum?' I was puzzled."
Another added: "Are they turning it into a water feature? Fountain in the middle?"
One said: "Big swimming pool. Draw some circles and we have our very own Ludo board!"
Read more: The Crooked House pub fire: What happened and when
A spokesperson for Torbay Council said: "With increased traffic at this junction, the surface contrast provides greater clarity for road users and pedestrians, ensuring all road users can use the space safely.
"The red is to remind motorists as they approach the junction to slow down and think 'Should I be driving through here?' before proceeding to turn slowly at the junction.
"The blue is to better define the carriage for pedestrians and to reflect some of the place-making ambitions for a permanent scheme.”
Locals are angry after a council painted part of a seaside resort's famous "golden mile" bright blue.
People in Paignton, Devon, said the colour of the road measure resembles a "swimming pool" or a "dance floor".
One young girl even asked if a new playground had been installed.
Torbay Council said the new colour scheme, which also uses some red, is to make the Torbay Road junction with Garfield Road and Queen's Road safer for motorists and pedestrians by providing "greater clarity".
It comes after the road was previously – and controversially – pedestrianised. It opened back up to cars this week.
Locals took to social media to ridicule the new colour scheme.
Writing on Facebook group Spotted Paignton, residents labelled the work a "waste of money" that demanded explanation.
One person wrote: "How lovely, can't wait to get the chalk out and do some hopscotch."
One mother said: "Me and my daughter looked at this [this] afternoon. She said: 'Are they putting in a playground, mum?' I was puzzled."
Another added: "Are they turning it into a water feature? Fountain in the middle?"
One said: "Big swimming pool. Draw some circles and we have our very own Ludo board!"
Read more: The Crooked House pub fire: What happened and when
A spokesperson for Torbay Council said: "With increased traffic at this junction, the surface contrast provides greater clarity for road users and pedestrians, ensuring all road users can use the space safely.
"The red is to remind motorists as they approach the junction to slow down and think 'Should I be driving through here?' before proceeding to turn slowly at the junction.
"The blue is to better define the carriage for pedestrians and to reflect some of the place-making ambitions for a permanent scheme.”
