A Concise Guide to the Certified in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (CGRC) Exam

Introduction🎯

The Certified in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (CGRC) certification from (ISC)² is a prestigious global credential demonstrating profound expertise in IT risk management and the implementation of a risk management framework. Anchored in the U.S. Government's Risk Management Framework (RMF), the CGRC extends beyond, embracing broader Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) principles that hold universal relevance. This certification elevates your professional standing, signifying your commitment to enhancing skills, reinforcing organizational security, and continuous professional development. Yet, due to the absence of an official (ISC)² guide to the CGRC CBK at this time, exam preparation may appear daunting. This article elucidates the resources and strategies I deployed in my exam preparation.

Exam Domains📚

The CGRC examination encompasses seven key domains, each corresponding to a distinct step in the Risk Management Framework (RMF) as outlined in the NIST SP 800-37 Rev. 2. Understanding the RMF is paramount as it forms the basis of the CGRC exam domains:

1. Information Security Risk Management Program (Prepare) 👨 💻: This domain establishes the basis for an organization's information security risk management program, echoing the 'Prepare' phase in the RMF. Key elements include principles of information security, risk management frameworks, System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), security controls and practices, and various roles and responsibilities. Refer to NIST SP 800-30 Rev. 1, SP 800-37 Rev. 2, SP 800-39, SP 800-160 Vol. 1, SP 800-64 for comprehensive understanding.
2. Scope of the Information System (Categorize) 🖥️: Aligned with the 'Categorize' step in the RMF, this domain focuses on defining the information system, determining its scope, describing its architecture and functionality, and categorizing the information system. References include FIPS 199, SP 800-60 Vol. 1 Rev.1.
3. Selection and Approval of Security and Privacy Controls (Select) 🔐: Mirroring the 'Select' step in the RMF, this domain focuses on the selection and tailoring of controls, development of a continuous control monitoring strategy, and the review and approval of the security plan. Consult FIPS 200, SP 800-53 Rev. 5, SP 800-53B for additional insights.
4. Implementation of Security and Privacy Controls (Implement) 🛠️: This domain, corresponding to the 'Implement' step in the RMF, involves implementation and documentation of selected controls, and requires familiarity with various industry standards and guidelines. SP 800-70, Rev. 4 provides additional information.
5. Assessment/Audit of Security and Privacy Controls (Assess) 📋: Reflecting the 'Assess' step in the RMF, this domain covers the preparation, conduction, and analysis of assessments or audits, and development of remediation plans. To delve into this domain, refer to SP 800-53A Rev. 5, SP 800-115.
6. Authorization/Approval of the Information System (Authorize) 🚀: Matching the 'Authorize' step in the RMF, this domain involves compiling security and privacy authorization documents, evaluating information system risk, and making decisions on terms of authorization. Check out NIST SP 800-37 Rev. 2 for comprehensive understanding.
7. Continuous Monitoring (Monitor) 👁️: Corresponding to the 'Monitor' step in the RMF, this domain involves determining the impact of changes to the information system, performing ongoing assessments, reviewing supply chain risk, and responding to a cyber event. The NIST publications SP 800-37 Rev. 2, SP 800-53A Rev. 5, SP 800-137, SP 800-88, SP 800-100, SP 800-128 will provide extensive knowledge for this domain.

The following infographic summarizes the NIST RMF (*):

* Courtesy: Aron Lange

Study Resources📖

Effectively preparing for the CGRC exam requires an understanding of a wide range of materials and resources. Key study resources include:

1. NIST Publications📚: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) publications are pivotal to the understanding of the CGRC exam content. They provide the foundational concepts and processes that underpin each domain of the exam. It's recommended to get a summary understanding of each relevant NIST publication mentioned in the Exam Domains section.
2. (ISC)² Resources🌐: The Ultimate Guide to the CGRC, the CGRC exam outline, official CGRC flashcards, and CBK suggested references can be downloaded or further checked from the (ISC)² website. These resources provide essential information about the exam pattern and key topics.
3. ISO Documents📜: Summaries of ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 are also crucial for grasping the different terminology used in ISO documents and NIST publications. These standards provide international best practices for information security management.

Study Tips and Strategies🧠

1. Understand the RMF Process🔄: The RMF is the foundation of the CGRC domains. A crucial part of your preparation should be to understand each task, its inputs, and outcomes, and the roles and responsibilities involved in each task within each step of the RMF. This understanding will give you a deep insight into the interconnections among the CGRC domains.
2. Mapping RMF and SDLC🗺️: Mapping the respective steps of the NIST RMF and the NIST Basic SDLC (NIST SP 800-64 Rev.2) can be very beneficial. Understanding this mapping can provide you with a more comprehensive perspective on how the various aspects of risk management come together in practice.
3. Focus on Key Topics🔑: Each domain has key topics that carry more weight in the exam. It's important to understand these topics thoroughly. Refer back to the CGRC exam outline and guide for the key areas.
4. Understand the Key Concepts💡: Don’t just memorize the terms and definitions, strive to understand them. Try to relate the theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios to better comprehend their application.
5. Practice💪: Practice makes perfect. As the official (ISC)² guide to the CGRC CBK is not yet available, utilizing resources such as the CISSP-ISSEP sample questions, especially those related to risk management, can be extremely helpful. Use the CGRC flashcards and other practice questions available to reinforce what you've learned. This not only aids in memorization but also helps you understand how to apply the knowledge in different scenarios.

Conclusion🏁

Preparing for the CGRC exam is undoubtedly a rigorous process, but with the right resources and study strategies, success is within reach. Remember, your goal is not just to pass the exam but to truly understand and apply the principles of IT governance, risk, and compliance. With focused and dedicated preparation, you'll be well-equipped to ace the CGRC exam and enhance your professional standing in the field of IT governance.