C
CA - Chartered Accountant (designation applied to public accountants in the UK and many former British colonies, granted following an examination and period of experience - roughly equivalent to the CPA designation in the U.S., providing authorization to render an audit opinion on financial statements)
CAE - Chief Auditing Executive (most senior internal auditing post in an organization - individual responsible for managing an organization's internal audit function)
CAE - National Centers of Academic Excellence (program established by the National Security Agency (NSA) to promote educational programs aimed at increasing the number of information security professionals)
CAE/IAE - National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education program (program jointly sponsored by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify and certify educational institutions meeting the program's information assurance educational guidelines)
CAE/R - National Centers of Academic Excellence in Research program (program jointly sponsored by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify and certify educational institutions meeting the program's research guidelines)
CAMS - Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (certification offered by ACAMS indicating a basic understanding of the international banking system, financial transactions, criminal activity involving money laundering and terrorism, banking law, and reporting requirements)
CAP - Certified Authorization Professional (credential for professionals involved in the process of authorizing and maintaining information systems)
CASP - CompTIA (Computer Technology Industry Association) Advanced Security Practitioner (certification in computer and systems operation and cyber security)
CCAr - Cisco Certified Architect (network security certification offered by Cisco Systems at an advanced level for knowledge, skills, and experience with the system use of Cisco networking products)
CCDA - Cisco Certified Design Associate (network security certification offered by Cisco Systems at a beginner/intermediate level for knowledge, skills, and experience with the system use of Cisco networking products)
CCDE - Cisco Certified Design Expert (network security certification offered by Cisco Systems at an advanced level for knowledge, skills, and experience with the system use of Cisco networking products)
CCDP - Cisco Certified Design Professional (network security certification offered by Cisco Systems at an intermediate/advanced level for knowledge, skills, and experience with the system use of Cisco networking products)
CCE - Certified Computer Examiner (certification granted by the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE) focusing on an understanding of computer system operations, the evidence produced by computer systems, the steps involved in evidence collection and preservation, and the preparation of evidence for use in courtroom proceedings)
CCENT - Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (network security certification offered by Cisco Systems at an entry level for a basic understanding of the system use of Cisco networking products)
CCEPA - Check Point Certified Endpoint Administrator (certification offered by the Check Point company for an understanding of endpoint devices, Internet and network connections, endpoint security, and proficiency in the use of Check Point software)
CCEPE - Check Point Certified Endpoint Expert (certification offered by the Check Point company for proficiency in the use of Check Point software combined with an understanding of endpoint devices, Internet and network connections, and endpoint security)
CCFE - Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (certification offered by the Information Assurance Certification Review Board (IACRB) for an understanding of the procedures and requirements involved in forensic computer examination)
CCFP - Certified Cyber Forensics Professional (certification granted by ISC(2) for expertise in the area of forensics investigations and procedures, standards and practices, and ethical and legal knowledge involved in the processing of digital evidence to ensure that it may be admissible in court)
CCIATR - Center for Cyber Intelligence Analysis and Threat Research (now-defunct research organization which collected data on, and provided information about, attackers and attack groups)
CCIE - Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (network security certification offered by Cisco Systems at an advanced level for knowledge, skills, and experience with the system use of Cisco networking products)
CCMA - Check Point Certified Master Architect (master certification offered by the Check Point company in the use of its Check Point software as involving systems architecture and design)
CCMSE - Check Point Certified Managed Security Expert (certification offered by the Check Point company for expertise in managed security services and proficiency in the use of Check Point software)
CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associate (network security certification offered by Cisco Systems at a beginner/intermediate level for knowledge, skills, and experience with the system use of Cisco networking products)
CCNP - Cisco Certified Network Professional (network security certification offered by Cisco Systems at an advanced level for knowledge, skills, and experience with the system use of Cisco networking products)
CCSA - Check Point Certified Security Administrator (certification offered by the Check Point company for security administrators proficient in the use of Check Point software)
CCSE - Check Point Certified Security Expert (certification offered by the Check Point company for expertise in systems security using Check Point software)
CCSK - Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (certification offered by the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) for a combination of IT work experience and tested knowledge of cloud concepts, cloud security, and legal issues and compliance requirements)
CCSP - Certified Cloud Security Professional (certification offered by ISC(2) and the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) for a combination of IT work experience and tested knowledge of cloud concepts, cloud security, and legal issues and compliance requirements)
CCSPA - Check Point Certified Security Principles Associate (certification in security principles offered by the Check Point company in the use of its Check Point software)
CCT - Cisco Certified Technician (network security certification offered by Cisco Systems at a beginning/entry level for knowledge, skills, and experience with the system use of Cisco networking products)
CDPSE - Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (certification offered by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) for knowledge of information systems privacy concepts and the incorporation of privacy principles into software design)
CE - Certified Examiner (EnCaseCE) (Certification offered by OpenText (formerly EnCase) in computer forensic analysis and examination covering computer investigation methodologies of hardware and systems.)
CEBS - Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (professional designation conferred for a combination of benefits experience and knowledge of pension plans, retirement plans, health insurance, and related financial topics)
CEH - Certified Ethical Hacker (certification offered by the EC-Council (Council of E-Commerce Consultants) for an understanding of computer systems, system weaknesses, and methods of attacking them)
CEIV - Certified in Entity and Intangible Valuations (certification offered by the AICPA for business valuations and for the valuation of intangibles such as goodwill, copyrights, and trademarks)
CEO - Chief Executive Officer (individual with overall responsibility for managing the operations of an organization - usually deals with areas such as finances, strategic planning, and operations)
CET - Certified in Emerging Technology (certification offered by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) for knowledge of current and new technologies, processes, programs, and fields, as well as their potential impact and uses.)
CFA - Certified Financial Analyst (designation awarded by the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts (ICFA) based on experience and knowledge in areas such as economics, financial accounting, portfolio management, security analysis, and standards of conduct)
CFCE - Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (certification offered by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) in computer forensics - available only to law enforcement personnel)
CFE - Certified Fraud Examiner (certification offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) for fraud examination qualifications - detecting, investigating, and deterring fraud and white-collar crime)
CFETP - U.S. Air Force Career Field Education and Training Plan (career planning guide with documentation listing skills, tasks, and training requirements for career advancement)
CFF - Certified in Financial Forensics (certification offered by the AICPA for knowledge/experience in the area of bankruptcy, insolvency, and reorganization, with an emphasis on computer forensic analysis, calculation of economic damages, fraud prevention, and valuations)
CFO - Chief Financial Officer (individual responsible for an organization's accounting and financial activities and the overall financial structure of the organization)
CFP - Certified Financial Planner (professional designation for individuals providing financial advice, requiring an understanding of basic financial planning concepts plus specialized knowledge areas, such as investments, tax planning, and retirement and estate planning)
CGEIT - Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (Information Technology) (certification offered by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) which focuses on the business or organizational management aspects of IT - theories of management, an understanding of the relationship between the IT department and the organization as a whole, setting departmental goals and aligning them with organizational strategy, measuring performance, justifying budgets, and communicating with management)
CGMA - Chartered Global Management Accountant (certification offered by the AICPA for managerial accounting experience and knowledge internationally in a broad spectrum of business areas, including industry and government)
CGSS - Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (certification offered by ACAMS indicating an understanding of the financial system laws, regulations, policies, and practices involved in international sanctions compliance)
ChFC - Chartered Financial Consultant (designation for an experienced professional financial planner granted after the completion of finance and investing courses, including courses in economics, insurance, taxation, and real estate)
CHFI - Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (certification offered by the EC-Council in the forensic analysis of system intrusion)
ChMFC - Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (designation for an experienced professional financial advisor with expertise in the mutual fund area)
CIA - Central Intelligence Agency (U.S. federal agency responsible for gathering intelligence on foreign countries and international threats)
CIA - Certified Internal Auditor (professional designation granted by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IAA) for individuals meeting educational and experience requirements and demonstrating an understanding of internal audit concepts and practices in areas such as audit planning, risk analysis, and controls and substantive testing of departmental transactions)
CIA - confidentiality, integrity, availability - referred to as the C-I-A triad (three tenets of information systems security - concepts considered to form the basis for security objectives common to all information systems)
CIAO - Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (individual responsible for formulating and developing an organization's artificial intelligence strategy)
CIC - Chartered Investment Counsel (designation awarded by the Investment Counsel Association of America (ICAA) to Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) with significant experience in investment counseling or portfolio management, who work for ICAA member firms)
CICA - Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (main Canadian professional accounting organization for accounting and external auditing)
CIO - Chief Information Officer (individual responsible for the strategic use and management of computers, information systems, and technology within an organization)
CIO - Chief Investment Officer (executive responsible for managing and monitoring a company's investment portfolio)
CIRA - Certified Insolvency and Reorganization Accountant (forensic accounting certification for individuals with experience in insolvency and reorganizational accounting, combined with testing-demonstrated knowledge of financial reporting and taxes, turnaround management and bankruptcy, and plan development and accounting)
CIS - Center for Internet Security (nonprofit organization acting as an information resource and cybersecurity service provider for state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments)
CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor (professional designation/ certification conferred by ISACA in the area of information system auditing)
CISA - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CyberSec) (federal agency created by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Act of 2018 designed to consolidate and coordinate U.S. cybersecurity operations)
CISM - Certified Information Security Manager (ISACA sponsored professional designation/ certification for experienced information security professionals involved in designing, implementing, and managing organizational security programs)
CISO - Chief Information Security Officer (person in charge of security for computers and information systems - areas where the security focus is on technology - within an organization)
CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional (certification offered by ISC(2) (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium) for an understanding of core areas, including basic information system concepts, risk analysis, legal rules, computer architecture, networks, and security)
CITP - Certified Information Technology Professional (certification offered by the AICPA based on experience and an understanding of information systems and supporting technologies)
CIW - Certified Internet Webmaster (organization offering Web security certification for Web page designers at various levels)
CKO - Chief Knowledge Officer (considered to be an expanded role for, or simply a definitional change in the duties of, the Chief Information Officer (CIO), who now deals in knowledge rather than information - senior official of an organization, responsible for IT advocacy, alignment of IT and business strategies, and planning, resourcing and managing delivery of IT resources, knowledge and deployment of associated human resources)
CLE - Continuing Legal Education (educational courses required to maintain an active law license)
CLU - Chartered Life Underwriter (designation granted by American College based on professional experience in insurance planning plus testing of subject areas such as insurance, investments, taxation, employee benefit plans, estate planning, accounting, management, and economics)
CMA - Certified Management Accountant (certification focused on an understanding of managerial accounting concepts - an area of accounting which views accounting data and analysis more as management tools for planning and decision making than as mere reporting activities)
CNSS - Committee on National Security Systems (federal agency with overall responsibility for securing information systems which are part of, or deemed critical to, U.S. national security interests)
CompTIA - Computer/Computing Technology Industry Association (professional organization made up of industry partners and individuals within the information technnology field, providing education, certification, and serving as a voice in matters of public policy)
COSO - Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (model for corporate governance which emphasizes internal control measures to improve financial reporting - the Treadway Commission (popular name for the National Commission on Fraudulent Reporting) was created in 1985 to deal with fraudulent financial activities and reporting)
CPA - Certified Public Accountant (designation in the U.S. for accountants/individuals licensed to perform audits and issue audit opinions on company financial statements)
CPCU - Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (professional designation for underwriters - individuals writing insurance policies - based on a combination of insurance business experience and testing in areas such as insurance, risk management, economics, finance, management, accounting, and law)
CPE - continuing professional education (classroom instruction or coursework designed to keep practitioners current and informed - often required to maintain certification)
CPO - Chief Privacy Officer (individual responsible for protecting customer, company, and employee data from unauthorized access and disclosure - responsible for developing policies, procedures, and controls which comply with legal and regulatory requirements relating to privacy, while reconciling those policies with laws or regulations which allow or mandate access)
CPP - Certified Protection Professional (certification offered by ASIS, focusing on physical security, with a five to nine years' experience requirement)
CPTED - Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (Certification offered by ASIS, focusing on physical security measures intended to deter crime through the design and construction of buildings and facilities, and covering areas such as lighting and landscaping.)
CRISC - Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (certification offered by ISACA focusing on different aspects of information system risk - identifying, assessing, responding to, mitigating, controlling, and reporting on risk)
CSA - Cloud Security Alliance (nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cloud security best practices and educating IT professionals about security issues related to the cloud)
CSFA - Cyber Security Forensic Analyst (certification offered by the CyberSecurity Institute in forensic analysis)
CSI - Computer Security Institute (educational membership organization providing training courses on security-related topics)
CSO - Chief Security Officer (individual responsible for all/overall security matters at an organization, both physical and IT/computer-related - generally considered to have broader responsibilities than the CISO (Chief Information Security Officer), who is primarily responsible just for IT security)
CSSLP - Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (certification offered by ISC(2) (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium) for an understanding of secure software development and deployment requirements)
CTO - Chief Technology Officer (individual responsible for decisions, or serving in an advisory capacity, on technological matters, such as computer and information system technologies, software performance and suitability, or data processing capacity, within an organization - position is often viewed as synonymous with that of the Chief Information Officer (CIO))
CVFI - Certified in the Valuation of Financial Instruments (certification offered by the AICPA based on experience and an understanding of valuation procedures, including the scope of work and documentation requirements for fair value estimates)