As companies increasingly embrace digital transformation, the cybersecurity threat environment constantly evolves. However, there is a notable shortage of skilled cybersecurity leaders. This is where the CISSP certification from ISC2 plays a crucial role in bridging this gap. Achieving this certification opens up a myriad of opportunities for professionals. Recognized globally as the premier cybersecurity certification, the CISSP is ideal for information security leaders looking to demonstrate their expertise in both the strategic and practical aspects of cybersecurity.
Source: 2023 Cloud Security Report produced by Cybersecurity Insiders
CISSP – YOUR PASSPORT TO GLOBAL CYBERSECURITY LEADERSHIP
The cybersecurity field is navigating a challenging landscape marked by economic volatility, swiftly evolving technologies, diverse regulations, and growing gaps in workforce and expertise. These factors contribute to significant uncertainty, as well as opportunities, for professionals tasked with safeguarding global infrastructure and systems.
In this context, the CISSP certification emerges as a vital tool. Certified Information Systems Security Professionals possess the advanced knowledge and technical capabilities necessary to shape and maintain an organization’s security strategy effectively. The CISSP certification is a vendor-neutral certification reflecting expertise and technical skills required to design, implement, and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program across various environments. To be eligible for the CISSP, aspirants must have at least five years of cumulative, full-time professional experience in at least two of the eight domains
in the CISSP Exam Outline.
WHY IS CISSP A PREFERRED CHOICE?
In a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, the CISSP stands out with unique features that set it apart as a top-tier certification. Here are its key differentiators:
• CISSP is acknowledged as the gold-standard, vendor-neutral certification for cybersecurity leaders, emphasizing industry best practices. This certification showcases skills that are applicable across various technologies and methodologies.
• Known as the premier certification in the industry, CISSPs are present in over 135 countries. This credential is often a requirement or a preferred qualification by the most security-conscious organizations and government entities worldwide.
• CISSP holds ANAB/ANSI Accreditation and is approved by the DoD.
• CISSP is recognized as the #1 security certification demanded by hiring managers on LinkedIn.
• CISSPs are required to engage in continuing professional education. To maintain their certification, they must remain current on new threats, technologies, regulations, standards, and best practices.
BENEFITS OF CISSP CERTIFICATION
The CISSP certification not only elevates professional expertise in cybersecurity, but also opens doors to a multitude of benefits. Here are the key advantages that CISSP holders experience:
- Career Opportunities and Advancement: Achieving CISSP status enhances visibility and credibility, leading to new and exciting career paths.
- Versatile Skills: The certification builds vendor-neutral skills applicable across various technologies and methodologies.
- Credibility: CISSP holders demonstrate a robust foundation in addressing and mitigating cyber threats.
- Leadership: The credential fosters a comprehensive skill set, both technical and nontechnical, which goes beyond what job experience alone can provide.
- Strong Peer Network: Becoming an ISC2 member unlocks access to exclusive resources, educational tools, and opportunities for networking with peers.
- Higher Salaries: According to Certification Magazine’s 2023 annual survey, CISSP professionals earn an average salary of $140,230 in the U.S. and $115,080 globally.
- Expanded Knowledge: CISSP certification leads to a deeper, broader understanding of the cybersecurity landscape.
- Stronger Skill Set: CISSP enhances the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively perform organizational cybersecurity roles.
“CISSP is recognized worldwide as the gold standard. The whole premise of it is not just passing the exam but demonstrating you have the verifiable experience to perform at a high level. The ISC2 Code of Ethics is important. The ongoing CPE requirement is tough, but it helps make sure your skills stay up to date. It all adds up to a very credible certification.” — Angus Macrae, Head of Cybersecurity from Cornwall, England
PATH TO CERTIFICATION
Earning the CISSP certification involves a structured and comprehensive journey, ensuring that candidates are thoroughly prepared and qualified. Here is an outline of a typical path to become CISSP certified:
BECOME AN ISC2 CANDIDATE: Start your CISSP journey by joining ISC2 as a candidate. This grants access to various benefits ISC2 certified members receive, including attractive discounts on training and textbooks. More details are available at isc2.org/candidate.
OBTAIN THE REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: To be eligible for the CISSP, candidates need a minimum of five years of cumulative, full-time experience in at least two of the eight domains in the CISSP Exam Outline.
For those without the requisite experience, passing the CISSP exam allows you to become an Associate of ISC2. Associates then have six years to gain the necessary experience required for CISSP certification.
STUDY FOR THE EXAM: ISC2 offers numerous self-study resources. While some candidates succeed through self-study, others may opt for an Official ISC2 Training to refresh their knowledge before the exam.
PASS THE EXAM: The CISSP exam, comprised of 125-175 questions, must be completed within a maximum time frame of four hours.
GET ENDORSED: Successful candidates have nine months from their exam date to complete the ISC2 endorsement process.
EARN CPE CREDITS: Once certified and a member of ISC2, maintaining your certification requires recertification every three years. This is achieved by earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits and paying an annual maintenance fee (AMF).
FLEXIBLE TRAINING FORMATS
ISC2 offers various training options to cater to individual learning styles. These include online instructor-led training and classroom-based training.
By offering flexibility in training formats, ISC2 ensures that professionals can engage in a learning experience best suited to their needs.
Once professionals pass the exam and become ISC2 members, they must recertify
every three years by earning 120 CPE credits and paying a $125 Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF). Numerous opportunities exist for earning free CPEs, such as attending webinars, participating in think tanks and security briefings, and volunteering.
When you join as a candidate, you can enjoy member benefits before obtaining certification. As a candidate, there is a $50 AMF, but the first year is free.
“CISSP gives you a lot of street credibility with the people who do this for a living because they all understand what it is. It’s definitely an important designation to have on your calling card. I see it as the gold standard in cybersecurity. It’s the most recognized credential in the security community.” — Theresa Grafenstine, Global Chief Auditor, Technology, Wilmington, DE, USA
ABOUT ISC2
ISC2 is an international nonprofit membership association focused on inspiring a safe and secure cyber world. Best known for the acclaimed Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) certification, ISC2 offers a portfolio of credentials that are part of a holistic, pragmatic approach to security. Our association of candidates, associates, and members, more than 500,000 strong, is made up of certified cyber, information, software, and infrastructure security professionals who are making a difference and helping to advance the industry. Our vision is supported by our commitment to educate and reach the general public through our charitable foundation – The Center for Cyber Safety and Education™.
For more information about CISSP certification and training, contact an Education Consultant in your region:
Americas | +1.866.331.4722 ext. 2 | Email: training@isc2.org
Europe, Middle East, and Africa | +44 203 960 7800 | Email: info-emea@isc2.org
Asia-Pacific | +852.5803.5662 | Email: isc2asia@isc2.org
