Want to become certified in cybersecurity? Considering CISSP certification? Let’s take a look at what you need to know.
The certification requirements and costs associated with it. Assess if getting CISSP certified is worth your time and effort.
Make the big jump!
Introduction to CISSP Certification
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is a world-renowned certification for information security. It is created by the International Information Security Certification Consortium (ISC) 2. This certification is a way to validate a person’s knowledge and experience in the field of info security. It demonstrates their skills in designing, implementing, and maintaining secure IT systems globally.
The CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) contains eight domains. These are Access Control, Cryptography, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning, Telecommunications and Network Security, Physical Security, Data Security News & Law, Software Development security & Operations security. In order to get certified as a CISSP professional, one needs five years of full-time professional experience in two or more of these domains.
The certification costs include the exam fee from ISC2, which is US$599/€545/£460. It also includes fees for training, books for studying, and other resources like practice tests. This can range from US$1000 to US$1600, depending on the number of resources used. Training courses or self-study materials are available either online or offline, from bookstores or specialty retailers offering discounts or free webinars hosted by experienced ISC2 members.
Benefits of Obtaining CISSP Certification
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is the go-to credential for those who wish to secure their businesses and protect them from threats. It’s widely recognized for providing individuals and organizations the knowledge and skills to assess risks and comply with applicable laws. Passers of the rigorous exam earn the CISSP distinction, and they show both advanced technical expertise and in-depth understanding of industry standards.
This prestigious certification offers several benefits, including increased marketability, earning potential, knowledge, teaching skillset, and networking opportunities. Employers actively seek out CISSP-certified professionals, and studies show that they have higher-paying jobs. They’re also well-versed in the best practices for developing secure applications and networks, protecting data, and practicing secure coding. Lastly, they get to teach and network with like-minded peers to make positive changes in their organization.
Requirements for Obtaining CISSP Certification
The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) administers the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam. To become certified, there are multiple steps to take. Plus, knowledge and experience in info security is a must! An additional fee for the exam application and ISC2 membership is also necessary.
Eligibility Requirements
For CISSP, 5 years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the following areas is required: access control/management, network security, security operations, risk analysis/response, software dev/security, cryptography. If you have 4 years of experience and a college degree in one of these, you may still be eligible.
Membership Fee
Individuals pay $129 and enterprises pay $949. This fee won’t go toward the test, but members get discounts when signing up through ISC2.
Exam Fee
The exam costs $599, but ISC2 members get a discount ($549). Other discounts may reduce the fee further. Additional discounts may be accessed if criteria like military personnel or affiliation with certain organizations is met. Recertification is needed every 3 years – through continuing ed or taking another exam.
Exam Format and Content of CISSP Certification
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam is designed to assess candidates’ knowledge of eight security domains. It covers topics like software development security, access control systems, telecommunications, network security, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and cryptography. The exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions. There may be some unscored questions, too. To pass, you need a scaled score of 700 or higher.
In 2021, (ISC)2 changed the structure of the CISSP exam to an adaptive format. This means the questions differ for each candidate based on their answers to earlier questions. As a result, the passing rate is lower than other notable IT certifications.
The fee for taking and passing CISSP certification is US$699. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card payments through PayPal/AuthorizeNet/SecurePay/VeriSign/2CheckOut/. The cost includes registration fees, training sessions, and study materials. After passing, you must pay a one-time fee of US$125 to become an official (ISC)2 member and hold your certified credentials. You must pay the fee each time you renew or transfer your certification, as per ISC 2 rules & policy guidelines.
Preparing for the CISSP Certification Exam
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is a highly sought-after achievement in the world of information security. It’s a great way to advance your career and show your expertise.
If you’re considering taking the CISSP exam, there are several steps to take before you can become certified.
You need five years of work experience in two out of eight domains covered by the CISSP body of knowledge, over a 10-year period. You also need either a college degree or approved certification to meet the education requirements.
Topics such as security architecture & engineering; communication & network security; identity & access management; software development security; operations security; physical (environmental) security; business continuity & disaster recovery planning; and legal, regulations, compliance & investigations should be studied.
You must pay a fee for the exam registration and any additional fees or subscriptions. Plus, you must agree to the guidelines set by (ISC)2 during the testing process.
It’s recommended that you use practice tests and online study materials before taking on the exam. This will help you become CISSP certified!
Cost of Obtaining CISSP Certification
The price of a CISSP certification can vary. It depends on the requirements, the office and other conditions. Usually, the total cost for the exam is between $600 and $2,000.
The cost of taking the exam depends on (ISC)² membership, where you live and any special certifications or work history that can get discounts at the testing centers. The cost can range from $500 to $1,500.
In addition to the exam, there are other costs, such as pre-exam material and practice tests. These can be free or up to $20 per practice test. Companies may also need payments for background checks, traveling for courses or seminars, and transcripts with exam results.
Individuals should investigate their own situation to find out the cost of a CISSP certification. They should take into account all the costs before beginning the program plan.
Continuing Education Requirements for CISSP Certification
Gaining a CISSP certification means you have learned information security-related knowledge and have been certified as an expert in the field. The needs for all certifications differ, and there are certain steps to be taken for CISSP candidates. It’s key to understand the Continuing Education Credit (CEC) prerequisites to sustain the designation, because all holders must finish the obligatory CE credits to keep their credentials valid.
The ISC2 CEC program demands all certified individuals to gain and report at least 120 CECs over three years. You can only collect a maximum of 20 CECs each year, except in the first year when you must obtain no less than 30 CECs. Email notifications are given two times a year, but it’s still significant to track your progress annually and submit an attestation form when you reach the needed number of CECs.
If you don’t submit your documented credits in time, then you could lose access to the program until it is fulfilled. Moreover, it is essential for you to pay an annual fee for each calendar year in which you are still part of the CISSP Community in order to comply with program criteria within the three-year period.
Conclusion
Investing time, money, and energy in obtaining the CISSP credential is worthwhile. To get the Professional Level certification, you must show five years of experience with the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). Then, you must pass an exam to demonstrate knowledge in different areas.
You must complete the annual Continuing Professional Education (CPE) to keep your certification up-to-date. To save money, some organizations provide discounted bundles and materials with individual study plans to help pass the exam. Plus, some organizations offer discounts or financing for preparation materials or seminars/conferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is required to get Cissp certified?
A:To become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) you will need to meet certain requirements, such as having a minimum of five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the (ISC)² CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) and passing the CISSP exam.
Q:How much does it cost to get Cissp certified?
A:The cost of obtaining your CISSP certification depends on your membership status with (ISC)². The exam fee for non-members is $699, while for members the fee is $599. In addition, there is a one-time enrollment fee of $45 for non-members and $35 for members.
Q:How long does it take to get Cissp certified?
A:The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on your individual circumstances. Generally, it can take anywhere from three to twelve months to prepare for the exam, depending on your experience level and the amount of time you can dedicate to studying.
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