IT security professionals looking to advance their careers or dive deeper into the realm of cybersecurity should consider the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. Organizations across industries need to protect their data and proprietary information from cyberattacks, making CISSP-certified professionals a valuable asset to any company.
CISSP certification signals to employers that you know how to best protect web-based information systems and command a strong IT security team. Read on to learn all you need to know about earning CISSP certification.
Who Should Get CISSP Certification?
As an early-career IT security professional, you may be tempted to jump into the CISSP certification process soon after completing an undergraduate degree or spending just a few years working entry-level cybersecurity jobs. However, you’ll have to meet certain benchmarks before qualifying to become a CISSP.
(ISC)², which administers CISSP certification, requires candidates to have completed either five years of full-time employment or four years of employment plus an undergraduate degree (such as a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity) or another approved credential.
(ISC)² also created the Body of Knowledge (CBK), which holds nearly all the information a seasoned cybersecurity professional should know. The CBK lists eight primary domains, including asset security and software development security. To become a CISSP, your past work experience must be within one or more of these eight domains.
Earning CISSP certification is not an easy process. From passing the exam to paying annual fees, this certification requires an investment of time, energy and money. On the other hand, CISSP certification is among the most common cybersecurity credentials required by employers, and 72% of cybersecurity professionals are required by their employer to hold a certification, according to a workforce study conducted by (ISC)².
Whether you plan to become a chief information officer or an independent security consultant, knowing your “why” can help you stay the course as you work toward earning CISSP certification.
Benefits of CISSP Certification
A CISSP certification is among the gold standards for IT and cybersecurity professionals. This credential can lead to higher salaries, a competitive advantage in the job market and knowledge of the latest industry advancements.
Increase Your Earning Potential
Salaries for CISSP-certified professionals vary by job title and location. On average, these workers earn over $120,000 per year in North America.
CISSP-certified professionals are some of the most well-paid IT professionals in the industry. This is because employers understand the rigorous process required to become a CISSP, and the credential is recognized on a global scale.
Become a More Competitive Job Candidate
Adding CISSP certification to your cybersecurity resume signifies to recruiters and employers that you are among the top candidates in the information security industry. This credential also guarantees that you have at least four or five years of hands-on experience.
Most cybersecurity professionals report that their organizations require them to hold a certification, according to (ISC)²’s 2021 workforce study. The study found that the CISSP credential was the most commonly held certification among cybersecurity professionals.
Build Cybersecurity Expertise
Part of the CISSP certification process is becoming intimately familiar with all relevant information in the world of cybersecurity, both to pass the exam and to maintain certification.
After earning their certification, CISSPs must accumulate a set number of continuing education credits. Continuing education helps build expertise and ensure that CISSPs have current, relevant skills.
Participants in (ISC)²’s workforce study reported that their teams recognize the following benefits of employing cybersecurity professionals with certifications like the CISSP.
- These workers have a deeper knowledge of critical cybersecurity topics.
- Certified workers increase confidence in their teams’ ability to handle security challenges.
- Hiring professionals with cybersecurity certifications ensures current knowledge and practice of information security trends.
- Certification allows organizations to hire high-level workers with demonstrated expertise in cybersecurity.
Network with Other CISSPs
All CISSPs must become (ISC)² members, granting access to networking opportunities. More than 168,000 cybersecurity professionals are members of (ISC)².
What is the Current Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals?
Between 2020 and 2021, cyberattacks and data breaches increased by 15.1% on average. This spike in cyberattacks among companies of all types highlights both the need for expert cybersecurity professionals and the gap in supply.
Despite the field’s increasing popularity, the (ISC)²’s workforce study found that 60% of cybersecurity professionals say a shortage of cybersecurity professionals is putting their organizations at risk. (ISC)² estimated a cybersecurity workforce gap of 2.7 million in 2021.
One potential reason for this workforce gap is that most cybersecurity job requirements include certifications such as the CISSP. Earning certification involves considerable time and effort, making it tougher to close this workforce gap. Meanwhile, technological advances used by malicious parties continue to outpace the rate at which IT and cybersecurity professionals enter the field and develop expertise necessary to secure data against these attacks.
The Demand for CISSPs
CISSP professionals are in high demand across industries due to their advanced knowledge and ability to defend against data breaches and improve security measures.
According to CyberSeek, CISSP certifications see the most demand among all current cybersecurity job openings requiring certification. As of October 2022, more than 137,000 cybersecurity job listings request CISSP certification.
How to Earn CISSP Certification
To earn CISSP certification, you must first meet requirements for work experience, education and professional credentials. Candidates may have five years of relevant work experience, or four years if they also hold a related undergraduate degree or an (ISC)²-approved credential.
If you do not meet these requirements but are still interested in taking the CISSP exam, you can work toward becoming an Associate of (ISC)². Associates have passed the exam but cannot become fully certified until they have fulfilled the work experience requirements.
Pass the Certification Exam
Each candidate has four hours to complete the CISSP certification exam, which comprises 125 to 175 questions. You can find ample preparation resources, including practice exams and study materials, on (ISC)²’s website.
When the time comes, you can register online to take the exam, though the exam itself will take place in person at a Pearson VUE testing center. Note that the exam fee is $749.
To pass, you must score at least 700/1,000 or higher. If you do not pass the CISSP exam the first time, you’re in good company—many test-takers attempt the exam multiple times. You can retake the CISSP exam 30 days after your first try and up to four times within a 12-month period.
Get Endorsed
After passing the CISSP exam, you must obtain an endorsement from a current certification-holder before becoming certified yourself.
This endorsement validates that you have completed the necessary work experience to earn CISSP certification. You have nine months to find an endorsement after passing the exam. In the event you are unable to find someone, (ISC)² may act as your endorser.
Maintain Certification
Like many professional accrediting bodies, (ISC)² requires its members to stay up to date on the latest trends and research in cybersecurity. You must earn at least 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits every three years to maintain CISSP certification. Many members earn their CPEs by attending courses or conferences, volunteering or teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CISSP Certification
What does a CISSP do?
A CISSP professional maintains an organization’s IT security systems, securing data against external threats. Responsibilities may also include running security audits, gathering data on security performance, managing teams of IT security professionals and creating security reports for stakeholders
Is CISSP a good certification?
Yes, the CISSP credential is one of the most respected certifications in the cybersecurity field. Its rigor and high standards are well-known in the industry, and many organizations place a high value on recruiting CISSPs.
Is CISSP for beginners?
No, CISSP certification requires five years of professional experience in a cybersecurity-related role, or a combination of work experience and education.
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