If you are an IT security professional trying to further your career with sophisticated skills or a newcomer to the IT business looking to delve deeper into the cybersecurity world, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification should be considered. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification is the most widely recognized in the field of information security.
A CISSP certification in your name indicates to employers that you have the knowledge to protect their organization’s valuable data and other web-based information systems from unauthorized attacks, as well as the capacity to effectively design, implement, and lead a strong team of IT security professionals. As a result, CISSP-certified professionals are a vital asset to any firm concerned about data security.
So, if you want to get ahead and carve out your own niche in the cybersecurity industry, you must acquire the CISSP certification and establish your credibility. Read on to know more about what the CISSP certification entails, the eligibility requirements, and the preparation you need to undergo to earn CISSP certification.
 What is CISSP certification?
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional also known by its acronym CISSP, is a fundamental information security certification that is regarded as the industry’s gold standard in cybersecurity. It attests to an information security professional’s in-depth knowledge of the technical and practical aspects of cybersecurity practices and security protocols, as well as his or her experience in successfully designing, engineering, and implementing holistic security programs. The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2, a non-profit organization that has established itself as the global authority on the subject, administers the CISSP certification. It also offers other cybersecurity certificates like the SSCP, CAP, CCSP, and CSSLP and houses more than 200 K certified members as of today.
The (ISC)2 has developed the Body of Knowledge (CBK), which is a comprehensive collection of all the material listed in the form of CISSP domains, including the skills, methodologies, and practices that a cyber security expert must be familiar with. As a result, CISSP-certified professionals are knowledgeable in the following eight areas:
CISSP Domains
Domain 1. Security and Risk Management
Domain 2. Asset Security
Domain 3. Security Architecture and Engineering
Domain 4. Communication and Network Security
Domain 5. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Domain 6. Security Assessment and Testing
Domain 7. Security Operations
Domain 8. Software Development Security
The CISSP certification was the first in the field of information security to satisfy the exacting standards of ANSI/ISO/IEC Standard 17024. Overall, it can be claimed that hiring businesses are interested in employing CISSP-certified experts because the exam verifies one’s knowledge of cybersecurity procedures, and it is recognized that one must have completed formal CISSP training in addition to hands-on experience in the industry.
The CISSP Exam
The CISSP certification exam is four hours long and comprises 125-175 multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, the candidate is required to procure a minimum grade of 700 out of a possible 1000 points. If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, just relax; you can retake it 30 days following your initial attempt and up to four times within a 12-month period. Also, note that the exam fee is $749.
CISSP Certification Exam Preparation
Passing the CISSP exam is a difficult task, and from studying for the exam to paying the annual fees, one must devote time, money, and effort to acquire the CISSP certification.
Once you are familiar with the exam’s outline and are eligible to take it, you can register for the exam on the official (ISC)2 website. From there, you can schedule your exam by setting up an account with Pearson VUE and taking it at a PPC or PVTC that has been approved by (ISC)2 to take the exam there.
For preparation resources, you can avail of the official (ISC) 2’s self-study resources, which comprise mainly three books:
- The (ISC)2 CISSP Official CBK (Common Body of Knowledge). You ought to consider it as your cybersecurity Bible.
- The (ISC)2 CISSP Official Study Guide. This outstanding book will assist you in getting ready for the CISSP exam and covers all eight CISSP domains. Additionally, a comprehensive CISSP practice test is included.
- The (ISC)2 CISSP Official Practice Tests.
CISSP certification requirements
To be eligible for the CISSP certification, you must not only pass the exam but also have relevant job experience and meet the educational requirements. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of cumulative, hands-on work experience in at least two of the CISSP’s eight domains. One year of needed experience can be satisfied by obtaining a four-year undergraduate degree in a related discipline or an (ISC)2 recognized credential.
(ISC)2 recommends the following four-step pathway to gaining certification:\
- Ensure CISSP is right for you.
- Register and prepare for the exam.
- Get certified.
- Become an (ISC)2
Getting CISSP certified
To earn the CISSP credential, the candidate must pass the certification exam as well as meet the exam requirements. Completing the Certification Application Process, subscribing to the (ISC)2 code of ethics, paying your first Annual Maintenance Fee are all required steps. The final step on the track to getting CISSP certified is to obtain an endorsement from an active (ISC)2-certified professional. This certification serves as proof that you have accrued the required work experience to become a CISSP. After passing the exam, you have nine months to find an endorsement. If you are unable to discover a reference, (ISC)2 might serve as your endorser.
(ISC)2 expects its members to stay current on the latest trends and research in cybersecurity. Candidates must obtain at least 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every three years and pay a $125 yearly maintenance fee to keep their CISSP certification. Many members acquire CPEs by participating in courses or conferences, acting as volunteers, or teaching.
CISSP training
Numerous CISSP training options are available, both online and in-person, including official (ISC)2 self-paced and instructor-led training that will help you get a full understanding of the course modules. You can also enroll in a CISSP certification training course through a digital learning platform such as Simplilearn, which offers excellent training programs that are in line with the most recent (ISC)2 version by providing theoretical as well as industry-approved practices to ensure you are well prepared for the exam.
Benefits of CISSP certification
A cissp certification is highly sought after by cybersecurity experts and the IT sector since it verifies that you have industry-recognized skillsets and advanced knowledge in all disciplines of information security. This certification can provide several benefits and lead to a successful career.
1. High earning potential
Certified CISSP professionals are among the highest-paid IT professionals in the world. Employers recognize the rigorous training procedure and work experience required to achieve the certificate.
2. Global Recognition
The CISSP certification is recognized as the gold standard in the cybersecurity realm, and therefore CISSP certified professionals are highly respected by the industry giants like Google, IBM, P&G, and many more as they possess the expertise, skillset, experience, and earnest commitment that is required for holding a particular information security position.
3. (ISC)2 membership
 A CISSP-certified professional becomes a member of (ISC)2, which provides them with membership benefits and the ability to network with over 200K qualified cybersecurity experts who are also alumni.
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