CISSP Certification Overview
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is a highly respected certification in the cybersecurity field. It’s designed for experienced IT security professionals looking to advance their careers and demonstrate their expertise in protecting information systems.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for CISSP certification, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Five years of full-time employment in relevant cybersecurity roles, or
- Four years of employment plus an undergraduate degree or another approved credential
- Work experience must fall within one or more of the eight domains in (ISC)²’s Common Body of Knowledge (CBK)
Benefits of CISSP Certification
Obtaining CISSP certification offers several advantages:
- Increased Earning Potential: CISSP-certified professionals in North America earn an average of $128,000 per year.
- Enhanced Job Prospects: The certification makes you a more competitive candidate in the job market.
- Expanded Expertise: The certification process and continuing education requirements ensure you stay current with industry trends.
- Networking Opportunities: CISSP certification grants access to a global network of over 168,000 cybersecurity professionals.
Certification Process
To earn CISSP certification:
Meet Prerequisites: Fulfill the work experience and education requirements.
Pass the Exam: Complete a 4-hour exam consisting of 125-175 questions. The passing score is 700/1000.
Obtain Endorsement: Secure an endorsement from a current certification holder within 9 months of passing the exam.
Maintain Certification: Earn 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every three years.
Industry Demand
The demand for CISSP-certified professionals is high:
- Cyberattacks increased by 41.5% between 2021 and 2022.
- There’s a global cybersecurity workforce gap of 3.9 million as of 2023.
- Over 85,000 cybersecurity job listings request CISSP certification as of December 2023.
Exam Details
Duration: 4 hours
Format: 125-175 questions
Cost: $749
Location: Pearson VUE testing centers
Retake Policy: Can retake after 30 days, up to 4 times in 12 months1
By pursuing CISSP certification, you’re positioning yourself as a top-tier cybersecurity professional with the skills and knowledge to protect critical information systems effectively.
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