What You Require To Become A CISSP?

CISSP means Certified Information Systems Security Professional. It seems to be an advanced-level certification meant for IT professionals who are serious about their careers in information security. It is offered by (ISC)² - International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium. (ISC)² is pronounced as ISC-squared. Moreover, this credential is recognized for its excellent standards worldwide.

CISSP credential holders become decision makers who have expert knowledge & technical skills that are required to develop, guide & manage policies, security standards, and procedures within organizations. CISSP continues to enjoy top preference by IT professionals. It is also well recognized by most IT organizations.

Well, CISSP is designed exclusively for experienced security professionals. One needs a minimum of 5 years experience in a minimum of two of (ISC)²"s, 8 CBK or common body of knowledge domains or 4 years experience in a minimum of two of the CBK domains of (ISC)²"s. A college degree is also needed for this certification.

Speaking of CBK domains, they include Security Engineering, Asset Security, Communications & Network Security, Security Assessment & Testing, Identity & Access Management, Security Operations & Software Development Security.

Moreover, (ISC)² provides three CISSP concentrations that target specific areas of interest in case of IT security:

CISSP concentration exams fee is quite high. Credential seekers should presently have a valid CISSP. Annual fee is also needed to maintain CISSP credential. In addition, recertification is required once in every three years. In order to recertify, candidates should earn 40 CPE credits (Continuing Professional Education credits) every year - totally making 120 CPEs in the three-year cycle.

It is pretty obvious that the CISSP credential is certainly not a joke. It requires at least five years of applicable, full-time experience, an approval from a (ISC)2 certified professional and not to forget the grueling 6-hour exam! Let us have a detailed look at what exactly you will require to become a CISSP:

• You should get 5 solid years of security work experience. Well, you should be able to show evidence of five paid full-time years work experience in a minimum of 2 of the ten CISSP CSK domains like Cryptography, Access Control, Governance & Risk Management, Physical Security and a lot more. Possessing such a job experience is significant for the exam as well as the certification process.

• You must prepare well for and get through the CISSP exam. If you want to become a CISSP, you should complete the exam with a score of at least 700 out of 1000. Well, the exam will be 6 hours long. It currently costs around $600 USD. (ISC)2 website provides a download of both the exam outline and free webcasts so that candidates can prepare well. Besides, you can get the official textbook & test your expertise and knowledge with the exam simulator tool - StudISCope. Prior to scheduling your exam, ensure that you go through the background qualifications required to appear for the exam well as most of the candidates find themselves excluded from the list at the last moment.

• You should get authorized so as to become a CISSP. As soon as you complete CISSP exam, you must subscribe to (ISC)2 Code of Ethics as well as fill in the endorsement form in order to become a CISSP. In addition, the endorsement form should be signed by another certified professional (ISC)2 who can check your professional work experience; also, you should submit the filled in form within 9 months of passing the exam in order to become a fully certified professional because passing the exam does not automatically offer you the certification status.

Once you become a fully certified CISSP, you will have to maintain the credential by re-certifying it every three years. Also, CISSPs are expected to pay $85 USD as maintenance fee as well as submit 40 CPE credits every year for a sum total of 120 CPEs plus $255 USD for every three-year cycle.