Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certification

In the contemporary world, the outrageous use of digital platforms by millennials has led to the ongoing rise in cyber threats across demographics. All forms of security breaches and phishing are being practiced by hackers by finding loopholes in cryptography and network security. Therefore, it is a perfect time to make a career in cyber security by studying the right course! The popularity of this domain has increased the number of courses in cyber forensic and cyber law. One such certification course is Certified Information Systems Security Professional or CISSP. Do you want to know – What is a CISSP certification salary? Is it difficult? How long does it take to get this certification? If yes, we present you an exclusive blog covering all this information!

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What is CISSP?

The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)2, created the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. The CISSP is a globally recognized, vendor-neutral standard that attests to an IT security professional’s technical skills and hands-on experience implementing and managing a security program.

CISSP is a certification sought by IT professionals; hiring organizations frequently look for candidates who have passed the CISSP exam because candidates with the CISSP credential have sufficient knowledge of cybersecurity to pass the certification exam, as well as hands-on experience and, potentially, formal CISSP training.

CISSP Registration Process

Before beginning with the insights into the CISSP certification, let us look at the registration process:

• Log in to the official website of Pearson VUE
• Create a personal account on the website i.e., the Pearson VUE account, and review the Pearson VUE NDA
• Choose the most appropriate test center location
• Select the appropriate appointment time slot 
• Make the required payment for the exam
• Wait for the email confirmation from the Pearson VUE with a mention regarding the appointment details, test center location along with the other essential instructions

CISSP Requirements

To obtain the CISSP credential, a candidate must pass the certification exam, sign the CISSP exam agreement, subscribe to the (ISC)2 code of ethics, answer background qualification questions, and receive endorsement from an active (ISC)2-certified professional.

Candidates must earn at least 40 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits per year and pay $85 (INR 6502). annual maintenance fee to keep their CISSP certification.

CISSP Eligibility Criteria 

To get a smooth entry into the CISSP, it is mandatory to meet up with all the entry requisites set by the official authorities. Candidates without proper qualifications and work experience will lose their chance of acquiring the certification. Here are some of the category wise prerequisites:

Educational Requirements

Four-Year college degree or its regional equivalent (For those who have secured a 4-year degree/ regional equivalent/advanced degree in information security from the U.S. National Center or Academic Excellence in Information Assurance can substitute 1 year of required work experience)

Or

Approved credential on the (ISC)2 (You can substitute one year of work experience if you hold one of the approved credentials as mentioned by the (ISC)2 list)

Certified Authorization Professional (CAP)	Certified Business Continuity Professional	Certified Cloud Security Professional
Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)	Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)	GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender
Certified Cyber Forensic Professional (CCFP)	Certified Fraud Examiner	GIAC Certified Firewall Analyst
Certified Ethical Hacker v8 or Higher	Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)	Certified Protection Professional (CPP) from ASIS

Work Experience           

Candidates must have a minimum paid work experience of a minimum of 5 years in two or more of the eight domains mentioned below. As aforementioned, individuals with the proper educational qualifications can be exempt from one year of work experience. Candidates must keep in mind that educational credit will only satisfy one year of work experience. Following are the 8 domains for CISSP:

Domain 1: Security and Risk Management	Domain 3: Security Architecture and Engineering	Domain 5:Identity and Assurance Management	Domain 7: Security Operation
Domain 2: Asset Security	Domain 4:  Communication and Network Security	Domain 6: Security Assessment and Testing	Domain 8: Software Development Security

Full-Time Experience

The work experience will be evaluated on a monthly basis. Hence, you must have worked at least 35 hours per week for 4 weeks to make it count as one month of experience.

Part-Time Experience

If you have worked part-time, it must be at least 20 hours a week and not more than 34 hours per week.

• 1040 hours of part-time= 6 months of full-time experience 
• 2080 hours  of part time= 12 months of full-time experience 

Internship

Both paid and unpaid internships are acceptable only if you provide a letterhead stating your position as an intern.

CISSP Exam 

To acquire the esteemed CISSP certification, the examination is one vital step. Qualifying this examination with flying colors can make you achieve your career aspirations. The CISSP exam lasts six hours and includes 250 multiple-choice questions and advanced innovative questions that assess the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the eight domains of the (ISC)2 Common Body of Knowledge, which includes security and risk management, asset security, security engineering, communications and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security. The results are based on a scaled score, with a 700 or higher out of a maximum of 1,000 points required to qualify for the credential.

The CISSP exam is available in English as well as French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, simplified Chinese, Korean, and a visually impaired format. Pearson VUE administers the certification exam, which is held at Pearson VUE test centers. Let us have a look in detail regarding the exam:

Exam	Duration	Items	Examinations Availability
CISSP (Englis)	3 hours	100-150 MCQs and advanced innovative items	English, Visually Impaired
CISSP (Non- English)	6 hours	250 MCQs and advanced innovative items	French, German, Brazillian, Spanish, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Visually Impaired

How to Prepare for CISSP?

Security professionals preparing for the CISSP should be able to explain issues such as architecture and access control in the context of protecting information system assets. To be able to explain these issues to clients and other stakeholders, the analyst must be able to assess the business or organization’s current incident response policies and make recommendations to those concerned for improvements to business or organization security. A key skill tested in the CISSP is the ability to explain the importance of disaster recovery policies and demonstrate multiple and effective strategies to clients and stakeholders. Security analysts must compare and contrast different cryptographic protocols as part of the communication process and be able to make recommendations based on this analysis of security needs. A CISSP analyst who achieves certification should aim to create systems of policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines with clients and stakeholders in mind.

In terms of technical knowledge, CISSP analysts must be proficient in several areas. Proficiency in network architecture and design, as well as the ability to implement network architecture to anticipate threats and make the best use of limited resources. This includes demonstrating a thorough understanding of the life cycle effects of software security applications. CISSP analysts should also be able to collect digital forensic evidence while maintaining the evidence’s integrity. They must also demonstrate an understanding of physical security systems and how they contribute to network security systems.

How to Become CISSP – Certified?

More than just passing the Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification exam is required to become CISSP-certified. Candidates must have at least five years of hands-on experience in at least two of the eight cybersecurity knowledge domains.

The (ISC)2 recommends a four-step certification process for candidates, beginning with determining whether the CISSP credential is the right one for them. The (ISC)2 recommends CISSP certification for experienced cybersecurity practitioners, listing a number of positions that would be appropriate for the CISSP, including a chief information security officer, chief information officer, director of security, IT manager, security systems engineer, security analyst, security manager, security auditor, security architect, security consultant, and network architect.

(ISC)2 recommends preparing for and registering for the certification exam as the next step. Self-study and the use of CISSP practice books and study guides, as well as online, practice exams, can be used to prepare. Many candidates also take CISSP training courses to help them prepare for the exam.

Career Scope After CISSP

Once you arduously complete the CISSP certification, a plethora of opportunities opens up. You immediately get qualified for some elite profiles, getting a step closer to your long-term career prospects. In this leading industry, below-mentioned are the job profiles available after the certification program:

• Chief Information Security Officer 
• Chief Information Officer 
• Director of Security 
• IT Director/ Manager 
• Security Analyst 
• Security Systems Engineer
• Security Auditor
• Security Manager
• Network Architect 
• Security  Architect
• Security Consultant

Are you willing to signup for CISSP? Want to know the exact process to get this certification? If yes, Leverage Edu is just a call away! Reach out to our experts and get a chance to make your career dream a living reality!