Pathways to CISSP
The certified information systems security professional (CISSP) credential is recognized across the globe that equips learners with the expertise needed to protect companies from ever-increasing cyberattacks.
It can sometimes be time-consuming and frustrating to navigate this certification if you don’t have a comprehensive glean of information about what you need to have.
Earning the CISSP certification represents your ability to build, implement, and manage a cybersecurity program with maximum efficacy.
Although there is a significant disparity in the shortage of security professionals across the globe, the US and Canada reported a deficit of close to 500,000 – a figure that’s expected to hit at least 4 million by 2021. More than 10,000 positions that require CISSP training are posted on online job sites, which points to the need for skilled CISSP professionals.
In this piece, we’ve highlighted the four distinct phases you need to pass to earn a CISSP certification.
Meet the experience requirements
Before registering for the CISSP exam, you need to demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of full-time paid professional experience in at least two of the eight Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) security domains.
You can’t fulfill this work requirement by having the “information security” title listed as part of your job responsibilities – you need to have hands-on work experience and prove that you have specific knowledge in information security.
As a professional course, fulfilling this requirement requires a tailored resume that explicitly states the job position and role you performed. Taking a close look at the domains, you’ll have to explain whether your role was administrative, managerial, or security design.
Pass the (ISC)² examination
The minimum score threshold for you to pass the exam is 700 out of 1000 points.
It consists of 250 multiple choice questions that carries 1000 points, and you need to complete the paper in six hours.
One of the ideal approaches to pass the exam would to attend an online CISSP program that breaks down the course and supplements a couple of other resources to equip you with tailored approached to reach your academic goals.
Since the points are unequally distributed among the 250 questions, getting ready for the exam by reviewing appropriate topics and relevant domains as well as attending training and self-study aids would be incredibly beneficial.
Obtain an endorsement
Once you complete the exam, you need to have an active endorsement from an (ISC)² holder to give a testimonial about your industry experience.
It starts with subscribing to the (ISC)² code of ethics and filling an endorsement form that has to be signed by an active credential holder who would validate your working experience. Among the requirements for agreeing to the code of ethics, you’ll agree to preserve the necessary public trust, confidence, protect society, and maintain the infrastructure.
Besides, acting honourably, with honesty as you provide cutting-edge services to advance and protect the profession, would be imperative.
A CISSP certification is an incredibly priceless certification in the industry, which is probably the top reason you should submit the completed form within nine months of passing the exam.
Once an accredited professional approves your application, you can proceed to the next level.
Getting ready for an audit
It’s imperative that you accurately demonstrate your skills and qualifications in your CISSP application.
(ISC)² randomly selects certified professionals for auditing, and presenting any falsified information would lead to the revocation of your CISSP title.
One of the critical principles of the (ISC)² ethics is honesty and professionalism, which you must demonstrate in your application by presenting an accurate overview of your skills.
Expiry and Renewal information
The CISSP certification lasts for three years before expiry.
Within each three-year interval, you should take at least 120 continuing professional education credits to boost your skillset on this profession.
These credits are divided into two major categories: Type A that should constitute at least 80 credits, and Type B that would constitute the remaining 40 points.
Type A essentially includes information directly related to the security profession, while Type B entails other professional skills that supplement your CISSP training.
Since pursuing a CISSP certification involves scaling the heights of cybersecurity beyond the horizons, proving that you have relevant knowledge requires the continuous addition of CPE credits to your profile.
Conclusion
With a track record of more than 25 years, the CISSP certification is a true demonstration that you are top at the cybersecurity game in terms of experience and knowledge.
There are more than 130,000 CISSP professionals across 170 countries globally, and the demand for professionals with CISSP training is continually sky-rocketing.
Several workforce studies have revealed that there is no better time than now to maximize your CISSP career and benefit from the enormous perks. From comprehending all aspects of the cybersecurity sphere to demonstrating years of hands-on experience, you’ll undoubtedly stand out among the top professionals.
Read Our Other blog– Top 5 Ethical Hacking Certifications