How to Become CISSP Certified: Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming an expert in information security means earning the right credentials. CISSP is a leading certification in this field with plenty of career benefits. Before we answer 'what is CISSP', you should know that it puts a stamp of approval on your expertise. Consequently, it opens doors to numerous opportunities and career paths. "According to research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and IT jobs are expected to grow much faster than average from 2023 to 2033, with a projected 356,700 job openings annually."

Let's get started with an overview of this certification, covering its exam format, eligibility, and advantages.

What is CISSP?

Certified Information System Security Professional or CISSP is a universally recognized credential. It is given by the ISC2, which stands for International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium. This certificate is a stamp of validation on the candidate's expertise and knowledge in all fields of information security. Certified Information System Security Professionals are tasked to layout, structure, control, and manage very secure business circumstances.

CISSP certification is the very first step in the field. Organizations in all leading domains are intent on hiring experts in the field of information security. A certified CISSP professional deals in security issues related to risk management, cloud computing, mobile security, application development security, etc.

If you want to enrich your career and become a certified information systems security professional then enroll in our CISSP certification course. This course will help you to achieve excellence in this domain.

CISSP Exam Format

The Certified Information System Security Professional covers plenty of topics under information security studies. The key exam is mounted on a Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), which is a taxonomy or collection of related topics for security professionals worldwide. CBK refers to a huge framework comprising terms and sources allowing professionals worldwide for debating, discussing, and solving situations relevant to common information security understanding.

The exam covers 8 different areas-

• Communication & Network Security
• Security Assessment & Testing
• Asset Security
• Security Engineering
• Identity & Access Management (IAM)
• Security & Risk Management
• Security Operations
• Software Development Security

Exam Details:

• Number of questions: 250
• Duration: 6 hours
• Format: multiple choice
• Language: English + translations available in other languages

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Eligibility of CISSP Certification

Candidates attending to take the Certified Information System Security Professional exams must have five years of cumulative full-time work experience. This must be in at least two domains listed above. ISC2 provides a waiver of one-year professional experience if the candidate has a four-year long college degree in an associated field, educational eligibility under the ISC2's list or its regional equivalent.

Candidates without the knowledge may also take the exam, but they won't immediately be rewarded with the CISSP tag. Instead, they will be provided with an Associate of ISC2 certification. They can then earn the CISSP credential once they gain the work experience. This has to be done in the following six years.

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Career Benefits of CISSP Certification?

It's an honor to be approved by ISC2. This tag is a testament to the professional's dedication. Every industry, from national defense to online shopping, is prone when it comes to security threats.

A CISSP certification means that you have the education, banking, networking, and support systems to secure your organization from these threats. It's an honorable job and influences companies at the highest levels, so employers are willing to pay high payrolls for the right candidate.

Here are certain advantages of earning the CISSP credential.

• Better Risk Management: Certified Information System Security Professionals are updated with international regulatory standards like GLBA, HIPAA, SOX, FERPA, FISMA, DoD Directive 8570.1, and more.
• Emerging Technology: Insurance requirements make it mandatory that all the emerging and evolving security threats are met with well equipped and experienced professionals. CISSP candidates are experts in all leading information system security and control fields and help to meet those needs. Hence, the demand for these professionals is on the rise.
• Human Resources: Companies know that CISSP professionals are their best choice when it comes to information security. The ISC standards make sure that the experts have defined skill sets, distinct level experience and measurable knowledge. HR departments that lay down CISSP professionals make sure that their hiring standards and processes are stronger.
• Marketing: Customers and clients who communicate with companies want to know communication and information is being protected and kept secret. CISSP professionals make sure that the company's security and ISO standards are maintained. They ensure a stable and safe reputation with their customers.
• Quality employees: CISSP certified professionals have a high amplitude of knowledge. They have specializations in various domains of IT security and are considered among the most valued workers. They have what it takes to keep the infrastructure secure and safe.
• Great Pay: It has been revealed that CISSP certified candidates are among the highest paid professionals in the IT industry. As the threats to security systems increase, businesses will pay much more for the right candidate. Thus, a CISSP's salary will experience a good growth rate.
• Global Opportunities: CISSP certified professionals are in great demand globally. CISSP certified candidates are most preferred for the recent job postings in security systems. Since this is a globally known certification, it is easy for professionals to get a quantifiable job anywhere in the world.
• Global Recognition: Cracking CISSP is not an easy task. A lot of effort, motivation and hard work are required for passing this exam. At the end of the day, it also gives the candidate a higher standing among their colleagues.

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Career Paths After CISSP Certification

Here is a list of the top job opportunities you can go for after earning the CISSP certification:

• Security consultant
• Security analyst
• Security manager
• Security systems engineer
• Security auditor
• Director of security
• The chief information security manager
• IT Manager/Director
• Network Architect
• Security Architect

Conclusion

CISSP provides you a space among the globally recognized sphere of networking security professionals. You become a part of a club where you have full access to a global spectrum of information resources, peer networking, educational tools, and industries.

You're on every recruiter's radar and payrolls are higher than other positions that don't need the certification. If you are looking to achieve the zenith of your security systems career, strive for the CISSP certification.

FAQs

Q1. What is the average salary of a CISSP certified professional?

In the USA, average pay ranges from about $134,000 to $161,000 per year, while in India it ranges from around ₹19 to ₹25.5 lakhs annually as per Glassdoor and related career platform data.

Q2. Is the CISSP exam difficult?

Yes, the CISSP exam is challenging because it covers many security topics and requires a good understanding of concepts and real-world scenarios.

Q3. How much time does it take to prepare for the CISSP exam?

You can prepare for the CISSP exam in about 3 months with focused study, strong basics and a disciplined preparation plan.

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