CISSP Certification: Is It Worth It?

 

CISSP: Certified Information Security System Professional

We all want to grow our income and further our careers. As an IT professional, one of the best ways to do this is by earning application or software certifications in the latest technologies. The trick is discerning which certifications will give you the most bang for your buck.

Cybersecurity is an IT specialty that is always in high demand. In fact, cybersecurity experts are in short supply, a situation that’s being compounded by the coronavirus pandemic. This makes earning a Certified Information Security System Professional (CISSP) certification a good choice.

Why CISSP?

There are many cybersecurity certifications to be had. Why choose CISSP? Here are five reasons to go for it.

1) It’s internationally recognized.

CISSP is an independent certification granted by International Information System Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)². It’s the most respected and globally recognized cybersecurity certification in the field. Having this certification on your resume instantly boosts your credibility with any hiring manager.

2) You can accelerate your salary.

Reports show that CISSP certification is one of the 15 top-paying certifications. Not only does it improve your employability, but it also increases your chances of being promoted, thereby boosting your salary.

3) It’s a phenomenal networking tool.

Having a CISSP certification makes you part of an elite crowd. You have access to a global network of like-minded cybersecurity professionals at your fingertips, which is a valuable resource! It helps you connect with other IT leaders and innovators and keeps you abreast of cybersecurity trends.

4) It’s vendor-neutral.

CISSP is vendor-neutral, meaning the certification fosters a skill and knowledge base that is universally applicable. You don’t have to align yourself with an outside product or company to be seen as an expert.

5) You get membership in (ISC)².

Earning a CISSP certification comes with a membership to (ISC)², the world’s largest non-profit association of cybersecurity professionals. Membership includes free and/or discounted entry to important webinars, industry events, and summits.

What’s Included?

The CISSP course is extensive. It focuses on the following eight domains:

1. Security and Risk Management
2. Asset Security
3. Security Architecture and Engineering
4. Communication and Network Security
5. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
6. Security Assessment and Testing
7. Security Operations
8. Software Development Security

CISSP ensures the applicability of these domains across all disciplines in the scope of information security.

Who Can Enroll?

The CISSP certification is an advanced certification. You must meet the following educational and experience benchmarks in order to apply.

1. You must have 5+ years of cumulative paid full-time work experience in two or more of CISSP’s eight domain areas.
2. If you have a 4-year college degree or additional equivalent credentials, you can request (ISC)² approval and your education may qualify/satisfy for one year of experience.
3. If you are inexperienced, you can become an Associate of (ISC)² by successfully passing the CISSP examination. As an Associate of (ISC)², you have six years to earn the five years required experience.

The CISSP certification is valid for three years. To renew, you submit the appropriate Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits and pay the annual membership fee.

Earning Your Certification

If you meet all the criteria, your next step is to book a date to take the certification exam. This should be three months out. You will need this time to prepare. You can choose to self-study or enroll in an instructor-led course. You must score at least 700 out of 1,000 points to earn the certification. Once you pass the exam, there’s an endorsement process that finalizes your accomplishment.

CISSP Employment Opportunities

Undergoing the CISSP certification is an investment in time and money. Wondering what types of roles it can lead to? Take a look.

• Information Security Manager: This is one of the highest-paid positions a CISSP certificate holder can have. These professionals are responsible for maintaining security and security-related rule of conduct in the whole organization.
• Information Security Analysts: These professionals are responsible for rendering security solutions for the organizations via research, data collection, strategy design for secure information, and improving productivity.
• Chief Information Security Officer: Another high-paying role, this professional oversees entire security operations, including managing a team.

This is just the tip of the iceberg! Other positions include Cybersecurity Analyst, Cybersecurity Engineer, Security Architect and more.

Conclusion

CISSP is one of the hardest certifications to earn. However, it also positions you for significant returns! We want to help you get there. Join us for a CISSP Course and get personalized attention, real-life examples, and instructors who are the best in their field. Our remote-friendly platform allows you to move your career forward from the safety of your home.

Good luck!

Have more questions about the CISSP certification? Need information on other IT certification courses? Check out our entire menu of security courses and certifications. You can also contact us at training@ccslearningacademy.com. Group rates and sessions are available!