CISSP Training – Prerequisites for becoming a CISSP Cert

Do you think you can become a CISSP just like that? Hold on right there, because here’s something that you need to know.

CISSP training and certification can do wonders for a cybersecurity professional’s career, but first, they need to meet the eligibility requirements for getting this credential.

If you want to find out what are the prerequisites for becoming a CISSP – keep reading.

CISSP requirements

1. Work Experience

This is the most important requirement as it proves that you have the necessary experience and expertise.

You need to have five years of full-time, paid cybersecurity work experience in one of the ten domains that CISSP encompasses. However, if you have a four-year college degree or a credential from ISC2, then your work experience requirement drops to four years.

The CISSP domains include:

  • Cryptography
  • Security operations
  • Access control
  • Telecommunications and Network Security
  • Security Operations
  • Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning
  • Security and Risk Management
  • Security Architecture and Design
  • Software Development Security
  • Legal, Regulations, Investigations, and Compliance

2. Passing the test

Once you’re done with your CISSP training, the next thing that you’ll have to do is take and pass the exam.

The test is a collection of 250 multiple-choice and advanced questions, and you will have six hours to answer them. If you get at least 70% of them right, you will pass.

Be aware that taking the test will cost you around $700, so make sure to prepare well unless you want to pay this amount several times.

3. Getting an endorsement

You’ve passed the test? Congrats! Now it’s time to get find a fellow CISSP who is willing to endorse you. This person needs to be a certified professional, and their purpose is to guarantee that what you said about your work experience is valid.

You will have several months to fill the endorsement form and get it signed so waste no time! If you fail to do this, you will not get your certification despite passing the test.

4. Signing the ISC2 Code of Ethics

ISC2 created a code of ethics which you will have to sign and adhere by if you want to become and remain a CISSP. By signing the code you swear to do the following:

  1. Protect and work for the common good of the society
  2. Behave honorably and legally at all times
  3. Provide competent service to your company/institution/principal
  4. Work towards protecting and advancing your profession

Basically, the Code of Ethics is there to remind you that you should feel privileged to be a part of the CISSP family and to be aware of the responsibilities and duties that such a credential brings.

After you become a CISSP

Your certification is good for three years, and during that time you will have to pay an annual $85 maintenance fee.

Also, you need to submit 40 CPE (continuing professional education) points per year, or 120 CPE’s in total.

After your credential has expired, you’ll need to recertify if you wish to maintain your status.

Conclusion

As you can see, CISSP is designed for the leading experts in the cybersecurity industry. By getting certified through an online CISSP course you will prove that you belong in the elite, having earned your place through hard work, dedication, responsible and competent behavior.

There are few things that’ll boost your career like a CISSP certification, and right now is a perfect time to try and attain yours!