Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an information security certification for security analysts. It was created by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC). The certification was created to ensure professionals in computer security have standardized knowledge of the field. Earning a Certified Information Systems Security Professional certificate can help you have a successful career as a computer security professional.

WHAT IS THE CISSP?

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam is a six-hour exam consisting of 250 questions that certifies security professionals in ten different areas, of access control systems and methodology, business continuity planning and disaster recovery planning, physical security, operations, security, management practices, telecommunications and networking security.

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Other areas important to the CISSP certification are cryptography, security architecture application and systems development, law, investigation, and ethics.

HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED

To become certified as a CISSP, you will need at least five years of full-time, paid work as a security analyst in two or more of the eight domains covered in the CISSP, such as cryptography and software development security There are experience wavers available for those with college degrees and additional credentials if these are approved by the (ISC). You also can become an Associate of the (ISC) and earn the CISSP when you meet your experience requirement. The next step is to prepare for and pass the exam. You will need to have a score a minimum of 700 out of 1000 points to pass the exam.

After passing the exam, you will need to have an endorsement in subscribing to the (ISC) Code of Ethics and you will have to have endorsement from another (ISC) professional who can verify your professional experience requirements such as length of employment, professional reputation, and continuing education as a security analyst. Obtaining a professional endorsement from a current member is the reason it important to belong to professional organizations and to participate in professional seminars and events. These are useful career moves that are useful for networking with potential endorsers of your CISSP application.

A CISSP certification requires an annual maintenance fee of $85 at the end of each certification year, and you must take the test every three years to remain a member in good standing with the certification. You must earn at least a minimum of 20 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits each year within the three-year certification cycle. You can re-certify by completing 40 annual CPEs and paying the annual maintenance fee. These classes can be taken at a university or through online courses dedicated to security issues.