How to Become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Becoming a CISSP can help your IT career – but it won’t be easy.
The CISSP certification is highly prized in the IT sector; to get it, you must pass an exam and fulfill a long list of requirements.
A fully credentialed CISSP may make between $92,639 and $123,490 internationally and $120,552 to $135,510 in the United States.
Applying for CompTIA certifications, becoming an SSCP, and becoming an (ISC)2 Associate are other options to fulfill the criteria for the CISSP certification.
This post is for IT specialists who are thinking about getting their CISSP certification.
Information security has taken on utmost importance since society as a whole depends more and more on technology. Businesses must take every precaution to protect vital systems and data while preventing data breaches and cyberattacks in the age of freely accessible information online.
Businesses require competent individuals to handle their information systems since there is so much at stake. By demonstrating professional expertise, CISSP certification reassures hiring managers that applicants possess the in-demand job skills required to manage IT security.
We’ll talk about what it takes to become a CISSP as you go along your IT professional path.
what is the CISSP?
Certified Information Systems Security Professional is referred to as a CISSP. The International System Security Certification Consortium, generally known as (ISC)2, grants this well-respected certification. One of the top cybersecurity and information security certifications available is the CISSP.
People pursue CISSP certification in order to meet the need for skilled, seasoned IT workers who can efficiently manage an organization’s cybersecurity by putting IT security-related theories and ideas into practise.
Following successful completion of the certification examination, which typically lasts six hours, CISSPs may hold the following positions:
Chief Information Security Officer Security Manager Security Analyst
A CISSP constantly prioritises maintaining a top-notch IT security system regardless of their position.
How much does a CISSP make?
Since there aren’t many CISSPs in the field, individuals that pass the test and fulfil the prerequisites are paid substantially.
Regarding CISSP salaries, reports vary. For instance, according to the Global Knowledge 2020 IT Skills and Salary Report, CISSPs earn the third-highest salaries globally in the IT sector, while coming in fifth in the North American Region.
The average compensation for security managers worldwide, according to a (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Survey, is $92,639. The numbers for various areas are shown below based on the most recent data.
| Region | Average salary (in U.S. dollars) |
|---|---|
| Global | $92,639 |
| Asia-Pacific | $57,179 |
| Europe, Middle East, and Africa | $81,568 |
| Latin America | $22,014 |
| North America | $120,552 |
On the other side , according to the Certification Magazine-Salary Survey 75 report, average salaries are as follows below
| Region | Average salary (in U.S. dollars) |
|---|---|
| Globally | $123,490 |
| United States | $135,510 |
CertMag’s statistics incorporated U.S. and non-U.S. incomes, while (ISC)2’s values only included average worldwide salaries. Additionally, although (ISC)2’s numbers are obtained from an industry-wide survey and may be more indicative of real averages than CertMag’s results, which were based on a sample of just 55 participants.
What experience do you need to become a CISSP?
The (ISC)2 has tight requirements despite the rising demand for CISSPs to make sure that only the most qualified and experienced individuals are awarded the designation. Although the sector is profitable, there are several standards that CISSPs must meet.
First, candidates for the CISSP certification need to have at least five years of verifiable work experience in an area related to IT security. Work experience must match one of the eight domains of the (ISC)2 CISSP CBK, according to the (ISC)2:
1st domain: security and risk management
2nd Domain . Asset Security Domain
3. Security Architecture and Engineering Domain
4. Communication and Network Security Domain
5. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
6. Security Testing and Assessment Sector
7.Domain of Security Operations
8. Security in Software Development.The (ISC)2 also demands expertise in any of the following roles to meet these domains:
Head of Information Security
Information Officer in Chief
IT Director/Manager Security Systems Engineer Security Manager Security Auditor Security Architect Security Consultant Network Architect Director of Security
An internship, a full-time job, or a part-time job may all count as work experience. (Depending on your job conditions, requirements may change.)
working full-time. Work experience only counts as full time for full-time workers looking to become CISSPs if you’ve put in a minimum of 35 hours per week for four weeks, accumulated monthly.
experience working part-time. Your expertise will be considered part-time if your workweek consisted of 20 to 34 hours. This is how your experience will be calculated:
Half a year’s worth of full-time experience is equal to 1,040 hours of part-time employment.
A year of full-time employment will be represented by every 2,080 hours of part-time labour.
Internships. Provided your internship programme is the only relevant experience you have, the (ISC)2 will accept it if you receive certification from the agency that accredits your internship. The consortium will recognise both paid and uncompensated internships as acceptable job experience.
other opportunities for job experience. The (ISC)2 states that the following actions will also count as a year’s worth of required experience:
own a four-year degree (or regional equivalent).
possess a doctorate in information security from the CAE/IAE, the United States’ National Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.
possess any additional certifications that have been deemed valid by the (ISC)2.
What does the CISSP exam entail?
Work experience is merely one need for becoming a CISSP. In order to be certified, you must also study for and pass the $699 CISSP test with a minimum score of 700 out of 1,000.
To become a CISSP, you must successfully complete an endorsement procedure in addition to the certification test. By adhering to the (ISC)2 Code of Ethics, you may achieve this. To completely confirm your position as a CISSP, the endorsement form must be completed within nine months after finishing the test.
What are other paths toward achieving the CISSP title?
Few, if any, people satisfy the standards for CISSP certification. There are, however, ways of getting around or through the sector more quickly.
1. To assist in fulfilling CISSP criteria, become a (ISC)2 Associate.
Getting the necessary qualifying experience is one of the most difficult requirements for becoming a CISSP. To make up for your lack of experience, you may seek for a position as a (ISC)2 Associate.
A (ISC)2 Associate may help you advance your cybersecurity career more quickly. You’ll collaborate closely with the consortium, which will allow you to learn more about the sector and advance your cybersecurity expertise.
2. To further your job in cybersecurity, get CompTIA certifications.
Investigate the certifications provided by CompTIA to launch your cybersecurity career. IT workers may strengthen their credentials by obtaining certain certifications with CompTIA’s assistance. You may apply for a number of certificates, such as the entry-level A+, Security+, and Network+ certifications.
3. You may fulfil CISSP criteria by earning an SSCP certification.
If you have relevant but inadequate job experience, you may also concentrate on earning your Systems Security Certified Professional, or SSCP, certificate, which is also offered by the (ISC)
2.This route will aid in your CISSP certification preparation. It’s like a walk-through to achieving your main objective with the extra benefit of thoroughly learning and mastering the task in advance.
Should you pursue a career as a CISSP?
It takes a lot of time and effort to achieve the requirements for becoming a CISSP. However, CISSP certification is lucrative and offers more options compared to practically any other work kind, even those in the IT industry.
If you feel confident and have the necessary motivation, qualifications, time, and money to become a CISSP, you should think about taking the test. All sectors of the economy and businesses are in strong demand for CISSP professionals. Aside from the significant income potential, your experience in IT security may help you establish yourself as a key asset for any business.
