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Training and Certification

All About the CISSP

August 20, 2020

Alex Walters
CISSP certification holders specially make around $131,030 USD annually

What is it?

The CISSP or Certified Information System Security Professional is a certification created by (ISC)² which stand for the International Information Systems Security Consortium. (ISC)² is a cybersecurity professional organization that specializes in educating and training professionals in the information security field. CISSP certification changes went into effect on April 15, 2018.

The CISSP certification exam tests the knowledge of cybersecurity professionals in the following eight domains. The list below displays the weighted total for each domain:

  1. Security and Risk Management – 15%
  2. Asset Security – 10%
  3. Security Architecture and Engineering – 13%
  4. Communication and Network Security – 14%
  5. Identity and Access Management (IAM) – 13%
  6. Security Assessment and Testing – 12%
  7. Security Operations – 13%
  8. Software Development Security – 10%
This chart displays the weighted total for each of the 8 domains

The exam is three hours long and includes up to 150 questions. Testers can expect a mixture of multiple choice and experienced based questions. To pass, testers must receive a score of at least 700 out of 1000.

How to earn the CISSP?

The CISSP certification is based on information outlined in the (ISC)² CISSP CBK. The CISSP CBK or the CISSP Common Book of Knowledge includes information relevant to the eight domains of the exam. Therefore, in order to qualify as a CISSP candidate, you must have five or more years of demonstrated work experience in at least 2 of the CISSP CBK domains. (CISSP-The World’s Premier Cybersecurity Certification)

If you are qualified and prepared to take the exam, you can register by creating an account with Pearson Vue and then scheduling a date and time to test. Once you have passed the exam, you must complete the Endorsement process and accept the (ISC) Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics ensures that all (ISC)² professionals hold themselves to high standards of integrity and are dedicated to serving the public and the CISSP community with “honor and duty.”(CISSP – The World’s Premier Cybersecurity Certification) Therefore, a current ISC professional must provide the endorsement to verify your level of experience and reputation. (Certified Information System Security Professional-CISSP)

You must retest three years after earning your certification. During those three years, you must pay an annual maintenance fee of $125 USD each year. (CISSP-The World’s Premier Cybersecurity Certification) You must also receive 20 Continuing Professional Education credits (CPE’s) each year as well. (Certified Information System Security Professional-CISSP).

Why you should consider the CISSP

Earning a CISSP will give you recognition in the field and help you stand apart from your peers. Besides the level of difficulty associated with attaining the cert, the prestigious CISSP was the first certification to meet the requirements of the ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 standard. (Vizza, T.) This accreditation is internationally recognized and demonstrates that individuals holding such a certification have a competent level of knowledge and experience. It also ensures the certification is valid. The CISSP also meets the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8570.1. The 8570.1 directive displays certifications that military service professionals can attain because they are accredited by the ANSi – American National Standards Institute.

In addition to this recognition, CISSP holders can look forward to job diversity and security. The CISSP’s immense body of knowledge and the experience and dedication needed to attain it, prompts employers in the information security field to seek out CISSP professionals. According to a study conducted by Burning Glass Technologies, “…21% of all cybersecurity jobs across the US were specifically targeting CISSP holders, with a total of almost 50,000 postings” (Fahey, R.). CISSP holders can expect to hold careers in various fields including finance, healthcare and government. Some positions CISSP credentialed professionals typically occupy are: Chief Information Security Officer, Network Engineer and Principal Cyber Security Manger.

Cybersecurity Professionals also make higher salaries. According to the (ISC2), “Certified Information Security Professionals earn a worldwide average of 25 percent more than their non – certified counterparts” (Certified Information Systems Security Professional-CISSP). CISSP certification holders specially make around $131,030 USD annually.

How Phoenix TS can Help

The CISSP is a difficult exam to pass. Fully prepare for the examination by enrolling in the CISSP Certification Course offered by Phoenix TS. This 5-day course covers class instruction and demonstration based on the domains of the CISSP exam. It also includes a 180-exam prep kit that includes: 900+ exam like questions with answer explanations, flashcards, a study guide, and more.

CISSP certification training information here:

CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional

If you’ve already received your CISSP certification but are looking to further your understanding and get a specialized CISSP certification, Phoenix TS also offers courses in the following concentrations:

ISSAP – Information System Security Architecture Professional

ISSEP – Information System Security Engineering Professional

ISSMP – Information System Security Management Professional

For more information or to register for a class contact phoenixts.com or call 240 -667 -7757 today.

Did you know you can apply CEUs earned from attending courses at Phoenix TS to maintain your CISSP as well as other CISSP concentrations?  

CISSP: To maintain the CISSP certification, you must earn 40 continuing professional education (CPE) credits annually, and 120 credits over a three-year period.

CISSP-ISSAP:
Earn 20 continuing professional education (CPE) credits each year. (You may apply these 20 credits toward your CISSP CPE requirement as long as these credits are specific to security architecture.)

CISSP-ISSEP: Earn 20 continuing professional education (CPE) credits each year. (You may apply these 20 credits toward your CISSP CPE requirement as long as these credits are specific to security engineering.)

CISSP-ISSMP: Earn 20 continuing professional education (CPE) credits each year. (You may apply these 20 credits toward your CISSP CPE requirement as long as these credits are specific to security management.)

For each hour of training you take from Phoenix TS is equivalent to 1 CEU credit. 

For more information on CEUs contact a Phoenix TS Certification Specialist today at 240.667.7757 or visit phoenixts.com

References:

Accreditation Program for Personnel Certification Bodies under ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024. (2020). Retrieved August 7, 2020, from https://www.ansi.org/accreditation/credentialing/personnel-certification/.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). (n.d.). Retrieved August 3, 2020, from

https://www.cybersecurityeducation.org/certifications/cissp/.

CISSP Domain Refresh FAQ. (2020). Retrieved August 3, 2020, from

https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP/Domain-Refresh-FAQ.

CISSP – The World’s Premier Cybersecurity Certification. (2020). Retrieved August 3, 2020 from isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP

Fahey, R.  (2020).  CISSP Job Outlook. Retrieved August 4, 2020

Messina, G. (2019). Understanding the CISSP Exam Schedule: Duration, Format, Scheduling and Scoring (Updated for 2019). Retrieved August 4, 2020

Vizza, T. (2020). 7 Reasons Why You Should Pursue CISSP Certification. Retrieved August 5, 2020

https://www.isc2.org/Articles/7-Reasons-Why-You-Should-Pursue-CISSP-Certification.
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