What is CISSP certification? Exam cost, salary and jobs in 2024

IT security professionals aiming to advance their careers or deepen their expertise in cybersecurity should consider pursuing the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. With data protection becoming crucial for organizations across sectors, CISSP-certified professionals are highly sought after for their ability to safeguard web-based information systems and lead effective IT security teams. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about obtaining CISSP certification.

Who should pursue CISSP certification?

Aspiring IT security professionals often consider pursuing CISSP certification early in their careers, shortly after completing a bachelor's degree or gaining entry-level experience in cybersecurity roles. However, to qualify for CISSP certification administered by (ISC)², candidates must meet specific requirements. These include having five years of full-time work experience or a combination of four years of work experience plus an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity or an equivalent credential. The certification process involves passing a rigorous exam and adhering to ongoing requirements such as annual fees. Despite the challenges, CISSP certification is highly valued in the cybersecurity field, making it essential for those aiming to advance their careers as chief information officers or independent security consultants. Understanding your career goals and motivations can guide you through the CISSP certification journey.

Benefits of CISSP Certification

CISSP certification is highly regarded in the IT and cybersecurity fields, offering several advantages. It can significantly increase earning potential, with CISSP-certified professionals earning approximately $128,000 annually in North America, according to Payscale. Employers value CISSP certification for its rigorous requirements and global recognition, making certified professionals some of the highest-paid in IT. Adding CISSP certification to your cybersecurity resume enhances competitiveness, signaling expertise and a minimum of four to five years of practical experience. Many pursue CISSP certification to improve job prospects, with a significant percentage aiming to secure roles at new companies or qualify for promotions within their current organizations, as indicated by (ISC)²’s 2023 workforce study.

Part of the CISSP certification process involves mastering comprehensive cybersecurity knowledge essential for passing the exam and maintaining certification. CISSPs must also accrue continuing education credits to stay updated with current industry trends and skills.

According to (ISC)²’s workforce study, teams benefit from employing certified cybersecurity professionals like CISSPs in several ways:

1. They possess deep expertise in critical cybersecurity areas.
2. Certified professionals enhance team confidence in handling security challenges effectively.
3. Hiring individuals with cybersecurity certifications ensures up-to-date knowledge and adherence to information security trends.
4. Certification enables organizations to onboard skilled professionals with proven cybersecurity expertise.

Additionally, CISSPs are required to join (ISC)² as members, facilitating networking opportunities among a community of over 168,000 cybersecurity professionals.

Current demand for cybersecurity professionals

From 2021 to 2022, cyberattacks and data breaches surged by 41.5%, underscoring a critical need for skilled cybersecurity professionals amidst a widening supply-demand gap.

Despite growing interest in the field, a significant shortage persists, with 67% of cybersecurity experts reporting that their organizations face risks due to insufficient staffing, according to (ISC)²'s workforce study. This study projected a global shortfall of 3.9 million cybersecurity professionals by 2023.

One contributing factor to this gap is the requirement for certifications like CISSP in most cybersecurity job roles. Obtaining CISSP certification demands substantial time and effort, exacerbating the challenge of closing the workforce deficit. Meanwhile, advancements in malicious technologies outpace the rate at which cybersecurity professionals can enter the field and acquire necessary expertise to safeguard data effectively.

Demand for CISSP certification

CISSP-certified professionals are highly sought-after across various sectors for their advanced cybersecurity knowledge and capability to fortify defenses against breaches. According to CyberSeek, CISSP certification is the most requested credential among current cybersecurity job openings, with over 85,000 listings seeking CISSP-certified candidates as of December 2023.

How to obtain CISSP certification

To achieve CISSP certification, candidates must initially fulfill prerequisites related to work experience, education, or professional credentials. Eligibility typically requires five years of relevant work experience, reduced to four years if accompanied by an approved undergraduate degree or equivalent credential from (ISC)².

Alternatively, those not meeting these criteria can pursue the CISSP exam to become an Associate of (ISC)². Although Associates pass the exam, full certification awaits completion of requisite work experience.

Passing the certification exam

The CISSP exam spans four hours and includes 125 to 175 questions. (ISC)² provides various preparation resources such as practice exams and study materials on its website. Registration is online, with exams conducted in person at Pearson VUE testing centers, costing $749 per attempt.

Achieving a score of 700/1,000 or higher is necessary to pass. If unsuccessful initially, candidates can reattempt the exam after 30 days, up to four times within a year.

Obtain endorsement

Post-exam success, applicants require endorsement from a current CISSP holder to validate their work experience. You have nine months to secure endorsement; (ISC)² can serve as an endorser if necessary.

Maintaining certification

CISSP certification necessitates ongoing professional development. Members must earn 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every three years, typically acquired through courses, conferences, volunteering, or teaching.