CISSP Exam Study Guide
What is the CISSP?
Known as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional, CISSP is an online training program of the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)². As per a survey, it was calculated that more than 130,000 certified professionals had become members of the (ISC)² by the end of 2018 from all over the world.
If you wish to pedal your way to growth in the cybersecurity field, CISSP is what you have been looking for. Once you successfully earn the CISSP online training certification employers believe you have the capabilities to not only develop but at the same time apply, and manage an effective cybersecurity database. Once you have attained a CISSP certificate, you then become eligible to be a member of the (ISC)². This opportunity will unlock for you an array of chances, apart from getting recognized as an expert in cybersecurity systems, you will be able to receive many other benefits. These will include more chances at networking, access to world-class educational gears and techniques, and many other resources.
What Does It Take To Become A CISSP?
The integral part of any training is its exam. But even before the exam is a critical requirement we call eligibility. In order to be able to become a CISSP, one needs to fulfill certain requirements. Those who wish to register themselves for the CISSP certification need to have at the minimum work experience of five years in a professional information security setup. At the same time, the work history needs to include at 2 of the 10 aspects which have been identified by the (ISC) ² in their CBK.
However, for those who have the following attributes attached to the resume may be able to get a waiver of a year in the experience requirements. Those attributes include a 4-year degree, a degree from the National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Security belonging to the U.S, or holding titles such as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer or the Certified Information Systems Auditor.
These attributes, however, cannot be added to get more years off the experience requirement, so, for example, if you have any two of the above, you will still get only, a year off, and not two.
CISSP Curriculum
CISSP revolves around a broad range of topics from information security. The exam conducted for CISSP focuses on what the (ISC) ² calls common Body of Knowledge, also known as CBK. As per the (ISC) ², the CISSP exam is a group of topics connected to the concepts and professionals of information security all around the world. It includes topics such as security management, risk management, security architecture, asset security, identity management, security assessment and testing, and so on.
Passing the CISSP Exam
After taking a look at the requirements and the course of the CISSP, it is now the time to know how much of a score is needed in order to pass this exam. A score of 700 or more is required out of 1000 to be able to clear this exam and become a CISSP certified professional.
The exam may require you to travel to a certain destination which would be the local authorized testing center. For this purpose, you will have to register with the (ISC) ². Exam fees ranged somewhere between $500 to $600 in 2018, however, in 2019, it has increased from $600. For those who wish to an early registration might be able to get a discount on their exam fees.
The exam pattern assesses individuals with multiple-choice questions since the number of questions asked is 250, this could in itself be a test of the individual’s endurance. However, individuals get a good load of time on their hands to solve these, around 6 hours.
Endorsement from an Active Holder
For experts who clear the CISSP exam, the task is yet not complete. After the assessment and result, the next step is to get an existing (ISC)² holder to attest for you your experience and help fill your endorsement form for you. Once the (ISC)² obtains an approved endorsement in your name, that is when you can finally relax. You are now an active CISSP certified professional.
Expiry and Renewal of CISSP Certification
Experts that certify for the CISSP certification get a three-year span. Once three years are over, the certification expires, and requires it to be renewed. Every three year period requires experts to make time for a CPE, which is called the Continuing Professional Education. Within these 120 credit hours, at least 80 should be related to information security, or be Type A. Rest 40 credit hours can be from both the types, Type A and Type B. Type b includes other skills in the professional development of individuals. Once a candidate is professionally certified, (ISC)² provides full detail regarding CISSP.
Value of CISSP
CISSP is a certification with a lot of value in IT. As per a survey conducted a few years earlier, it was discovered that the highest salaries were paid to CISSP certified individuals and that they were leading the market for IT professionals. In another survey conducted in 2017, it was found that out of 10,000 listings for IT jobs, the most wanted requirement was the CISSP certification.
The salary for these jobs was higher than the average salary offered to IT professionals in cybersecurity. Many magazines from the world of information technology have attributed CISSP to be the most highly credited certification. The CISSP certification has also been credited by various programs in the US as a complete program with accreditation.
Conclusion
It is imperative, that candidates do not skip any part of the application process at CISSP. Any kind of false information or misinterpreted details can result in termination of the certification. (ISC)² has the procedure of randomly selecting certified professionals for the purpose of performing an audit. In this audit, they screen for any such falsified information and those found guilty have to lose their CISSP title.