What is CISSP? Certification Overview, Cost, Prerequisites, and Benefits

Cyberattacks represent an ever-present threat to business of all sizes, in all disciplines. Whether it’s a gas station or a multinational organization, all businesses face mounting threats that put sensitive data at risk. 

For IT professionals seeking to secure higher-level cybersecurity roles, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is a crucial credential. 

Developed by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), the CISSP certification addresses the growing skill gap in the cybersecurity industry and is globally recognized as one of the most prestigious certifications in IT security.

With cybercrime expected to cost the global economy over $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, obtaining a CISSP certification ensures you have the knowledge and expertise to protect organizations from evolving threats.

At QuickStart, we’re committed to educating the next generation of informed cybersecurity experts. That’s why we developed our Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) course, online training that provides IT professionals with the knowledge they need to pass the CISSP exam on their first attempt.

Learn more about our CISSP prep courses and how we can help you achieve your industry-respected certification.

• On-Demand CISSP

• Virtual Instructor-Led Training CISSP

What is CISSP? 

The CISSP certification, created by (ISC)², is designed for professionals seeking advanced knowledge in information security. It covers a broad spectrum of security topics, including risk management, cloud security, software development security, and cryptography. 

CISSP is more than a certification; it’s a mark of excellence for security practitioners, showcasing their ability to protect businesses from ever-evolving cyber threats.

This certificate is preferred by top firms because CISSP-certified professionals possess the expertise to develop, manage, and control complex system security infrastructures. Their advanced skills ensure that organizations are protected against evolving cyber threats while maintaining robust security protocols.

CISSP Exam Overview and Domains

The CISSP exam is designed to rigorously assess a candidate's knowledge and proficiency in various aspects of information security. Covering a broad range of topics essential to protecting modern organizational infrastructure, the exam ensures that certified professionals are equipped to handle the complexities of today’s cybersecurity challenges. 

Here's a closer look at the exam structure and the core domains it evaluates.

The exam is offered in multiple languages, making it accessible to a global audience. CISSP is well-known for its thoroughness, and candidates must be well-prepared across a broad spectrum of security topics to succeed.

The CISSP exam covers eight primary domains, each representing a critical area of information security. These domains are derived from the (ISC)² Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), a comprehensive framework that guides the development of the exam. Each domain tests specific skills and knowledge areas that cybersecurity professionals must master. 

Here’s a breakdown of the key domains:

1. Asset security: This domain focuses on the protection of organizational data and resources, ensuring proper asset handling, data classification, and asset retention policies.
2. Communication and network security: This domain emphasizes network security, communication protocols, and secure network architecture design.
3. Identity and access management (IAM): This domain involves managing user identities, authentication, and authorization processes, along with controlling access to systems and data.
4. Security architecture and engineering: This domain tests candidates on their ability to design secure architectures, covering system architecture, cryptography, and security models..
5. Security assessment and testing: This domain ensures that candidates understand how to assess the effectiveness of security controls, perform security audits, and conduct vulnerability assessments.
6. Security and risk management: This domain covers the principles of information security governance and risk management, including risk-based management concepts, compliance, legal regulations, and professional ethics.
7. Security operations: This domain involves the practical management of security operations, including incident response, disaster recovery, and the ongoing protection of systems.
8. Software development security: This domain focuses on integrating security into the software development lifecycle, ensuring secure coding practices, and understanding the risks associated with software development.

These domains collectively assess a candidate’s ability to not only identify security risks but also to implement and manage comprehensive security strategies across an organization's infrastructure. 

By covering everything from cryptography and architecture to law and ethics, the CISSP exam ensures that professionals are well-versed in both the technical and managerial aspects of cybersecurity.

Prerequisites for CISSP Certification

The CISSP certification is designed for professionals aiming to prove their expertise in the cybersecurity field. Given its advanced nature, the certification has stringent prerequisites that ensure only those with significant experience and knowledge can attain it. 

These requirements are intended to validate not just theoretical understanding but practical, hands-on experience in the field of information security.

Work Experience Requirements

To qualify for the CISSP certification, candidates must have five years of full-time work experience in at least two of the eight CISSP domains. These domains include critical areas like security and risk management, asset security, cryptography, and software development security, which cover the breadth of skills needed for high-level cybersecurity roles. The required work experience ensures that professionals have a deep understanding of the concepts and can apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.

However, there are ways to reduce the work experience requirement. A one-year waiver can be granted to individuals who hold a four-year college degree or an equivalent credential from an (ISC)²-approved list of certifications, reducing the requirement to four years of experience. This allows individuals with formal education or relevant certification to expedite their path to CISSP certification.

Earning the Associate of (ISC)²

For those who don’t yet meet the five-year work experience requirement, the CISSP certification still remains within reach. Candidates can take the CISSP exam even if they lack the required experience and, upon passing, they earn the designation of Associate of (ISC)². This status allows individuals to work toward fulfilling the experience requirement over time while still holding a recognized credential that demonstrates their knowledge.

Once the work experience is completed — within a period of six years — the Associate of (ISC)² can then apply for full CISSP certification. This pathway provides a valuable opportunity for professionals earlier in their careers or those transitioning into cybersecurity roles to get a head start on certification while they accumulate the necessary experience.

Endorsement and Code of Ethics

After passing the exam and meeting the work experience requirement, candidates must also be endorsed by another (ISC)²-certified professional. This endorsement verifies that the candidate’s experience aligns with the standards required for certification. 

Additionally, all CISSP candidates must agree to adhere to the (ISC)² Code of Ethics, a set of principles that emphasize professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct within the field of information security.

These prerequisites are designed to ensure that CISSP holders not only possess the necessary technical skills but also uphold the ethical standards critical for leadership roles in cybersecurity. The combination of work experience, education, and ethical commitment solidifies the credibility of CISSP-certified professionals in the eyes of employers worldwide.

Certification Cost and Preparation

Achieving CISSP certification requires not only a commitment to gaining the necessary knowledge and experience but also a financial investment. The cost of the certification exam and the ongoing maintenance fees are important factors to consider when planning your certification journey. 

Furthermore, preparing for the exam through quality training programs can be key to ensuring success on your first attempt.

Exam Maintenance and Fees 

The cost of the CISSP exam is $749, which covers the registration fee to take the exam. In addition to this, candidates should plan for any additional fees or taxes based on their location, which can add to the total. 

In 2024, the CISSP exam includes an option to bundle the certification and training resources for $199, which can provide candidates with more resources at a reduced rate.

Beyond the initial exam cost, it’s highly recommended that candidates invest in preparatory courses to ensure they are well-prepared for the rigorous exam. These courses, which can range from self-paced online modules to instructor-led boot camps, can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the depth of the content and the training provider. These programs often offer practice exams, study guides, and in-depth reviews of the eight CISSP domains, significantly increasing the chances of passing on the first attempt.

At QuickStart, we offer CISSP preparation designed to equip candidates with the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed. Our training includes detailed coverage of all eight domains, practice assessments, and access to experienced instructors who can guide candidates through the more challenging aspects of the exam.

How to Get CISSP Certified

Earning the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential is a significant achievement for IT and cybersecurity professionals. The certification process not only tests a candidate's technical knowledge but also ensures that they have the practical experience and ethical grounding needed for advanced roles in cybersecurity.

Achieve a Score of 700 or Higher on the CISSP Exam

The first step to becoming CISSP-certified is passing the exam, which is designed to assess your knowledge across the eight domains of the (ISC)² Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). 

The CISSP exam consists of 125 to 175 questions and is administered via computer adaptive testing (CAT), meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your performance.

To pass, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 700 out of 1,000 points. This ensures that those who earn the certification possess a high level of expertise in security management, risk assessment, network security, cryptography, and more.

Complete the Endorsement Process

Once you have successfully passed the exam, the next step is completing the endorsement process. This step validates your work experience and commitment to ethical standards in the field of cybersecurity. To complete this process, you need to:

• Adhere to the (ISC)² Code of Conduct: CISSP-certified professionals must uphold high ethical standards in their work. This involves following the (ISC)² Code of Conduct, which emphasizes integrity, accountability, and the protection of the public trust. By agreeing to this code, you commit to conducting your work ethically and responsibly.
• Provide proof of work experience: To fully qualify for the CISSP certification, candidates must demonstrate a minimum of five years of full-time work experience in at least two of the eight CISSP domains. This experience must be confirmed by a CISSP-certified sponsor.

Recertify Every Three Years

CISSP certification is not a one-time achievement. To remain certified, you need to recertify every three years by fulfilling Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements. This ensures that your knowledge remains current with evolving industry trends and cybersecurity practices.

• Complete 120 CPE Credits: Over the course of the three-year certification cycle, you must earn a total of 120 CPE credits. These credits are typically earned through activities such as attending conferences, completing relevant coursework, conducting research, or publishing articles on security-related topics. By staying engaged with ongoing learning opportunities, CISSP professionals can maintain their certification and continue contributing to the cybersecurity field.
• Pay the Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF): In addition to earning CPE credits, CISSP holders are required to pay an Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) of $125. This fee helps support (ISC)²’s efforts to maintain and improve the certification program, as well as provide continuing education resources for certified professionals.

Attributes of Successful CISSP Professionals

Becoming a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) requires passing a rigorous exam and meeting work experience requirements. However, becoming a CISSP professional is also about possessing certain key traits that enable professionals to excel in their roles.

Let’s explore a few attributes of successful CISSP individuals:

• Adaptability and continuous learning: They stay updated on emerging threats and technologies, committing to ongoing professional development to maintain their expertise.

• Commitment to ethical standards: They uphold high ethical standards, ensuring integrity and trust in all aspects of their cybersecurity work while adhering to the (ISC)² Code of Conduct.

• Inquisitive and analytical mindset: CISSP professionals constantly seek to understand new vulnerabilities and proactively address potential risks before they become critical threats.

• Leadership and initiative: CISSP professionals lead security initiatives across organizations, taking decisive action to ensure robust security protocols are in place.

• Risk management expertise: Successful CISSP professionals assess risks accurately, balancing security measures with business operations to mitigate threats effectively.
• Strong communication skills: They excel at translating complex cybersecurity concepts into clear, actionable strategies that non-technical stakeholders can understand and implement.

Why Get CISSP Certified?

Earning the CISSP certification offers numerous advantages for cybersecurity professionals, both in terms of career growth and compensation.

Here’s why pursuing CISSP certification is a smart investment:

• Global recognition and career opportunities: The CISSP certification is recognized internationally, making it a highly respected credential for professionals in the field of information security.
• Long-term career stability: As cybersecurity threats continue to escalate in frequency and sophistication, the demand for skilled security professionals is at an all-time high.
• Increased earning potential: CISSP-certified professionals typically earn more than their non-certified counterparts.
• Employer demand: With cyberattacks on the rise, organizations are actively seeking CISSP-certified professionals to safeguard their critical data and systems.
• Organizational benefits: Companies that employ CISSP-certified professionals benefit from enhanced security practices, improved risk management, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• High demand for expertise: CISSP professionals are in constant demand due to their proven ability to secure complex information systems.
• Pathway to senior roles: The CISSP certification opens doors to senior and executive-level positions within organizations. Certified professionals are frequently considered for roles such as Security Auditor, Security Consultant, Director of Security, and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

Advanced Certification Paths

The CISSP certification is not only a benchmark for cybersecurity expertise, but it also serves as a stepping stone toward more specialized, advanced roles in the field. 

For professionals aspiring to leadership positions in cybersecurity, the CISSP opens up pathways to higher-paying and more prestigious opportunities, providing a strong foundation for career growth.

• CISSP-ISSAP (Information Systems Security Architecture Professional): This certification focuses on security architecture and is designed for professionals who want to specialize in the conceptual and practical aspects of securing an organization’s infrastructure. It's ideal for security architects and those responsible for creating and implementing security frameworks at an organizational level.
• CISSP-ISSEP (Information Systems Security Engineering Professional): This specialization emphasizes security engineering, providing professionals with the knowledge required to integrate security into various phases of systems development. The CISSP-ISSEP is suited for professionals responsible for building and securing complex systems, such as systems engineers or security consultants who work on government or enterprise-scale projects.
• CISSP-ISSMP (Information Systems Security Management Professional): For those interested in the management and leadership side of cybersecurity, the CISSP-ISSMP certification is ideal. This is a great fit for roles such as Security Managers, CISOs, or Security Directors.

To qualify for any of these advanced CISSP concentrations, professionals must have two additional years of relevant experience in the area of specialization.

Why Hire a CISSP Employee?

Holders of this certificate are skilled professionals who have met rigorous requirements and possess in-depth knowledge in the field. With a CISSP-certified employee on the team, organizations benefit from improved risk management, enhanced reputation, and higher quality standards. 

This certification also fosters stronger customer trust, as certified employees are better equipped to handle information security and meet organizational needs with confidence.

Advance Your Cybersecurity Career Today

If you’re ready to advance your cybersecurity career, earning your CISSP certification can open doors to new opportunities, higher salaries, and leadership positions. This prestigious certification is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence in information security, validating your ability to design, manage, and lead sophisticated security programs.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your cybersecurity career, we’re ready to help. Enroll in our CISSP certification courses (On-Demand CISSP) or (Virtual Instructor-Led Training CISSP) to learn how to navigate the complex cybersecurity challenges companies face today.