This article will explore the career benefits and salaries of CISSP certified professionals. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification has been around for over 20 years and is considered the gold standard of information security certifications. Earning a CISSP certification can provide many benefits, including increased salary and career opportunities.
The CISSP credential is still regarded as one of the most prestigious and sought-after in cybersecurity. As of May 2021, (ISC)2 has maintained the high threshold it set for assessing the knowledge and abilities of senior cybersecurity managers.
One of the essential cybersecurity certifications to consider in a career and education strategy is the (ISC)2 CISSP (Certified Information System Security Practitioner). When it comes to information security, one example of this is the CompTIA IT Certification Roadmap, which lists the CISSP as an “Expert.” In addition to CompTIA’s roadmap of IT certifications, the CISSP’s importance and usefulness are recognized by other certification bodies.
According to (ISC)2, there will be approximately 142,000 CISSP-certified personnel in more than 170 countries by 2021. It is expected to keep going up in the year 2022. They work for Fortune 500 organizations, governments, small enterprises, and start-ups; many are self-employed contractors.
CISSP is a highly sought-after credential for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their depth of knowledge, breadth of experience, and commitment to professional development. Many job postings feature this qualification as a requirement, indicating a strong desire to obtain it. Searching for work uncovers an astonishing amount of IT and cybersecurity employment that needs the prospective candidate holds CISSP certifications.
Additionally, those who hold the CISSP certification earn anywhere from $59,000 to $194,000 each year (based on data from several surveys). Salary is frequently determined by the breadth of a person’s expertise and the number of years they’ve worked in the industry.
CISSP-certified workers in North America earn an average salary of $138,647, according to the Global Knowledge 2020 IT Skills and Salary Report. It only took one year for the compensation of North American CISSP professionals to climb by more than 10% from 2019 levels in 2020. It is also the second most popular certification for IT workers looking to further their careers.
CISSP Certification Magazine’s poll provides even more information about the demographics of those who possess the certification.
- Over 96% have full-time employment.
- Directors (14%), senior managers (13%), and specialists (6.5%) are some of the most common CISSP holders, with 43.2%, followed by managers and then directors (3.4 percent )
- About 72.1% have worked in cybersecurity for more than a decade.
CISSP is still regarded as a mark of quality in the field of information security, and with good reason:
- You don’t have to pass an exam to get this certification. A professional must also have a good deal of experience in cybersecurity and IT security management to qualify for this position.
- Others in the business possess the CISSP certification to verify that new applicants meet the experience requirements for certification.
- While holding the CISSP certification, education and experience must be accumulated. CPEs, or continuing professional education credits, are required of all certified CISSPs every year.
- CISSP holders elect directors of (ISC)2 from inside the organization’s ranks.
- In the DoD Directive 8570.1m (updated by the DoD Directive 8140.01), CISSP was one of the original credentials included. It remains the most common qualification for those in various cybersecurity positions.
When an IT professional earns a credential such as CISSP, they are more likely to see their position improve or receive a raise of around 20% on average. CISSP and other certifications can be a valuable investment of time and money because of the higher salary, promotion, and long-term benefits to a career that they provide.
How to obtain a CISSP certificate and remain CISSP certified professional
Experienced IT professionals should get the CISSP credential. Five years of paid relevant work experience in at least two of the CISSP subject categories are prerequisites for earning the certification in its entirety. An IT or computer security-related college degree or an authorized certification from more than 50 different qualifying options can be substituted for one year of experience.
Another CISSP in good standing will vouch for your account. In this context, we’re talking about something called an endorsement. After completing the CISSP exam, you have nine months to complete the certification endorsement process and become a CISSP. If you don’t get your endorsement by the deadline, you’ll have to retake the exam.
However, even if you don’t have a minimum of five years of relevant experience, you can still sit for the CISSP exam and then have up to six years to complete the required experience. The “Associate of (ISC)2” designation is given to those who complete this certification route. This means that you will sit for the same CISSP exam as before, but the endorsement period has been extended to six years instead of five.
Exam registration includes a final question on whether or not you plan to become an “Associate of (ISC)2.” Go ahead and select the “Associate of (ISC)2” path if you are unsure about your experience. If you have five years of relevant experience, you can finish the endorsement the week after passing the CISSP exam. There is no need to wait six years to do so.
As part of the endorsement process, candidates must demonstrate that they have at least one year of full-time paid job experience in IT security. Because few other certifications certify both your ability to pass an exam and your work experience in sophisticated IT security operations, this is a massive advantage for a CISSP applicant.
As a result, if you have the CISSP certification on your CV, you will be viewed as more qualified than those who do not. Keep in mind that continuing education credits are required to keep your certification current.
To maintain your CISSP certification, you must complete 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE). Further information on CPEs in the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Handbook published by (ISC)2. The CISSP certification has an additional annual maintenance fee of $125. The first AMF is due immediately after certification, and the following year’s AMF is due on the anniversary of your certificate.
Members-only access to the (ISC)2 website is available to those who have passed the certification exam and have paid their AMFs.
The certification will be suspended if either criterion is not met within two years, and the certificate will be terminated if neither requirement is met. IT professionals must maintain a certification such as CISSP.
The continuous education requirements demonstrate to potential employers that you are still learning and working to keep up with the latest concepts, techniques, and innovations in information technology security.
The CISSP exam preparation process
A variety of resources are available to help students prepare for the CISSP certification exam.
Instruction by a teacher
Attending a CISSP prep course is something I highly suggest.
Global knowledge offers a CISSP Certification Preparation Course that covers all eight domains required for passing the CISSP test in depth.
A classroom or virtual classroom training with an instructor will give you a thorough grounding in the CISSP material’s ideas and specifics. An instructor-led CISSP training course or Boot Camp will give you a deeper understanding and opportunity for inquiries and the chance to engage with other students and the teacher to learn more about the material.
Self-study
Self-study is another way to prepare for the exam. Those who already have a solid foundation in the subject matter may use this as their primary method of exam preparation. In any case, it’s a good idea to take a look at your abilities and knowledge first.
If you can’t learn what you need on your own, enroll in a formal training program. You must take a practice exam of at least 100 to 150 questions covering all CISSP subjects to gauge your readiness. If you get at least 80% on the exam, you’re probably eligible for self-study.
Resources
You should do some self-study even if you’re taking an instructor-led prep course. Regardless, I’ve compiled a list of recommended resources. Starting with a decent study guide is always a bright idea. The 9th Edition of the CISSP Study Guide is an excellent pick. I am one of the three writers of the book that is used in Global Knowledge’s CISSP training programs.
Additionally, it covers many other topics related to, or further your knowledge and understanding of, the topics covered on the official Certification Exam Outline. End-of-chapter quizzes are included in this book and an online testing engine.
Check the Certification Exam Outline frequently to ensure you’ve covered all the topics on the list. Additionally, you should take several full-length (100–150 question) practice tests to ensure that you can regularly get at least 80% accuracy. It indicates that you are well-prepared for the CISSP exam.
CISSP certification is an excellent way to land a high-paying career in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity is a rapidly expanding field. So rapidly, in fact, that opportunities are already available and only waiting for the right people to fill them. Are you one of those willing to reevaluate your professional path shortly?
Defending electronic data and systems from cyberattacks is the subject of cybersecurity, a field of technology, technique, and practice. Computers, networks, and data storage have become indispensable to our daily lives.
As a result, we are now at risk of losing or compromising our data systems. The demand for security experts has never been more robust, and it’s only going to worsen in the future.
Find Work Near You by Doing a Simple Online Job Search
Finding out what jobs are available is the first step for anyone looking for a new job or a career move. You’ll have a clearer idea of what opportunities are available and the minimum criteria for each sort of job after conducting an initial examination of the offerings.
Several certificates may ask in your search for suitable security careers. The demand for (ISC)2’s Certified Information Systems Security Professional is anticipated to be prominent among these (CISSP). Over the past two decades, the CISSP certification has been one of the most sought-after qualifications in the security sector.
Spend some time going over the many job postings you’ve come across during your hunt. Decide on a position or title that appeals to you after some consideration, such as a director of cybersecurity, an administrator of data security policies, a trainer of security systems, or a quality assurance manager for security systems.
Then run another search with the title or position you’ve chosen. There are a few things you need to keep in mind when searching for firms who are hiring for this position:
- The CISSP certification is required additionally.
- Specialty training is a prerequisite.
- Experience is a necessity.
- Salary and perks, both now and in the future
Different Companies require different Certifications.
When it comes to hiring a new employee, every business has its criteria. To obtain a sense of routine and reasonable, you need to know what the market asks for. Most credentials are only a small percentage of what a company is looking for in a new hire. As a result, conducting a poll in the actual world will give you a good dose of reality.
It’s rare to acquire a new job with just one or two qualifications. Even jobs that require only a high school diploma or GED are unlikely to pay, and those that require a college degree. According to recent salary surveys, some cybersecurity positions have been found to pay more than $100,000 per year, including benefits. Many best-paying jobs demand specialized secondary education and certifications and at least a decade or more in related experience. If you don’t read the fine print, you may miss this.
Keep your expectations in check. Those who can address problems and enhance an organization’s security posture are paid the most. You get paid more if you stand out from the crowd and have a demonstrated track record of success. Once you’ve found a job you like, do everything you can to advance your career toward your ultimate goal. Learning more about your field, taking on new tasks at work, and gaining certifications are all ways to show management that you are capable.
Advanced IT professionals can use Global Knowledge’s CISSP test preparation course to prepare for the CISSP exam. For learning and certification purposes, choose a mode of instruction that works best for your schedule and learning style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a CISSP certification can lead to various career benefits and salary opportunities in the information security industry. The certification is globally recognized and can help professionals, from landing a new job to advancing their careers. With the right skills and experience, a CISSP certification can be a valuable asset in any industry. The average salary for a CISSP professional is six-figures, and the job market is multiplying. By earning your CISSP certification, you can position yourself for a rewarding career in information security.
