We will discuss CISSP Certification Cost, Requirements, and Training in this article. Many people want to get the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certificate, but it is one of the most difficult and sought-after ones in IT. Today, many enterprises have highly sought-after expertise in the design, implementation, and management of world-class cybersecurity initiatives. Therefore, companies are eager to hire CISSP-certified employees.
To be successful on the exam, candidates must have a thorough understanding of cybersecurity and practical expertise in the industry. Getting the CISSP certification on your first try is possible if you know what to expect from the exam.
As a result, you can expect to land a job as a security consultant, security auditor, security consultant, or security system engineer after obtaining the CISSP credential. As a CISSP, you’ll be tasked with developing workplace procedures and methods for safeguarding computer networks. To protect the assets from the outside world’s threats, you’ll be integrating security mechanisms into the IT networks.
What Is the CISSP?
The acronym CISSP refers to a person who has achieved certification in information system security. The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)², assesses IT professionals’ knowledge of advanced IT security threats, controls, and technologies.
CISSP certification benefits from being vendor agnostic. In this way, you may get the hands-on experience you need without having to settle with just one platform.
The CISSP exam is six hours in length. ” Each of the eight domains of the (ISC)² Common Body of Knowledge is represented by a set of 250 multiple-choice and advance questions (CBK).
How Much Does the CISSP Certification Cost?
The CISSP certification exam typically costs $749, although the exact price and additional fees vary depending on where you sit for the exam. An additional $50 fee will be assessed for rescheduling your exam. You’ll have to pay $100 if you have to cancel.
For the next three years, you will be able to keep your certification if you complete the exam. During that time, you’ll have to pay an annual fee and submit 40 CPE credits each year for maintenance.
After three years, you’ll have to recertify if you don’t renew your certification.
CISSP Courses Cost
Location | CISSP course fee |
USA / Canada | US$ 2000 – US$ 2800 |
India / Pakistan | US$ 300 – US$ 600 |
Europe | US$ 2600 – US$ 3200 |
UAE / Saudi Arabia | US$ 800 – US$ 1300 |
New Zealand / Australia | US$ 2000 – US$ 2600 |
Course providers in your area that provide CISSP classes will assist you if you want to learn in person. These organizations may offer the CISSP course regularly, and some may also provide customized training for individuals. You can talk to them about your alternatives and pick the best one for you.
However, CISSP classroom courses are relatively expensive. The cost of classroom-based training is substantially more than that of online or self-paced choices; therefore, this kind of training may increase the total cost of your CISSP certification.
What Are the CISSP Certification Exam Requirements?
The CISSP certification has two primary prerequisites. The first and most important thing to remember is to complete the exam. In a moment, we’ll go into greater depth on this.
In the meantime, let’s talk about the other requirement: work history. (ISC)² mandates that CISSP certifications be for experienced professionals only, as indicated above. CISSP certification requires five years of full-time job experience in two of the eight CISSP domains listed above to be eligible for certification. A year of experience can be substituted for a college degree or another (ISC)² approved certification, and internships and part-time work can contribute towards this criterion. The fine print can be found on the (ISC)² website.
To earn and retain your CISSP certification, you’ll have to pay fees, which we’ll discuss later in this article.
What are the CISSP domains?
The subject matter that the CISSP certification covers is called CISSP domains. CISSP is an advanced certification. Thus, it isn’t for everyone who wants to pursue it. Experienced cybersecurity practitioners, managers, and executives can use it to certify that they have a thorough understanding of the various principles of cyber security.
The domains in the CISSP certification are:
- computer security
- communications and network security
- information security – operations
- information security – design
- physical (environmental) security
- legal, regulations, policy, and governance
- business continuity management; risk management
- applied cryptography
- software development security.
Who should get a CISSP Certification?
The “gold standard” of security certifications, the CISSP, has been referred to by some as just that. You’ll typically find a CISSP is a requirement or at least highly recommended while screening cybersecurity positions. It’s beneficial if you’re considering a United States federal government career. The CISSP certification is a sign of an infosec generalist because of the wide range of technical expertise it requires.
CISSP isn’t for everyone, however. A CompTIA Security+ certification may be a better option for those just starting in their careers in CISSP due to its lower entry-level requirements in terms of technical knowledge and work experience. The CISSP exam also tests your knowledge of management and technical skills, which is why you’ll need some work experience before you begin the CISSP path.
Tips for Passing the CISSP Certification Exam
The CISSP exam is notoriously difficult. You must score at least 700 out of a possible 1,000 points to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in each topic and pass the certification.
CISSP certification exams are difficult to study for; therefore, here are the tips for passing the CISSP certification exam to help you succeed:
Locate a Variety of Research Resources
An outline, a study guide, sample tests, and more are all available to help you prepare for the (ISC)2 certification exam. Download an official study software, buy the official textbook and use the CISSP flashcards for additional preparation options. Even though all of these resources are beneficial, passing the exam on your own is difficult.
To succeed on the CISSP exam, you’ll need to use various study methods, including self-study, CISSP Boot Camp, and formal CISSP Training. CISSP Courses can be taken in a classroom with other professionals, in a small group with friends, or privately with an instructor.
Form a Team With Your Friends
Studying in a group can lead to wonderful group conversations and help you better understand subjects you don’t understand. Attending a CISSP training course lets you meet others going through the same subject as you.
You can also search for discussion forums online or start your study group. Attend meetings for security professionals to make new friends and learn from others who have already passed the exam.
Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance
There is a lot of work involved in preparing for the CISSP exam. You’re probably juggling your studies with a full-time job and other commitments outside of school. Scheduling particular study times is the most effective technique.
To be fully prepared for the exam, it’s essential to balance studying and completing practice exams. The week before your exam, plan to study for at least a month to avoid cramming in the last few days.
The CISSP exam
There are about equal numbers of questions from each domain listed above in the CISSP exam. The CISSP exam outline includes a breakdown of the content and a description of what to expect on test day. “Advanced inventive things” are referred to as multiple-choice questions. Identifying diagram elements and dragging and dropping responses from one side of the screen to boxes on the other are two types of questions that sound more difficult than they are.
The exam is computer-adaptive, and this is how it is administered in English (CAT). Essentially, this means that when you take the exam, a computer monitors your progress and adjusts to your questions. In this version of the test, there are between 100 and 150 questions, and it takes around three hours to complete. There are 250 questions, and it takes roughly six hours to complete the test in all other languages, which is linear (meaning that the questions are the same no matter how you answer). A 700-point minimum is required to pass either type of test.
It’s easy to schedule your exam with the help of (ISC)²’s resource page, which also provides information on exam formats and what to expect when you take the test. Check out Dex Yuan’s LinkedIn article and the (ISC)2 community forums and Reddit if you’re looking for real-world test-takers reports on how the exam experience went. It’s nice that you can see a preliminary result of your performance at the testing location so that you can plan accordingly.