How To Get CISSP Certification? A Complete Guide For Beginners

Written by Steve Smith  »  Updated on: January 28th, 2025


Cybercrimes are taking place in great numbers along with technological advances. The demand for cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing at a break-neck pace. These superheroes are much needed to protect systems and prevent hackers from stealing essential data. Organizations are actively looking for them. A high-level certification such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP) helps the candidate to stand out.

In this article, readers will discover how to get CISSP certification, how it can advance or kick-start the IT career, and why this certification is a valuable asset. Let's get into it.

What Is CISSP Certification

ISC2 offers CISSP for IT professionals seeking a role in the cybersecurity domain. This certification validates the proficiency in preventing hackers from sensitive data and keeping an organization’s data secure.

After attaining this credential, learners can perform diverse tasks, from handling a cybersecurity team to securing a network to install patches. Technology and security combined require a skilled professional holding a CISSP credential. The CISSP certification offers eight cybersecurity domains, which include the following.

  1. Security and risk management.
  2. Asset security.
  3. Security architecture and engineering.
  4. Communication and network security.
  5. Identity and access management.
  6. Security assessment and testing.
  7. Security operations.
  8. Software development security.

Who Should Get CISSP Certification?

The CISSP is curated for executives, managers and IT security practitioners seeking to prove their knowledge, skills and proficiency across a variety of cybersecurity principles and practices. Let's discuss some exciting roles that often need the CISSP certification.

  • IT director.
  • Security auditor.
  • Security architect.
  • Security consultant.
  • Security manager.
  • Director of security.
  • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
  • Information security analyst.
  • Network architect.
  • Security systems engineer.

Benefits of Getting CISSP Certification

Let’s review some key benefits of attaining a CISSP certification.

  • Globally Recognized - This certification is widely recognized. It enables candidates to find jobs anywhere, be it any country.
  • Higher Wages - Certified professionals are always hired over candidates without a credential, be it any field. This fact remains the same for CISSP certification holders. The average IT security professional’s salary is $117,963 per year, while the average CISSP holder earns $128,000 annually.
  • Job Opportunities - Attaining a CISSP displays a candidate's skills and proficiency in managing various cybersecurity tasks. This turns them into a more desirable candidate and increases possibilities of getting hired. It's essential to add the CISSP on the resume so that applicant tracking systems can find the application.

How To Get CISSP Certification

Now we know what this examination and CISSP is all about. But, how to get CISSP certification? Let's discuss the in-depth process and steps to attain a CISSP certification.

Understand the Eligibility Criteria

Before beginning with the journey towards obtaining this certification, it is essential to get familiar with the prerequisites. A candidate must have a minimum of five years of paid and professional work experience in at least two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). Candidates with a college degree or an approved credential may be qualified for a one-year of experience.

Prepare for the Examination

Optional courses would also help hone the required skills. ISC2 offers self-paced and various classroom-based courses to assist candidates.

Register

The first step is to create an account. Visit the registration site and enter the asked information to schedule the exam. This is an in-person exam which allows the candidates to select an examination that's more convenient.

Take & Pass the CISSP Examination

This examination consists of 100-150 MCQs and advanced and inventive questions. The duration for the examination is 3 hours. Candidates will have to attain 700 marks out of 1000 to get one through the examination.

Finish the Endorsement Process

Candidates are required to submit an endorsement application after passing the examination. It affirms their professional experience in information security. This process involves providing details of relevant work experience. This includes occupations and descriptions of duties performed in every single of the CISSP domains. These applications get reviewed by (ISC)² and get processed within four to six weeks.

Maintaining the Certification

Learners would need a significant amount of dedication to meet the requirements set by (ISC)². As a CISSP professional, a candidate is expected to earn and give in a minimum of 40 CPE credits annually. Total 120 CPE credits are needed over a 3 year certification cycle. Candidates can earn these credits by performing several activities. These activities could include publishing articles, engaging in volunteer work, going for training courses, attending and participating in webinars.

Conclusion for ‘How To Get CISSP Certification’

In the end of our article, ‘how to get CISSP certification’, it is safe to conclude that cybersecurity is an evolving field within information technology. As the internet is a pivotal component taking over our personal data, we need professionals to keep safe. Holding a CISSP certification would enable a candidate to take the first step in the industry and validate the skills as an IT professional.


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