In our digital world, it has become increasingly important for organizations to invest in the security of their products and services. This has led to increased demand for network security managers to help companies protect themselves and their customers from cyberattacks. That’s where CISSP training comes in.
Although there are many certifications in the field of cyber security, CISSP is arguably the best certification for network security managers. In this guide, we’ll explore what CISSP is, survey CISSP courses and resources, and show you how to make CISSP work for your career.
What Is CISSP?
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an advanced-level cyber security certification. It qualifies you to become an information assurance professional virtually anywhere in the world.
Offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)², CISSP not only confers expertise in information security, but also qualifies its recipients to control, design, and manage highly secure business organizations.
What Are the Benefits of CISSP?
One of the top benefits of the CISSP certification is that the giants of the IT industry acknowledge it, but that’s not all. Below is a full rundown of the benefits.
- Enjoys worldwide recognition. As the leading information security certification, CISSP is recognized around the globe, including by successful multinational corporations like Google, Procter & Gamble, and IBM.
- Keeps pace with trends in technology. Because the certification evolves with the times, CISSP professionals are essential for addressing new developments in information security. They are better equipped to tackle problems in cloud computing and social media, for example.
- Gives you credibility as a security expert. With CISSP, you don’t need to complete a top master’s degree program in cyber security to prove your expertise.
- Offers member-only benefits. After completing the certification program, you will get access to various benefits, such as free webinars, a subscription to Infosecurity Magazine, discounts on (ISC)² education, and networking opportunities.
CISSP vs CISM
Both CISSP and CISM training programs validate a candidate’s skills in information security, and both require five years of work experience. But there are key differences as well.
Whereas CISM focuses solely on the management side of infosec, CISSP is both managerial and technical. More prestigious and well-rounded than CISM, CISSP is designed for security professionals who engineer, implement, monitor, and handle an organization’s security operation.
The exams are also different in important ways. The CISSP exam, while shorter, is more variable than the CISM exam. Let’s take a look at the different features.
CISM Exam
- Format: 150 questions
- Time: 4 hours
- Passing score: 450 out of 800
- Cost: $575 for members, $760 for non-members
CISSP Exam
- Format: 100-150 questions
- Time: 3 hours
- Passing score: 700 of 1,000
- Cost: $699
Earning Your CISSP
You have to clear a few hurdles to get CISSP certified. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), and having a bachelor’s degree in hand will speed up the process. The full gamut of prerequisites and red tape is covered below.
How Long Does It Take to Become CISSP Certified?
The amount of time a candidate might take to become CISSP certified depends on the amount of knowledge he or she already has. The whole process, from CISSP training to the exam itself, can take up to eight weeks. After you earn the certification, you must apply for recertification every three years.
How Much Does the CISSP Cost?
The CISSP exam costs $699. For an additional $10, you can download the official (ISC)² CISSP study app on iTunes or Google Play. It consists of practice tests, study guide material, and other exam-prep aids. If you want to take a CISSP training course, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 extra.
CISSP Requirements
CISSP candidates should have at least five years of paid work experience in two or more of the knowledge areas that the CBK covers. If you have a degree from a four-year college, you can substitute that for one of your five years of required work experience.
What Is on the CISSP Exam?
The exam covers the eight domains of knowledge as outlined in the CBK. These include:
- Asset Security
- Security and Risk Management
- Security Architecture and Engineering
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Communication and Network Security
- Security Operations
- Security Assessment and Testing
- Software Development Security
Offered in Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) form, the exam takes three hours to complete and consists of 100 to 150 questions.
How to Become CISSP Certified: Step-by-Step
Below are the steps you should follow to earn your CISSP credential.
- Acquire study materials. The study resources should be the main priority when preparing for the examination. Check out our list of resources below.
- Prepare and follow the study plan. You should prepare a detailed study plan to cover everything on the examination. A minimum of six months of preparation is recommended.
- Schedule the exam. Scheduling the examination in advance encourages you to follow your study plan. To take the examination, you will need to generate a personal Pearson VUE account.
- Meet the requirements post-exam. After taking the exam, there’s an endorsement process you need to complete. Find a CISSP-certified individual in good standing, and get them to endorse your CISSP credential. Every three years, you will have to pay $85 and submit 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits.
The Best CISSP Training Programs
Training is necessary to prepare for the exam. There are a number of CISSP training courses available in a variety of formats. In this section, we break it all down.
Best Best CISSP Certificate Practice Exams
Practice training exams are the best way to evaluate your skills and experience before you spend your time and money on the actual CISSP exam. Below we have mentioned some of the best practice exams for CISSP.
ISC CISSP Exam Bundle
- Price: $124.98
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Security systems
- Duration: Self-Paced
Provided by Test Inside, the ISC CISSP EXAM Bundle has real CISSP questions and 24/7 customer care support. They offer a complete refund in case you fail to pass the CISSP exam. They also simulate an actual test environment of a CISSP certification exam which is a bonus.
ExSim-Max for CISSP 2020
- Price: $99
- Prerequisites: Knowledge of CISSP topics.
- Duration: Self-Paced
The ExSim-Max for CISSP is one of the best test exams for CISSP. It follows the latest CISSP exam pattern. The ExSim exam provides you with analytical reports of each test so that you can focus on improving your weak points.
The Online Practice Exam For CISSP
- Price: $25
- Prerequisites: Knowledge of CISSP topics.
- Duration: 4 months
Other than being easy on your pocket, the online practice exam set offered by Test Questions, is also the quickest exam there is. There’s one time payment for over more than 800 questions and is valid for a period of over 4 months.
In-person Training Programs For CISSP
For top-notch training with a live instructor and a real classroom, try these courses on for size.
DDLS
- Course name: CISSP Training Course
- Prerequisites: Must be eligible to take CISSP exam
- Time: 5 days
- Cost: $849
This course covers everything from the very basic security concepts to state of the art technology and security systems. It covers best practices in accordance with the latest industry standards. This is one of the few courses around that uses the official (ISC)² course materials.
Infosec Institute
- Course name: CISSP Certification Boot Camp
- Prerequisites: Must be eligible to take CISSP exam
- Time: 6 days
- Cost: N/A
The CISSP Certification bootcamp from the Infosec Institute is another well-regarded course. Just like the DDLS course, it covers all the fundamentals of security. They are also offering a $500 discount for a limited time, so this course is a solid deal.
Learning Tree
- Course name: CISSP Certification Exam Preparation and Training
- Prerequisites: Must be eligible to take CISSP exam
- Time: 5 days
- Cost: $4,095 standard, $3,664 government
With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, this is one of the most premium and sought-after courses.
It also features the official CISSP course materials, which makes it just as appealing as the other choices.
Best CISSP Online Courses
If in-person courses aren’t your speed, you can do your CISSP training online. Below are two options.
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Udemy
- Course name: CISP Certification: Domain 1 and 2 Bootcamp
- Prerequisites: None
- Time: 5 hours
- Cost: $109.99
This is one of the highest-rated and best-selling CISSP certification courses, but be aware that it only covers two of the eight domains of knowledge in the CBK. The instructor, Thor Pedersen, is a CISSP-certified IT and cyber security trainer.
Learning Tree
- Course name: CISSP Certification Exam Preparation and Training
- Prerequisites: Must be eligible for the CISSP exam
- Time: 5 days
- Cost: $4,095 standard, $3,664 government
This certification course by Learning Tree prepares you fully for the CISSP exam. You get the basic fundamental knowledge as well as a general understanding of the eight domains of the CBK. This course also includes a voucher redeemable at any participating Pearson VUE Center.
Best Online CISSP Resources and Study Guides
There are many ways to get your hands on study materials. You can buy the official study guide, which comes with practice tests. You can take one of the CISSP courses featured above, many of which provide access to sample test questions. And you can find practice exams on the Pocket Prep CISSP iPhone app.
Once you’ve exhausted those resources, try the great study guides below.
Certified Information Security: 2021 CISSP SuperReview
Instructor Allen Keele is CISSP-certified expert who has published six books on topics in information security. If you sign up for Keele’s SuperReview, you can get a free 50-minute coaching session with the instructor himself. It’s only available for a limited time, so act fast.
The content of the course will be available to you for six months, which should be plenty of time to prepare. But the course also comes with a guarantee, so if you do fail the exam, the course materials will be released to you a second time at no extra cost.
CISSP Official Study Guide and CISSP Official Practice Tests
Every CISSP candidate needs a training guide with material from real CISSP exams. This study guide by James Michael Stewart, Mike Chapple, and David Seidl helps to achieve you cram the smart way. This combo package includes both the CISSP Official Study Guide and a boatload of test questions. When preparing, you’ve got to have this book on your desk.
The Official Guide to the CISSP, 5th Edition
This study guide by John Warsinske and other experts covers content that helps aspiring professionals in the field of information security. It’s an official (ISC)² CBK study book that will guide you through a variety of technical and managerial tasks, such as implementing, designing, and managing security programs.
Why Should I Become CISSP Certified?
Not everyone has the zeal to become CISSP-certified. It takes an enthusiast to go out of their way to be a security engineer. If you’re still undecided about whether it’s right for you, we have a few more pieces of information you might like to know.
CISSP Job Opportunities
CISSPs take jobs around the globe. They work in important positions at companies big and small. Roles include security consultant, security analyst, security manager, security auditor, IT manager, and network administrators.
CISSP Salary
The average salary of CISSP professionals varies from region to region and differs according to the candidate’s experience. According to Payscale, all CISSPs earn significant pay raises as they progress through their careers. Based on the latest data and estimates from (ISC)², the average salaries globally and in each region for CISSPs are as follows.
- Globally: $92,639
- North America: $120,552
- Europe, Middle East, and Africa: $81,568
- Asia Pacific: $57,179
- Latin America: $22,014
Now that you know all about CISSP certification, it’s time to seize the moment. If you want to pursue a career as an information security professional, earning your CISSP is the right place to start.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
