Before pursuing any certifications, one must be clear of its purpose and prerequisites to understand how much it suits their experience and how it can benefit them. Thus, let us begin by understanding what CISSP certification is. Certified Information System Security Professional is what CISSP stands for. This particular certification is given by the International Information System Security Certificate Consortium or (ISC)², the world’s largest IT security organization.
Earning the CISSP shows that one can have what it takes to effectively design, implement, and manage a world-class cybersecurity program.
In addition, being certified with CISSP certification will ensure a person to be a part of or a member of (ISC)²., which unlocks a wide range of exclusive resources, educational tools, and opportunities for peer networking.
Let us see some of the factors that one must be aware of before pursuing CISSP certification:
CISSP training:
Having exposure to the proper CISSP training can make a difference in the CISSP exam. One must understand that certification exams assess very detailed and vast knowledge on the subject, and thus preparing for such examinations requires proper training.
While opting from CISSP training several options can be chosen:
- Self-paced or mentored
One might opt for self-learning and self-paced learning. Although this is a more flexible way of learning, it might not be the most reliable one. The vast area of knowledge assessed during the CISSP exam is very difficult to keep track of, and covering everything in a self-paced format is often tough. One must plan a proper way of proceeding with the preparations and plan on covering the syllabus.
- Online / Virtual training or in-person training:
With everyone having access to devices such as phones, laptops, or desktops, it is not very difficult for anyone to join online or virtual training sessions. These sessions are also quite flexible in terms of location and attendance.
However, in-person training has its advantages. It has greater engagement between the mentor and the student. Doubt clearing or discussions are often easier and more feasible with in-person mentoring.
- How to crack the CISSP exam with the training opted for:
Before opting for any training, it’s essential to have an idea of the results to be expected. Many institutions conduct so many training sessions, yet all do not deliver the same outcome. Before investing one’s hard-earned money, it’s imperative to judge the suitable options.
- Past records of the training:
While opting for training, one must always be aware of the past results that the training had delivered. How this training has helped people previously and how successfully those people had completed the certification exam. All CISSP courses will not provide the same outcome, and thus it is vital to choose the best ones.
- Reviews of the CISSP course:
Feedback from people who have opted for the course previously is a must. Before considering and investing in any certification course it is highly recommended to make sure that the cost of the course and the time dedicated to it is worth it. If the results are not as per the requirements and if the CISSP course taken up does not ensure the passing of the CISSP exam and CISSP certification, it will mean nothing. None of us wants to spend our hard-earned money and precious time on something that does not give a fruitful result.
- CISSP certification cost:
CISSP exam cost is based on location, and there are additional charges for rescheduling and canceling the examination. Let’s see the CISSP certification cost chart:
Standard Registration:
Asia Pacific: $749
Europe: EUR 665
United Kingdom: GBP 585
Middle East: $749
Africa: $749
America and all other countries not listed above: $749
Apart from the standard registration fees, there are additional fees for cancellation and rescheduling:
Cancellation fees: $100 or £70 or €80
Rescheduling fees: $50 or £35 or €40
- CISSP exam pattern and difficulty level
It is a must to know the pattern that the exam follows before preparing and appearing for one. Different certification exams have different ways. One must always be clear of the detailed information of the exam pattern that includes descriptive Type of questions and MCQs/MRQs, weightage of each question/section, negative markings, etc.
It is also important to understand the difficulty level of the exam and prepare as per that.
Thus, CISSP being a cyber security certification exam requires detailed information about all the requirements and criteria of the exam and the course preparing for the CISSP exam. Therefore, one must be fully aware of all the aforementioned factors before opting for the CISSP course and the CISSP certification.
After all, this certification is often a lifelong commitment for many cybersecurity professionals. Maintaining the CISSP goes way beyond passing the exam. It requires earning Continuous Professional Education (CPE) credits, ensuring that the skills are kept up to date, and showing employers and colleagues that one can be committed to their continued professional development.