CISSP Explained
Learn all you need to know about CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), including how to get certified, the benefits of CISSP and exam preparation.
Benefits of CISSP
CISSPs denote expertise, in-depth knowledge and an understanding of critical components to a particular process or area. That explains why certified holders are standing out from their peers, in terms of increased salary and career advancement.
What is CISSP?
CISSP, the gold standard in cybersecurity certifications, helps you stand out as a specialist. The benefits of certification are many, including:
- Career opportunities and advancement
- Higher salaries
- Recognition
- Broad and fundamental knowledge of cybersecurity
- Credibility
- Self-confidence
- Connection between business and cybersecurity
- Trust and confidence from your business partners
- Membership in a strong peer network
Why choose CISSP?
*97k vacancies – a third of all US cyber vacancies, requested CISSP cert - job roles include.
- Security consultants
- Cybersecurity specialists
- Security managers
- Cybersecurity engineers
- Security analysts
- Cybersecurity architects
- Chief information security officers
- Security auditors
*US CISSP demand is expected to grow by 33% from 2020 to 2030 which is rated as “much faster than average”.
Benefits of CISSP for businesses
CISSP benefits for the organisation
- Secure the organisation’s critical data - Strengthen the security posture with qualified professionals who have proven expertise to competently design, build and maintain a secure business environment.
- Increase overall cybersecurity IQ - Implement the latest security best practices. Improve cybersecurity coherence across the organisation. Ensure professionals speak the same language across disciplines and have cross-department perspective.
- Instant respect and credibility - Increase organisational integrity in the eyes of clients and other stakeholders.
- Satisfy requirements - Meet certification mandates for service providers and subcontractors.
- Stay current - Ensure work teams are up to date on emerging and evolving technologies, threats and mitigation strategies by meeting ISC2 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements.
- Governance, Risk and Compliance - Comply with government or industry regulations (DoD 8140.01/8570.01 approved).
Benefits of CISSP for individuals
- Instant credibility and differentiation - Positioned as an authority figure on cybersecurity, proving proficiency to keep up with new technologies, developments and threats. Quickly conveys knowledge and inspires trust.
- Unique recognition - The highest standard for cybersecurity expertise. It’s vendor-neutral, accredited and requires both practical knowledge and professional experience to earn.
- Enhanced knowledge and skill set - Advanced knowledge and skills to stay ahead of cybersecurity best practices, evolving technologies and mitigation strategies.
- Versatility - Vendor-neutral and multivendor knowledge can be applied across different technologies and methodologies, increasing marketability and ensuring ability to protect sensitive data in a global environment.
- Career advancement - Raises visibility and credibility, improves job security and creates new job opportunities.
- Increased salary opportunities - Depending on country and employer. On average, ISC2 members report having 35% higher salaries than non-members.
Mastering CISSP
The ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is one of the most recognised and respected certifications for cybersecurity professionals. Especially if you’re looking to establish credibility in the field or elevate your expertise, CISSP can be a career defining achievement.
What does CISSP cover?
It’s not just about technical know-how, CISSP covers a broad spectrum of security topics, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. It focuses on eight domains of cybersecurity, which collectively cover the breadth of the profession:
- Security and Risk Management – Establishing the foundations of information security and managing risk.
- Asset Security – Safeguarding assets through policies, standards, and controls.
- Security Architecture and Engineering – Implementing secure architecture, cryptography, and engineering processes.
- Communication and Network Security – Protecting information as it travels across networks.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM) – Controlling and monitoring access to systems and data.
- Security Assessment and Testing – Ensuring security controls are effective through regular testing.
- Security Operations – Managing security operations, incident response, and disaster recovery.
- Software Development Security – Incorporating security into the software development lifecycle.
These domains make CISSP a holistic certification, covering not just technical security controls but also governance, risk management, and operational aspects of security.
Why is CISSP important?
- CISSP-certified professionals ensure comprehensive security and compliance, enhancing a company’s reputation and building client trust.
- They possess the expertise to manage evolving cyber threats and address specific challenges, making them valuable assets.
- CISSP is globally recognised, ensuring leadership in cybersecurity and aligning security strategies with business goals.
- Employers value CISSP holders for their ability to lead security programmes, conduct risk assessments, and implement compliance measures.
- CISSP certification opens doors to higher salaries, leadership roles, and networking opportunities, while playing a key role in shaping the future of cybersecurity.
Exam Preparation
ISC2 have established eligibility requirements to sit for the CISSP exam, candidates need at least five years of paid, full-time work experience in two or more of the CISSP domains. However, a degree in computer science or a related certification can waive one year of this requirement.
Study Resources
Given the depth and breadth of topics covered, preparing for CISSP requires thorough study and commitment.
QA offers official ISC2 CISSP training either vILT and e-learning, with additional study resources within the QA group platform. These programs are often designed for working professionals, balancing hands-on learning with theoretical study.
QA has long been and Official ISC2 partner, we provide official courseware, study guides, practice exams with every official CISSP training course. These resources are tailored to align with the exam’s objectives.
- Practice Exams: The CISSP exam is known for its challenging, scenario-based questions. Practice exams are a valuable resource to familiarise yourself with the exam’s format and improve your critical thinking skills.
- Community Engagement: Engaging with the cybersecurity community, through forums, Meetups, or professional networks, these can help you stay motivated and gather insights from others who have completed the certification.
CISSP Exam Tricks & Tips
Understand the Domains: The CISSP exam tests not just your knowledge but your ability to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. Ensure that you fully understand each domain and its practical implications.
Focus on Risk Management: A significant portion of the exam focuses on risk management and governance. Ensure you’re familiar with risk assessment processes, security governance frameworks, and compliance mandates.
Think Like a Manager: CISSP is aimed at security managers and leaders, so approach the exam with a strategic mindset. The questions often require you to think about how to align security with business objectives, manage teams, and assess risks.
The CISSP Exam
The CISSP exam is included with your QA official ISC2 CISSP certification, always taken post class, it consists of 100-150 questions, and candidates have up to three hours to complete it.
The questions are multiple-choice, and the exam uses a Computerised Adaptive Testing (CAT) format, meaning the difficulty adjusts based on your performance. To pass, candidates must score 700 out of 1,000 points. The CISSP exam covers all eight domains, but the weight of each domain varies.
Security and Risk Management carries the most weight, while Software Development Security carries the least. Understanding this breakdown can help you prioritise your study efforts accordingly.
After Certification
Once you’ve earned your CISSP certification, it’s important to maintain it.
CISSP certification holders are required to earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits over a three-year period.
To maintain your certification, you must earn 120 CPE credits and pay an annual maintenance fee. This ensures that CISSP holders stay current in the field and continue to contribute to the profession. CPE activities can include attending security conferences, taking additional security courses, contributing to research, or even mentoring others in the field.
Keeping up with these activities not only helps maintain your certification but also ensures that you’re constantly evolving as a cybersecurity professional.
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