CISSP stands for Certified Information Systems Security Professional, created by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2 in 1991. It is one of the most sought-after and globally recognized certifications in the IT security domain. The CISSP certification tests your knowledge and ability to establish and lead an information security program.
The CISSP is a daunting test, even with the recent changes. Focusing on a total of 100 questions long enough is not an easy task.
This certification is suitable for professionals in the intermediate level of their career like:
- Security consultants
- Security managers
- Managers
- IT Directors
- Architects
- Security Auditors
- Security system engineers
- CIOs
- Network architects.
The prerequisites required for taking this prestigious certification are:
- You will require a minimum of five years of full-time professional work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP.
An individual with less than five years of experience will get the (ISC)² associate title. The registration fee or CISSP certification cost is USD 699.
At the end of the CISSP course, you will be able to:
- Explicate the architecture, design, and security management of your company.
- Acquire the related knowledge and skills to become a qualified CISSP certified professional.
- Develop working knowledge in the eight domains recommended by the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK)
- Learn about Access Control Systems, Security, and Methodology of Software.
- Optimise of Security Operations
Why Is CISSP Certification Difficult?
The CISSP certification exam has a reputation for being challenging and terrifying. Another factor determining the difficulty level of this certification is that it doesn’t involve any real-time experience.
In addition to covering multiple domains, the CISSP training exam has a unique format. The question pattern can be challenging and hard to comprehend. The multiple choices presented are confusing, and you may quickly get confused in selecting the correct option.
Benefits Of CISSP Certification
The CISSP training is one of the most prestigious courses offered in the IT security domain. The following are the advantages associated with this certification:
- This international certification course gives you global recognition.
- This certification gives you the technical knowledge, ability, and expertise to develop a holistic security program.
- It gives your career the added advantage by making you stand out from the other IT security professionals.
- The CISSP certification will upsell and validate your skills and competence gained through years of experience in the arena of cyber security.
- It shows the organisation your capability of developing information security policies, standards, and procedures.
- It gives you added benefits like a free subscription to InfoSecurity Professional Magazine, 50% of (ISC)2 textbooks, webinars, digital badges to showcase expertise.
- Study of Global Information Security shows that professionals with the CISSP certification earn 25% more than their non-certified counterparts.
Tips To Pass the CISSP Certification on Your First Try
The difficulty associated with the CISSP certification is because of its breadth and magnitude of technical knowledge required to pass.
The following steps and tricks will ensure you complete your certification exam in your first attempt:
1. Knowing and understanding the exam
The first step is to ensure that you form a basic understanding of the exam and its pattern.
2. Get familiar with the CISSP language
It is imperative to understand the terms associated with CISSP. You should start your preparation by covering each domain in the study guide and understanding the exam’s language, question content, and concepts CISSP aim to teach.
3. Access multiple study sources
There are many study guides available online covering all the domains. Using these and online practice exams will familiarise you with the exam pattern and the type of questions asked.
4. Group study sessions
Boot Camp and study circles ensure that you clear your basic concepts of CISSP. Group discussions are helpful because it helps you in reviewing the domains with your peers and talking about the concepts you don’t understand.
5. Manage your time wisely
Allocate yourself a certain amount of time daily for your CISSP preparation. Since the exam does not support a domain-wise weightage, you need to divide your time between each domain smartly. Make a study plan and stick to it wisely.
6. Online training
These days, there are various online training and classes available to help you round off your preparation and complete this certification exam. For a nominal CISSP exam cost, you can clear this certification exam on your first try with flying colors.
The CISSP is a challenging and rewarding experience for anyone with a requirement of 5 years of experience. It will test even the most seasoned security professionals. You will be somewhat familiar with many topics, making you versatile security professional. Prepare well, and passing the exam should be easy.