CISSP Exam Prerequisites: Experience & Renewal Requirements

The CISSP certification is consistently one of the most sought-after qualifications among cybersecurity professionals. It's also one of the most sought-after credentials among cybersecurity employers. Individuals who complete the CISSP requirements may get the certification and advance to higher levels of professional responsibility in their area.

When you get your CISSP certification, you join an exclusive network of information security experts and have access to vital resources such as access to major industry conference registrations globally, among other things.

In this guide, I will explain information about CISSP certification criteria, including experience, recommended preparation durations, and CISSP exam prices.

What Is CISSP Certification?

The (ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional, also known as CISSP short, is a worldwide recognized benchmark for information security professionals and the gold standard in security certifications.

The CISSP training can help you cover all aspects of cybersecurity, including security and risk management, communication and network security, and security testing and operations. Although companies do not need this certification, it may increase individuals' earning capacity and help them qualify for advanced jobs in information security.

Below are some of the benefits, in my opinion, if you’re planning to get CISSP:

1. Boost Your Earning Potential: CISSP-certified IT experts are among the highest-paid in the business. Employers understand the rigorous procedure necessary to become a CISSP; the certificate is globally recognized.
2. Make Yourself a More Competitive Job Candidate: Including CISSP certification on your cybersecurity resume shows recruiters and companies that you are among the best prospects in the business.
3. Develop Your Cybersecurity Knowledge: Following certification, CISSPs must complete a certain number of continuing education credits. Continuing education in Cyber Security training contributes to the development of competence and ensures that CISSPs have up-to-date, relevant skills. This guarantees that the individual is well-versed in cybersecurity.

Requirements for CISSP Exam and Certification

The CISSP certification is a worldwide recognized information security credential. It denotes a high degree of knowledge and competence in creating, executing, and managing security programs to defend organizations from cyber threats. To get the CISSP certification requirements properly, I suggest applicants meet specific CISSP prerequisites and pass a thorough test. The following is a full description of the process of eligibility:

CISSP Certification Exam Eligibility Criteria

1. Required Work Experience

The first thing to consider is CISSP experience requirements so that you can get started:

• Candidates must have at least five years of paid full-time job experience in two or more of the eight CISSP CBK domains.
• This job experience should illustrate the implementation of security concepts and responsibilities in the real world.

2. Alternative Work Experience Options

• Candidates with a four-year college degree (or equivalent) may have one year of work experience.
• The degree must be from an approved university and may be in any subject.

3. CISSP Prerequisite Pathway

Candidates may satisfy one year of work experience via the CISSP Prerequisite Pathway by obtaining specifically recognized credentials.

These approved credentials might include:

• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

CISSP Experience Requirements

1. CISSP Domains

Candidates' job experience must be connected to at least two of the eight CISSP CBK domains listed below:

• Security and Risk Management
• Asset Security
• Security Architecture and Engineering
• Communication and Network Security
• Identity and Access Management (IAM)
• Security Assessment and Testing
• Security Operations
• Software Development Security

2. Demonstrating Practical Application

• Work experience in these fields should include duties and responsibilities directly relevant to information security.
• Candidates must show how they have used security concepts and best practices to secure systems, networks, data, and organizations.

3. Approved Credentials

A. CISSP Prerequisite Pathway

• Candidates with recognized credentials may use this method to meet one year of the five-year work experience requirement.
• Candidates with these certifications indicate that they already have knowledge and skills in information security.

B. Approved Credentials Examples

• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• And other certifications recognized by (ISC)².

4. Educational Prerequisites

 A. Work Experience Substitution

• Candidates with a four-year college degree (or its equivalent) can replace one year of work experience.
• As long as the degree is from an approved university, it may be in any subject of study.

B. CISSP Qualifications and Experience

• A degree demonstrates applicants' commitment to study and increases their overall qualifying for the CISSP certification.
• A degree in a similar discipline could help applicants better comprehend the security principles included in the test.

5. CISSP Endorsement Process

An endorsement form is an online form in which you supply critical information in numerous categories to indicate that you have the essential competence to qualify for the full CISSP certification. Below are some important CISSP endorsement. requirements according to my recent update:

A. Post-Exam Validation: After completing the CISSP test, applicants must complete the endorsement procedure as the last step toward CISSP certification.

B. CISSP Professional Endorsement

• An existing CISSP-certified professional must approve candidates as part of the endorsement procedure.
• The CISSP professional recommending the applicant acts as a reference who can verify and attest to the candidate's professional experience and credentials.

C. Endorser's Role

• The CISSP professional supporting the applicant certifies that the candidate's assertions about their job experience, competence, and adherence to the (ISC)2 Code of Ethics are true.
• The endorser is a reliable source who can confirm the candidate's eligibility for the certification.

D. Endorsement Form and Submission

• Candidates must fill out the endorsement form, which includes information about their job experience, credentials, and contact information.
• The endorser also completes their form section, attesting to the candidate's credentials.

E. Endorsement Portal Online

• (ISC)2 offers an online platform via which candidates and endorsers may digitally complete the endorsement process.
• The site simplifies the procedure and enables quick verification.

F. Audit Possibility

• Following endorsement submission, a specified proportion of candidates may be chosen for an audit.
• Candidates must offer additional documents to substantiate their professional experience and credentials if they are audited.

G. Certification Award

• Candidates are officially given the CISSP certification after the endorsement procedure has been completed and validated.
• Individuals who are certified receive access to a variety of perks, including recognition, networking opportunities, and professional progression in information security.

CISSP Renewal Requirements

No matter if you’re a CISSP certified or are eligible for the CISSP certification prerequisites, if you haven’t renewed it, there are no benefits. You must complete the following renewal criteria to keep your CISSP certification:

• Earn 120 CPE credits over three years:  This is a CISSP CPE requirement. Professional development activities that help you remain up to speed on the latest information security trends and best practices earn CPE credits. You can obtain these credits via various activities, including attending conferences, completing courses, and writing publications.
• Pay the annual maintenance cost: The yearly upkeep cost is $125. This charge contributes to the sustainability of (ISC)2's certification programs and resources.
• Maintain the (ISC)2 Code of Ethics: The (ISC)2 Code of Ethics is a set of principles that all CISSPs must adhere to. These values include acting honestly and honestly, preserving sensitive information, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

The (ISC)2 website allows you to renew your CISSP certification online. Typically, the renewal procedure takes roughly two weeks to complete.

Cost of Becoming a CISSP

Understanding the CISSP exam requirements and earning certification may provide several career advantages, but people should be aware of the fees involved with the certificate. Consider the following CISSP certification test expenses, any mandatory charges for preparation and renewal, and the required time commitment.

1. CISSP Certification Exam Prep Cost

Many organizations provide CISSP test preparation classes, with prices varying greatly. Include test prep expenditures, which may vary from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, in your CISSP budget. (ISC)2 provides a variety of test preparation techniques, including self-paced, instructor-led, and team-based choices. These services might cost more than $2,000.

Also, the best way is to invest in KnowledgeHut's CISSP certification course so that you can get started and build your career with minimal investment.

2. CISSP Certification Exam Cost

The CISSP examination costs $749. Individuals who complete CISSP test training courses may obtain vouchers from partner organizations.

3. Recertification Cost

Individuals must fulfil the CISSP renewal criteria every three years to keep their credentials. Each credential holder must obtain 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits during the three-year term. CPE costs might vary greatly. However, each certified person must pay a yearly $125 charge to (ISC)2.

CISSP Exam Details

1. Exam Format and Duration

• The CISSP exam is a CAT (computer-adaptive test). This implies that the complexity of the questions you are presented will change depending on your prior performance.
• The test lasts 6 hours and includes 250 multiple-choice questions.
• Twenty-five pre-test questions do not contribute to your overall score.
• You'll have 4 hours to answer the first 100 questions and 2 hours to answer the remaining 150.
• You may mark questions for later review and return to them.
• You may also modify your responses to previously answered questions.

2. Exam Duration

The CISSP test lasts 6 hours. This involves reading the instructions, taking the pre-test questions, and reviewing your answers.

3. Exam Registration

The (ISC)2 website allows you to register for the CISSP test online. The registration costs $599. You must satisfy the following prerequisites to enroll for the CISSP exam:

• You must have a bachelor's degree in information security or similar professional experience.
• You must have five years of paid job experience in at least two of the eight CISSP areas.
• You must pass the CISSP.

Wrapping Up

Reading this guide helped you understand the ISC)2 CISSP requirements. You would also have to understand the test domains and their weights. Staying up to speed on these developments is critical for test preparation. I wish you success on your test! If you want to learn more about the certification or if you want to acquire the most sophisticated cybersecurity certificate, here is the place to start.