Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Why do you need to certify?

The fundamental purpose of any professional certification program is to offer an independent, dependable assessment of the knowledge and skills comprehension required for having an edge in performing a professional role. This assessment, like any other, is typically accomplished by the successful completion of the given examination.

What benefit(s) can you get from having a CISSP?

There are many ways in which CISSP can help you as a professional, such as:

• Validate your established competence achieved through the many years of your experience in Information security
• Establish your knowledge, skills, and abilities in your work processes to effectively generate a complete security program in accordance to globally accepted standards
• Distinguish yourself from other candidates for desirable job opportunities in today’s growing demand of system security professionals within the Information security market
• Attest your commitment to the roles and responsibilities and current relevancy through continuing education and understanding of the most up-to-date best practices
• Tap to a limitless number of valuable career assets, which includes networking and exchange of ideas among other certified professionals

How can you get your CISSP Certification?

Because obtaining a sense of eligibility in your work profession is vital, here are some steps to help you become a CISSP:

1. Acquired the Needed Experience

   The following experience requirements have to be met prior to applying as a participant on the CISSP examination:

   • Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years cumulative paid full-time work experience in two or more of the 8 domains of the (ISC)² CISSP CBK. 
   • Candidates may obtain a one year experience waiver with a 4-year college degree, or regional equivalent or additional credential from the (ISC)² approved list, therefore requiring four years of direct full-time professional security work experience in 2 or more of the 8 domains of the CISSP CBK.

2. Study for the Exam

   MITS offers a comprehensive training program that covers all the aspects of CISSP. We provide participants with their needed knowledge and training to prepare them for the said exam. With our expert instructor, simulations, active learning practices, activities and real-work situational challenges, MITS guides, motivates, and equips participants with deep insights to the scope of CISSP and allow them to be fully confident in taking the exam.

   Aside from taking a training seminar for the CISSP, there are also other ways for you to study for the exam, such as:

   • Buy the textbook, the Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP CBK
   • Buy the study guide, the Official (ISC)2 CISSP Study Guide
   • Study some engaging Flashcards

3. Schedule the CBT Exam
   You can schedule your exam by using these guidelines:

   • Create an account at Pearson Vue and schedule your exam. Please take note that the CISSP exam is offered in English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, and Visually Imapired. You may select your preferred exam language.
   • Submit a completed Examination Agreement as an authentication of your assertions regarding the required professional experience and as a legal commitment to the devotion of the (ISC)2Code of Ethics.
   • Review the Candidate Background Questions for further information.
   • Pay the required examination fee.

   The examination is held for 6 hours, with 250 questions of multiple choice and advanced innovative questions.

4. Pass the Exam
   To pass the CISSP examination, you must have a scaled score of 700 points (out of the total 1000 points) or higher.

5. Complete the Endorsement Procedures
   Successful examinees are notified and will be required to subscribe to the (ISC)2 Code of Ethics and have your application endorsed before the credential can be awarded. For this purpose, an endorsement form must be completed and signed by an (ISC)2 certified professional who is an active member, and who is able to warranty your professional experience. With the endorsement time limit, it is necessary for you to become certified within nine months of the date of your exam. Otherwise, you will become an Associate of (ISC)2. However, if you do not become certified or an Associate of (ISC)2 within the said time limit, you will be required to retake the exam in order to become certified.

   (ISC)2 can play the role as an endorser for you if you fail to find a certified professional to act as one.

6. Maintain the CISSP certification
   To individuals who already have a CISSP certification, you need to recertify every 3 years by meeting all renewal requirements that include the following:

   • Earn and submit a minimum of 40 continuing professional education (CPE) credits each year within the 3-year certification cycle, and a total of 120 CPE credits by the end of the 3-year certification cycle.
   • For certified professionals who hold one or more concentrations, CPE credits passed for the CISSP Concentration(s) will be considered toward the annual minimum CPE credits as needed for the CISSP.
   • Pay the annual maintenance fee (AMF) of $85 per year of the 3-year certification for a total cycle.
   • Commit and follow the (ISC)2 Code of Ethics.