Certified Information Systems Security Professional

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an advanced level certification for IT professionals serious about careers in information security.

Offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, or (ISC)² (pronounced ISC-squared), this vendor neutral credential is recognized world-wide for its standards of excellence. CISSP credential holders are decision makers and possess expert knowledge and technical skills necessary to develop, guide, and then manage security standards, policies, and procedures within their organizations. The CISSP continues to be highly-sought after by IT professionals, well recognized by IT organizations, and a regular fixture on most-wanted or must-have security (and other) certification surveys.

CISSP is designed for experienced security professionals. A minimum of five-years experience in at least two of ISC2’s ten common body of knowledge (CBK) domains is required for this certification. CBK domains include Access Control, Application Development Security, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning, Cryptography, Information Security Governance and Risk Management, Legal Regulations, Compliance and Investigations, Operations Security, Physical Environmental Security, Security Architecture and Design, and Telecommunications and Network Security.

Pease note that the test domains are scheduled to change on January 1, 2012 so credential seekers will want to check the ISC2 Web site frequently for updates and the latest certification requirements. The cost of the exam is $599. Annual maintenance fees of $85 are required to maintain the credential along with 120 hours of Continuing Professional Education, or CPE, credits. At least 20 CPEs must be earned annually to maintain a current CISSP.

CISSP also offers three concentrations or “merit badges” targeting specific areas of interest in IT security: CISSP Architecture (CISSP-ISSAP), Engineering (CISSP-ISSEP) and Management (CISSP-ISSMP). Merit badge exams are $449 each and credential seekers must currently possess a valid CISSP. For more info on CISSP, ISSAP, ISSMP, and ISSEP credentials, visit: https://www.isc2.org/CISSP/Default.aspx.