ISC2 CISSP Certification

The CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification, offered by ISC2, is widely recognized as a gold standard for cybersecurity professionals. It validates your expertise in designing, implementing, and managing a robust cybersecurity program.

With its focus on technical and managerial aspects, CISSP is ideal for IT security leaders aiming to build careers in roles like Security Architect, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), or IT Director. Achieving this credential demonstrates a deep understanding of security best practices and industry standards across eight comprehensive domains.

Let’s explore why ISC2’s CISSP is one of the most sought-after certifications for cybersecurity professionals and how it can make you one of the highest paid in the cybersecurity field.

What is the CISSP Certification?

The CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification, offered by ISC2, is one of the most prestigious credentials in cybersecurity. It’s designed for experienced security professionals who manage and oversee the overall security posture of organizations.

CISSP is a vendor-neutral certification, which means the skills and knowledge it validates are applicable across various industries, technologies, and frameworks. It distinguishes professionals who understand both the technical and strategic aspects of security, making it a sought-after credential for leadership roles such as Security Architect, IT Director, and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

This certification covers a broad range of topics across eight domains, including risk management, network security, identity management, and software development security. By earning CISSP, you demonstrate expertise in designing, implementing, and managing enterprise cybersecurity programs.

Globally recognized and often a requirement for senior-level positions, CISSP is considered a career-defining milestone for cybersecurity professionals aiming to lead and shape security strategies in their organizations.

Prerequisites for the CISSP Certification

To earn the CISSP certification, candidates must fulfill specific experience and knowledge criteria established by ISC2. These prerequisites are in place to ensure that CISSP-certified professionals are well-equipped with the necessary skills and experience in cybersecurity practices.

Professional Experience Requirement

• Candidates need to have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in a minimum of two of the eight CISSP domains (as detailed in the exam content).

• ISC2 permits certain substitutions to lessen the experience requirement:

  o Obtaining a relevant degree (for instance, a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity) can waive one year of the experience needed.

  o Holding an approved certification, like CompTIA Security+ or CEH, may also qualify for a waiver.

Associate of ISC2 Option

For those who do not meet the experience criteria, ISC2 provides the opportunity to become an Associate of ISC2. This allows you to take the CISSP exam, and after passing, you have up to six years to fulfill the work experience requirement and achieve full certification.

Timing and Application

After candidates pass the CISSP exam and satisfy the experience requirement, they must submit an endorsement from a current CISSP-certified professional to validate their qualifications. These prerequisites are intended to ensure that CISSP holders have not only theoretical knowledge but also practical expertise in managing and securing information systems.

CISSP Certification Cost

Obtaining CISSP certification involves a financial commitment for both the exam and preparation materials. Here’s a detailed look at the associated costs:

Exam Fees

The fee for taking the CISSP exam varies based on your location:

• Standard Registration Fee: $749 USD worldwide.

• ISC2 members may benefit from discounts on retakes or other certification exams. Cyberkraftt offers a first pass guarantee with their CISSP Bootcamp – if you don’t pass on your first try, we’ll pay for your second.

Additional Costs

In addition to the exam fee, there are several optional expenses to keep in mind:

• Study Materials:

• Official ISC2 CISSP Study Guide: Roughly $60-$100.
• CISSP Practice Tests and Question Banks: $150-$300.

• Training Programs:

• Self-paced online courses typically range from $1,000 to $2,500.
• Instructor-led training or Bootcamps usually cost between $2,000 and $5,000.

• ISC2 Membership Fee: After passing the exam, you’ll need to pay an annual maintenance fee of $125 to maintain your certification and access ISC2 benefits.

Potential Savings

Joining ISC2 before registering for the exam can offer discounts on study materials and other certifications. Additionally, many employers reimburse certification expenses, so it’s advisable to check with your organization.

When you sign up for Cyberkraft’s CISSP Bootcamp, the exam fee is included and we also offer a first pass guarantee – if you don’t pass on your first attempt, we’ll pay for your second. Cyberkraft also offers official ISC2 training materials included in the Bootcamp.

While the CISSP certification entails a considerable financial investment, the long-term career advantages make it a valuable pursuit for cybersecurity professionals seeking leadership positions.

How Difficult is the CISSP Certification?

The CISSP certification is widely regarded as challenging due to its comprehensive content and emphasis on both technical and managerial aspects of cybersecurity. It is designed for experienced professionals and tests their ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Exam Structure

The CISSP exam is conducted in two formats depending on location:

• Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT): For most candidates, this version consists of 100-150 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 3 hours. The adaptive format adjusts question difficulty based on your performance.
• Linear Format: For candidates taking the exam in certain regions, this version consists of 250 questions with a time limit of 6 hours.

To pass, you need a minimum score of 700 out of 1,000 points, which represents a deep understanding of key concepts and domains.

Difficulty Level

• Broad Scope: The exam covers eight domains, each requiring detailed knowledge of cybersecurity principles and frameworks, such as NIST and ISO/IEC standards.
• Real-World Application: Questions often involve scenarios requiring critical thinking, rather than rote memorization.
• Time Pressure: Candidates must manage time effectively, particularly in the CAT format where unanswered questions automatically count as incorrect.

Preparation Requirements

Most candidates spend 4 to 6 months studying for the CISSP, dedicating at least 10-15 hours per week. Popular resources include ISC2’s official study guide, practice tests, and structured training programs.

Pass Rates

ISC2 does not publish official pass rates, industry experts estimate that approximately 20% of candidates pass on their first attempt, highlighting the exam’s difficulty. Proper preparation, including training through programs like Cyberkraft’s CISSP certification courses, can significantly improve your chances of success and with our first pass guarantee, you’re covered.

While demanding, the CISSP certification’s challenge ensures its credibility as a gold standard for cybersecurity professionals.

What Does the CISSP Certification Cover?

The CISSP certification spans eight domains, reflecting the diverse skill set required for cybersecurity professionals in leadership roles. Each domain focuses on critical areas of security knowledge and practices:

1. Security and Risk Management (15%)

This domain addresses the foundations of cybersecurity, including:

• Governance, risk, and compliance (GRC).
• Legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Business continuity planning and risk analysis.

2. Asset Security (10%)

Focuses on protecting organizational assets, including:

• Data classification and retention.
• Asset management strategies.

3. Security Architecture and Engineering (13%)

Covers designing secure systems and infrastructure, such as:

• Cryptography principles.
• Security models and frameworks.
• Secure design concepts.

4. Communication and Network Security (14%)

Centers on network architecture, transmission methods, and security, including:

• Secure network design.
• Threats to communication channels.

5. Identity and Access Management (IAM) (13%)

Focuses on user authentication and access control, including:

• Multi-factor authentication techniques.
• Identity lifecycle management.

6. Security Assessment and Testing (12%)

Addresses methods for evaluating system security:

• Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing.
• Security audits and reporting.

7. Security Operations (13%)

Covers maintaining security in operations:

• Incident management and disaster recovery.
• Logging and monitoring activities.

8. Software Development Security (10%)

Focuses on integrating security into the software development lifecycle:

• Secure coding practices.
• Application vulnerability management.

The distribution of weight ensures that professionals are well-rounded, capable of addressing strategic, operational, and technical security challenges. Mastery of these domains makes CISSP-certified individuals highly valuable in the industry.

Benefits of the CISSP Certification

The CISSP certification provides numerous advantages for cybersecurity professionals, including career growth, increased earning potential, and industry recognition.

1. Higher Salary Potential

CISSP-certified professionals are among the highest-paid in the cybersecurity field. According to the ISC2 Global Information Security Workforce Study and PayScale data:

• The average salary for CISSP-certified individuals ranges from $120,000 to $150,000 annually.
• Senior-level positions, such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), often exceed $180,000 per year.

2. Expanding Career Opportunities

CISSP certification is often a requirement for senior-level cybersecurity positions. Roles that commonly require or prefer CISSP include:

• Security Architect
• Cybersecurity Manager
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• IT Director

And if you work for the U.S. Federal Government the CISSP meets the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8570.1 and qualifies you for most federal cybersecurity roles.

3. Global Recognition

The CISSP certification is recognized and respected worldwide as a gold standard in cybersecurity. It validates both technical and managerial expertise, making it a versatile and valuable credential across industries such as finance, healthcare, and government.

4. Professional Credibility

Holding a CISSP certification demonstrates your commitment to high standards in cybersecurity. It provides employers with confidence in your ability to manage complex security programs and align them with organizational goals.

5. Long-Term Career Growth

CISSP-certified professionals have access to ISC2’s extensive member network, resources, and ongoing education programs. This membership fosters career development and keeps you up to date with the latest security trends.

By earning the CISSP certification, you position yourself as a leader in cybersecurity, capable of addressing both technical and strategic challenges at an organizational level.

Cyberkraft’s CISSP Certification Program

Cyberkraft’s CISSP certification programs are designed to guide professionals through the challenging CISSP journey with expert instruction, tailored learning resources, and proven strategies for success. We started Cyberkraft because of the poor quality of study materials in the industry.

Our training ensures candidates are well-prepared to pass the exam and excel in their cybersecurity careers.

1. Instructor-Led CISSP Certification Bootcamps

Cyberkraft’s live CISSP Bootcamps offer a structured, immersive learning experience. Key features include:

• Expert Instructors: 40 hours of live instruction led by ISC2-trained and certified instructors who provide actionable insights and real-world examples.
• Comprehensive Coverage: All eight CISSP domains are thoroughly addressed with a focus on exam readiness.
• Interactive Sessions: Opportunities for Q&A and hands-on exercises to solidify understanding.
• Official ISC2 CISSP Study Guide
• Official ISC2 CISSP Practice Exams
• Official PearsonVUE CISSP Exam Prep Course
• Access to two practice quizzes per domain to check your knowledge:
   – 20 questions per quiz for a total of 40 questions per domain (320 total questions)
• Five exams with 125 questions each that simulate the actual test
• Bonus course access to our self-paced CISSP course with 32 hours of high-definition video lessons
• Hands-on activities to teach you complex concepts like:
   – Cryptography
   – PKI
   – Networking
   – SIEM and log management
   – Network security
• Lifetime access to recorded sessions, practice tests, and the Cyberkraft community
• Fully paid exam voucher ($749 value)
• Exam preparation assistance from our top instructors
• Mobile access through the Cyberkraft App
• First-Time Pass Guarantee – if you don’t pass on the first attempt, we will pay for your second exam attempt

When you sign up, you’ll also receive a bonus subscription to the Cyberkraft Training Community. 

 2. CISSP Self-Paced Courses

For professionals who need flexibility, Cyberkraft’s self-paced CISSP certification programs offer the freedom to learn at your own pace:

• Video Lessons: 32 hours of on-demand HD video lessons that cover core CISSP concepts.
• Study Materials: Detailed guides and tools aligned with the CISSP exam objectives.
• Progress Tracking: Tools to monitor your study journey and ensure you stay on track.

• Two practice quizzes per domain (40 questions per domain for 320 total questions)
• Fully immersive lab environment with live instructor support
• Lifetime access to our cutting-edge CISSP lab
• Hands on experience with security assessments, vulnerability management, IAM, and cryptography
• Lifetime access to recorded video lessons
• Three simulation exams with 80 questions each
• Exam scheduling assistance
• Guided study sessions
• Official PearsonVUE CISSP Course
• 7-day full money-back guarantee

3. Proven Success Rates

Cyberkraft has a strong track record of helping candidates pass the CISSP exam on their first attempt. Our programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring participants are both test-ready and job-ready.

With Cyberkraft’s CISSP training program, candidates gain the tools and expertise needed to succeed in both the exam and their cybersecurity careers.

Get Your CISSP Certification Today

The ISC2 CISSP certification is the world’s premier cybersecurity certification and showcases your expertise in managing and securing organizational information systems. It’s the gold standard for cybersecurity professionals aiming to excel in leadership roles, combining technical knowledge with strategic vision across eight diverse domains.

Cyberkraft’s CISSP certification program provides the tools, resources, and guidance needed to succeed. Whether through immersive Bootcamps or flexible self-paced courses, Cyberkraft ensures candidates are well-prepared for the CISSP exam and equipped to advance their cybersecurity careers.

Your next step? Contact Cyberkraft today. Take charge of your career and enroll in one of Cyberkraft’s CISSP certification training programs today. Start your journey toward earning the CISSP certification and becoming a recognized leader in cybersecurity.