The CISSP Journey: From Novice To Certified Expert in 6 Steps

Career advancement in the challenging world of cybersecurity will require obtaining certifications. Without them, IT professionals can be stuck without any room for career growth. Many choose to take the CISSP exam to gain recognition as a cybersecurity expert. The exam is known to be difficult. However, with the proper preparation and dedication to study, it is an achievable goal.

The journey to becoming a Certified Information Systems Security Professional begins with a desire to know all there is about cybersecurity. This quest for knowledge leads many to the CISSP exam. With a bit of mental elbow grease, obtaining this highly respected certification can be yours.

The 6 Steps to Becoming a Certified Cybersecurity Expert

Those employed in the exciting field of cybersecurity can easily advance their careers by obtaining certifications. They’re necessary qualifications for the higher paying and more desirable upper-office positions in the world of IT. Without certifications, career opportunities shrink and become out of reach. Fortunately, those with a lust for cybersecurity can go from novice to expert in 4 steps. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Meet CISSP Exam Prerequisites

Not everyone is eligible to become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional. The organization that administers the exam, ISC2, has some prerequisites to obtaining this certification. To be eligible, candidates must:

• Have a four-year college degree or their country’s equivalent
• Have at least five years of employment in at least two of the CISSP eight domains of the Common Body of Knowledge

Step 2: Exam Preparation

The CISSP exam is known to be vast and particularly difficult due to the enormous amount of information covered. To receive a passing grade, candidates must prove their knowledge of all eight domains and how they are interconnected. With so much knowledge required, passing the CISSP exam without adequate preparation would be foolish. Moreover, text anxiety can also influence the final outcome for those who come to the exam unprepared.

CISSP masterclasses are a candidate’s best option when it comes to pre-exam preparation. They cover all of the information necessary to ace the exam and do very well at pointing out an applicant’s weaknesses. This gives them the knowledge of where they need to focus their studies. By using flashcards, video explanations, and one-on-one mentoring, a CISSP masterclass has all the benefits to ensure a passing grade.

Step 3: Register for the Exam

Most who are interested in certification give themselves a minimum of 3 months to prepare before taking the CISSP exam. The test is administered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, or ISC2 for short. Interested parties will need to create an ISC2 account before registering for the exam.

It’s important to note that when creating an ISC2 account and registering for the exam, you’ll need to enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your ID. Failure to do so could prevent you from taking the exam.

Step 4: The Endorsement Process

Upon completion of the exam and receiving a passing grade, ISC2 requires proof that you have the necessary work requirements to become certified. The endorsement application must be signed by an ISC2-certified professional. If you don’t know one personally, ISC2 can enforce the document for you.

Step 5: Pay the CISSP Annual Maintenance Fee

Once your endorsement application has been verified and accepted by the ISC2, you’ll be notified by email that you can pay for the first Annual Maintenance Fee which will officially begin your membership as an ISC2 member.

Step 6: Continue Your Cybersecurity Education

To maintain your certification and membership status with the ISC2, you’ll need to continue your cybersecurity education. ISC2 requires certificate holders to earn a minimum of 120 continuing professional education credits (CPE) every three years. The learning doesn’t stop once you’ve passed the CISSP exam. To maintain your expert status, continuing your professional education is required.

From Cybersecurity Novice to Certified Expert: CISSP Steps Explained

The best way to open up your cybersecurity career options is to obtain an ISC2 certification. Many in the world of IT choose to take the CISSP exam to become certified. The process to do so is straightforward, however, the exam is a difficult one to master. To pass, one must first prepare.

Before taking the difficult CISSP exam, smart test-takers first enroll in a CISSP masterclass. They’ll cover everything needed to pass the exam and will highlight a candidate’s weaknesses, giving them the knowledge of what they’ll need to focus on.