A Beginners Guide to CISSP Certification

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is a highly respected credential in the cybersecurity field, recognized globally for validating an individual's expertise in information security.  It was developed by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)².

CISSP certification demonstrates proficiency in designing, implementing, and managing effective cybersecurity programs across various domains, including risk management, network security, and asset protection. This article will provide an overview of the CISSP certification for beginners.

The cost of the CISSP certification exam is USD 749, and if we include the training fees for the exam the total CISSP certification cost can go as high as USD 3000.  The cost of CISSP certification in India is INR 57,129, and with a training course, the CISSP cost can be INR 1,50,000.

To prepare for valuable certification like CISSP, candidates should do a thorough preparation, or else it would be a waste of money. Let's quickly understand the CISSP exam first by looking at some basic information about the exam.

CISSP Exam Overview

The CISSP exam is one of the few validated cybersecurity certification exams, which provides skill validation across the globe. Any person clearing the CISSP exam is considered a trained expert in cybersecurity. Before preparing for the CISSP certification exam, one should know about the CISSP exam format.

The CISSP exam format is important for better preparation. The table below shows all the important points about the CISSP exam:

Now that we know the basic information about the CISSP exam, let's look at the CISSP examination from a financial point of view and look at the cost of CISSP certification and recertification.

What is the CISSP Exam Cost?

For the recertification, CISSP doesn't need you to clear an exam but the CISSP-certified professionals should pay the annual maintenance fees (AMF) of USD 125  to ISC² to keep their certification.

Additionally, certified professionals must earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to keep their certification active, requiring a total of 120 CPE credits every three years, with a minimum of 20 credits earned each year.

Are You Eligible for the CISSP Exam? 

Before going to the website and registering for the exam, you should always check if you fulfill the CISSP eligibility criteria:

● Work Experience: Minimum of five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains.

● Domains: Experience must cover areas such as Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, and Security Architecture and Engineering.

● Education Waiver: One year of experience can be waived if you hold a four-year degree or an approved certification.

● Internships: Paid and unpaid internships can count towards the experience requirement.

● Associate Option: Candidates without sufficient experience can take the exam to become an Associate of (ISC)², allowing up to six years to gain the required experience.

 ● Approved Credentials: Holding specific certifications, such as AWS Certified Security, CISM, CISA, CompTIA Security+, and OSCP, among others, can satisfy up to one year of required experience. 

For detailed information check our article on CISSP certification Requirements.

If you seek to achieve the certification and live CISSP training online then feel free to contact our learning advisors. 

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What to Study for the CISSP Exam? 

The syllabus of the CISSP exam covers domains of Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Communication and Network Security, Identity and Access Management (IAM), etc. There are 8 core domains for CISSP certification which cover all necessary concepts for clearing the exam.

The people eligible for the CISSP certification should efficiently prepare for the exam by studying these concepts:

1. Security and Risk Management: Covers information security governance, risk management, compliance, and ethical practices. Focuses on understanding organizational security policies and applying risk management strategies. 

2. Asset Security: Focuses on protecting information assets, including data classification, handling requirements, and data privacy best practices to ensure proper security controls are in place. 

3. Security Architecture and Engineering: Deals with designing and implementing secure architectures, including understanding hardware, software, and cryptographic solutions, and ensuring systems are resilient against attacks. 

4. Communication and Network Security: Involves securing networks, communication channels, and network components through the design, implementation, and management of security controls like firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems. 

5. Identity and Access Management (IAM): Covers managing identities, access controls, and authentication mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the correct resources. 

6. Security Assessment and Testing: Focuses on designing, performing, and analyzing security assessments, vulnerability testing, penetration testing, and audit processes to identify security weaknesses. 

7. Security Operations: Involves managing and responding to security incidents, disaster recovery, and day-to-day security operations, including monitoring, logging, and incident response. 

8. Software Development Security: Ensures secure software development practices, including understanding application vulnerabilities, software lifecycle management, and integrating security into coding and software design.  

After knowing the exam syllabus for CISSP certification, you must be wondering about importance of each domain. The next section explains the importance of each domain with their weightage in exam.

CISSP Exam Blueprint

Now that we know the concepts we need to study for the CISSP certification exam, let's look at the CISSP exam blueprint which shows the weightage of each domain in the exam:

As we can see from the table, security and risk management is the most important domain having a weightage of 16%. 

Using the CISSP blueprint for the exam, you can easily create a revision plan and focus on the most weighted domains first.

Best Course for CISSP Certification

UniNet's CISSP certification training course is the best affordable course available online. It is an online live class for CISSP exam preparation where students are taught up-to-date concepts with practicals on 24x7 available CISSP virtual labs.

The live class provides you with a disciplined learning experience where you can learn with your peers and solve your doubts. The course also provides learning material and mentorship to help students in their preparation.

Learning from certified and experienced cybersecurity professionals with help you pass the CISSP exam on your first attempt.

CISSP Recertification

For maintaining certifications with ISC², the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, which is known for certifying cybersecurity professionals. This system ensures that certified professionals stay updated with the latest industry standards and knowledge. 

To reinstate a suspended ISC2 certification, certified members and associates must submit any outstanding Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits and settle any overdue Annual Maintenance Fees (AMFs). ISC2 provides a 90-day grace period at the end of the certification cycle to fulfill these requirements.  

A certification may remain in suspension for up to two consecutive years. If the suspension extends beyond two years, the member’s certification will be terminated, and all associated membership rights will be revoked. To regain certification, terminated members will need to retake and pass the relevant examination. 

CISSP Exam Hacks 

For people preparing for the CISSP exam, these exam tips and hacks will help you clear the examination on the first attempt.

● Arrival: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to complete the check-in process, which includes presenting two forms of ID, providing a signature, undergoing a palm vein scan, and having your photo taken. Personal items are not allowed in the testing room and must be stored in secure lockers. You’ll also need to read and sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before the exam begins. 

● Familiarize Yourself with Computerized Adaptive Test: ISC2 uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) for all CISSP exams worldwide. The CISSP CAT is a more precise and efficient evaluation of your competency 

● Understand Exam Objectives: Familiarize yourself with the CISSP exam objectives and the eight domains of the CISSP CBK. Focus your studies on areas where you have less experience.  

● Use Official Materials: Leverage official study guides, practice exams, and training courses from (ISC)² and reputable sources to align with the exam content.  

● Practice Time Management: During the exam, pace yourself to ensure all questions are answered. Allocate time-based on the weight and difficulty of each domain.  

● Address Weak Areas: Identify and prioritize topics you struggle with using practice exams. Use flashcards and mnemonic devices to reinforce key concepts.  

● Simulate Exam Conditions: Take practice exams under real exam conditions to become accustomed to the format and pressure, reducing anxiety.  

● Review Performance: Analyze your practice exam results to identify improvement areas, and reinforce your knowledge with additional study and peer discussions.  

● Stay Calm: On exam day, trust your preparation. Focus on each question individually, marking difficult ones for later review.  

● Take Care of Yourself: Ensure you’re well-rested, nourished, and hydrated. Arrive early to the testing center to minimize stress. 

● Prepare with Courses: While hands-on experience is crucial for passing the CISSP exam, taking additional courses can enhance your skills.

Is CISSP Certification Worth it?

Yes, CISSP certification is worth all your time and hard work. It is one of the most relevant cybersecurity certifications in 2024-2025. Here are some of the key factors showing the worth of CISSP certification:

● Salary Potential: CISSP-certified professionals earn competitive salaries, averaging $128,000 annually in the U.S.

● Career Outlook: High demand for CISSP holders with a projected job growth of 10% in computing occupations from 2022 to 2032.

● Career Progression: CISSP certification opens doors to advanced roles, from Security Analyst to CISO, reflecting increased responsibility and higher salaries.

● Globally Recognition: Enhances job opportunities worldwide.

CISSP Certification Cost- Summing Up!!

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in cybersecurity and information security management. Achieving CISSP certification validates your knowledge across a broad range of security domains, equipping you to effectively manage and mitigate security risks within organizations. 

Here are some key takeaways from the article:

● Exam Cost: The CISSP exam fee is approximately $749.

● Course Fees: Training costs range from $300 to $3,200, depending on the provider and format:

● Preparation Time: Candidates should expect to invest 50 to 70 hours in preparation, which can be considered a hidden cost.

● Recertification Costs: After three years, CISSP holders must earn 40 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits annually and pay an annual maintenance fee of $125.

Hope this article cleared all of your doubts about the CISSP certification. You can check more of our blogs on CISSP certification and share your feedback in the comments below.