CISSP

Overview

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is the world's premier cybersecurity management certification. Maintained by ISC2, it demonstrates expert knowledge across all aspects of information security.

CISSP is often called the "MBA of cybersecurity" because it:

• Covers security from a strategic perspective
• Requires significant work experience
• Opens doors to leadership positions
• Is recognized globally across industries

Who Should Get This Certification?

CISSP is designed for experienced security professionals:

• Security Managers overseeing security programs
• Security Architects designing enterprise security
• IT Directors with security responsibilities
• Security Consultants advising organizations
• CISOs and aspiring CISOs

Experience requirement: 5 years in 2+ of the 8 CISSP domains. A 4-year degree substitutes 1 year.

Exam Format

The CISSP CAT (Computerized Adaptive Testing) exam:

• 100-150 questions (adaptive format)
• 3 hours maximum
• Passing score: 700 out of 1000
• English exam is adaptive; other languages have 225 questions in 6 hours

Study Timeline

The 8 CISSP Domains

1. Security and Risk Management - Governance, compliance, business continuity
2. Asset Security - Data classification, retention, privacy
3. Security Architecture - Design principles, cryptography
4. Network Security - Secure network architecture, protocols
5. IAM - Access control, identity management
6. Security Testing - Audits, vulnerability assessments
7. Security Operations - Incident response, disaster recovery
8. Software Security - Secure SDLC, application security

Career Impact

CISSP is among the highest-paying IT certifications:

• Average salary: $131,000 (US)
• 38% salary premium over non-certified peers
• Required for many senior security roles
• Often listed as "required" or "strongly preferred" in job postings