(ISC)²: ISC2 Certification Guide
International Information Security Certification Consortium (ISC)² or ISC2
The worldwide integration and use of the internet in the late ’80s and early ’90s led to a meaningful discussion about the need to secure information shared in cyberspace. The many contributing voices to this discussion meant developing a standardized set of rules for studying and applying security measures.
In the mid-1980s, a need arose for a standardized and vendor-neutral certification program that provided structure and demonstrated competence; several professional societies recognized that certification programs attesting to the qualifications of information security personnel were desperately needed.
Recognizing these needs, the International Information System Security Certification Consortium was formed as a non-profit organization specializing in educating and certifying professionals working on information security.
Today, ISC2 has become the world’s largest IT security organization, and its certifications are respected globally.
The Benefits of an ISC2 Certification
Cybersecurity professionals can benefit from participating in the ISC2 certification program. Aside from the knowledge to be gained, many other benefits will be explored in the coming paragraphs.
Benefits to IT Professionals
The Benefits to Corporate Organizations
ISC2 Certification: An Overview
The entire ISC2 certification program is built on the backs of seven core disciplines in information security. These certificate programs were developed with professionals and IT security practitioners working in the cybersecurity niche. The seven professional certification programs include:
The first step to becoming certified is obtaining your SSCP credentials; this grants you the status of an Associate ISC2 professional and is one of the crucial prerequisites to get a specialized certificate. It is also important to note that the same certification path applies to CAP, CSSLP, or CISSP. Professionals with these credentials fall under the Associate of the ISC2 umbrella.
Certified in Cybersecurity, CC
The CC certification will demonstrate to employers that you have the foundational knowledge of industry terminology, network security, security operations, and policies and procedures necessary for an entry-level or junior-level cybersecurity role. It will signal your understanding of fundamental security best practices, policies, and systems and your willingness and ability to learn more and grow on the job.
Ideal for:
If you want to join a dynamic and rewarding workforce, get Certified in Cybersecurity and demonstrate to employers that you have the foundational knowledge and passion to join their team. This certification is ideal for:
Why Pursue It:
Experience Required:
Systems Security Certified Practitioner, SSCP
A global IT security certification. The SSCP recognizes your hands-on, technical abilities and practical experience. It shows you have the skills to implement, monitor, and administer IT infrastructure using information security policies and procedures, ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Ideal for:
Why Pursue It:
Experience Required:
Certified Information Systems Security Professional, CISSP
The most esteemed cybersecurity certification in the world. The CISSP recognizes information security leaders who understand cybersecurity strategy and hands-on implementation. It shows you have the knowledge and experience to design, develop, and manage the overall security posture of an organization.
Ideal for:
Why Pursue It:
Experience Required:
Information Systems Security Architecture Professional, CISSP-ISSAP
Elite, specialized credentials that build upon the CISSP. These are optional pursuits for CISSPs who wish to prove their subject matter mastery. The CISSP Concentrations recognize your evolving information security architecture, engineering, or management expertise. As a CISSP-ISSAP, you demonstrate your expertise in developing, designing, and analyzing security solutions. You also excel at giving risk-based guidance to senior management to meet organizational goals.
Ideal for:
Why Pursue It:
Experience Required:
Information Systems Security Engineering Professional, CISSP-ISSEP
Elite, specialized credentials that build upon the CISSP. These are optional pursuits for CISSPs who wish to prove their subject matter mastery. The CISSP Concentrations recognize your evolving expertise in information security architecture, engineering, or management. As a CISSP-ISSEP, you can practically apply systems engineering principles and processes to develop secure systems.
Ideal for:
Why Pursue It:
Experience Required:
Information Systems Security Management Professional, CISSP-ISSMP
Elite, specialized credentials that build upon the CISSP. These are optional pursuits for CISSPs who wish to prove their subject matter mastery. The CISSP Concentrations recognize your evolving expertise in information security architecture, engineering or management. As a CISSP-ISSMP, you excel at establishing, presenting, and governing information security programs. You also demonstrate deep management and leadership skills.
Ideal for:
Why Pursue It:
Experience Required:
Governance, Risk and Compliance Certification, CGRC
Capitalize on the rising demand for Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) expertise by earning the CGRC certification. The CGRC is a proven way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to integrate governance, performance management, risk management, and regulatory compliance within your organization.
CGRC professionals utilize frameworks to integrate security and privacy within organizational objectives, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding data security, compliance, supply chain risk management, and more.
Ideal for:
The CGRC is ideal for IT, information security, and information assurance practitioners who work in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) roles and d to understand, apply, nee and implement a risk management program for IT systems within an organization, including positions like:
Why Pursue It:
Experience Required:
Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional, CSSLP
A global, vendor-neutral certification to recognize those with leading software and application security skills. The CSSLP recognizes your expertise and ability to incorporate security practices — authentication, authorization, and auditing — into each phase of the SDLC.
Ideal for:
Why Pursue It:
Experience Required:
Certified Cloud Security Professional, CCSP
The premier cloud security certification. It is one of the hottest certifications on the market today. The CCSP recognizes IT and information security leaders with the knowledge and competency to apply best practices to cloud security architecture, design, operations, and service orchestration. It shows you’re at the forefront of cloud security.
Ideal for:
Why Pursue It:
Experience Required:
The Salary Advantages of Obtaining an ISC2 Certificate
Everyone, including you, believes that acquiring an ISC2 certificate is a pathway to both personal and professional development in IT security, and this is indeed true. One of the significant advantages of your certification is the ability to earn more than your peers without one.
Since its inception, the ISC2 has remained one of the most popular IT security certification bodies in the tech community. Today, ISC2 boasts of thousands of members across 160 nations. Participating in its programs puts you in its select community of professionals with validated credentials.
Training and Exam Preparation
Pursuing an ISC2 certification is a well-rounded process that consists of more than just sitting your chosen exam and passing it. This is because the certification program also includes multiple learning opportunities that allow you to acquire extensive knowledge of the IT security industry.
Many students also learn at their own pace to eliminate confusion and other scheduling challenges that usually arise when you simultaneously work and study. If you fall into this category, then it is recommended that you take advantage of the customized learning processes Chauster provides.
Here, you can easily tailor your learning experience to fit your schedule without missing out on any of the CBK domains you have been tasked with studying.
Want to dive deeper into ISC2 certifications Training from Chauster?
Get in-depth insights on every (ISC)² training program—from entry-level to expert. How Chauster UpSkilling Solutions Can Help You Get Certified Faster.
About Steve Chau
Steve Chau is a seasoned entrepreneur and marketing expert with over 35 years of experience across the mortgage, IT, and hospitality industries. He has worked with major firms like AIG, HSBC, and (ISC)² and currently leads TechEd360 Inc., a premier IT certification training provider, and TaoTastic Inc., an enterprise solutions firm. A Virginia Tech graduate, Steve’s career spans from founding a teahouse to excelling in banking and pivoting into cybersecurity education. Known for his ability to engage underserved markets, he shares insights on technology, culture, and professional growth through his writing and leadership at Chauster Inc.
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