Can you make a dream career and earn a higher salary with the CISSP, ISC2 Information Systems Security Professional certification? The answer is yes. But passing the CISSP exam is the first step, which becomes easy with the help of reliable study materials and practice tests.
What Is a CISSP Certification?
A CISSP certification tests a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the eight domains of the (ISC)² Common Body of Knowledge. The domains include security engineering, security, risk management, asset security, communications, network security, security operations, security assessment and testing, software development security, and identity and access management.
The CISSP exam is presented in English and other languages, including German, French, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, simplified Chinese, Korean, and a format for the visually impaired. Pearson Vue conducts the exam at different centers.
Prerequisite to Take the CISSP Exam:
If you want to take the CISSP exam, you must meet certain prerequisites. The aspirants need to have at least five years of full-time work experience in at least two CBK domains. Alternatively, the candidate can satisfy the requirement with four years of experience if he has either a four-year college degree or an approved credential.
Who Should Get the CISSP Certification?
The CISSP certification is best for experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives interested in proving their knowledge across a wide array of security principles and practices, including those in the following positions:
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Security Analyst
- Security Architect
- IT Director/Manager
- Security Systems Engineer
- Chief Information Officer
- Security Manager
- Security Auditor
- Director of Security
- Security Consultant
- Network Architect
What Is the CISSP Exam Structure?
If you want to clear the CISSP exam, you must understand the exam details, e.g., the exam pattern, no of questions in the exam, the total time to complete the exam, etc.
Name of the Exam: ISC2 Information Security Professional
Exam Code: CISSP
Duration of the Exam: 180 minutes
Total No. of Questions: 125
Passing Score for the Exam: 700
A candidate becomes an ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional after passing the CISSP exam.
How to Prepare for the CISSP Exam?
Keep Studying:
Passing the exam is highly dependent on your knowledge of the CISSP CBK. You must plan a schedule and cover all the areas. The CISSP exam deals with eight domains from the (ISC)2 Common Body of Knowledge (CBK):
- Software Development Security
- Security and Risk Management
- Asset Security
- Security Engineering
- Communications and Network Security
- Identity and Access Management
- Security and Assessment Testing
- Security Operations
If you want to clear the CISSP exam, you have no option other than studying hard. You must follow a reliable book for cracking the CISSP exam. In my opinion, Shon Harris’s book could be helpful for exam preparation.
Make Your Schedule and Implement It:
Set a study schedule and try to follow it. The exam is no longer a six hours long exam, but a candidate needs to follow a proper study plan to clear the three hours long exam too. A candidate should devote at least two hours daily to pass the exam; if the aspirant can devote more than two hours, that is highly appreciated. Learning the topics from the core should be your priority during the study hours.
Join the On-Demand Training:
A candidate can also get training for the exam via on-demand, self-paced training. This is more affordable than live instruction and is a great option for those with busy schedules. However, the lack of rigid guidelines can make it more difficult for some to stick to the training plan.
Always Review Your Learning:
You should be reviewing your knowledge of security and the CISSP domains. A candidate may feel that he understands a lot about security, but he might fail to understand all the types of questions he can encounter on the exam. Therefore, every aspirant should start his preparation method by going through each domain in the study guide to make sure he understands the language of the exam.
Follow A Healthy Diet:
Keep an eye on your diet. Try to take a protein-rich diet throughout your preparation. Protein will make your brain work well and will help you to memorize the topics you have already learned.
Use CISSP Practice Test:
Try to work on your weak areas. But the question is, how would you know that you are weak in some areas? Taking reliable CISSP practice tests could be a problem solver at this time. Practice tests allow a candidate to evaluate his/her preparation. The results of a practice test are instantly available. So a candidate can get valuable insights into his strengths and weaknesses.
What Benefits Organizations Get by Hiring CISSP Certified Professionals?
Better Risk Management:
CISSP professionals stay current with international regulatory standards like GLBA, HIPAA, SOX, FERPA, FISMA, DoD Directive 8570.1, and more. Insurance requirements mandate that all the emerging and evolving security threats are met with well-equipped and experienced professionals. The candidates are highly knowledgeable in all fields of information system security and controls to meet those needs.
Better Marketing:
Customers and clients who interact with companies want to know that communications, interactions, and all other information is protected and kept private. CISSP professionals can help ensure that the company is meeting security and ISO standards and that its reputation with customers remains strong.
Salary Structure of a CISSP:
According to Workforce study and Global Information Security, the certified professionals would be earning a worldwide average salary that is considered about 25% more than that of their non-certified counterparts. Most of the surveys published a 15 top jobs ranking and gave CISSP 4th place.
According to surveys, CISSP-certified IT professionals earn an average salary of $116,573, making it the third-highest salary for IT professionals globally. The salary keeps varying depending on the country, but the average is almost the same.
Bottom Line:
CISSP certification not only validates your security-related skills, but the certification itself is an honor. You get recognized globally, and your career reaches a newer level attracting a higher salary.
