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CPE Portal Questions

Q:

What is the purpose of the CPE portal relaunch?

 
A:
Based on extensive member feedback, the CPE portal has been enhanced to make it easier for members to submit and manage their CPEs. Members will find a more intuitive user interface, submission and review process, faster response times, and easier access to transcripts and draft submissions. The new portal includes a revised front-end, including user experience improvements based on member feedback. Additionally, the back-end of the system has been rewritten. All these changes are designed to deliver a better experience to members submitting and managing their CPEs.

The enhanced portal was driven by user feedback at Security Congress and further tested by a team of volunteer members prior to release to:
  • Remove confusing decision points
  • Replace CPE list views and PDF transcript with complete, dynamic table
  • Improve labels and placed feedback in proximity of action
  • Reduce hops and loading time
  • Create easy to scan layout
Q:

What was done to get or member feedback on the CPE portal rebuild?

 
A:
To ensure that the enhanced CPE submission process is properly tested with members before it was rolled out to our entire global membership, user acceptance testing (UAT) was conducted with select group of volunteers. From these, we were able to gather input and feedback from testers, and make necessary changes and adjustments based on their experience prior to release.
Q:

Are there any changes to how CPEs will be submitted and calculated?

 
A:
The CPE submission process will be an improved interactive process that will be more user friendly and provide a stronger customer experience. Members are led through a series of simple questions with built-in logic and step-by-step guidance. Information includes credit category, education type, the number of hours claimed and a description area for supporting evidence which would include a brief summary as to what was gained from the experience. From there, members simply select what certification and domain the CPEs apply to.
Q:

If I hold multiple certifications, how does this change affect me?

 
A:
When you submit your activity, you will be able to indicate the domains that you would like to select for all your credentials. You will still only need to submit your activity once. If you have multiple domains, it will be applied to all credentials as a Group A activity.
Q:

Based on this new submission process, can I make adjustments to CPEs that were submitted previously?

 
A:
Yes, you will be able to update or edit CPEs that have been previously submitted.
Q:

What are the new CPE categories?

 
A:

In order to enhance the customer experience and simplify the CPE process to focus on (ISC)²member benefits that provide CPE opportunities, the new categories are:

  • CPEs offered by (ISC)²
  • Education
  • Contribution to the Profession
  • Unique Work Experience
  • Professional Development

These categories have a number of approved learning or service mechanisms and the credits would be earned as a form of the number of hours spent. This brings (ISC)² more in line with what other professional certification programs are doing with their ongoing certification maintenance structure.

Q:

What CPEs have limitations in this new process?

 
A:
We have made a few changes to CPEs with limitations in this new process. We have removed the number of "read a book or magazine" from one per cycle year to unlimited. There is not a limit to the number of "Unique Work-related Experience" submissions you may submit in a year. However, you are still limited to 10 Group A CPEs per submission. In most cases, the maximum number of CPEs per submission cannot exceed 40. For example, you will not be able to submit more than 40 CPEs for attending an Educational Course or Seminar.
Q:

Are there any changes to the number of CPEs required?

 
A:

Although there is no change to the number of CPEs required, members are able to complete the requirements over their three-year certification cycle. The table below outlines the number of units required for the different (ISC)² certifications.

Certification

Type

Suggested Annual

3-Year Total

CISSP

Group A

30

90

Group A or B

10

30

Total Required

40

120

 

CSSLP, CCSP

Group A

20

60

 

Group A or B

10

30

 

Total Required

30

90

 

 

 

 

SSCP, CAP, HCISPP

Group A

15

45

 

Group A or B

5

15

 

Total Required

20

60

 

 

 

 

ISSAP, ISSEP, ISSMP

Group A

N/A

20*

 

Total Required

 

20*

Concentrations

If you hold a CISSP concentration, 20 CPE credits of the total number of Group A CPEs required in the CISSP three-year cycle must be directly related to your concentration. If you hold more than one concentration, you must earn 20 credits in each concentration. CPEs required for a concentration are automatically counted toward the CISSP CPE requirement.

 

Associates Program

Type

Required Annual

3-year Total

Associates

Group A

15

N/A

Q:

Will the number of CPEs that can be rolled over change?

 
A:
No. There will be no change to the number of CPEs that can be rolled over.
Q:

When I submit CPEs, can I submit supporting documents at the same time?

 
A:
Yes, you will be able to submit supporting documents when you submit your CPE credits.
Q:

Are there any changes to how CPEs submitted on my behalf will be handled?

 
A:
As a member benefit, (ISC)² submits CPEs on the member’s behalf for the majority of the CPEs that are offered through (ISC)². These CPEs will be automatically added into your record and are exempt from audit. In order to ensure that these credits are reported accurately for (ISC)² to submit on your behalf, members and associates need to provide their member IDs in the appropriate forms/platforms. If you fail to provide your member ID, these CPEs will not be credited to your account. You have to contact Member Support for assistance.
Q:

Will the CPE audit process change?

 
A:
Currently, there will be no change to the CPE audit process. CPEs will still be subject to audit and in some cases, members will need to supply additional evidence to the CPE Auditor if they were audited.
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