Build Your Future in Cybersecurity

This is where success in cybersecurity begins. As an ISC2 Candidate, you’ll belong to a connected community that drives the world’s leading organization for cybersecurity professionals, 270,000+ members and associates strong.

Turn your interest in cybersecurity into career momentum by actively engaging, embracing opportunities, building relationships and contributing to our shared vision of a safe and secure cyber world.

Sign up for free.
Your first year is free. If you choose to renew after the first year, U.S. $50 due annually.

Why ISC2 Candidate?

Whether you’re exploring cybersecurity careers or preparing for ISC2 certification, starting as an ISC2 Candidate gives you the support to help you achieve your goals. Strengthen your cybersecurity knowledge with industry-leading ISC2 research and professional development. On your path to certification? Take advantage of discounted Official ISC2 Online Self-Paced Training or strengthen your current studies with additional exam support and study tools.

Network and Belong
Be part of something bigger. Gain direct access to the cyber profession and go where cybersecurity gathers.

Study and Learn
Explore ISC2 resources designed to help you build your knowledge and prepare for what’s next.

Grow Your Career
Open new doors with career-focused resources and opportunities to achieve your goals.

Exclusive Access
Get more value with official study resources, discounts on ISC2 Online Self-Paced Training and cybersecurity events.

Loading component...

Benefits to Build Your Future

	You Belong Here Global community, online and in-person Local ISC2 Chapters* Discounted events, including ISC2 Security Congress flagship conference
	Learn More, Achieve More Study smarter with ISC2 self-study tools and resources Log in for exclusive ISC2 Exam Ready webinars and online study groups Access award-winning Think Tanks and Express Courses
	Advance Your Cyber Career Cybersecurity career guidance and resources Industry-leading research and insights Workforce insights and thought leadership
	Value that Moves You Forward 10% off Official ISC2 Online Self-Paced Training Discounted pricing on ISC2 events ISC2 Candidate-exclusive certification study support

Become an ISC2 Candidate

*Participation in local ISC2 Chapters may be subject to chapter-specific dues or fees. Requirements vary by chapter.

Loading component...

Why Now?

ISC2 Candidate is designed to help you turn your interests in cybersecurity into your next opportunity. Join today and start turning your ambitions into action.

Connect with the brightest minds in cyber. Cybersecurity is a global community and ISC2 Candidate helps you become part of it. Connect with cyber professionals through ISC2 chapters and expand your network by participating in discounted ISC2 events and industry-focused activities.

Your path to certification starts here. Certification is a smart foundational move to start a cybersecurity career, and ISC2 Candidate is designed to help you study smarter and progress faster.

More than half (61%) of certified cyber professionals say their first certification was most valuable at the start of their career, and 44% say it helped them secure their first job, according to the The Value of Cybersecurity Certifications report.

Be ready when opportunity knocks. As an ISC2 Candidate, you’ll access the tools to build in-demand cybersecurity skills and prepare for career opportunities.

Cybersecurity teams are facing acute skills shortages. According to the Cybersecurity Workforce Study, nearly nine in 10 respondents (88%) have experienced at least one significant cybersecurity consequence in their organizations because of a skills shortage, and 69% have experienced more than one.

Learn with the most trusted name in cybersecurity. Display your ISC2 Candidate digital badge from Credly and build confidence with industry-leading insights and education.

Around the world, ISC2 certifications are accredited, recognized and endorsed by leading organizations, government agencies, academic institutions and industry bodies. These distinctions reflect the many ways external stakeholders validate, recognize and support ISC2.

Loading component...

Become an ISC2 Candidate: 3 Easy Steps

Start your first year free and gain access to resources, benefits, and a global cybersecurity community designed to support your goals.

1. Create Your Account
Create an ISC2 account or sign in to your existing account.

2. Tell Us About Your Goals
Complete a short form so we can connect you to relevant resources.

3. Start Exploring
Access resources, savings and exam support through your ISC2 dashboard.

Q: Is it free to become an ISC2 Candidate?

A: Your first year is free. Annual dues thereafter are U.S. $50, payable on your registration anniversary.

Q: What are the requirements to become an ISC2 Candidate?

A: If you’re not a certified member of ISC2, you’re eligible to become an ISC2 Candidate.

Q: Do I need to identify which certification I want to pursue?

A: No. ISC2 Candidate is designed to support individuals exploring cybersecurity as well as those actively preparing for ISC2 certification.

Q: Is ISC2 Candidate the same as ISC2 membership?

A: No. ISC2 Candidate is for individuals exploring cybersecurity or preparing for ISC2 certification. ISC2 membership is awarded upon ISC2 certification.

Q: What are the benefits of becoming an ISC2 Candidate?

A: ISC2 Candidates access exclusive savings, resources and opportunities that support cybersecurity professional development, certification, community and networking and career growth.

Q: What happens after I pass my ISC2 exam?

A: Once you pass your ISC2 exam, complete the required endorsement process and pay your first AMF, you’ll transition from an ISC2 Candidate to an ISC2 member. We will email you with the next steps and provide access to your new certification and member benefits.

Q: How do I access my ISC2 Candidate benefits?

A: Once you’ve become an ISC2 Candidate, log in to your ISC2 Dashboard and click on the Candidate Benefits page to view and access your benefits.

Q: What happens to my ISC2 Candidate annual dues when I earn an ISC2 certification?

A: If you have paid your ISC2 Candidate annual dues and earn Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification, there is no additional fee because your U.S. $50 annual dues cover the CC Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) for that year. For all other ISC2 certifications, you will pay an $85 upgrade fee, assuming the U.S. $50 ISC2 Candidate annual dues have been paid for that same year.