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Frequently Asked Questions

To better assist you, we have included frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers for common inquiries. We understand your time is valuable and hope these questions will assist you. If you need additional support, please feel free to contact Member Services at membersupport@isc2.org.

  • General General
    Q:

    How can I become a member?

     
    A:
    There are three steps to becoming a member of (ISC)². First, you must take and pass one of the six credential examinations. Then, you must submit an endorsement application to prove that you have the years of experience that are required to hold the credential. Once your endorsement is approved, you must pay the Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF).
    Q:

    How can I become an Associate of (ISC)²?

     
    A:
    To be an Associate of (ISC)², you need to pass an (ISC)² credential examination. If you do not have the years of work experience required to hold the certification, you can become an Associate of (ISC)² until you have the necessary work experience to hold the credential. You can hold the Associate of (ISC)² designation for one year past the number of years allowed to meet the work experience requirement. Please refer to the (ISC)² Associate page for more information.
    Q:

    What is an “endorsement” and what is the process?

     
    A:
    Endorsements are required to obtain your certification. Once you receive notification that you have successfully passed the exam, you can start the Online Endorsement Application.
    The application must be endorsed and digitally signed by an (ISC)²-certified professional. If you do not know an (ISC)²-certified professional in good standing, (ISC)² can act as an endorser for you. The (ISC)² certified professional is anyone who:
    • Is able to attest to your professional experience
    • Is an active (ISC)² credential holder in good standing
    The endorser will attest that your assertions regarding professional experience are true to the best of the endorser’s knowledge, and that you are in good standing within the cybersecurity industry. You will need the endorser’s member/certification number when completing the online application.
    Q:

    What is my (ISC)² ID?

     
    A:
    You will be assigned an (ISC)² ID when you create an account with Pearson VUE to register for your exam. You can find your ID number on your profile page on the (ISC)² website. If you’re not sure of your ID number, contact MemberSuppport@isc2.org for assistance.
    Q:

    What is my (ISC)² account login/username info?

     
    A:
    Your account login, or username, is your primary email address in your profile.
    Q:

    I received an email saying my (ISC)² profile has been created. What is my password?

     
    A:
    If you did not create the account yourself or if you have forgotten your password, you will need to request a new password via the ‘Forgot My Password’ link.
    Q:

    How can I update my profile name?

     
    A:
    You will need to contact Member Services at membersupport@isc2.org and provide supporting documentation in order for your name to be updated.
    Q:

    How do I know if my work experience is relevant and counts towards the required experience of the credential?

     
    A:
    Please refer to the (ISC)² certification requirements on our website to determine whether the work experience you possess qualifies for your desired credential. (ISC)² currently does not review work experience prior to taking your examination. After taking your examination, if you do not have the required work experience to hold the certification, you can become an Associate of (ISC)² until you attain the required experience.
    Q:

    How can I schedule an (ISC)² official training?

     
    A:
    Visit www.isc2.org/training to review and schedule different types of Official (ISC)² training.
    Q:

    How can a potential employer verify my certification?

     
    A:
    Your employer can see if you are a member in good standing by using the Member Verification page on our website. Your last name and member ID number will be needed in order to process the verification.
    Q:

    How can I download the Official (ISC)² Logo?

     
    A:
    From the homepage, follow the procedures below:
    • Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and click on ‘Policies and Procedures’
    • Click on ‘(ISC)² Member Policies’
    • Under ‘(ISC)² Logos & Guidelines’, click on ‘Logos Download & Usage’
    • Scroll down to the ‘Download’ button and click on it
    Q:

    Does (ISC)² Offer Vouchers for Training or Exams?

     
    A:
    Yes. (ISC)² training vouchers are an easy way to streamline your certification training budget. Exam vouchers are also available, but only through (ISC)² and (ISC)² Official Training Providers. Learn more at www.isc2.org/voucher.
    Q:

    Where can I learn more about AMFs?

     
    A:
    Please visit our AMF Overview page at www.isc2.org/AMFs-Overview
    Q:

    Why does (ISC)² charge a U.S. $600 reinstatement fee for suspended members?

     
    A:
    Previous to this policy change, suspended members were required to reapply, retest and repay the cost of a new examination to be reinstated as a member of (ISC)². In recognition of their prior demonstrated expertise, suspended members and associates are not required to retake the exam and can opt to maintain currency by paying past due AMFs, fulfilling all CPE requirements and paying a one-time U.S. $600 reinstatement fee instead of reinvesting the time, effort and money to retest.
  • Examination Examination

    If you are looking for more information about the examination process, please visit https://www.isc2.org/Exams. You will find information on what to expect before, during and after your exam.

    Q:

    What is the examination retake policy?

     
    A:
    You can find the (ISC)² examination retake policy by visiting ‘Retake Policy’.
    Q:

    How can I check exam schedules by location and date?

     
    A:
    You can find the exam schedules by visiting the (ISC)² page on Pearson VUE’s website.
    Q:

    What should I do if I cannot find a test center near my location?

     
    A:
    You can contact Pearson VUE Customer Service to assist you with scheduling your examination.
    Q:

    Can I get my exam score?

     
    A:
    For those who passed an examination, scores are not provided. For those who failed an examination, a breakdown of the domains in proficiency levels will be provided.
    Q:

    When will I get my exam result?

     
    A:
    In most cases, you will receive your unofficial examination results before you leave the test center.
    Q:

    Can I bring a dictionary to the exam?

     
    A:
    No; dictionaries of any type are not permitted within the test center.
    Q:

    What can I bring inside the test center?

     
    A:
    Items are not permitted inside the test center. You will be instructed by the test administrator to empty your pockets and place all items in a locker.
    Q:

    If I need to retake the exam, do I have to pay the exam fee again?

     
    A:
    Yes; you will need to pay the full examination fee for each examination attempt.
    Q:

    What do I do if I have passed the exam, but have not received any notice or email from (ISC)² after a few days?

     
    A:
    There could be two reasons for this, either:
    • Your examination results have not been received from Pearson VUE. It can take up to 72 business hours for examination results to arrive. Once your examination results are received, you will receive an email confirmation from (ISC)².
    • You may have multiple accounts and do not have access to the email address associated with your examination. Please contact Member Services at membersupport@isc2.org for your accounts to be merged and for your examination confirmation to be resent.
    Q:

    Can I get a copy of my failed exam report?

     
    A:
    No. Candidates do not receive numerical scaled scores on their pass/fail examinations. They are provided their proficiency level.
    Q:

    My name sequence from the exam confirmation is different from the name sequence on my legal document, what should I do?

     
    A:
    You may contact Member Services at membersupport@isc2.org to update your profile name with Pearson VUE.
    Q:

    I updated my name with (ISC)² a few days ago, but it is not updated on my Pearson VUE profile. Can I go for my exam tomorrow?

     
    A:
    Yes, you can proceed to take your exam the following day. It can take up to 72 business hours for your profile name to be updated within the Pearson VUE system. If it has been more than 72 business hours, contact your Member Services representative.
    Q:

    How can I request for a special accommodation?

     
    A:
    (ISC)² provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations for people who have demonstrated a need for test accommodations. If you wish to request an accommodation, you need to complete a request form and return it to (ISC)² prior to registering for your exam with the following information to membersupport@isc2.org:
    • An explanation of the accommodations you need
    • Documentation supporting the accommodation
    • The exam you want to take
    • The exam location
    Test accommodations are individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. Once an accommodation is approved by (ISC)², we’ll send it to Pearson VUE Accommodations. Please allow two to three business days for Pearson VUE to get this information. Then, call Pearson VUE at 800-466-0450, to schedule your exam. Please do not schedule through Pearson VUE’s website or through their main registration phone line. Be sure to contact (ISC)² first.
    Please note, the purpose of test accommodations is to provide examinees with full access to the test. However, accommodations are not a guarantee of improved performance or test completion.
    Q:

    How can I reschedule or cancel my exam?

     
    A:
    You will need to contact Pearson VUE online at least 48 hours prior to your exam, or by phone at least 24 hours before your exam. Pearson VUE charges a rescheduling fee of U.S. $50 and a cancellation fee of U.S. $100.
    Q:

    Are (ISC)² exams available online?

     
    A:
    Not at this time. In February 2021, we completed an Online Proctor Pilot Test. The results of this pilot test are being evaluated and we expect this assessment to conclude during Q3 of 2021. Any determination regarding potential online proctoring as part of any a regular (ISC)² offering will take place after the conclusion of this assessment.
    Q:

    When taking an (ISC)² exam, can I skip a question and then go back to answer it?

     
    A:
    No. (ISC)² offers two types of computer-based exams – linear and adaptive – however neither exam type allows for candidates to skip a question and return to it later.
    Q:

    What is Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) and what exams use that test style?

     
    A:
    (ISC)² uses the CAT format for our CISSP exam in English only. CAT allows for shorter exams (3 hours instead of 6, as few as 100 items instead of 250) and is a more precise evaluation of a candidate’s proficiency in a given domain. For more information on CISSP CAT exams, visit https://www.isc2.org/certifications/CISSP/CISSP-CAT.
  • Endorsement Endorsement
    Q:

    How can I check the status of my endorsement?

     
    A:
    You can use the online (ISC)² portal to confirm that your endorsement has been received. The portal will also indicate if your application has been selected for audit or has been approved. We will contact you if additional information is needed during the review process.
    Q:

    Why doesn't a candidate/endorser get a notification of the submission when a candidate sends the endorsement form?

     
    A:
    Endorsers receive a ‘Request for Endorsement’ email when a candidate submits the online application. Candidates are emailed when (ISC)² receives the submission from the endorser. Candidates are advised of the application status through the portal.
    Q:

    What kind of supporting document(s) should I attach with my endorsement?

     
    A:
    If you are claiming a degree, you will need to provide a copy of your degree certificate. If you are asking (ISC)² to endorse your application, you will need to provide proof of employment. You can also provide a copy of your resume for a complete overview.
    Q:

    Can I be related to, or married to, my endorser?

     
    A:
    Yes, any member in good standing with any (ISC)² certification at the current time can endorse a candidate for any certification.
    Q:

    Do I need to have an endorser for the CCSP if I already hold the CISSP?

     
    A:
    Yes. Your CISSP certification will waive the experience requirements, but you must still be endorsed by a member in good standing for the CCSP certification. (ISC)² can act as your endorser if needed.
  • Certificate Package Certificate Package
    Q:

    How can I check the status of my certificate package delivery?

     
    A:
    Typically, it can take up to 12 weeks after you receive your official email from (ISC)2 for your certificate package to arrive. Packages are sent via U.S. Postal Service First Class mail, which does not provide tracking numbers.
    Q:

    My package was received with folds due to the letter box constrain, can this be resent?

     
    A:
    Yes. If your package is damaged due to transit or weather, we will send you one complimentary package. After that, there is a U.S. $35 fee charged for requesting additional packages
    Q:

    My name on the certificate is not consistent with what is reflected on my member profile. Can you resend the package immediately?

     
    A:
    Certificates are only printed with first and last/surname. If you would like your full name on your certificate, please contact Member Services to update your profile. There may be a U.S. $35 replacement fee to reissue another certificate.
    Q:

    My address is not correct. However, my certificate package has been shipped. Can you resend it to the correct address?

     
    A:
    You need to update the address in your profile and notify Member Services at membersupport@isc2.org. If you have not received your certificate package after 12 weeks, please notify Member Services and we will resend it to you.
    Q:

    Can I get a soft/digital copy of my certificate?

     
    A:
    Yes, you can download a PDF copy of your certificate from the (ISC)2 website. After you sign in to your member account, you can visit your dashboard. Below the certification icon, you can click “Print Member Digital Certificate” to access your PDF.
  • Digital Badge Digital Badge
    Q:

    How can I claim my digital badge?

     
    A:
    You will receive an email within two weeks of fully certifying, inviting you to claim your badge. The email will take you to the Acclaim website where you can claim your badge.
    Q:

    What should I do if I cannot claim my badge?

     
    A:
    If you cannot claim your (ISC)2 badge, please email badges@isc2.org with your member ID number and describe the error you're getting.
    Q:

    How can I regain my digital badge link after I deleted the first claim?

     
    A:
    You can send an email to badges@isc2.org with your member ID number and you will be sent a new email to claim your badge within three business days.
    Q:

    How long can it take to receive the email to claim my badge?

     
    A:
    It can take up to two weeks from your full certification date.
  • Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF)
    Q:

    Where can I find what I owe for my AMF?

     
    A:
    Log in to your (ISC)² account and view your Dashboard. Your AMF status – including due date – can be found on the top of the page.
    Q:

    How can I pay my AMF?

     
    A:
    Once you are logged in to your (ISC)² account, you can pay your AMF via credit card or voucher online at https://www.isc2.org/Dashboard/Maintenance-Fee. You can also call your regional Member Services team to pay over the phone.
    Q:

    Can I get receipts for each AMF payment?

     
    A:
    Yes. Please contact membersupport@isc2.org, to request a copy of your AMF receipt.
    Q:

    My address has been changed but it is not updated in my AMF invoice. How can I get that updated?

     
    A:
    Please contact Member Services at membersupport@isc2.org and request that your invoice address be updated to reflect the postal address on file.
    Q:

    How can my employer pay my AMF?

     
    A:
    Your employer can contact (ISC)² by phone or email to provide payment for your AMF. They will need to have your member ID number and the amount that is due. They can also send payment by mail to
    (ISC)²
    ATTN: Finance
    311 Park Place Blvd. Suite 400
    Clearwater, FL 33759 U.S.A.

    If your employer wants to send payment via wire transfer, please contact membersupport@isc2.org for instructions.
  • CPE CPE
    Q:

    How can I earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits?

     
    A:
    CPE activities are any educational activity you complete that you believe furthers your development as a professional with the cybersecurity industry. Please refer to the CPE opportunities page at for various opportunities that you may use to help meet your CPE requirement.
    Q:

    What are my CPE requirements?

     
    A:
    CPE requirements vary depending on the certification(s) you hold. Here’s where you can find the CPE requirements and overview.
    Q:

    How can I submit CPE activities for credit?

     
    A:
    Sign in to your Member Dashboard and click the CPE heading, or visit https://cpe.isc2.org
    Q:

    What is the difference between Group A and Group B CPE activities?

     
    A:
    Group A activities are directly related to the domains for your credential. Group B activities are professional development activities outside of those domains.
    Q:

    How many CPE credits can be rolled over annually?

     
    A:
    CPE credits can rollover from the third year to the first year (of the new three-year cycle) if earned in excess of the minimum requirement within the last six months of the cycle.
    • For CISSP: up to 40 Group A CPE credits
    • For CCSLP and CCSP: up to 30 Group A CPE credits
    • For SSCP, CAP and HCISPP: up to 20 Group A CPE credits
    Q:

    How can I check the CPE records in my last cycle?

     
    A:
    You can contact Member Support at membersupport@isc2.org to request a CPE transcript from your previous three-year cycle.
    Q:

    My CPE activity is selected for audit, where should I submit supporting evidence?

     
    A:
    You can submit supporting documentation to auditor@isc2.org for review.
    Q:

    Can I send the evidence to the CPE audit team in my local language (e.g., Korean, Japanese, etc.)?

     
    A:
    No. If the proof is not in English, you must have the documents translated into English.
    Q:

    How do I determine which CPE category is correct?

     
    A:
    You must use your best professional judgement when determining which category to submit CPE activities under. If you need assistance, please review the CPE Policies and Guidelines.
    Q:

    If I earn another certification, can I get credit for passing the examination?

     
    A:
    For obtaining a new credential, you may submit up to 30 CPE credits under the self-study category for the time you spent preparing to obtain the new certification.
    Q:

    For CPE credits from BrightTALK webinars, do I have to submit the them manually?

     
    A:
    You do not have to manually submit CPE credits from BrightTALK if you added your member ID when creating your account. CPE credits will be submitted on your behalf within 3-5 business days. Please note: if you have added your Member ID to your account profile after creating the account, the activity will not be synced with your CPE portal.
    Q:

    My CPE credits did not upload to my account after I completed viewing a webinar. What should I do?

     
    A:
    If you do not see activity posted from viewing a webinar within 3-5 business days, you may enter these manually under the self-study category for 1 CPE per hour of attendance.
    Q:

    Can I claim CPE credits for viewing the archived webinars?

     
    A:
    Yes. You can earn CPE credits for viewing archived webinars. Submit the CPE for the date that you participated in the event.
    Q:

    What is my CPE status? Have I fulfilled the CPE requirements for renewal?

     
    A:
    You can view your CPE status by logging onto the Member Home page and viewing your Certification Dashboard.
    Q:

    I am currently in the second year of my three-year certification cycle. Can I still submit CPE credits that I have earned in the first year?

     
    A:
    Yes. You may submit any CPE credits earned throughout your current three-year cycle.
    Q:

    What kind of supporting document should I keep for my CPE activities?

     
    A:
    You can use certificates of completion or attendance, receipts, badges from attendance, itineraries that were provided, or written statements describing what the activity was, how it relates to the domains, and what you learned from it.
    Q:

    I have an activity selected for audit, but I entered the information wrong. How can I delete it?

     
    A:
    Audited CPE credits cannot be edited or removed, so you will need to include any details that need to be corrected in your response to the CPE auditor.
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