Becoming an ISC2 member is one of the best things you can do to advance your cybersecurity career. As a member, you’ll access best-in-class training resources, a global network of cybersecurity experts and industry-renowned certifications that will help you stay on top of emerging industry trends and opportunities.
To earn ISC2 membership – especially if you’re new to cybersecurity – you’ll first need to pass the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) exam. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of being an ISC2 member and the process to become one.
Supercharge Your Professional Development
As an ISC2 member, you have access to exclusive learning resources and training that will expand your knowledge and improve your employability, just as it did for Ernest King Arthur, CC, CISSP, Solutions Architect at Futurex, who says: “I gained a lot of benefits after being certified in the ISC2 CC program, including access to continuing professional education resources.”
As an ISC2 member, you could take an Executive Leadership Course to improve your management skills, learn about groundbreaking technology at an AI Workshop or bolster your career prospects with skills gained from on-demand webinars led by some of the cybersecurity industry’s shining stars. What’s more, you’ll enjoy discounts on ISC2 Certificates, including those for cloud security and CISO leadership.
Earning the CC certification could also help you gain recognition within your team and increase your earning potential. “CC has helped me stand out from my peers and be seen as a leader on my team,” says Janet Gray, Client Success Manager at Optiv. “It has also contributed positively to my yearly compensation review. The knowledge that I have now has opened a lot of potential doors for me.”
Expand Your Network
Networking is key to any career success, especially cybersecurity. A solid network of cyber professionals can significantly improve your chances of securing a job. Arthur decided to become an ISC2 member in part because of the access it granted him to a global community of cybersecurity professionals.
As an ISC2 member, you’ll be able to collaborate with cybersecurity professionals around the world. The ISC2 Chapters program boasts more than 38,000 members in more than 50 countries. By joining your local chapter, you can connect with your peers to offer and receive advice, keep your ear to the ground about new career opportunities or simply socialize with like-minded individuals.
ISC2 also hosts cybersecurity industry events. As a member, you can meet with cyber professionals from around the globe next October at the ISC2 Security Congress 2025 to learn more about how the industry works, stay in front of threats and vigorously defend what matters most in today’s complex digital world.
What’s more, the ISC2 Global Achievement Awards give members the opportunity to gather with each other in a more formal setting, let loose and celebrate the year’s achievements.
Save Money
ISC2 Members access exclusive savings on a range of resources, events and learning opportunities to help accelerate their professional development.
Here are just a few benefits:
- ISC2 Express Courses: Gain free unlimited access to short-form courses from ISC2 to help navigate an evolving cyber landscape.
- ISC2 Certificates: Enjoy 20% off ISC2 certificates with membership.
- Exam Resources: Save 50% on practice textbooks and study guides.
- Security Awareness Training: Save 20% on KnowBe4training and free access to Security Compass Training.
Earn More Advanced Certifications
CC is a foundational certification that will give you the necessary knowledge and skills to earn more advanced ISC2 certifications, including the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP®) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®). To earn these, you’ll need additional experience, but the work you secure with your CC certification will help you meet your experience requirements.
Arthur says he used his CC certification as a springboard to achieve more advanced credentials: “The CC program gave me that foundational knowledge, and it really propelled my confidence to pursue the CISSP credential.”
H2: How to Become a Member
To become an ISC2 member, you must pass an certification exam, complete your application and pay your Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF).
For CC candidates who feel more comfortable with languages other than English, you have options! You can also take the CC exam in German, Chinese, Japanese, or, most recently added, Spanish.
Once you pass your CC exam, you’ll receive an email with instructions to complete your certification and become a member. All you’ll need to do is:
- Fill out the short online certification application form and confirm you’ve read and agree to the ISC2 Code of Ethics .
- Pay your first $50 AMF.
As soon as you have completed these steps, you’ll receive an email from ISC2 confirming you are officially CC-certified and a full-fledged ISC2 member!
ISC2 membership is your key to flourishing in the cybersecurity industry. With your membership, you can connect with your peers, advance your career and save money on industry-leading resources. What’s more, ISC2 is currently offering one million free CC courses and exams as part of our One Million Certified in Cybersecurity (1MCC) initiative.
So what are you waiting for? Sign up to the 1MCC today to kickstart your cybersecurity journey.
Additional Insights
- Beyond the Books: Mastering Your CC Study Strategy
- Own the Exam Room for CC Success
- Here’s What to Do After Your CC Exam