If you’re reading this, your CISSP exam is probably done and behind you.

If you passed, you’ve proven that you have what it takes to design, implement and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program. Congratulations – now you can enjoy the benefits of being a CISSP holder. But before you put those all-important letters next to your name, you have just a few more things to do.

If you did not pass this time, don’t be discouraged; we’re here to help you get back on track.

If You Passed

After you’ve passed your CISSP exam, here are your next steps.

Secure Your Certification

To become CISSP-certified, you need an ISC2 professional in good standing to verify your experience. If you don’t know another ISC2 member, ISC2 can endorse you. Remember, you need five years of relevant experience to be CISSP-certified. If you don’t meet these requirements, you can become an Associate of ISC2 until you do.

Once you have completed the certification application process, you must pay your first Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) of $135 to become a full-fledged ISC2 member. Doing so will grant you access to a wide array of rewarding professional development opportunities and membership benefits. 

To maintain your CISSP certification, you’ll need to earn 120 continuing profession education (CPE) credits during your three-year certification cycle. ISC2 has a wide range of resources available to help you earn them. From courses and certificates to online events and webinars, we’ve got you covered.

Maximize Your Member Benefits

With your certification in the bag, you can enjoy the many benefits of being a CISSP. For example, did you know that the average CISSP earns $119,577 a year? It could be time to discuss your salary expectations with your employer.

You can also now take advantage of industry networking opportunities. Hear how Jason Lau, CISO for Crypto.com, reaped professional rewards from his CISSP certification: “I benefitted early on in my career by connecting to a strong network of industry professionals as well as by attending industry conferences to learn more about how peers are dealing with cybersecurity challenges. The ISC2 community and local chapters often have engaging presentations and workshops where you can hone your skills and gain access to global webinars and online training material and resources.”

CISSP certification is also invaluable for securing advanced cybersecurity roles. Organizations seek vendor-neutral credentials like the CISSP to avoid the limitations and expense of vendor lock-in.

If You Did Not Pass

If you did not pass your CISSP exam the first time, you’re not alone. Many ISC2-certified professionals did not pass on the first attempt. Think of it as a learning experience that will make you a better professional in the long run.

The first thing you’ll want to do is take a deep breath and book your next exam. It will help you to stay motivated and maintain your momentum. If this is your first exam attempt, you may retake your exam after 30 test-free days. Registering for your next exam now will help you craft your study plan.

At the testing center, you received a breakdown of your exam results by domain. This information is crucial for focused study. Identify the areas where you performed below the passing threshold and dedicate more time to studying the content.

With your exam prep plan mapped out, you can get back to work. CISSP study tools are a great way to recap knowledge and brush up on domains you’re less comfortable with. If you took CISSP Online Self-Paced Training you may still have access to those resources. Official training provides 180-day access to course materials, allowing you to review subjects that need more work while you dedicate less time to areas in which you’re more confident.

Most importantly, you must look after your mental health during this time. If you didn’t perform up to your expectations, try not to be too hard on yourself. Incorporating mindfulness techniques like meditation is a great way to stay positive. Similarly, it’s important to work hard, but not too hard. Focus on your studies but prioritize your well-being.

For a more comprehensive look at CISSP exam preparation, check out our CISSP Exam Ready Booklet and Study Pack. These resources will give you the tools to walk into your retest feeling happy, confident and prepared.

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