Award-winning certification helps entry-level cybersecurity professionals, career changers and cyber-adjacent talent build a strong foundation of cybersecurity knowledge

[Alexandria, Va., October 7, 2025] – ISC2 – the world’s leading nonprofit member organization for cybersecurity professionals – today marked the third anniversary of its award-winning ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity℠ (CC) certification. Developed for those with no prior cybersecurity experience, the CC demonstrates an individual’s foundational knowledge, skills and abilities for entry- and junior-level cybersecurity roles. At present, 67,000 ISC2 members hold the CC. IT professionals, students, executives and others seek this credential to demonstrate their knowledge of core cybersecurity principles and best practices.  

“With the introduction of the CC, ISC2 created a pathway to support members throughout every stage of their cybersecurity careers, preparing them for increasingly challenging and rewarding accomplishments,” said ISC2 Acting CEO and CFO Debra Taylor. “The CC has already earned the world’s most rigorous accreditations and has been mapped to leading cybersecurity skills frameworks such as ENISA’s ECSF and SFIA. Employers around the world can trust that CC holders are prepared to join their organizations and strengthen their security teams.” 

Alignment with Global Cybersecurity Standards and Skills Frameworks

The CC certification continues to prove its value to both job seekers and employers through third-party recognition and alignment to global skills frameworks, including:

  • Accreditation from the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), ANSI/ISO/IEC Standard 17024, a global benchmark for certifying qualified professionals. ANAB accreditation assures current and future Certified in Cybersecurity certification holders, as well as private and public sector employers, that the certification program was developed — and will be maintained — to the same rigorous standards as all ISC2 certifications.
  • Alignment with ENISA’s European Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF) and the U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Workforce Framework, DOD Manual 8140.03 indicates that the CC covers several key competencies required by many roles within the frameworks, making the CC a trusted credential for individuals aiming to build recognized skills and improve employability.
  • Formal mapping to the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA), a globally recognized standard for IT and digital capabilities, provides a well-established and trusted skills and competency resource for information and cybersecurity.

Fast-growing Credential for Building Resilient Teams
Since its launch, the CC has become the fastest-growing certification in ISC2’s portfolio. In addition to helping individuals, this credential gives employers an objective verification of an applicant’s aptitude for cybersecurity as their organizations work to build resilient teams across all experience levels.

According to the ISC2 2025 Cybersecurity Hiring Trends Report, security managers prioritize hands-on experience and certifications when hiring entry- and junior-level cybersecurity professionals. 89% of responding hiring managers said they would hire candidates who hold only an entry-level cybersecurity certification over those with only education in IT, cybersecurity or computer science.

Industry Recognition
The CC certification has also earned growing recognition within the industry, further demonstrating its value and impact in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. In 2025 to date, it has received several accolades, including:

Learn more about the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification at www.isc2.org/Certifications/CC.

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About ISC2

ISC2 is the world’s leading member organization for cybersecurity professionals, driven by our vision of a safe and secure cyber world. Our more than 265,000 certified members, and associates, are a force for good, safeguarding the way we live. Our award-winning certifications – including cybersecurity’s premier certification, the CISSP® – enable professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities at every stage of their careers. ISC2 strengthens the influence, diversity and vitality of the cybersecurity profession through advocacy, expertise and workforce empowerment that accelerates cyber safety and security in an interconnected world. Our charitable foundation, the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, helps create more access to cyber careers and educates those most vulnerable. Learn more, get involved or become an ISC2 Candidate to build your cyber career at ISC2.org. Connect with us on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

© 2025 ISC2 Inc., ISC2, CISSP, SSCP, CCSP, CGRC, CSSLP, HCISPP, ISSAP, ISSEP, ISSMP, CC, and CBK are registered marks of ISC2, Inc. 

Media Contact: 
Amanda Steinman 
Senior Corporate Communications Manager 
ISC2 
asteinman@isc2.org