Leading association of cybersecurity professionals will conclude its unprecedented One Million Certified in Cybersecurity workforce development initiative

Alexandria, Va., April 22, 2026 – ISC2 – the world’s leading nonprofit member organization for cybersecurity professionals – today announced that it will conclude its One Million Certified in Cybersecurity program May 20, 2026. Since August 2022, ISC2 has reduced financial barriers for more than 1 million individuals across 178 countries by providing access to a free online course exploring foundational cybersecurity concepts and a free exam to earn the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification.

“Whether we’re talking about skills needs, economic constraints, geopolitical threats or uncertainty around AI, quantum and other emerging technologies, the cybersecurity workforce faces serious challenges. Serious challenges require big, bold initiatives,” said ISC2 CEO Scott Beale, CC. “One Million Certified in Cybersecurity embodies ISC2’s purpose-driven mission to strengthen the cybersecurity field. Our members can be proud of the opportunities we provided to more than 1 million people to explore a potential cybersecurity career and for many of them to earn a valuable certification.”

Strengthening the Future Cybersecurity Workforce

The One Million Certified in Cybersecurity program has positively impacted people around the world, ranging from those interested in learning if they are a good fit for a cybersecurity role to those already working in IT and security but looking to take the next step in their career.

In less than four years:

More than 1 million people enrolled in the program, gaining free access to the CC Online Self-Paced certification course and a free CC exam
More than 570,000 people took their CC course to learn foundational concepts of cybersecurity and enabling them to evaluate cybersecurity as a potential career
More than 65,000 people have progressed through the program to earn their CC certification
Nearly 9,000 program participants have earned a second, more advanced ISC2 certification

Program Conclusion

Starting May 20, 2026, ISC2 will stop accepting new participants in the One Million Certified in Cybersecurity program. Participants with exam codes that have not expired may schedule and take their exam by December 31, 2026. Participants whose course access has not expired may still take their course. Completing the course is not required to sit for a CC exam.

Learn more at www.isc2.org/1mcc.

Certified in Cybersecurity Availability

After the conclusion of One Million Certified in Cybersecurity, the CC certification exam and education will be available for purchase like all ISC2 exams and courses. The CC credential provides employers with the confidence that those who earn it have a solid grasp of cybersecurity fundamentals and a demonstrated aptitude to learn on the job.

While the CC is enabling many early in their careers, ISC2 survey data finds that 65% of employed CC holders work in cybersecurity roles, and 22% of them have IT roles.

Like the CISSP and all ISC2 certifications, the CC is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to the ISO/IEC 17024 standard; recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) 8140.03 framework; aligned with ENISA's European Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF); and is mapped to the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA).

Those looking to start or advance their cybersecurity career can learn more about the CC at www.isc2.org/certifications/cc.

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.

Media Contact

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

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