ISC2 Candidate Background Qualifications

ISC2 expects its certified members to be of the highest ethical and professional caliber. To that end, the organization has standards that candidates must acknowledge as part of the certification criteria.

The following questions may impact your eligibility for certification:

Criminal History

• Have you ever been convicted of a felony, common law felony, military court-martial, or any other international equivalent, or is there a charge now pending against you? Omit misdemeanor (or international equivalent) charges, minor traffic citations or violations, and offenses prosecuted in juvenile court.

If you answered 'Yes' to the above question and your conviction has either been sealed by a court or removed from your record, your eligibility for certification will not be impacted.

Public Association with Criminal Computer Activity

• Have you ever been involved with, publicly identified with, or indicted by law enforcement for computer crimes or criminal computer activity?

Loss of License or Certification

• Have you ever had a professional license, certification, membership, or registration revoked, or have you ever been censured or disciplined by a professional organization or government agency?

If you answer 'Yes' to any of the questions above, it is possible you may not be eligible to earn an ISC2 certification. At ISC2, we do not wish to deny anyone the opportunity for certification. If you feel you may still be eligible, please contact legal@isc2.org to discuss your particular situation and receive clearance of eligibility for certification. Candidates are advised to resolve any potential eligibility problems prior to scheduling the exam.

Candidates taking the examination prior to receiving an assessment from ISC2 about background inquiries will not be refunded for exam fees or expenses should they be ineligible for certification.