ISC2 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is ISC2 offering an entry-level, Certified in Cybersecurity, certification?

A: Research from ISC2 and others continues to conclude that there is a global shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals. While there are many contributing factors, we believe one solution is to create a certification that enables candidates – including students, young professionals and career-changers – to demonstrate to employers their familiarity with foundational cybersecurity concepts as determined by cybersecurity professionals and practitioners already in the field.

Q: Why should I participate in this opportunity?

A: ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity is a foundational cybersecurity certification designed to help recipients build a pathway to a rewarding career in cybersecurity. This entry-level certification can be earned without work experience and will prove to employers you have the foundational knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for an entry- or junior-level cybersecurity role. It proves your willingness and ability to learn and grow on the job. Learn more here.

Q: How do I sign up for and access the free online self-paced training?

A: Follow along with the “Start Your Journey” steps here. You’ll find your access in your ISC2 Dashboard. If you’ve enrolled but do not see it listed immediately, please wait and check back later.

Q: What can I expect from the CC online self-paced course?

A: The online self-paced course offers recorded review sessions led by an ISC2 instructor, introducing learners to the content covered in the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam outline. The course is adaptive and AI-driven, tracking your progress and identifying knowledge gaps to facilitate more efficient learning. Learners have access to the course for 180 days. The adaptive course is available in English only. The German, Japanese, Chinese and Spanish versions of the training are linear and not adaptive.

Q: Can I take the CC exam without starting or completing the training course?

A: Yes, you can take the CC exam at any time you feel ready. Review the CC exam outline to assess your understanding of the domains covered on the exam.

Q: I already have an ISC2 certification or am an Associate of ISC2. Can I participate in this free program?

A: No. This One Million Certified in Cybersecurity pledge is intended to bring new individuals into the field of cybersecurity and provide them with their first certification. Therefore, the program is not available for anyone who already holds an ISC2 certification or the Associate of ISC2 status. However, if you would like to take the CC exam, or course, you may do so by purchasing a CC bundle.

Q: Is there an age restriction to take an ISC2 examination?

A: You must be 16 years old to sit for an ISC2 examination.

Q: How do I register for the free CC exam?

A: After you have become an ISC2 Candidate you can take the CC exam for free one time as part of ISC2 Candidate benefits. All future CC registrations must be purchased at cost. Here is the process:

Here is the process:

• In your ISC2 Dashboard, click “Courses and Exams” in the left-hand menu.
• Under “Exams”, find your free CC exam and click “Schedule”. You’ll be redirected to https://my.isc2.org/s/ISC2-Pearson to create your exam account with Pearson VUE, global administrator of ISC2 exams.
• Confirm the accuracy of your information before submitting the form.
  • IMPORTANT: When registering for your exam, you must enter your information exactly as it appears on the identification (ID) you will present at the test center. If it is not an exact match, you will not be able to take your test and you will not be reimbursed for any fees paid. See Prepare for Your ISC2 Exam Day for more information.
• After submitting, your Pearson VUE account will be created and you’ll be redirected to their site.
• Choose your exam language (if applicable) and review the ISC2 Examination Agreement.
• Select your testing location and schedule your exam.
• At checkout, your total will update to U.S. $0. Proceed to checkout to finalize the order.
• Your scheduled exam will appear in both your Pearson VUE Dashboard and ISC2 Dashboard under “Courses and Exams”.

Q: How can I reschedule or cancel my CC exam?

A: You may reschedule your exam appointment up to 48 hours prior to your scheduled exam through Pearson VUE without the risk of forfeiting your free exam.

• Visit this page to manage your exam. If you are already an ISC2 Member or ISC2 Candidate, log in to your account.
• Enter or review the information on the ISC2 Exam Account Information form for accuracy. IMPORTANT: You must enter your information exactly as it appears on the identification (ID) you will present at the test center. If it is not an exact match, you will not be able to take your test and you will not be reimbursed for any fees paid.
• Once your form is submitted you will be redirected to the Pearson VUE website.
• At Pearson VUE’s website, navigate to “View an upcoming test center appointment.”
• Find your exam and view, reschedule or cancel.

Q: Can I take the exam online?

A: The entry-level Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam is only available in-person at ISC2-authorized Pearson VUE test centers.

To locate your closest Pearson VUE test center, visit the Pearson VUE website and navigate to “Find a test center” on the right side of the webpage.

Q: What do I need to know about exam day?

A: The Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam is only available in-person at ISC2-authorized Pearson VUE testing centers. It follows all standard ISC2 exam policies and practices, including rescheduling and special accommodations. Learn more here. It is recommended that all candidates review these policies and procedures prior to sitting for the exam.

Q: What topics are covered in the CC course and on the CC exam?

A: There are five domains to this certification, listed below. For more details on the exam, review the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity exam outline.

• Security Principles
• Business Continuity (BC), Disaster Recovery (DR) & Incident Response Concepts
• Access Controls Concepts
• Network Security
• Security Operations

Q: How long is the CC exam?

A: The CC exam is administered as a variable-length Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) exam only. Candidates will have two hours to answer 100-125 multiple-choice and advanced item types. For more information, please refer to www.isc2.org/certifications/computerized-adaptive-testing.

Q: Can I skip a test item on the exam and answer it later?

A: No. All items must be answered in the order they are presented. You cannot skip an exam item and return to it later.

Q: Is the exam available worldwide?

A: When registering for your exam, you will see a list of the closest Pearson VUE test centers where the CC exam is available. You may select the test center that works best from that list. Please note that exam availability will vary. If you do not see a time slot that works for you, please check back regularly as more spaces may become available in the future. ISC2 does not offer any additional exam availability beyond what is visible on Pearson VUE.

Q: Is the exam available in multiple languages?

A: The Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam is currently available in English, Simplified Chinese, German, Japanese, and Spanish.

Q: How will I know if I pass the exam?

A: You will receive a preliminary pass or fail result on-site at the test center upon completion of the exam. If you pass, you will receive a confirmation email with your next steps to complete the certification process.

ISC2 does not release test scores. If you did not pass the exam, you will receive a printout at the test center with a breakdown of the proficiency level demonstrated per domain on the exam.

Q: I have passed the CC exam, what do I do next?

A: Congratulations on passing your CC exam! The next step is to agree to the ISC2 Code of Ethics and submit your certification application. Please Note: Candidates have nine months from passing an exam to submit their application. If an application is not submitted during this time, you will need to retake the exam.

Q: If I do not pass the CC exam the first time, can I take it again for free?

A: No. You are only permitted one free attempt at the CC exam through the One Million Certified in Cybersecurity pledge. If you would like to attempt the exam again, we recommend purchasing a training bundle and exam together. You can see the available options at Certified in Cybersecurity bundles page.

Q: I have passed the CC exam and submitted my application but haven’t received my badge/certificate. What should I do?

A: After passing the exam and submitting your application, the next step is to pay your first Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) via your ISC2 Dashboard to become a CC holder. Once you’ve paid the AMF, your digital badge and digital certificate will be available to you shortly afterward. Please note that CC holders will not receive a welcome pack by mail.

Q: What are the requirements to maintain the Certified in Cybersecurity certification after passing the exam?

A: Certified in Cybersecurity credential holders will need to earn 45 CPE credits during their three-year certification cycle to maintain the certification. We recommend earning 15 credits per year. You will also need to pay an Annual Maintenance Fee to maintain your certification.

For a more information on CPE credits, see the Certification Maintenance Handbook.

View our YouTube playlist of ISC2 CPE Tutorial videos for more guidance on how to navigate the CPE portal, submit CPE credits and more.

Q: What is the fee and when do I need to start paying for it?

A: You’ll need to pay your first Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) of U.S. $50 for the Certified in Cybersecurity certification after passing your exam and completing your certification application. Afterwards, the AMF is due annually on your certification anniversary.

Q: Why should I become an ISC2 Candidate?

A: As an ISC2 Candidate, you are eligible for training discounts and to enroll into the free Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) training and one free CC exam. ISC2 candidates receive access to a global community of cybersecurity professionals working to build a safe and secure cyber world. You can advance your career goals and build your confidence as you work your way toward certification. Learn More

Q: What are the requirements to become an ISC2 Candidate?

A: If you’re not yet a certified member of ISC2 and want to learn more about the exciting and rewarding career opportunities in cybersecurity, you’re a perfect fit! ISC2 Candidate is ideal for anyone pursuing or considering a cybersecurity certification.

Q: How do I become an ISC2 Candidate?

A: Find the easy to follow "How to Become a Candidate” steps here.

Q: How do I get my discount on certification training and events?

A: Sign in to your ISC2 Candidate account and view your candidate benefits to get access to your exclusive pricing for ISC2 training and more.

Q: Do I get a badge or certificate to demonstrate that I am an ISC2 Candidate?

A: Yes, when you become an ISC2 Candidate, you are awarded a Candidate badge. You can share this badge on LinkedIn, in your signature, and on your online CV to demonstrate your commitment to learning and development in cybersecurity. You can access or claim your digital badge via the email you receive from us or via the Digital Certificates and Badges section in your ISC2 Dashboard.

Q: How much does being an ISC2 Candidate cost?

A: For a limited time, annual dues for the first year of being an ISC2 Candidate will be waived for new ISC2 Candidates. Annual dues for succeeding years will be U.S. $50 are due each year on the anniversary of registering as a Candidate.

Q: My Candidate dues are due in the next two months while I am preparing for my certification exam. Should I pay or wait until I pass the exam?

A: Please pay your Candidate dues when they are due. If you become a member shortly after your Candidate dues are paid, your Candidate dues will apply to your first year of membership or Associate status.

Q: Will I be required to submit Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to maintain my candidate status?

A: No, you will not be required to meet CPE credit requirements as an ISC2 Candidate.

Q: How can I find testing center locations and times?

A: Find the nearest Pearson VUE testing center online at https://wsr.pearsonvue.com/testtaker/find/testcenter/ISC2?locale=en_US. When you are ready to select a date and time, use this step-by-step guide to book your exam. If you cannot find a nearby testing center, you can contact Pearson VUE Customer Service for assistance scheduling your examination.

Q: Are ISC2 exams available online?

A: Not at this time. Following multiple Online Proctor Pilot Tests, ISC2 has concluded that they do not meet exam security standards.

Q: How can I request a special examination accommodation?

A: ISC2 provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations for its exams, such as extra time, breaks and reading equipment for those who have demonstrated a need for test accommodations. These requests must be submitted for review in advance of your exam date. For information on how to request an accommodation, visit https://www.isc2.org/exams/before-your-exam

Q: My name on my legal documentations differs from the exam confirmation, sequence or otherwise, what should I do?

A: You can review and update your name up to two days (48 hours) prior to your exam appointment by logging into your account. If you are closer than 48 hours before your exam and have not been able to resolve your naming differences, we recommend rescheduling. Name changes cannot be made on your test day, including at the test center.

Q: How can I reschedule or cancel my ISC2 exam?

A: You may reschedule your exam appointment up to 48 hours before your scheduled exam through Pearson VUE without the risk of forfeiting your exam fee. Please visit our Manage Your Exam page to review the steps for rescheduling your exam.

For ISC2 certification exams, Pearson VUE charges a U.S. $50 fee to reschedule. However, those participating in ISC2’s One Million Pledge sitting for the Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) exam for the first time do not pay fees for rescheduling.

Q: Is there an age restriction to take an ISC2 examination?

A: You must be 16 years old to sit for an ISC2 examination.

Q: What can I bring inside the test center?

A: Personal items and/or notes, books etc. are not permitted inside the test center. You will be instructed by the test administrator to empty your pockets and place all items in a locker.

Q: During the exam, can I skip a question and then go back to answer it?

A: No. ISC2 offers two types of computer-based exams – linear and adaptive – however, neither exam type allows candidates to skip a question and return to it later.

Q: When will I get my exam result?

A: In most cases, you will receive your provisional examination results before you leave the test center. You will also receive your exam results via email, as well as directions for your next step in either completing the certification process (if you pass) or rescheduling your exam (if you fail).

Q: Will I receive an exam score?

A: No, scores are not provided. For those who fail an examination, a list of proficiency levels for each domain will be provided at the testing center.

Q: What do I do if I have passed the exam, but have not received any notice or email from ISC2 after a few days?

A: Result delivery from Pearson VUE can take up to 72 business hours to arrive. Once your examination results are received, you will receive an email confirmation from ISC2. Issues can occur for those with multiple accounts that do not have access to the email address associated with your examination. In these cases, please contact Exam Administration at examadministration@isc2.org for your accounts to be merged and for your examination confirmation to be resent.

Q: What if I need to retake the exam?

A: You can find the ISC2 examination retake policy by visiting ‘Retake Policy’. You will need to pay the full examination fee for each examination attempt, unless you have purchased your exam voucher with Peace of Mind Protection.

Q: Can I start my certification application if I have not yet passed the exam?

A: Yes. The application will remain in draft status while you work on gathering information. Once you receive the email informing you that you have successfully passed the exam, your nine-month window opens, and you can submit your certification application.

Q: What are some examples of proof of employment that can be used when asking ISC2 to be my endorser?

A: Documentation must represent the start and end date for each job you wish to put towards your experience. Examples: certificate of employment, military fitness evaluations, several paystubs, HR confirmation of employment, offer letter and termination/company accepted resignation letter.

Q: Do I need to be endorsed for the Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)?

A: No. You will not be required to go through the full endorsement process for CC, but you will need to confirm that you will abide by the Code of Ethics in order to complete your certification application.

Q: How can I check the status of my endorsement?

A: You can use the online ISC2 portal to confirm that your endorsement has been received. The portal will also indicate if your application has been selected for audit or has been approved, or when the application review is completed. We will contact you if additional information is needed during the review process. Please Note: You will receive an email when your application is received by ISC2 (after your endorser finishes their review). The application review typically takes four to six weeks.

Q: Does a candidate/endorser get a notification of the submission when a candidate sends the endorsement form?

A: Endorsers receive a ‘Request for Endorsement’ email when a candidate submits the online application. Candidates are emailed when ISC2 receives the submission from the endorser. Candidates are advised of the application status through the portal.

Q: What kind of supporting document(s) should I attach with my endorsement?

A: Documentation will vary. If you are claiming a degree, you will need to provide a copy of your degree certificate. Earning a post-secondary degree (bachelors or masters) in computer science, information technology (IT) or related fields may satisfy up to one year of the required experience. Alternatively, for CISSP only, an additional credential from the ISC2 approved list may satisfy up to one year of the required experience. If you are asking ISC2 to endorse your application, you will need to provide proof of employment. You can also provide a copy of your resume for a complete overview.

Q: Can I be related to, or married to, my endorser?

A: Yes, any member in good standing with an ISC2 certification, with the exception of CC, at the current time can endorse a candidate for any certification.

Q: I already hold an ISC2 certification and have passed another ISC2 exam. Do I need to submit another endorsement application?

A: Yes, you will need to submit another endorsement application.

Q: I do not yet have the experience for the certification I have passed the exam for, do I need to submit an application?

A: Yes, you still need to submit application for Associate designation within 9 months of the exam pass. It doesn't require experience, and you can hold Associate designation while you are accumulating your work experience.

Q: I have missed the 9-month deadline to submit my application. What should I do?

A: As you have missed the deadline to submit your application and the online application system doesn't allow you to submit the application, you need to retake the exam and submit another application with your new exam result within 9 months of the exam passing.

Q: Can I get a soft/digital copy of my certificate?

A: Yes, claim your digital badge to proclaim your certification accomplishment online. In addition to digital badges, digital certificates are available to all credential holders (with the exception of Associates and Candidates). You may access your digital certificate and digital badge through your member account by logging in and visiting https://cpe.isc2.org/DigitalCertificate.

Q: How can I claim my digital badge?

A: You will receive an email within two weeks of fully certifying, inviting you to claim your badge. The email will take you to the Credly website where you can claim your badge. You can also claim or view your badge via the Digital Certificates and Badges page within your ISC2 account.

Q: What should I do if I cannot claim my badge?

A: If you cannot claim your ISC2 badge, please contact us with your member ID number and describe the issue you are having.

Q: How can I regain my digital badge link after I deleted the first claim?

A: Please contact us with your member ID number.

Q: How long does it take to receive the email to claim my badge?

A: You can expect to receive the email to claim your badge within two weeks from your Candidate registration date or the start of your Associate or credential cycle, which begins on the 1st of the month following your AMF or dues payment.

Be sure you keep your member profile up to date with your current mailing address, email address and contact preferences. Click “Sign In” in the top right of this page and update your information in your Member Profile.

Q: Who receives a Member Welcome Kit?

A: Welcome kits are provided to full credential holders, except for CC holders. CC holders receive a digital certificate and digital badge, while Associates and Candidates do not receive a certificate – only a digital badge.

Q: How can I check the status of my member welcome kit delivery?

A: Please allow up to 12 weeks for your member welcome kit to arrive after the start of your membership cycle, which is the 1st of the month following your first AMF payment. Packages are sent via U.S. Postal Service First Class mail, which does not provide tracking numbers.

Q: My package was damaged upon receipt. Can it be resent?

A: Yes, if your package is damaged due to transit or weather, we will send you one complimentary package. Subsequently, a U.S. $35 fee is charged for additional certificate packages. Please contact us for assistance.

Q: My name on the certificate is not consistent with what is reflected on my member profile. Can you resend the package immediately?

A: Certificates are only printed with first and last/surname. If you would like your full name on your certificate, please contact us to update your profile. A U.S. $35 fee will be charged to reissue an additional certificate package.

Q: My address is not correct. However, my welcome kit has been shipped. Can you resend it to the correct address?

A: Please update the address in your member profile and contact us. If you have not received your new certificate package after 12 weeks, please contact your regional support team for assistance.

Q: I already have one ISC2 certification and have now passed a new exam. Will I receive another mailed certificate for my new certification?

A: Yes, upon completion of certification, a new printed certificate and welcome kit is mailed to full credential holders, except for CC holders.

Q: I just earned the Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification. Will I get a member welcome kit?

A: No. When you earn the CC certification, you will receive a digital badge and a digital version of your certificate which is accessible to print or download from your Member Profile.

Q: If I have recertified, will I receive a new kit?

A: No. When you recertify (or renew your certification), you will not be sent a Welcome Kit. Welcome Kits are only sent when a certification (excluding CC) is first earned. If you would like to purchase a new kit upon recertification, please contact us. The fee for a Member Welcome Kit is U.S. $35

Members can view their CPE Credit status, submit updates, find guidelines, tips and more by visiting the CPE Credits page on the Member Dashboard. More information is available in the Certification Maintenance Policy.

Q: What are CPE Credits?

A: Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits are a part of the membership maintenance and ensure that you remain current and consistently expand your knowledge in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity. Requirements, including annual credit recommendations, are available in the Certification Maintenance Handbook and CPE Credits Guide on the CPE opportunities page.

Q: Who can earn and submit CPE credits?

A: ISC2 Members who hold any of ISC2 certifications and Associates of ISC2 are required to earn and submit CPE credits. Please see your dashboard and Certification Maintenance Handbook for specific CPE requirements. ISC2 Candidates are not required to earn CPE credits and are not able to submit them.

Q: When can I start submitting CPE credits after passing my exam?

A: You can start submitting CPE credits after your first membership cycle begins. This begins after passing the exam, submitting the certification application, and paying your first AMF for your certification. Your membership or Associate cycle will then start from the first of the following month.

Q: How can I earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits?

A: CPE activities are any educational activities you complete that furthers your professional knowledge in cybersecurity and relates to at least one of the domains of the certification you hold. Some of the most common activities are reading, completing a development course or training, attending an industry event, completing a special project, and preparing for or delivering training. More information is available when you login to your Member Dashboard and visit the CPE Page.

Q: What are my CPE requirements?

A: CPE requirements vary depending on the certification(s) you hold. Login to your Member Dashboard to see your current standing and renewal requirements.

Q: How can I check my CPE credits or submit CPE activities?

A: Sign in to your Member Dashboard and visit the CPE Page or visit https://cpe.isc2.org

Visit the Annual Maintenance Fee Overview page for a comprehensive look at AMFs.

Q: Where can I find what I owe for my AMF?

A: Log in to your ISC2 account and view your Dashboard. Your AMF status – including due date – can be found on the top of the page.

Q: When can I pay my AMF?

A: Your AMF will be due each year on the anniversary of your certification. You may pay it up to 180 days prior to the due date. Please Note: Those in the final year of the three-year membership cycle and Associates are required to submit all CPE credits prior to payment.

Q: How can I pay my AMF?

A: Once you are logged in to your ISC2 account, you can pay your AMF online via debit/credit card, or PayPal on your Dashboard. You may also call your regional support team to pay over the phone.

Q: Can I get receipts for each AMF payment?

A: Your AMF invoice will be available to download from ‘Order History’ section of your ISC2 account.

Q: My address has been changed but it is not updated in my AMF invoice. How can I get that updated?

A: Please contact us and request that your invoice address be updated to reflect the postal address on file.

Q: How can my employer pay my AMF?

A: Your employer can contact ISC2 by phone or email to provide payment for your AMF. They will need to have your member ID number and the amount that is due. They can also send payment by mail or wire transfer. For instructions, please contact ISC2.