Why is the One Million Certified in Cybersecurity program ending?
The program has surpassed its goal of enabling more than 1 million people globally to enroll in a free Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) online course and exam. With this milestone achieved, ISC2 is concluding new enrollments effective May 20, 2026. The CC will remain the foundational cybersecurity qualification within ISC2’s certification portfolio, with exams and education available for purchase.
How did One Million Certified in Cybersecurity help people?
One Million Certified in Cybersecurity helped many people learn if cybersecurity was the right career for them. More than 570,000 participants used the CC course for foundational training, more than 65,000 people earned the CC certification, and ISC2 survey data shows 65% of employed CC holders work in cybersecurity roles, with another 22% in IT roles.
What does “program concluded” mean for participants?
The conclusion means no new participants can enroll. However, if you were issued a CC exam code through One Million Certified in Cybersecurity and your code has not yet expired, you may schedule and sit for the exam by December 31, 2026.
All non-expired exam codes must be used to schedule and take an exam by December 31, 2026.
If you enrolled in your course before May 20, 2026, and your course access has not expired, you may still take your course. Completing the course is not required to sit for a CC exam. You can check the expiration date of your course by visiting www.isc2.org/Dashboard/Courses-Exams.
How do I schedule my exam?
If your exam code is still valid, go to 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”.
Will my CC course access change?
If you enrolled in your course before May 20, 2026, and your course access has not expired, you may still take your course. Completing the course is not required to sit for a CC exam. You can check the expiration date of your course by visiting www.isc2.org/Dashboard/Courses-Exams.
Can I still schedule and take my free CC exam?
Yes. If you were issued a CC exam code through One Million Certified in Cybersecurity and your code has not yet expired, you may schedule and sit for the exam by December 31, 2026.
All non-expired exam codes must be used to schedule and take an exam by December 31, 2026.
Are previously issued exam codes still valid?
Yes. As long as your exam code has not expired, you can schedule and take your exam. No new free exam seats will be issued once the program has concluded.
I haven’t started my CC course yet. Can I still complete it?
If you enrolled in your course before May 20, 2026, and your course access has not expired, you may still take your course. Completing the course is not required to sit for a CC exam. You can check the expiration date of your course by visiting www.isc2.org/Dashboard/Courses-Exams.
What if I need more time before my exam code expires?
Standard ISC2 exam policies apply. Once an exam code expires, it cannot be reactivated. Participants may still pursue the CC exam through standard, paid ISC2 channels.
Will the CC certification still be available when the One Million Certified in Cybersecurity program is over?
Absolutely. The CC certification is a fully accredited, globally recognized credential, available the same way all ISC2 certification exams and courses are offered.
What will be the cost of the CC exam?
The CC exam fee is U.S. $199.
Upon passing the exam, candidates will complete the application form and pay U.S. $50 Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF). Once completed, they will become a certified member of ISC2 – the world’s largest association of certified cybersecurity professionals – with access to a broad range of professional development resources to help throughout their career.
What about those who were counting on free training opportunities?
ISC2 will continue working with its global network of public and private sector partners, including organizations supporting underrepresented populations, to reduce barriers to cybersecurity education and exam opportunities.
The conclusion of One Million Certified in Cybersecurity does not end ISC2’s commitment to cybersecurity workforce development. ISC2 will continue investments through:
- The Center for Cyber Safety and Education
- Global nonprofit and academic partners
- Government workforce development initiatives
What does the conclusion of One Million Certified in Cybersecurity mean for ISC2 Candidates?
While One Million Certified in Cybersecurity is no longer a benefit for ISC2 Candidates, the Candidate program remains in place. ISC2 Candidates gain access to wide array of benefits, education and networking opportunities as part of the ISC2 community on their pathway to career development, certification and ISC2 membership.
