See Yourself in Cybersecurity
Q: Why is ISC2 developing an entry-level 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: What is ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity℠?
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 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: Who should consider participating in this opportunity?
A: The Certified in Cybersecurity entry-level certification is ideal for:
- IT professionals
- Career changers
- College students or recent graduates
Q: How much work experience is required to earn this certification?
A: Unlike other ISC2 certifications, there is no work experience requirement to earn the entry-level Certified in Cybersecurity certification.
Q: Why will this certification be different from other foundational certifications?
A: We believe a need still exists in our industry for a certification that is attainable for newcomers and recognizes the growing trend of people entering the cybersecurity workforce without direct IT experience. Employers need confidence that when hiring new entrants into the field they have a solid grasp of the right technical concepts, and a demonstrated aptitude to learn on the job. Moreover, as an ISC2 certification, the recipient will be an ISC2 member backed by the world’s largest network of certified cybersecurity professionals helping them continue their professional development and earn new achievements and qualifications throughout their career.
Q: What can I expect from the online self-paced course?
A: The online self-paced course is a recorded review session that introduces learners to the content covered in the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam outline. The review sessions are led by an authorized ISC2 instructor and cover the five domains of the entry-level Certified in Cybersecurity certification. The sessions are designed specifically to help learners prepare to take the Certified in Cybersecurity exam. This 14-hour online learning experience features:
- Pre- and post-course assessments
- Knowledge checks and end-of chapter study sheets and quizzes
- Interactive content with applied scenarios and podcasts
- Online interactive flashcards
- 180-day access to course content
Q: What can I expect from the online instructor-led course?
A: The online instructor-led course is mix of live sessions led by an authorized ISC2 instructor and an engaging online self-paced experience to build a solid foundation of knowledge tested on the entry-level Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) exam. This 14-hour blended learning experience features:
- 8 hours of live instruction
- 6 hours of self-paced content in preparation of live sessions
- Peer discussions
- Pre- and post-course assessments
- Knowledge checks and end-of chapter study sheets and quizzes
- Online interactive flashcards
- 180-day access to recorded live sessions and self-paced content
Q: Can I take the exam without starting or completing the education course?
A: Yes, you can take the exam at any time you feel ready.
Q: How do I register for the free exam?
A: Sign up as an ISC2 Candidate. When you’re ready to sit for the exam, you can find your exam promo code on the Candidates benefits page. Please note that you may only use the exam promo code once. To register for your exam at a Pearson VUE test center, visit https://www.isc2.org/Register-for-Exam
Q: What do I need to know about exam day?
A: This exam 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 course and on the 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 exam?
A: The exam contains 100 multiple choice test items in a standard, linear exam format. There is a two (2) hour maximum administration time that is inclusive of all optional breaks and information screens.
Q: Can candidates skip a test item on the exam and answer it later?
A: No. Candidates cannot skip an exam item and return to it later.
Q: How will I know if I pass the exam?
A: Candidates will receive a pass or fail result at the test center upon completion of the exam.
Q: Can I take the exam online?
A: The entry-level Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam will only be available in-person at ISC2-authorized Pearson VUE test centers.
Q: Is the exam available worldwide?
A: Candidates will be able to take the entry-level Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam at any ISC2-authorized Pearson VUE test center that offers English language examinations.
Q: Is the exam available in multiple languages?
A: The entry-level Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam is currently available in English, Chinese Simplified, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.
Q: Can I transfer my free course and/or exam registration to someone else?
A: No, the course training and corresponding exam registration are issued to you. You may, however, encourage your peers to take advantage of the 1M Certified in Cybersecurity initiative.
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.
Q: What is the Certified in Cybersecurity Certification fee and when do I need to start paying for it?
A: The Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) for Certified in Cybersecurity is U.S. $50. This is due upon certification.
Q: Who can I contact if I still have questions?
A: If you have additional questions about the exam process or registration, please contact ExamAdministration@isc2.org. If your questions are regarding ISC2 membership, please reach out to MemberSupport@isc2.org.
Q: As an employer, what does it mean if a job candidate has this certification?
A: Those who pass this exam have proven their knowledge, skills and abilities in the fundamentals of cybersecurity. They have a proficient understanding of policies and processes and have demonstrated their commitment to further cybersecurity education and development.
Q: I am already a Candidate or Associate and would like to upgrade my designation to Certified in Cybersecurity once I pass the exam, do I need to pay an additional AMF?
A: Those who pass the Certified in Cybersecurity exam who have already paid their AMF for either the Candidate or Associate role will not need to pay any additional annual dues or AMF fees to be a fully Certified in Cybersecurity member.
Q: Do I need to be endorsed by an ISC2 member?
A: No, unlike our other certifications, Certified in Cybersecurity does not require endorsement of your experience; however, all who pass the exam must accept the Terms and Conditions and agree to abide by the ISC2 Code of Ethics in order to complete your certification application.