One Constant. The CISSP Standard.

Earned by Leaders. Recognized Worldwide.

The Standard

Cybersecurity moves fast as threats, technologies, regulations and expectations change. Leadership requires more than keeping up — it demands depth, judgment, accountability and a commitment to continuous growth.

For 30 years, CISSPs have defined that standard. Validated through experience. Proven through rigorous examination. Committed to ongoing professional development within a global community of 190,000+ security leaders.

What CISSP Validates

Holistic experience-based expertise: 5 years minimum, 8 domains mastered

Ongoing commitment: 120 hours of continuing education every three years

Ethical responsibility: Bound by a global code of conduct throughout your career

Employers around the globe trust CISSPs to lead cybersecurity.

ANAB-Accredited, ISO/IEC Standard 17024, DoD-Approved

Identity

Earning the CISSP validates your expertise. Maintaining it demonstrates your commitment. Living up to it is leadership.

It’s not just technical expertise. It’s strategic thinking, risk management, ethical responsibility and leadership judgment. It's a professional identity you earn, maintain and uphold throughout your career with a responsibility to give back and advance the profession.

CISSPs don’t just secure systems — they defend organizations, governments and critical infrastructure. And that level of responsibility requires the highest standard.

Trusted by Leaders Worldwide

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Is CISSP Right for You?

Explore the requirements, career impact, and what it takes to join 190,000+ security leaders worldwide. Find out if you’re ready.

Recognized by the Industry

CISSP isn't just what security professionals pursue — it's what employers demand and the industry recognizes as the leadership standard.

No. 1 Cybersecurity Certification - Infosecurity Europe and Cyber Magazine
Most Required Security Credential by Employers - LinkedIn
Top 10 Best Information Security Certification - Indeed
Top Cybersecurity Certification to Earn Today - Splunk, a Cisco Company
Cybersecurity Certification to Boost Your Career - TechTarget

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What makes the hard work worth it?

Career Development

Advancement into leadership roles
Influence in critical strategy and decisions
Continuous learning through ongoing education
Professional network of 190,000+ CISSP-certified peers

Financial Growth

Salaries among highest-paid to security professionals
Employer requirement for top-paying senior and C-suite roles

Leadership Credibility

Global recognition as cybersecurity leaders
Professional trust from employers and peers
Ethical foundation built on the ISC2 Code of Ethics

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Three Decades. One Standard. Your Roadmap.

Cybersecurity transformed continuously for 30 years. Through every change, CISSP remained the constant.

What does that teach you about building a leadership career?

Download the 30-Year Playbook:

5 eras of cybersecurity evolution
5 career lessons from 30 years of change
Your 5-year roadmap to CISSP

Download the Playbook

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What is CISSP?
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is the world's premier cybersecurity leadership certification. It validates comprehensive expertise across eight security domains, proven through five years of experience and rigorous examination. Learn more.

Who should pursue CISSP?
Security professionals with 5+ years of experience who lead or aspire to lead cybersecurity programs, manage security strategy or hold senior technical roles requiring strategic decision-making are a strong fit.

What experience is required?
You need a minimum of five years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains. One year of experience can be waived with a four-year college degree or an approved ISC2 credential.

What if I don’t have the required experience?
You can pass the CISSP exam and become an Associate of ISC2. You’ll then have up to six years to earn the required experience. Learn more about becoming an Associate of ISC2.

How much does the exam cost?
The fee to take the CISSP exam is U.S. $749.

How should I prepare for the exam?
Many candidates prepare through self-study using books, practice exams and study guides. ISC2 also offers Official Training, including Online Instructor-Led, Online Self-Paced and Classroom options. Learn more.

How do I maintain my CISSP certification?
Earn 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits over three years and pay an annual U.S. $135 maintenance fee. If you hold another ISC2 certification, no additional maintenance fee is required.