How to Become a CISSP? A Complete Guide

Today, organisations are in dire need of certified professionals who can safeguard their digital infrastructure. This is where Certified Information Security Professionals (CISSP) come in. So, if you are someone looking to build a career in the Information Security field, then it’s the right time to invest. But do you know How to Become a CISSP? 

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary of a Certified Information Systems Security Professional is between £39,000 – £79,000. These salary insights clearly indicate that a career in Information Security is promising and filled with growth opportunities 

Thus, by learning How to Become an Information Security Professional, you too can build a secure career. Don't know where to begin? Worry no more. Read this blog to get a comprehensive overview of How to Become a CISSP. Learn about the certification, exam details and career opportunities. 

Table of Contents 

1) Who is a CISSP? 

2) Career opportunities and benefits of becoming a CISSP 

3) Steps to Become a CISSP? 

    a) Understand the CISSP Certification 

    b) Meet the eligibility requirements 

    c) Prepare for the CISSP exam 

    d) Register and pass the CISSP exam 

    e) Post-exam activities 

    f) Commit to continuing education and maintenance 

4) Conclusion 

Who is a CISSP? 

A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a highly respected and globally recognised certification in the field of Information Security. It is awarded by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, or (ISC)², a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the practice of Information Security. 

A CISSP is an individual who has demonstrated an exceptional level of expertise and knowledge in the domain of Information Security. To achieve this certification, candidates are required to pass a rigorous examination. 

CISSPs are professionals who play a crucial role in securing information systems, protecting sensitive data, and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical information. They are often employed in various Cybersecurity roles, such as Security Consultants, Security Managers, Network Architects, and more. The CISSP Certification is a testament to an individual's commitment to the field of Information Security and their ability to address complex security challenges effectively. 

A CISSP is not just a Certification but a mark of excellence in the field of Information Security. It demonstrates the holder's proficiency and dedication to safeguarding digital assets and information in an increasingly interconnected and cyber-threat-prone world.
 

Career opportunities and benefits of becoming a CISSP 

Before learning How to Become a CISSP, it’s crucial to understand the benefits of becoming one. Earning a CISS Certification opens the door to a world of exciting career opportunities and offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond just having a prestigious title. So, let’s explore the advantages of being a CISSP-certified professional and the diverse career paths available in the field of Information Security: 

a) Diverse career options: CISSP-certified individuals have numerous career paths to choose from. They can work in various sectors, including government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare, IT, and more. Roles like Security Consultant, Security Manager, Network Architect, or Information Security Analyst become accessible to CISSP holders. 

b) High demand for CISSP professionals: As the importance of Cybersecurity continues to grow, the demand for CISSP-certified professionals is higher than ever. Organisations are actively seeking individuals with the expertise to protect their digital assets and information, making CISSP-certified professionals highly sought after. 

c) Competitive salaries: CISSP Certification often translates to higher earning potential. With the growing demand for skilled Information Security professionals, CISSPs typically command competitive salaries and enjoy better compensation packages compared to their non-certified counterparts. 

d) Career advancement: Becoming a CISSP is a stepping stone to career advancement. Many CISSP-certified professionals find themselves climbing the corporate ladder faster. They often secure leadership and management roles due to their specialised knowledge in Information Security. 

d) Global recognition: CISSPs are globally recognised and are respected in various industries and regions worldwide. This recognition ensures that their expertise is valued on a global scale, making it easier to work internationally or remotely. 

f) Networking opportunities: The CISSP community is vast and connected. Becoming a CISSP grants you access to a network of professionals in the field, opening doors for collaborations, mentorships, and the exchange of valuable insights and knowledge. 

g) Contribution to Cybersecurity: CISSPs play a crucial role in enhancing overall Cybersecurity. By securing digital assets, protecting sensitive data, and implementing best practices, CISSP-certified professionals contribute to a safer digital world. 

h) Job security: Given the ever-increasing importance of Cybersecurity, CISSPs often enjoy a higher degree of job security. As organisations recognise the need to safeguard their data and systems, they are more likely to retain and value CISSPs. 

Join our CISSAP-ISSAP Training and gain in-depth knowledge of all the eight domains covered under the CISSP exam. 

Steps to Become a CISSP? 

Becoming a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a significant achievement in the field of Cybersecurity. To become a CISSP, you are required to earn the CISSP Certification, which involves undergoing several processes. So, let’s look at the following steps to learn How to Become a CISSP:
 

Step 1: Understand the CISSP Certification 

Before diving into the process, it's essential to have a solid understanding of what the CISSP Certification is and why it's highly regarded in the field of Information Security.  

The CISSP Certification signifies that you have demonstrated an exceptional level of expertise and knowledge in various areas of information security. This expertise is verified through a comprehensive examination. To successfully obtain this certification, you must pass the CISSP exam and meet certain eligibility requirements. 

Step 2: Meet the eligibility requirements 

The CISSP Certification has specific prerequisites that you must meet before pursuing it. (ISC)² requires candidates to have a minimum of five years of cumulative, paid work experience in at least two of the eight CISSP domains. These domains include the following: 

a) Security and Risk Management 

b) Asset Security 

c) Security Architecture and Engineering 

d) Communication and Network Security 

e) Identity and Access Management 

f) Security Assessment and Testing 

g) Security Operations 

h) Software Development Security 

This experience is essential to ensure that you possess real-world expertise in the field of Information Security. However, if you hold a relevant bachelor's degree or an approved credential from (ISC)², the work experience requirement can be reduced to four years. Meeting these prerequisites is a crucial step on your path to becoming a CISSP. 

Step 3: Prepare for the CISSP exam 

Once you've confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to prepare for the CISSP exam. Passing this exam is a significant milestone on your journey to CISSP Certification. Preparation is key, and there are several effective approaches to get ready for the exam: 

a) Study materials: Start by gathering study materials such as textbooks, online courses, and practice exams. There are numerous resources available, both free and paid, to help you learn the material covered in the CISSP domains. 

b) CISSP training courses: Consider joining a CISSP training course. These courses are specifically designed to cover the CISSP domains comprehensively and often provide expert guidance. Today, many accredited and reputed institutions provide training courses with, providing expert guidance. So, it’s easier to understand the concepts covered in the exam. 

c) Study guides: Invest in a CISSP study guide, which can help you structure your study plan and provide targeted review of the exam objectives. 

Acquire skills to explore Information Security control frameworks with our Chief Information Security Officer Training - join now! 

Step 4: Register and pass the CISSP exam 

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and is designed to test your knowledge across the above-mentioned eight domains. To pass, you need to achieve a minimum passing score, typically set by (ISC)². The exam is challenging and comprehensive, so thorough preparation is essential. 

Once you feel confident in your knowledge and have completed your study plan, you can register for the CISSP exam through the (ISC)² website or an authorised test centre. Remember to check the most up-to-date exam requirements and registration details. 

Step 5: Post-exam activities 

Upon passing the CISSP exam, your journey is far from over. The next crucial step in learning How to Become a CISSP is to complete the endorsement process. This involves finding a qualified endorser who can vouch for your professional experience and ethical standing in the field. Your endorser should be an (ISC)²-certified professional, ideally another CISSP, who can verify your qualifications and commitment to the industry. 

Once your endorsement is approved, (ISC)² will officially grant you the CISSP Certification. This recognition is a testament to your dedication to the field of Information Security and your ability to address complex security challenges effectively. 

Step 6: Commit to continuing education and maintenance 

To maintain your CISSP Certification, you must participate in Continuing Professional Education (CPE) activities and accumulate CPE credits. This requirement ensures that CISSP-certified professionals stay updated with the latest developments in the ever-evolving field of Cybersecurity. It's essential to invest in ongoing learning and professional development to keep your skills current.
 

Conclusion 

Earning the CISSP certification is undeniably demanding, with prerequisites that demand a significant investment of time and effort. However, within the vast IT sector, CISSP certification proves to be exceptionally lucrative and opens doors to a multitude of career prospects. This blog has provided a complete overview of How to Become a CISSP and its intricate steps leading to CISSP certification. 

Be aware of virtual private networks to encrypt the connections and gain an understanding of Information Security with our Information Systems Security Management Training.