CISSP Certification Renewal Requirements

CISSP is an extremely prestigious certification in the field of information security. Obtaining this credential has a lot of benefits, like improved wages and career prospects. It is valid for three years and should be renewed within that time period. To avoid any hiccups in the future, you should be aware of the CISSP Renewal requirements.   

According to the ISC2 Annual Report, there are over 168,00 CISSP-certified professionals globally, which will grow more in the future. This is a testament to the significance of the CISSP qualification in the information security domain. This blog will provide a detailed guide on the renewal requirements of CISSP Certification and the steps to be followed to renew it. 

Table of Contents      

1) CISSP Certification Renewal Requirements  

     a) Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits  

     b) Annual membership fee  

     c) Code of Ethics 

     d) Submission of Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) 

2) How to renew CISSP Certification?  

     a) Earning CPE credits  

     b) Calculating and reporting CPE credits  

     c) Annual Maintenance Fee  

     d) Submitting the CISSP Certification Renewal application  

3) Conclusion     

CISSP Certification Renewal Requirements  

To maintain your CISSP certification, you must fulfil certain criteria. It helps ensure that certified professionals stay updated with the evolving field of cybersecurity. Here are the CISSP Certification Renewal Requirements:  

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits
 

Earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits is an important requirement, as they are a measure of your professional development activities within the field of information security.   

To fulfil this requirement, you must accumulate a specific number of CPE credits over a three-year certification cycle. You should try to earn at least 40 CPEs every year to meet the total requirement of 120 CPEs within three years.  

Annual membership fee 

In addition to earning CPE credits, you must pay the annual membership fee to maintain your CISSP certificate. It helps contribute to the ongoing support, resources, and benefits provided by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, or (ISC)².

Code of Ethics

As a CISSP-certified professional, you are expected to abide by the (ISC)² Code of Ethics. This code outlines the ethical responsibilities and professional conduct expected from CISSP holders. To renew your certificate, you must affirm your commitment to the Code of Ethics. 
 

Submission of Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) 

It is essential to send an Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) to (ISC)2 as part of the renewal requirement. The AMF helps with the administrative costs of maintaining your certificate and ongoing professional development activities. It is integral to note that the AMF is separate from the annual membership fee. While the specifics of AMF may differ between CISM vs CISSP, both certifications necessitate this fee for ongoing certification maintenance

As an aspirant in the information security domain, it is imperative to learn the specific rules and criteria for renewing the CISSP certification, as it may change or get updated anytime. Staying informed about the renewal process will not only help you maintain your certification but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development in CISSP domains. So, frequently check the (ISC)2 website to stay updated with the most recent criteria for renewing your certification.    

Meeting these requirements showcases your commitment to continuing your professional development and ambition to stay updated in the information security industry. It can also improve your integrity and professional reputation among peers.   

How to renew CISSP Certification?
 

Renewing your CISSP certificate involves several steps to ensure that you qualify for the criteria set by (ISC)². Let's explore the CISSP certificate renewal process:  

Earning CPE credits 

Earning CPE credits is a crucial requirement for renewing the CISSP certificate. You can earn them by participating in activities that enhance your knowledge and skills in information security. Furthermore, individuals pursuing the CISSP certification should be aware of the CISSP Exam Cost, which covers the expenses associated with taking the CISSP exam itself. Let's look at a few of the activities that can be performed to obtain these credits: 

a) Attending conferences  

b) Completing training courses  

c) Conducting research  

d) Publishing articles


 

Calculating and reporting CPE credits 

When earning CPE credits, it is important to understand how they are calculated. Each activity is assigned a specific credit value based on its duration, relevance, and contribution to your professional development.  

(ISC)² provides guidelines for calculating CPE credits for different types of activities. It is ideal to keep a detailed record of your activities regarding CPEs. Prepare a checklist for calculating and reporting CPE credits and include the following items in it:  

a) Dates  

b) Duration  

c) Supporting documentation  

Annual Maintenance Fee 

The AMF covers administrative costs associated with maintaining your CISSP qualification and supporting (ISC)² initiatives. You can fulfil this requirement by simply paying the AMF. The AMF payment is typically due on an annual basis and should be completed promptly to ensure uninterrupted certification.  

Submitting the CISSP Certification Renewal application 

As your certificate expiration date approaches, you will need to submit the CISSP certification renewal application to (ISC)². The application process is typically completed online through the (ISC)² website. You must provide details such as your CPE activities, endorsement from an (ISC)² member, and other necessary documentation. Before submitting, verify that all information provided is accurate and up to date.  

The process of renewing the certificate may vary slightly based on the specific criteria and rules implemented during the process. So, review the (ISC)² website and double-check the instructions by the time you submit your renewal application.  

By completing the CISSP certification renewal process, you ensure the continuity of your certificate, validate your commitment to professional development, and maintain your status as a trusted and knowledgeable CISSP-certified professional.
 

Conclusion    

Maintaining your CISSP certificate is essential for staying up to date with the latest developments in the field of information security. We hope this blog helped improve your understanding of the CISSP Certification Renewal Requirements & the process of renewal to ensure the ongoing validity and relevance of your certification.