The CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification got a few thumbs-up in a recent Dice article about whether cybersecurity jobseekers need certifications to land a position. Several cybersecurity professionals quoted in the article named the CISSP as a valuable certification.

“I always recommend the Certified Information Systems Security Professional Cert (CISSP). For years, this has been the dominating certification in the cybersecurity industry. It is still a top-tier certification, and I would recommend it to anyone serious about a career in cybersecurity,” said Steve Tcherchian, Chief Product Officer at XYPRO.

Magda Chelly, a cybersecurity author and researcher, cited the CISSP as one of the industry’s most popular certifications. Certifications such as CISSP and hands-on training, she said, are outweighing requirements by employers for college degrees.

Recognition by cybersecurity experts is always welcome. It shows that (ISC)² is hitting the mark with what we like to call “the world’s premier cybersecurity certification.” Earning the CISSP proves the holder has the skills and knowledge to design, implement and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program.

Experience Required

To pass the CISSP exam, cybersecurity professionals need at least five years of experience in two or more of the eight domains. Those who earn it increase their earning potential, and the certification frequently appears in the top five on lists correlating certifications to the salaries .

When preparing to take the exam, it helps to participate in study groups that focus on the certification domains. For instance, the (ISC)² Pittsburgh Chapter coordinates study sessions for both the CISSP and CCSP exams. The sessions help connect CISSP aspirants with each other and foster collaboration and deeper understanding of the materials, as they learn from and teach one another.

For those who are new to cybersecurity – whether young professionals just joining the workforce or those looking for a career change – (ISC)² recommends the recently launched Entry-level Cybersecurity Certification (still in pilot status). It was developed to help close the cybersecurity workforce gap by assuring employers that new entrants to the field have the skills and knowledge to work in a cybersecurity team. Those who complete the certification take the first step toward a rewarding and lucrative cybersecurity career.