ISC2 CISSP Cost: How Much Is It?

  • How much does CISSP cost?
  • Published by: André Hammer on May 20, 2024

Are you thinking about getting the CISSP certification but worried about the expenses? Knowing the costs for the ISC2 CISSP exam can help you manage your finances better.

In this blog, we will look at the different factors that add up to the total cost of getting the CISSP certification. This will give you a clear picture of how much money you should set aside for this qualification. Let's go through the expenses and find out the actual cost of becoming a CISSP certified professional.

Overview of CISSP Certification

CISSP Certification website

To get the CISSP certification, you need professional experience in information security and to pass an exam. The course covers different areas of cybersecurity and information security, where ISC2 instructors are guiding students. Professionals with CISSP certification can work as security analysts, network architects, and IT directors, leading to career growth and higher pay.

Renewing CISSP certification involves earning CPE credits.

Having CISSP certification is highly valued in the cybersecurity field, with certified professionals often earning more than those without the certification. The demand for experienced security professionals with CISSP certification is growing, with more companies needing experts to manage their security programs.

Cost of CISSP Certification

How much does CISSP cost?

Obtaining CISSP certification involves various costs, such as exam fees, training expenses, and study materials. Candidates must consider additional expenses like extra training courses, study guides, practice exams, and even travel costs for instructor-led training. The costs of CISSP training namely differ based on the chosen instruction method, like in-person classes, online courses, or blended learning options. Although exam costs remain fixed, investing in quality training with experienced instructors can be beneficial for better preparation.

Balancing expenses for the exam, training, and study materials is crucial for individuals seeking to progress in their careers as information security professionals.

CISSP Training Costs

CISSP training costs can vary based on the course type chosen. Instructor-led courses, whether in-person or live online, are usually pricier than self-paced or blended learning options. The certification exam cost is an additional expense to factor in which is usually around £500-£600. Besides course fees, factors like study materials, practice exams, and professional experience can impact the overall training cost. It's important to weigh the training costs against the benefits to be well-prepared for the exam. Nonetheless, the CISSP training not only helps individuals prepare for the exam but also provides skills for a successful cybersecurity career.

Despite the initial investment, certified professionals often experience a notable salary increase. On average, CISSP-certified individuals earn higher annual salaries than those without certification. This increase is particularly significant for senior cybersecurity roles like IT directors, information security analysts, network architects, and security analysts.

In the end, the cost of CISSP training is outweighed by the career progression and salary benefits it offers to cybersecurity professionals.

Factors Affecting CISSP Costs

Factors that affect CISSP costs can vary based on different factors. These include the specific training course or study materials chosen, the cost of the certification exam, and any additional training sessions. Other factors like market demand for cybersecurity professionals and industry trends in information security can also influence costs.

CISSP Salary and Cost

Salary Expectations for CISSP Security Professionals

CISSP security professionals earn competitive salaries, ranging from £75,000 to £90,000 per year on average. The costs of obtaining the certification, including exam fees and training, are significant but are balanced by the earning potential in information security. Instructors offer training for the CISSP exam to ensure professionals have the necessary knowledge and skills for success.

With experience and certification, CISSP professionals can progress to senior roles like network architects or IT directors. Demand for CISSP-certified professionals in cybersecurity is increasing, with opportunities in private and public sectors, including the Department of Defense. CISSP certification validates expertise and opens doors to lucrative career prospects in the dynamic field of information security.

Comparing CISSP Salary and Certification Costs

When thinking about the cost of getting a CISSP certification and how much security professionals can earn, a few things matter.

One, you need to consider how much it costs to take the CISSP exam, join a CISSP course, and get the right professional experience for the certification. Two, you should compare these costs with how much CISSP-certified professionals typically earn each year. Moreover, the kind of work you do, your qualifications, and the managerial positions available with a CISSP certification can really impact your career and earnings in cybersecurity.

All in all, the money you put into CISSP certification, including training and exam costs, could lead to well-paying jobs and the chance to earn more in the information security industry.

CISSP Journey

The Process of Obtaining CISSP Certification

To get CISSP certification, individuals need to pass an exam after completing training. Training covers various areas like information security and risk management. The exam tests knowledge in these subjects. Candidates need work experience in roles such as security analysts to qualify.

Keeping the CISSP certification requires ongoing education and development. Costs for training, exams, and education can affect the process but are usually worth it. CISSP-certified professionals often get higher salaries and more job opportunities.

Renewal Requirements for CISSP Certification

Professionals holding a CISSP certification need to earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every three years to keep their certification. They can do this by attending courses, exams, and training sessions focused on information security and cybersecurity.

There are different training options available, including instructor-led courses, live online sessions, and blended learning programmes. These opportunities are usually provided by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) and other established training teams.

Renewal criteria also involve demonstrating relevant professional experience in information security roles like security analysts, network architects, and IT directors. Moreover, CISSP professionals must pay a renewal fee to ISC2 to maintain their certification status. By fulfilling these requirements, they can progress in their careers in information security and cybersecurity while staying updated on industry trends.

Continuing Education Costs for CISSP Certification

Continuing education costs for CISSP certification can vary. The initial certification fees and exam costs are one-time payments. However, ongoing expenses for training courses are essential for maintaining the qualification. Professionals should budget for different types of training, such as instructor-led, online, or blended learning, to earn the required CPE credits. Financial planning should cover study materials, training fees, and potential work time lost during courses.

Balancing the benefits of education with the costs is important. CISSP certification can open doors to better job opportunities and higher salaries in roles like information security analysts, network architects, and IT directors. Staying updated on cybersecurity trends and learning from experienced instructors are vital in the world of information security management.

Projected Job Growth and CISSP

CISSP professionals are in high demand in the job market. The importance of information security and cybersecurity is increasing, leading to a growing need for individuals with CISSP certification. Employers are looking for professionals who have passed the CISSP certification exam and have relevant work experience. This certification offers not only career advancement opportunities but also higher average annual salaries for CISSP professionals.

Organizations, like the Department of Defense, seek CISSP-certified professionals to oversee their security programs and safeguard their information systems. CISSP professionals can work as network architects, security analysts, or in senior management roles.

With the necessary training and experience, CISSP professionals can build a satisfying and successful career in the field of information security.

How CISSP Certification Affects Projected Job Growth

Getting a CISSP certification can boost job growth in cybersecurity. By finishing the course and passing the exam, professionals boost their credibility in information security. This can lead to better job opportunities like network architect, IT director, or security analyst roles. However, CISSP needs relevant work experience, making it great for management jobs. The full certification allows for flexibility in choosing roles in information systems or cybersecurity.

Certified professionals often earn more than those without certification. This relates to how thee demand for ISC2-certified pros is growing, with companies focusing more on cybersecurity. Even if getting certified costs money, the benefits in career growth for security pros can outweigh the cost.

Pros and Cons of CISSP Certification

Obtaining CISSP certification can bring several benefits to individuals working in the field of information security. For instance, having the certification demonstrates a high level of expertise and knowledge in cybersecurity, which can lead to career advancement opportunities such as senior management or professional roles.

Additionally, CISSP certification holders often command higher average annual salaries compared to non-certified professionals in similar roles, making it a worthwhile investment in one's career. On the other hand, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. The certification exam costs can be significant, along with the requirement of relevant professional experience to qualify for the exam. Moreover, the CISSP exam covers a wide range of domains, so extensive study and training are necessary to pass.

Summary

The cost of getting the ISC2 CISSP certification can vary. Factors like exam registration fees, study materials, and retake costs affect the overall expenses. Individuals should budget for these expenses before pursuing the certification.

FAQ

How much does it cost to take the ISC2 CISSP exam?

The cost to take the ISC2 CISSP exam is $699 for members and $749 for non-members. Additional fees may apply for rescheduling or late registration.

Are there any additional fees associated with the ISC2 CISSP certification?

Yes, there are additional fees associated with the ISC2 CISSP certification. Examples include the exam fee, annual maintenance fee, and study materials if needed.

Is there a discount available for veterans or students when taking the ISC2 CISSP exam?

No, there is no discount available for veterans or students when taking the ISC2 CISSP exam.

Can I pay for the ISC2 CISSP exam in instalments?

No, the ISC2 CISSP exam must be paid in full at the time of registration. Payment plans or instalments are not available for this exam.

Do I need to renew my ISC2 CISSP certification annually and if so, how much does it cost?

Yes, you need to renew your ISC2 CISSP certification every three years. The cost of renewal is $125 for members and $175 for non-members.

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