Professional development

ISC2 certifications explained: Overview of every ISC2 certification

As cybersecurity jobs become more diverse and hiring managers look for ways to effectively evaluate candidates, cybersecurity certifications have become a key aspect validating skills and growing cybersecurity careers. ISC2 certifications, which provide evidence of expertise in a range of cybersecurity concentrations, are among the most popular.  

Let’s break down the value of ISC certifications and provide an overview of the nine the organization offers. 

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The value of ISC2 certifications 

ISC2 certifications are recognized around the world due to their rigor and high standards. The ISC2 organization has set a high bar when it comes to professionalism, the ISC2 code of ethics, and the technical prowess of its members.  

The dual requirements of passing the associated exam and meeting hands-on experience make ISC2 certifications an easy way for hiring managers to simultaneously vet a certain level of both knowledge and experience. As a result, these certifications can serve as a valuable springboard as you advance your career.  

Overview of ISC2 certifications 

There are nine different ISC2 certifications available, and each of them covers a different element of cybersecurity. One of the most effective ways to use these certifications is to map out your career progression in the security sector. 

For example, you could begin with the Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) credential. If you want to concentrate on cloud security, you could then earn the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certificate. Regardless of the type of cybersecurity you want to focus on, there’s an ISC2 certification that aligns with your path. 

The following nine certifications are roughly in order of their experience level. 

1. Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) 

The Certified in Cybersecurity certificate shows organizations that you have a strong grasp on the basics of cybersecurity. It’s a good starting point if you’re new to cybersecurity. 

• Prerequisites: No work experience necessary. 

• Objectives of the certification: To provide evidence of a foundational knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices. 

• Skills this certification validates: This certification covers some of the core concepts of cybersecurity, such as common attack vectors, mitigation techniques and tools to safeguard digital assets. 

2. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) 

The SSCP is an entry-level certification that’s ideal for those pursuing operational roles around building and supporting secure IT systems. 

• Prerequisites: At least one year of work experience in information security. 

• Objectives of the certification: To showcase a candidate’s ability to build, implement, monitor and administer secure IT infrastructures. 

• Skills this cert validates: The SSCP demonstrates that you understand which tools to use to keep data safe as it moves through networks, and how to set up and implement mitigation strategies and tools. 

3. Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC) 

Governance, risk and compliance (GRC) is a large field related to cybersecurity, and those who earn their CGRC certification have demonstrated a baseline of skills to work in a variety of related roles. 

• Prerequisites: Two years of work experience. 

• Objectives of the certification: The CGRC cert demonstrates that candidates understand how to guide an organization through GRC regulatory frameworks. It also verifies your ability to implement internal risk mitigation and governance strategies. 

• Skills this certification validates: The CGRC validates skills such as risk identification and quantification, evaluation, understanding regulatory frameworks, and connecting and incorporating general data security principles with a company’s data safety goals. 

4. Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) 

The CSSLP certification is ideal for those who want to work in DevOps or general software development with a focus on creating more secure solutions. 

• Prerequisites: Four years of work experience. 

• Objectives of the certification: A CSSLP certification shows that you understand how to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities that arise at various points in the software development lifecycle. 

• Skills this cert validates: This certification validates your ability to build, implement and maintain more secure apps. 

5. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) 

Due to the meteoric rise of cloud solutions, the CCSP certification can be pivotal for anyone who wants to work with companies that currently have or will soon have applications in the cloud. 

• Prerequisites: At least five years of work experience. 

• Objectives of the certification: The CCSP certification provides evidence that you understand the unique security concerns that impact cloud environments, how to address them, and how to strengthen networks accordingly. 

• Skills this certification validates: The certification provides evidence that you understand how firewalls, web application firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs), and other security tools protect information moving to and from servers in the cloud. 

6. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP certification proves to employers that you have a broad knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, making it a strong choice for many roles, particularly those who want to lead teams or have a wide view of organizational security. 

• Prerequisites: At least five years of work experience. 

• Objectives of the certification: This certification shows you have advanced knowledge of how to protect a range of digital environments. 

• Skills this cert validates: Holders of a CISSP cert have advanced knowledge when it comes to designing security architectures, implementing them in on-premise and cloud environments, and troubleshooting issues. 

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7. Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) 

The ISSAP certification can be a helpful asset for experienced security architects who want to pursue higher-level jobs with enterprises or design security solutions from scratch for startups and those revamping their systems. 

• Prerequisites: The CISSP certification and two years of experience — or seven years of cumulative work experience. 

• Objectives of the certification: This certification is evidence of your ability to design security architecture according to an organization’s unique environment, as well as update and adjust security measures in response to expansion initiatives, architectural changes and new threats. 

• Skills this certification validates: This certification validates a candidate’s ability to build security architectures that work best with specific operating systems, client-server ecosystems and cloud solutions. 

8. Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (ISSEP) 

The ISSEP certification validates your advanced technical skills and can help you progress into a higher-level role engineering unique, customized systems for complex ecosystems. 

• Prerequisites: The CISSP certification and two years of experience — or seven years of cumulative work experience. 

• Objectives of the certification: The ISSEP certification shows you understand how to build security solutions in more complicated environments involving multiple networks, legacy and new applications, and for an evolving array of attack vectors. 

• Skills this certification validates: In addition to the technical skills needed to build custom solutions, the ISSEP certification also validates your problem-solving skills when it comes to predicting threat vectors and designing pre-emptive mitigation systems. 

9. Information Systems Security Management Professional (ISSMP) 

The ISSMP certification is another advanced ISC2 certification focused on management roles. It’s ideal for anyone wanting to pursue a career path related to management or the C-suite focused on management roles. It’s ideal for anyone wanting to pursue a management or C-suite related career path. 

• Prerequisites: The CISSP certification and two years of experience — or seven years of cumulative work experience. 

• Objectives of the certification: To establish leadership credentials for those who manage complicated cybersecurity programs and teams of individuals. 

• Skills this certification validates: The ISSMP validates your ability to organize teams of professionals around tackling intricate security challenges. It also demonstrates that you understand how to manage existing systems in a way that helps an organization meet its higher-level objectives and maintain resilience and continuity. 

The hardest ISC2 exam 

The most difficult ICS2 exam will depend on your background and previous knowledge. But, generally, the ISSAP, ISSEP and ISSMP are the most advanced. For some, the CISSP can be challenging because it covers such a broad range of topics. The CCSP, which covers cloud security, and CGRC, which focuses on governance, each take deep dives into their subject matter, which could make them more challenging for some candidates. 

To prepare for the more difficult ISC2 exams, you should: 

• Identify the topics that may be the most challenging and study until you feel comfortable with them 

• Budget extra time for deeper subject matter 

• Avoid rushing through intricate technical material or highly detailed concepts 

Most valuable ISC2 certification 

For many cybersecurity professionals in 2024 and beyond, the CISSP may be the most valuable because it’s listed in most U.S. job openings. However, CCSP has seen significant growth due to the rising popularity of cloud solutions. That said, each certification carries its own value, and the most significant determining factor is your career path. 

All the ISC2 certifications cover how to address a range of situations and ecosystems, which align with trends around the need for versatility and agility in cybersecurity. 

Preparing for ISC2 certifications 

Studying for an ISC2 certification involves identifying the resources most applicable to the cert you’re aiming for, setting aside time and creating a plan to learn the material. 

You can find guides to the content each certification covers on the ISC2 website. There are also books available online and videos and blogs that dive into exam material. If you’re looking for additional support, providers like Infosec offer both on-demand training options; and live ISC2 training boot camps. 

Regardless of the certification you’re trying to get, it’s good to get some hands-on experience because this helps reiterate the knowledge and skills you need to perform well on the exam. 

Continuous learning is also important because it allows you to reinforce your knowledge and stay abreast of new developments in the cybersecurity sphere. One way to continue your learning is to engage with cybersecurity communities, such as discussion groups, hackathons and other competitions. 

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Is an ISC2 certification right for me? 

An ISC2 cybersecurity certification gives you a solid foundation to build or advance your career. By earning one or more certifications, you take a powerful step towards achieving your career goals, whether they include an entry-level position, earning more pay or assuming a managerial role. 

Dive deeper into ISC2 certifications and take the next step towards preparing for your cert by browsing Infosec ISC2 boot camps and finding your next training.