Introduction
AS per (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Report 2023, 75% of cybersecurity professionals view the current threat landscape as the most challenging it has been in the past five years. Only 52% believe that their organization has the tools and people needed to respond to cyber incidents over the next two to three years. Organizations are struggling to find people with good cloud computing and security skills.
Snip from (ISC)2 Workforce report. For full report click here.
Career Advancement
Cybersecurity roles often come with attractive salary packages and opportunities with career advancement. It is one of the advantages of CISSP certification. According to industry reports cybersecurity professionals earn significantly more than their counterparts in traditional IT roles. Additionally, the field offers a variety of specialized career paths from ethical hacking to security consulting, providing ample room for growth and development.
How CISSP Facilitate the Transition Bridge For Knowledge Gap
For IT professionals the transition to cybersecurity involves acquiring specialized knowledge and skills. The CISSP certification is designed to bridge this gap by covering a broad range of cybersecurity topics. It ensures that candidates have a solid understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of information security. Most of the IT Infrastructure workforce is aware of on-ground implementation of IT and Security. Hence, it is relatively easy for them to pass CISSP certification training and make a successful transition in Cybersecurity.
Credibility and Recognition:
Earning CISSP certification significantly boosts your credibility in the cybersecurity community. It demonstrates to the employer and peers that you have the knowledge and skills required to handle complex security challenges. This recognition can open doors to advanced job roles and responsibilities. If you are looking to achieve a tag of Cybersecurity subject matter expert, CISSP certification is the best for you. This is the gold standard which provides you an overall view of how security is implemented in companies.
Network Opportunities
Becoming a CISSP certified professional grants you access to a globe network of cybersecurity experts. This community provides valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and career development. Hence, bringing forth another one of CISSP certification advantages.
Engaging with this network can help you stay updated on industry trends and best practices. Cybersecurity is a challenging area. We have to acknowledge the fact that one cannot become an expert in every cybersecurity domain. Hence, Networking with the right people and learning from their experience is an invaluable asset.
Meeting the CISSP eligibility criteria
Before pursuing the CISSP certification ensures that you meet eligibility criteria. The candidates must have a minimum of five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains. However, if you hold a relevant degree or another approved certification you may be eligible for a one year waiver. It is one of the cissp certification requirements.
Does this mean, CISSP is not for executives with less than 5 years of experience? Absolutely not, even freshers are eligible to appear and pass the CISSP exam. The only difference is they will be called as CISSP Associate. Moreover, they will get 6 years to prove your CISSP Experience and get certified.
Once you pass the CISSP exam, you must complete the Endorsement Application. For more details, you can refer to this Endorsement Process Video.
How can you easily achieve the CISSP Certification?
CISSP certification is a challenging certification, and you can adopt various strategies to Pass the CISSP certification.
● Self-Study:
In this approach, you can pick up popular CISSP books like Official Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), Shon Harris, or Official Study Guide from Sybex. This approach is usually heavy and since Cybersecurity concepts can sometimes be difficult to grasp, misinterpreting an idea can cost you much. Also, this approach does not prepare you for passing the Tricky CISSP Exam by (ISC)2
● Bootcamp Training:
Many people prefer boot camp training, which may last 40-60 hours. Though this approach seems good, the challenge remains that these boot camps are short, and digesting so much within this short time can be challenging for even an experienced professional.
● End-to-End Preparations Approach:
We highly recommend this approach; however, you will rarely find this approach in the industry. We at Cybernous are addressing the same challenge through our Flagship and tested program “CISSP Success Toolkit (CST)”. The program includes everything you need for your CISSP success. The major advantage is that it is the only program which not only provides you required knowledge but also proves you for the exam challenge. It can help you succeed in your CISSP certification training.
This approach includes:
● 100 days success plan for busy IT professionals. You just need to spend 1-2 hours a day.
● The program comes with 60+ hours of Live exam practice
● Having a coach during your CISSP journey is a real game changer. This program comes with expert 1:1 mentoring
● In today’s day and age, reading is boring. You don’t need to go through any heavy-weight book in this approach.
You can explore more at www.cybernous.com
Here are some steps if you are embarking on this journey through the Self-study approach.
Study and Preparation:
Preparing for the CISSP exam requires dedication and a strategic approach here are some tips to guide your preparation:
Understand the exam format:
The CISSP exam consists of 100-150 multiple choice and advanced innovative questions. You have three hours to complete the exam and it is offered in a computer-based format at Pearson VUE testing centers.
Create a study plan:
Develop a study plan that covers all eight domains. Systematically allocate sufficient time for each domain based on your familiarity with the topics. Consistent and focused sessions are key to the vast amount of information required for the exam. This is a crucial fact about CISSP certification.
Use Official Study Material:
Utilise official (ISC)2 study material such as the CISSP official study guide and CISSP practice test. These resources are specifically designed to align with exam objectives. They provide accurate and reliable information about CISSP certification.
Join Study Groups and Forums
Joining CISSP study groups and online forums can enhance your preparation. Engaging with peers who are also preparing for the exam allows you to exchange knowledge, clarify doubts, and gain different perspectives on complex topics.
Take Practice Exam:
Practice exams are crucial for assessing your readiness. They can help you identify the areas that need improvement. Regularly taking practice tests for CISSP certification can help you become familiar with the exam format. Moreover, it can help you manage your time effectively during the actual exam.
Registering for the exam:
Once you feel confident in your preparation, register for the CISSP exam through (ISC)2 website. Choose a convenient date and location for your exam. Make sure that you complete the cissp certification application process well in advance.
Maintaining Your Certification:
After Passing the CISSP exam you must maintain your certification by earning continuing professional education (CPE) credit. This requirement ensures that you stay updated with the latest development in cybersecurity and continue to enhance your skills.
Leveraging CISSP For Career Transition
With CISSP certification you can explore a variety of cybersecurity roles including:
Security Specialist
Security Consultant
Security Manager
Security Architect
Cybersecurity director
Chief Information Security Officer
Research these roles to understand the responsibilities and skills required and identify positions that align with your career goals and interests
Enhancing Your Resume and Online Presence:
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your CISSP certification and relevant experience emphasize your expertise in the eight CISSP domains and any hands-on projects or achievements that demonstrate your capabilities in cybersecurity
Conclusion
Transitioning from IT to cybersecurity is a strategic move that can lead to a rewarding lucrative career. However, CISSP is a challenging exam, and you need to find the right approach to pass CISSP on the first attempt. While a Self-study or boot camp approach can help you in your CISSP journey, there are more failures than successes. We recommend the mentored end-to-end CISSP preparation approach through the CISSP Success Toolkit program.
How CISSP Certification Helps You Transition into Cybersecurity Leadership Roles in 2025