Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is the gold standard in cybersecurity certifications, awarded by (ISC)². It is recognized worldwide as proof of advanced security knowledge and management skills. CISSP validates expertise across eight security domains — together known as the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) — covering everything from risk management and asset security to cryptography and software development security.

The eight domains include: Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communication and Network Security, Identity and Access Management (IAM), Security Assessment and Testing, Security Operations, and Software Development Security. To sit the exam, candidates must have a minimum of five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains (four years with a relevant college degree).

The CISSP exam uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) for English-language candidates, consisting of 125–175 questions completed in 4 hours. The passing score is 700/1000. It is widely considered one of the most challenging and prestigious certifications in the IT security field, often required for senior security roles including CISO, Security Director, and Security Architect positions.