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Why is the CISSP a Top-Paying Certification?

[fa icon="calendar"] Jul 20, 2022 1:17:00 PM / by Paul Ricketts

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The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification has set the standard for security certifications since its launch in 1994. However, adding those letters to resumes is no easy task for cybersecurity professionals. The certification exam for the CISSP is typically described by those who have taken it as difficult. The certification requires five years of full-time paid work experience in a relevant security field.

However, despite the challenges of attaining CISSP certification, it is well worth the time and effort it takes to get it. Information security professionals with the CISSP credential have job security due to the current shortage of cybersecurity professionals worldwide. Additionally, they earn higher than average salaries for their roles.

What is the CISSP Certification?

The CISSP certification is a credential awarded by the Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2 to validate certified professionals’ skills and knowledge in cybersecurity. The credential proves that the individual can proficiently design, engineer, implement, and manage information security systems to protect a company from potential cyber threats and attacks.

The CISSP was the first certification to meet the requirements of the ISO/IEC Standard 17024. In addition, it is a vendor-neutral certification that provides information security professionals with technical skills and hands-on experience. As a result, the CISSP certification is recognized and sought-after worldwide.

What Does a CISSP Professional Do?

CISSPs are responsible for the safety of the information on an organization’s computer system. Therefore, they must ensure that all data pertaining to the organization, its employees, and its customers remains private and protected.

Certified information system security professionals may research, design, implement, manage, and review an organization’s information security systems to prevent unauthorized use. They will typically be responsible for informing users about security processes, explaining potential threats, installing software, applying security policies, and monitoring networks. Additionally, CISSPs will analyze security systems to identify potential faults, recommend enhancements to mitigate vulnerabilities, implement modifications, and document improvements.

The exact role and responsibilities of a CISSP depend upon the organization. For example, in larger organizations, CISSPs may have additional duties, supervise a team of other security professionals, and be responsible for the team’s management.

What Is the Average Salary of a CISSP?

Becoming CISSP certified can be quite lucrative, depending on the location and the company. The average salary for someone with this certification in the U.S. is about $130,000 annually. In some of the country’s larger metropolitan areas, CISSP certification holders earn even more. For example, the average annual salary for a CISSP in Washington, D.C., is closer to $140,000, at $139,825. But, of course, employees with this certification with years of experience can expect to earn far more. Some CISSPs earn as much as $195,000 each year.

Why Are CISSP Certified Employees So Important?

A CISSP is an experienced information security professional. Typically, a CISSP has more than five years of work experience in security and has a comprehensive understanding of the IT threat landscape, including persistent and emerging threats and security controls and technology to minimize attack surfaces. CISSPs may also be responsible for creating policies that set a framework for security controls and overseeing or performing risk management and software development security.

Organizations that employ security professionals with the CISSP credential often experience numerous benefits. CISSP-certified employees are qualified to better protect the organization’s important data by ensuring safety and compliance. This is a benefit because it fosters greater trust among the organization’s clients, improving brand credibility.

TrainACE Helps Prepare Candidates for the CISSP Certification Exam

Because the CISSP Certification was the first to meet the rigorous ISO/IEC 17024 standard, it’s not surprising that many organizations trust the professionals who earn it to define their security structure and strategy and design, manage, and manage controlling it.

Experienced CISSP professionals are highly regarded, have abundant job and advancement opportunities, and, as mentioned, earn salaries that are among the highest in the IT industry. The first step to attaining the CISSP certification is gaining work experience in the field. Students with on-the-job experience are ready to take the next step – preparing for the certification exam.

The CISSP certification exam is challenging, but with the help of TrainACE’s Certified Information Systems Security Professional Training and Certification course, students will gain the knowledge they need to pass the official exam successfully. Let one of our experienced instructors help you prepare for the CISSP certification exam and go on to earn your credential – and a lucrative salary.

Paul Ricketts

Written by Paul Ricketts

Originally from the UK, Paul Ricketts is the Director of Marketing at TrainACE in Greenbelt, MD. Having started out in the field of Geographic Information Systems, Paul has a wealth of experience in a wide variety of industries, focused on tech., graphics and data analysis. Having finally settled in the field of marketing, he has spent the last 8 years fine tuning his skills in the art of communication and persuasion.

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