Q: What is ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity™?
A: ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity is a foundational cybersecurity certification designed to help recipients build a pathway to a rewarding career in cybersecurity. This entry-level certification will prove to employers you have the foundational knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for an entry- or junior-level cybersecurity role. It proves your willingness and ability to learn and grow on the job. Learn more here.
Q: Who should consider participating in this opportunity?
A: The Certified in Cybersecurity entry-level certification is ideal for:
- IT professionals
- Career changers
- College students
- Recent graduates
Q: How much work experience is required to earn this certification?
A: Unlike other ISC2 certifications, there is no work experience requirement to earn the entry-level Certified in Cybersecurity certification.
Q: Why is this certification different from other foundational certifications?
A: We believe a need still exists in our industry for a certification that is attainable for newcomers and recognizes the growing trend of people entering the cybersecurity workforce without direct IT experience. Employers need confidence that when hiring new entrants into the field they have a solid grasp of the right technical concepts, and a demonstrated aptitude to learn on the job. Moreover, as an ISC2 certification, the recipient will be an ISC2 member backed by the world’s largest network of certified cybersecurity professionals helping them continue their professional development and earn new achievements and qualifications throughout their career.
Q: How do I sign up for the free online self-paced training?
A: After you have become an ISC2 Candidate (see instructions below), you can enroll in free CC training as part of ISC2 Candidate benefits.
Follow these steps to enroll:
- Create an account. If you already have an ISC2 account, sign in.
- Complete your ISC2 Candidate application form and select Certified in Cybersecurity as your certification of interest.
- Once the application is complete, you’ll become an ISC2 Candidate. You’ll gain access to Official ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Online Self-Paced Training and the opportunity to register for the free certification exam. You will find your access on the Candidate Benefits page.
IMPORTANT: When registering for your exam, you must enter your information exactly as it appears on the identification (ID) you will present at the test center.
If it is not an exact match, you will not be able to take your test and you will not be reimbursed for any fees paid.
Q: How do I access the free CC training after enrolling?
A: Once you’ve become an ISC2 Candidate and enrolled in the free self-paced course, click on the profile button on the top right of the ISC2 website and navigate to “My Courses” in the dropdown menu. If you haven’t logged in already, you will be prompted to do so. You can also access the course directly from the “My Courses” tab in your dashboard after logging in.
IMPORTANT: Please note it may take up to an hour after checkout for the course to appear in your dashboard. If you’ve enrolled but do not see it listed immediately, please wait and check back later.
Q: I’ve enrolled in the free CC training course, but do not see it listed in My Courses.
A: It may take up to an hour after checkout for the course to appear in your dashboard. If you’ve enrolled but do not see it listed immediately, please wait and check back later.
Q: What can I expect from the CC online self-paced course?
A: The online self-paced course offers recorded review sessions led by an ISC2 instructor, introducing learners to the content covered in the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam outline. These sessions cover the five domains of the certification and are designed to prepare learners for the exam. The course is adaptive and AI-driven, tracking your progress and identifying knowledge gaps to facilitate more efficient learning. Learners have access to the course for 180 days. The adaptive course is available in English only. The German, Japanese, Chinese and Spanish versions of the training are linear and not adaptive.
Q: Can I take the CC exam without starting or completing the training course?
A: Yes, you can take the CC exam at any time you feel ready. Review the CC exam outline to assess your understanding of the domains covered on the exam.
Q: I have heard I need a promo code to register for the free CC exam, where can I find it?
A: The code previously required for exam booking is no longer needed. When an ISC2 Candidate, who is in good standing and has not previously taken the free exam, books their CC exam through Pearson VUE the price at check will automatically be updated to $0. This streamlined process will enhance the user experience. Please see the detailed instructions on how to register for the free CC exam in the answer to the question below.
Q: How do I register for the free CC exam?
A: After you have become an ISC2 Candidate (please see ‘How do I sign up for the free online self-paced training’ for how to register as a Candidate), you can take the CC exam for free one time as part of ISC2 Candidate benefits. All future CC registrations must be purchased at cost.
Here is the process:
- Complete your ISC2 Candidate application form.
- Visit https://my.isc2.org/s/ISC2-Pearson to create your exam account with Pearson VUE, global administrator of ISC2 exams. You will be prompted to affirm the accuracy of this information before submitting the form. Upon submission, your account will be created with Pearson VUE and you will be on their site.
- Select the certification: CC: Certified in Cybersecurity.
- Select your testing location and schedule your exam.
- At checkout your total will automatically update to U.S. $0, as an ISC2 Candidate.
Note: Each ISC2 Candidate is eligible for one free registration. You must be an ISC2 Candidate to sit for free, all future CC registrations in your name must be purchased at cost. You may reschedule your exam appointment within 48 hours of your scheduled exam through Pearson VUE without the risk of forfeiting your free exam.
IMPORTANT: When registering for your exam, you must enter your information exactly as it appears on the identification (ID) you will present at the test center. If it is not an exact match, you will not be able to take your test and you will not be reimbursed for any fees paid.
Q: How can I reschedule or cancel my CC exam?
A: You may reschedule your exam appointment up to 48 hours before your scheduled exam through Pearson VUE without the risk of forfeiting your free exam.
- Visit this page to manage your exam. If you are already an ISC2 Member or ISC2 Candidate, log in to your account. If you do not already have an ISC2 account, create one using the email address you entered when you scheduled your exam.
- Enter or review the information on the ISC2 Exam Account Information form for accuracy. IMPORTANT: You must enter your information exactly as it appears on the identification (ID) you will present at the test center. If it is not an exact match, you will not be able to take your test and you will not be reimbursed for any fees paid.
- Once your form is submitted you will be redirected to the Pearson VUE website.
- At Pearson VUE’s website, navigate to “View an upcoming test center appointment.”
- Find your exam and view, reschedule or cancel.
Q: Can I take the exam online?
A: The entry-level Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam is only available in-person at ISC2-authorized Pearson VUE test centers.
To locate your closest Pearson VUE test center, visit the Pearson VUE website and navigate to “Find a test center” on the right side of the webpage.
Q: I already have an ISC2 certification or am an Associate of ISC2. Can I participate in this free program?
A: No. This One Million Certified in Cybersecurity pledge is intended to bring new individuals into the field of cybersecurity and provide them with their first certification. Therefore, the program is not available for anyone who already holds an ISC2 certification or the Associate of ISC2 status. However, if would like to take the CC exam, or course, you may do so by purchasing a CC bundle.
Q: What do I need to know about exam day?
A: The Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam is only available in-person at ISC2-authorized Pearson VUE testing centers. It follows all standard ISC2 exam policies and practices, including rescheduling and special accommodations. Learn more here. It is recommended that all candidates review these policies and procedures prior to sitting for the exam.
IMPORTANT: When registering for your exam, you must enter your information exactly as it appears on the identification (ID) you will present at the test center. If it is not an exact match, you will not be able to take your test and you will not be reimbursed for any fees paid.
Q: What topics are covered in the CC course and on the CC exam?
A: There are five domains to this certification, listed below. For more details on the exam, review the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity exam outline.
- Security Principles
- Business Continuity (BC), Disaster Recovery (DR) & Incident Response Concepts
- Access Controls Concepts
- Network Security
- Security Operations
Q: How long is the CC exam?
A: The exam contains 100 multiple choice test items in a standard, linear exam format. There is a two (2) hour maximum administration time that is inclusive of all optional breaks and information screens.
Q: Can I skip a test item on the exam and answer it later?
A: No. All items must be answered in the order they are presented. You cannot skip an exam item and return to it later.
Q: How will I know if I pass the exam?
A: You will receive a pass or fail result on-site at the test center upon completion of the exam. If you pass, you will receive a confirmation email with your next steps to complete the certification process.
ISC2 does not release test scores. If you did not pass the exam, you will receive a printout at the test center with a breakdown of the proficiency level demonstrated per domain on the exam.
Q: If I do not pass the CC exam the first time, can I take it again for free?
A: No. You are only permitted one free attempt at the CC exam through the One Million Certified in Cybersecurity pledge. If you would like to attempt the exam again, we recommend purchasing a training bundle and exam together. You can see the available options at Certified in Cybersecurity bundles page.
Q: Is the exam available worldwide?
A: When registering for your exam, you will see a list of the closest Pearson VUE test centers where the CC exam is available. You may select the test center that works best from that list. Please note that exam availability will vary. If you do not see a time slot that works for you, please check back regularly as more spaces may become available in the future. ISC2 does not offer any additional exam availability beyond what is visible on Pearson VUE.
Q: Is the exam available in multiple languages?
A: The entry-level Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam is currently available in English, Simplified Chinese, German, Japanese, and Spanish.
Q: Can I transfer my free course and/or exam registration to someone else?
A: No, the course training and corresponding exam registration are issued to you. You may, however, encourage your peers to take advantage of the One Million Certified in Cybersecurity initiative by becoming ISC2 Candidates.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your exam, please review these instructions on viewing and managing your exam appointment.
Q: I have passed the CC exam, what do I do next?
A: Congratulations on passing your CC exam! The next step is to agree to the ISC2 Code of Ethics and submit your certification application.
Q: I have passed the CC exam and submitted my application, but haven’t received my badge/certificate. What should I do?
A: After passing the exam and submitting your application, the next step is to pay your first Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) to become a CC holder. Once you’ve paid the AMF, your digital badge and digital certificate will be available to you shortly afterward. Please note that CC holders will not receive a welcome pack by mail.
Q: What are the requirements to maintain the Certified in Cybersecurity certification after passing the exam?
A: Certified in Cybersecurity credential holders will need to earn 45 CPE credits during their three-year certification cycle to maintain the certification. We recommend earning 15 credits per year. You will also need to pay an Annual Maintenance Fee to maintain your certification.
For a quick guide to CPE credits, download the CPE infographic (.pdf): English | Chinese | Japanese | Korean | German
View our YouTube playlist of ISC2 CPE Tutorial videos for more guidance on how to navigate the CPE portal, submit CPE credits and more.
Q: What is the fee and when do I need to start paying for it?
A: You’ll need to pay your first Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) of U.S. $50 for the Certified in Cybersecurity certification after passing your exam and completing your certification application. Afterwards, the AMF is due annually on your certification anniversary.
Q: As an employer, what does it mean if a job candidate has this certification?
A: Holding the CC certification indicates that the candidate has successfully demonstrated their knowledge in the fundamentals of cybersecurity principles. It showcases their proficiency in understanding policies and procedures, as well as their commitment to ongoing cybersecurity education and development.
Q: Is there an age restriction to take an ISC2 examination?
A: You must be 16 years old to sit for an ISC2 examination.
Q: Why is ISC2 offering an entry-level certification?
A: Research from ISC2 and others continues to conclude that there is a global shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals. While there are many contributing factors, we believe one solution is to create a certification that enables candidates – including students, young professionals and career-changers – to demonstrate to employers their familiarity with foundational cybersecurity concepts as determined by cybersecurity professionals and practitioners already in the field.
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