In order to become fully certified as a CISSP, you must not only pass a rigorous experiential exam, but meet the CISSP work experience requirements. CISSP candidates are required to have a minimum of five years of cumulative work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP CBK. There are a few paths to accumulate this time:
Education
You can satisfy one year of work experience with either a college degree or an approved certification. You can apply either of the below to meet one year of the requirement:
- A four-year college degree or regional equivalent or an advanced degree in information security from the U.S. National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAE/IAE).
- Approved Credential on the (ISC)² Approved List.
Work Experience
Although specific documentation of work experience can vary, proof of employment must contain the overall working dates you’re claiming on your endorsement application. Contact information for the position referenced is required.
- For full-time experience, a minimum of 35 hours per week for four weeks is needed to accrue one month of work experience.
- For part-time experience, it can be no less than 20 hours a week and no more than 34 hours a week.
- Internship, both paid and unpaid, qualify as relevant work experience as long as your work connects to one of the domains. You will need documentation on company/organization letterhead confirming your position as an intern. If you are interning at a school, the document can be on the registrar’s stationery.
Once you pass an (ISC)² credential examination, you have nine months to complete the endorsement process. If you don’t have the required experience to become a CISSP, you can become an Associate of (ISC)² after successfully passing the CISSP examination. As an associate, you will have six years to earn the required five years of experience.
To connect with others going through the endorsement process or discover past and ongoing conversations on becoming a CISSP, join the (ISC)² Community.