ISC2 (International Information System Security Certification Consortium) is a globally recognized organization that offers a range of certifications for cybersecurity professionals. These certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), and Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), are highly regarded and sought after in the industry.
As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, ISC2 periodically updates its certification exams to ensure they remain relevant and reflect the changing demands of the profession. These updates are essential to keep pace with emerging technologies, evolving threats, and regulatory requirements.
In this blog, we will explore the recent updates made to the ISC2 certification exams. We will delve into the rationale behind these updates and their implications for aspiring candidates. Understanding the changes in exam content and domains will help individuals prepare effectively and increase their chances of success.
ISC2 Exam Updates
1. Course Outline Changes
CGRC – Governance, Risk and Compliance Certification:
CGRC exam course outline was updated.
Updated Course Outline:
- Security and Privacy Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance Program 16%
- Scope of the System 10%
- Selection and Approval of Framework, Security, and Privacy Controls 14%
- Implementation of Security and Privacy Controls 17%
- Assessment/Audit of Security and Privacy Controls 16%
- System Compliance 14%
- Compliance Maintenance 13%
Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP):
CSSLP exam course outline was updated.
Updated Course Outline:
- Secure Software Concepts 12%
- Secure Software Lifecycle Management 11%
- Secure Software Requirements 13%
- Secure Software Architecture and Design 15%
- Secure Software Implementation 14%
- Secure Software Testing 14%
- Secure Software Deployment, Operations, Maintenance 11%
- Secure Software Supply Chain 10%
ISC2 Updated Exam List: December 2024
ISC2 regularly updates its certification exams to ensure that they align with the evolving cybersecurity landscape and industry best practices. These updates are designed to reflect the latest technologies, emerging threats, and regulatory requirements. Here is the updated list of ISC2 certification exams:
| Certification | Exam Code | Course Outline |
| Certified in Cybersecurity | CC | Security Principles – 26% Business Continuity (BC), Disaster Recovery (DR) & Incident Response Concepts – 10% Access Controls Concepts – 22% Network Security – 24% Security Operations – 18% |
| Certified Information Systems Security Professional | CISSP | 1. Security and Risk Management 15% 2. Asset Security 10% 3. Security Architecture and Engineering 13% 4. Communication and Network Security 13% 5. Identity and Access Management (IAM) 13% 6. Security Assessment and Testing 12% 7. Security Operations 13% 8. Software Development Security 11% |
| Information Systems Security Architecture Professional | CISSP-ISSAP | Domain 1. Architect for Governance, Compliance and Risk Management Domain 2. Security Architecture Modeling Domain 3. Infrastructure Security Architecture Domain 4. Identity and Access Management (IAM) Architecture Domain 5. Architect for Application Security Domain 6. Security Operations Architecture |
| Information Systems Security Engineering Professional | CISSP-ISSEP | Domain 1. Systems Security Engineering Foundations Domain 2. Risk Management Domain 3. Security Planning and Design Domain 4. Systems Implementation, Verification and Validation Domain 5. Secure Operations, Change Management and Disposal |
| Information Systems Security Management Professional | CISSP-ISSMP | Domain 1. Leadership and Business Management Domain 2. Systems Lifecycle Management Domain 3. Risk Management Domain 4. Threat Intelligence and Incident Management Domain 5. Contingency Management Domain 6. Law, Ethics, and Security Compliance Management |
| Systems Security Certified Practitioner | SSCP | 1. Security Operations and Administration 16% 2. Access Controls 15% 3. Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis 15% 4. Incident Response and Recovery 14% 5. Cryptography 9% 6. Network and Communications Security 16% 7. Systems and Application Security 15% |
| Certified Cloud Security Professional | CCSP | 1. Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design 17% 2. Cloud Data Security 20% 3. Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Security 17% 4. Cloud Application Security 17% 5. Cloud Security Operations 16% 6. Legal, Risk and Compliance 13% |
| Security Assessment and Authorization Certification | CGRC | Security and Privacy Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance Program 16% Scope of the System 10% Selection and Approval of Framework, Security, and Privacy Controls 14% Implementation of Security and Privacy Controls 17% Assessment/Audit of Security and Privacy Controls 16% System Compliance 14% Compliance Maintenance 13% |
| Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional | CSSLP | Secure Software Concepts 12% Secure Software Lifecycle Management 11% Secure Software Requirements 13% Secure Software Architecture and Design 15% Secure Software Implementation 14% Secure Software Testing 14% Secure Software Deployment, Operations, Maintenance 11% Secure Software Supply Chain 10% |
| HealthCare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner | HCISSP | 1. Healthcare Industry 12% 2. Information Governance in Healthcare 5% 3. Information Technologies in Healthcare 8% 4. Regulatory and Standards Environment 15% 5. Privacy and Security in Healthcare 25% 6. Risk Management and Risk Assessment 20% 7. Third-Party Risk Management 15% |
Overview of ISC2 Certification Exams
ISC2 (International Information System Security Certification Consortium) offers a range of certifications that validate the knowledge, skills, and expertise of cybersecurity professionals.
These ISC2 certifications are well-regarded by employers and industry professionals, serving as a benchmark for cybersecurity expertise. Each certification has its own requirements, including years of experience and adherence to the ISC2 Code of Ethics.
ISC2 certifications provide professionals with valuable knowledge, recognition, and career advancement opportunities in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. They signify a commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development.
Benefits of Pursuing ISC2 Certifications
Pursuing ISC2 certifications offers numerous benefits for cybersecurity professionals. These certifications are globally recognized and respected in the industry, providing individuals with valuable opportunities for career advancement, industry recognition, and continuous professional development. Here are some key benefits of pursuing ISC2 certifications:
- Industry Recognition and Credibility: ISC2 certifications are well-known and respected throughout the cybersecurity industry. Achieving an ISC2 certification demonstrates your expertise, knowledge, and commitment to the field. Employers, peers, and clients recognize the value of ISC2 certifications, which can enhance your professional credibility and open doors to new opportunities.
- Career Advancement Opportunities: ISC2 certifications can significantly boost your career prospects. Many organizations require or prefer candidates with ISC2 certifications for senior-level positions, such as security managers, consultants, architects, and directors.
- Increased Job Opportunities: The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise, and ISC2 certifications can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Employers often prioritize candidates with recognized certifications, as it indicates a certain level of expertise and competence.
- Continuous Professional Development: ISC2 certifications require certified professionals to engage in ongoing professional development to maintain their credentials. This commitment to continuous learning helps you stay current with the latest cybersecurity trends, emerging threats, and industry best practices. ISC2 offers resources, events, and networking opportunities to support your professional growth, allowing you to continually enhance your knowledge and skills.
- Networking and Community Engagement: Becoming certified by ISC2 grants you access to a vast network of cybersecurity professionals. ISC2 offers local chapters, online communities, and events where you can connect with industry experts, peers, and potential mentors.
- Validation of Expertise: ISC2 certifications validate your expertise in specific domains of cybersecurity. They serve as an objective measure of your knowledge, skills, and experience, providing reassurance to employers and clients that you possess the necessary competencies to perform critical cybersecurity tasks.
Need for periodic updates to certification exams
Certification exams play a crucial role in assessing the knowledge and skills of professionals in various fields, including cybersecurity. As technology and industry practices continue to evolve, it is essential for certification programs to undergo periodic updates. Here are some reasons why updates to certification exams, such as those offered by ISC2, are necessary:
- Reflect Current Industry Landscape: The cybersecurity landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving. New technologies, emerging threats, and changing regulatory requirements shape the industry. Updates to certification exams ensure that they remain relevant and aligned with the current industry landscape.
- Incorporate Emerging Technologies: With the rapid pace of technological advancements, new tools, platforms, and approaches continually emerge. By updating certification exams, organizations like ISC2 can incorporate these emerging technologies into the exam content.
- Address Evolving Threats: Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and diverse. Attack techniques, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors constantly evolve. Updated certification exams take into account these evolving threats and equip professionals with the necessary knowledge to identify, prevent, and respond to them.
- Align with Industry Best Practices: Best practices in cybersecurity are continually refined and updated as new research, standards, and frameworks emerge. Certification exam updates enable the inclusion of the latest industry best practices. This ensures that certified professionals are well-versed in the recommended approaches, methodologies, and frameworks that are considered industry-standard for effective cybersecurity.
- Stay Current with Regulatory Requirements: Compliance with regulations and standards is crucial for organizations operating in various industries. Certification exams need to reflect the latest regulatory requirements to ensure professionals possess the knowledge necessary to navigate compliance challenges.
- Enhance Certification Credibility: Periodic updates to certification exams demonstrate that the certification program is actively adapting to the changing industry landscape. This enhances the credibility and reputation of the certification, as it signifies the commitment of the certification provider to maintain relevance and uphold high standards.
Final Words
ISC2 certifications play a vital role in the cybersecurity industry by validating the knowledge, skills, and expertise of professionals. The recent updates to ISC2 certification exams reflect the ever-evolving nature of the cybersecurity landscape, ensuring that certified professionals are equipped to address the latest technologies, emerging threats, and regulatory requirements.
Aspiring candidates must recognize the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and adapt their preparation strategies accordingly. By understanding the implications of exam updates, accessing updated study materials, and embracing a mindset of continuous learning, aspiring candidates can position themselves for success in ISC2 certification exams. Ultimately, ISC2 certifications empower individuals to excel in their careers, advance the cybersecurity profession, and make a positive impact on the security of digital ecosystems.
