The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an information security certification for cyber security analysts. It was created by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC).
The certification was created to ensure professionals in computer security have standardized knowledge of the field. Earning a Certified Information Systems Security Professional certificate can help you have a successful career as a computer security professional.
Earning the Certified Software Security Practitioner (CSSP) certification is a great way for cybersecurity professionals to validate their expertise in software security. The CSSP credential demonstrates that you have the comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to implement and manage secure software development practices within an organization.
Getting CSSP certified can boost your career opportunities and earning potential, But becoming a CSSP requires dedication and hard work This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know to successfully prepare for and earn the CSSP certification
What is the CSSP Certification?
The CSSP is an advanced certification offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2. It was introduced in 2020 to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals skilled in building and deploying secure software applications and systems.
To earn the CSSP, candidates must demonstrate in-depth knowledge across eight domains of expertise
- Software security concepts
- Software requirements analysis
- Software secure architecture and design
- Software secure coding
- Software security testing
- Software acceptance and deployment
- Software security operations
- Supply chain security
By validating expertise across the entire software development life cycle, the CSSP certification proves you have the holistic skillset needed to implement effective application security programs
Why Get CSSP Certified?
Pursuing the CSSP certification provides many important benefits for cybersecurity professionals specializing in software security, including:
-
Prove your expertise – The CSSP validates your skills and shows employers you possess in-demand abilities in building secure software.
-
Advance your career – Earning the CSSP can help you take the next step in your career by qualifying you for roles like application security engineer, software security analyst, or chief software security officer.
-
Increase earning potential – CSSP certified professionals typically command higher salaries than those without the credential.
-
Gain a competitive edge – With cyberattacks increasingly targeting applications, the CSSP helps differentiate you as an authority in securing critical software assets.
-
Expand your knowledge – Mastering the CSSP exam topics helps improve your understanding of software security best practices across the full development lifecycle.
In short, the CSSP credential provides tangible value for any cybersecurity pro looking to specialize in application security.
CSSP Exam Requirements
To earn the CSSP certification, candidates must meet the following requirements:
-
Have at least 5 years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the CSSP exam domains
-
Submit an application outlining your experience and domain expertise
-
Pass the CSSP exam with a score of 700 out of 1000 points
-
Agree to the (ISC)2 Code of Ethics
The 125-question CSSP exam thoroughly covers the eight domains of the credential using multiple choice and advanced innovative questions. You have 3 hours to complete the exam.
(ISC)2 recommends studying across the domains for at least 125 hours to properly prepare for the exam’s complexity and difficulty.
How to Prepare for the CSSP Exam
Passing the CSSP exam requires thoughtful preparation and study. Here are some best practices for getting ready:
1. Review the exam outline and domains – Download the free CSSP exam outline to see the knowledge areas covered and percentage of questions per domain. Identify weaker domains to focus your study.
2. Take CSSP training courses – Complete comprehensive CSSP training through (ISC)2, like the Official CSSP CBK Training Seminar. Courses provide an efficient way to learn and refresh knowledge across all domains.
3. Study relevant books and materials – Books like the Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CSSP CBK provide detailed domain coverage. Supplement with whitepapers and online resources.
4. Gain hands-on experience – Apply concepts by implementing secure software practices in projects or professional roles. Experience strengthens practical ability.
5. Form a study group – Collaborate with colleagues virtually or locally to discuss concepts, test each other’s knowledge, and stay motivated.
6. Take practice exams – Using CSSP practice tests from (ISC)2 and third parties boosts recall of key facts and concepts while revealing knowledge gaps.
7. Focus on weaker areas – After practice exams, go back and devote extra study time to domains and topics you struggled with most.
With diligent preparation over 3-6 months, you can feel fully equipped to pass the CSSP exam. Be sure to schedule your test only when confident in your knowledge.
Maintaining the CSSP Certification
Once earned, the CSSP credential is valid for 3 years. To maintain it, CSSP certified professionals must:
-
Earn 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits during the 3-year period to demonstrate ongoing learning.
-
Pay a $125 Annual Maintenance Fee to support ongoing professional development.
-
Agree to continue abiding by the (ISC)2 Code of Ethics.
-
Submit a Continuing Education Activities Form detailing completed CPEs.
These activities ensure CSSP certified pros maintain and expand their skills through continuous education.
Is the CSSP Right for Me?
The CSSP offers immense value for cybersecurity professionals seeking to validate their software security expertise. It’s ideal for individuals with responsibilities across the software development lifecycle, including:
- Application security engineers
- Software developers
- Software architects
- DevOps engineers
- Security analysts evaluating application risks
- Security leaders governing software security programs
- Supply chain or vendor risk management professionals
Overall, the CSSP is best suited for candidates with at least 5 years of full-time, hands-on work experience focused on securing software assets. It indicates advanced-level, strategic skills vs. introductory knowledge.
Professionals early in their career may prefer to start with the (ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) credential before pursuing the CSSP. The CC validates core cybersecurity skills and knowledge needed across domains.
How Much Does CSSP Certification Cost?
Pursuing the CSSP requires an investment of time and money. The major costs include:
-
CSSP Exam Fee – $599 for (ISC)2 members, $699 for non-members
-
CSSP Training Course (optional but highly recommended) – Around $2,000-$3,500 depending on provider
-
CSSP Study Materials and Practice Exams – Around $200-$800 depending on sources used
-
Annual CSSP Maintenance Fee – $125 per year to retain certification
Many employers will cover all or part of these costs as an investment in their employees’ career development. Check with your company about exam reimbursement and training budgets.
The costs are well worth it when factoring in the career development, competitive edge, and higher salaries the CSSP enables.
How Long Does it Take to Get CSSP Certified?
The length of time needed to earn the CSSP depends on your prior experience. Most candidates spend 3-6 months preparing.
Factors that influence total CSSP study time include:
- Your current skills and knowledge level across the 8 domains
- The number of hours per week you can dedicate to studying
- Completion of a CSSP training course
- Use of more rigorous study methods like practice exams
It’s advisable to develop a structured CSSP study plan and timeline. Identify target dates for completing training, practice exams, reviewing weak areas, and scheduling your exam.
Stay disciplined but don’t rush – it’s better to delay your exam date if you need more time to prepare. When ready, register for a time and testing center that fits your schedule.
5 Key Tips for Earning the CSSP Certification
Follow these expert tips to ensure CSSP certification success:
1. Assess your current knowledge – Complete an honest gap analysis of your strengths and weaknesses across exam domains. Focus study on weaker areas first.
2. Use multiple study resources – Books, courses, practice tests and hands-on experience prepare you most completely. Budget for these items.
3. Join an (ISC)2 Chapter – Attend local events to learn from and network with fellow cybersecurity pros.
4. Follow a regular study plan – Schedule study sessions and pace yourself. Taking CSSP training can structure your prep.
5. Take practice exams – Mimic the real test environment with time-limited exams to overcome test anxiety and build exam endurance.
Hard work pays off! Well-planned preparation will have you CSSP certified in no time.
Next Steps to CSSP Certification
The CSSP certification validates your expertise in the increasingly critical domain of software security. Use this guide to make a clear plan for earning this elite credential.
Key next steps include:
- Reviewing the CSSP exam outline in-depth
- Researching CSSP training options and budget
- Developing your study timeline and schedule
- Registering for the exam when fully prepared
With focus and determination, you can join the ranks of leading software security
UNDERSTAND DISASTER RECOVERY POLICIES
Knowing how to explain the importance of disaster recovery policies and demonstrate multiple and effective strategies to clients and stakeholders is a key skill tested in the CISSP. As part of the communication process, security analysts must compare and contrast different cryptographic protocols and be able to make recommendations based on this analysis of security needs. Creating systems of policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines with clients and stakeholders in mind should be the end goal of a CISSP analyst who earns certification.
In terms of technical knowledge, CISSP analysts must demonstrate proficiency in a number of areas. Proficiency in network security architecture and design, being able to implement network architecture to anticipate threats and best use given sometimes limited resources.
This includes demonstrating a clear understanding of software security applications life cycle effectiveness. CISSP analysts also should have the ability to collect digital forensic evidence while maintaining the integrity of the evidence gathered. They also must demonstrate knowledge of physical security systems and how they add value to network security systems.
CISSP EXAM & ENDORSEMENT
The next step is to prepare for and pass the exam. You will need to have scored a minimum of 700 out of 1000 points to pass the exam. After passing the exam, you will need to have an endorsement in subscribing to the (ISC) Code of Ethics and you will have to have an endorsement from another (ISC) professional who can verify your professional experience requirements such as length of employment, professional reputation, and continuing education as a security analyst.
Obtaining a professional endorsement from a current member is the reason it is important to belong to professional organizations and to participate in professional seminars and events. These are useful career moves that are useful for networking with potential endorsers of your CISSP application.
The Ultimate CISSP Exam Strategy: Pass on Your First Try in 2024
How do I get CISSP certification?
To earn CISSP certification, you must first meet requirements for work experience, education and professional credentials. Candidates may have five years of relevant work experience or four years if they also hold a related undergraduate degree or an (ISC)²-approved credential.
How does CSSP certification work?
The CSSP certification is broken up by job role (analyst, infrastructure support, incident responder, auditor and manager) and the primary requirement is that an applicant completes and maintains the requirements for an external certification relating to the selected field. For each job role, the DoD provides at least two options for certification.
What can you do with CISSP certification?
As a CISSP-certified professional, you can explore roles like chief information officer, information security officer, director of information security, information security manager, security architect and security engineer. Busy schedule? Try one of our self-paced training courses.
How do I get CCSP certified?
In a nutshell, to get CCSP certified, you must have: And at least one year of which must be in one or more of the six CCSP CBK domains we listed above. (ISC) 2 ‘s website has more details, including ways alternate experience like part-time or unpaid work can be counted towards these requirements.
