Get to Know the Associate of (ISC)²

• Why Become an Associate Why Become an Associate of (ISC)²

  When you become an Associate of (ISC)², you:

  • Enhance your credibility and attract better career opportunities.
  • Differentiate yourself from your peers with top employers.
  • Earn an elite digital badge to share online. It instantly validates your accomplishment with employers. IIt instantly validates your accomplishment with employers. It shows you understand and use security best practices.
  • Become a member of (ISC)². You join a leading community of thought leaders in cybersecurity. You can grow and thrive.
  • Gain access to amazing career resources, professional development and networking. With a partner like (ISC)², you have unlimited career possibilities in information security.
  • Have potential for a salary increase. On average, (ISC)² members report having 35 percent higher salaries than non-members. It depends on your country and employer. (Source: “2015 Global Information Security Workforce Study”)
  • Get discounts on conferences, textbooks and more.
• Should You Pursue This Designation? Should You Pursue This Designation?

  We’ll share upfront, pursuing the Associate of (ISC)² designation is a big challenge. It isn’t for everyone.

  The Associate of (ISC)² designation may be ideal for you if you:

  • Are a high achiever who wants to stay one step ahead in this ever-changing industry. You set high standards for yourself, are intentional in your career choices and are willing to push yourself. The Associate of (ISC)² is a way for you to take command of your career.
  • Are knowledgeable in IT and cybersecurity, but don’t have the experience yet to become certified as a CISSP, SSCP, CCSP, CAP, CSSLP, or HCISPP. You may be just starting your career in cybersecurity, or you may be currently employed in the field.  
  • Want more respect, as well as a competitive advantage. You don’t want your lack of experience to be a barrier in this ultra-competitive industry. The Associate of (ISC)² will validate your skills and help you better market yourself. It proves you take initiative.
  • Want to meet and learn from the best. When you earn the Associate of (ISC)² designation, you join a group of industry thought leaders. This community can be the source of immense learning, as well as jobs around the world.
• Understanding the Different Certifications Understanding the Different Certifications

  (ISC)² certifications are the globally recognized standards in cybersecurity.

  We draw from a comprehensive, up-to-date, global Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). This ensures you have deep knowledge and understanding in information security.

  Choose the certification that’s right for you.

  Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Information security leaders who have the knowledge and experience to design, develop and manage the overall security posture of an organization.

  Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) Information security practitioners who have the skills to manage and support the overall security posture and policies of an organization.

  Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Knowledge and competency in applying best practices to cloud security architecture, design, operations and service orchestration.

  Certified Authorization Professional (CAP) Personnel responsible for formalizing processes used to assess risk and establish security requirements and documentation.

  Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) The key qualifications of developers building secure software applications.

  HealthCare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner (HCISPP) The key qualifications of healthcare information security and privacy practitioners. They have the knowledge required to successfully implement, manage, or assess security and privacy controls for healthcare and patient information.

• How to Prepare for Your Exam How to Prepare for Your Exam

  So, let’s say you’ve chosen the best certification for your career goals. You’re ready to pursue the Associate of (ISC)² designation.

  You face a big exam. It’s time to rise to the occasion!

  There are two powerful ways to get ready: training courses and individual study. (ISC)² has just what you need for both.

  You can take Official (ISC)² CBK Training Seminars.

  We know how busy you are. That’s why our award-winning training is available in many formats — from onsite classroom learning, to online learning on the go. You choose the style that works best for your schedule and learning style.

  For individual study, our online resources include:

  • Official (ISC)² CBK Textbooks
  • Official (ISC)² Study Guides
  • Exam Outlines
  • Practice Tests
  • Study Apps
  • Interactive Flashcards

  We’ll get you ready to take your exam with confidence.

  Learn more about your education options. >
• Maintaining Your Associate Designation Maintaining Your Associate Designation

  To remain an Associate of (ISC)², you need to:

  • Pay our Annual Maintenance Fee of USD$35.
  • Earn 15 Continuing Professional Education credits each year.

  Of course, the bigger goal here is to gain the years of experience you need for full certification.

• Working Toward Certification Working Toward Certification

  As you can see below, the amount of cumulative, paid, full-time work experience you need varies by certification.

  Certification	Years to Gain Experience
  CISSP	Up to six years to gain the five years of CISSP experience required
  SSCP	Up to two years to gain the one year of SSCP experience required
  CCSP	Up to six years to gain the five years of  CCSP experience required
  CAP	Up to three years to gain the two years of CAP experience required
  CSSLP	Up to five years to gain the four years of CSSLP experience required
  HCISPP	Up to three years to gain the two years of HCISPP experience required

  Once you’ve reached your experience requirement, the next step is to start the endorsement process.

  This will convert your status from Associate of (ISC)² to CISSP, SSCP, CCSP, CAP, CSSLP, or HCISPP status.