What are the CISSP experience requirements?
To become a CISSP, you must have a minimum of 5 years of paid full-time work experience in at least 2 of the 8 CISSP domains, with some exceptions and substitutions allowed.
Detailed Answer
The CISSP requires a minimum of 5 years of full-time paid work experience in information security, also known as cybersecurity. This experience must cover at least 2 of the 8 CISSP domains.
The 8 CISSP domains are: Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communication and Network Security, Identity and Access Management, Security Assessment and Testing, Security Operations, and Software Development Security.
If you have a bachelor's degree, you can subtract 1 year from the 5-year requirement, reducing it to 4 years. If you have a master's degree, you can subtract 2 years, reducing it to 3 years.
Experience can be gained through paid, full-time work, as well as part-time or volunteer work, as long as it is related to the CISSP domains and can be verified.
There is also an option to substitute relevant education for up to 1 year of the experience requirement, such as a degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field.
The experience must be gained within the past 10 years, and you must be able to provide specific details and documentation to support your work experience claims.
Tips & Recommendations
- Start tracking your work experience early and maintain detailed records, as you will need to provide this information when applying for the CISSP exam.
- Consider obtaining relevant certifications or degrees to reduce the experience requirement, but make sure to still meet the minimum 3-year experience rule.
- If you do not meet the experience requirements, you can still take the CISSP exam and earn the Associate of (ISC)² certification, which allows you to work towards the full CISSP certification as you gain the required experience.
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