12 Professional Certifications Required by Industry

5. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

CISSP is a leading certification for senior cybersecurity roles and is often listed as a requirement for security manager and architect positions. The credential requires five years of paid full-time work experience in two or more of the CISSP domains; a four-year degree or approved credential can substitute for one year. The exam covers eight domains including security operations, asset security, and software development security. Most candidates study for several months; many employers support training or allow study time. Exam registration and fees are set by (ISC)² and can be higher than entry-level certs, reflecting CISSP’s advanced level. Once certified, CISSP holders must earn continuing professional education credits (CPEs) annually to remain in good standing. If you’re early career, consider entry certs like CompTIA Security+ to build experience before attempting CISSP. Next steps: review (ISC)² experience rules, document qualifying work, and schedule the exam when ready. Source: (ISC)² (https://www.isc2.org). Suggested image and alt text: Cybersecurity team at work; alt text: "Security professional monitoring network security."