CISSP is still a highly sought-after certification in cybersecurity. (ISC.2) has maintained the high standards it set to validate senior cybersecurity managers’ knowledge and skills with the most recent update, which was released in May 2021.
Many certification roadmaps include (ISC.2)’s CISSP (Certified Information System Security Professional) as a critical cybersecurity certification to consider when planning your career and education. CompTIA IT Certification Roadmap places CISSP at the “Expert” level of the Information Security pathway. CompTIA’s IT certification roadmap recognizes the importance and value the CISSP.
According to the International Security Council (ISC), there are more than 142,000 CISSP-certified people in over 170 countries as of 2021. This number is increasing at a steady rate. CISSP-certified individuals work in Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, small businesses, start ups, and many others as independent contractors.

Many IT professionals want to have CISSP as a mark of excellence and knowledge. It is evident that this certification is sought after by many IT professionals. A job search reveals that a surprising number of IT and cybersecurity jobs require that the applicant is CISSP-certified.
According to data from multiple surveys, CISSP certified professionals are among the highest-paid IT professionals. They earn $59,000 to $194,000 USD. Remember that salaries are often based upon an individual’s experience and breadth of skills.
According to the Global Knowledge 2020 IT Skills and Salary Report CISSP-certified professionals have third-highest IT salaries worldwide ($119,170 USD) and fifth in North America ($138 6,747 USD). In 2020, the North American salary for CISSP professionals was more than 10% higher than in 2019. The ranking also increased from 10th place to 5th in just one year. IT professionals looking to advance their careers are also interested in CISSP, which is the second most popular certification.

Certification Magazine’s 2020 survey provides further insight into the demographics of those who hold the CISSP certificate.
96.8% of them are full-time employees
CISSP holders often include senior specialists (43.2%) and managers (16.7%), directors (14%), managers (13%), senior managers (13%), specialists (6.5%) or executives (3.4%).
72.1% of respondents have been in cybersecurity for more than a decade.

CISSP is a certification that demonstrates cybersecurity expertise. It is highly sought after for many reasons.
This certification is not solely based on passing an exam. It is also necessary that the professional has sufficient experience in the field.
Others in the industry hold CISSPs to verify that the professional has the required experience.
While obtaining the CISSP certification, education and experience must be maintained. This is achieved by requiring CISSP-certified professionals to earn continuing professional educational credits (called CPEs) each year.
(ISC2) is governed by a board consisting of directors elected from among CISSP holders.
CISSP was one the first certifications to be included in DoD Directive 85710.1m. It was rewritten by DoD Directive 8140.01, and is still the most commonly used certification for people in many cybersecurity positions.

IT professionals often see a rise in their salary or advancement through certifications, such as CISSP. CISSP and other certifications are often worth the time and expense. They offer a better pay, job promotion, and a longer career benefit.

How to get and keep CISSP certification
The CISSP certification was created for IT professionals who are experienced.