What Is a CHISSP Certification?
If you’re interested in earning the CHISSP certification, you’re on the right page. Here, we’ll answer the question, ‘Is CHISSP certification worth it?’ and more. We’ll also discuss its alternatives and tips on paying for certifications.
What is the Healthcare Information Systems Security Practitioner (CHISSP) certification? This is a specialized certification that:
- Focuses on information systems security in healthcare settings
- Validates its holder’s competencies in securing health information systems
- Enables professionals to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements
Mile2 is its official provider. You can also find other certifications, such as CPEH, CDFE, and CISSO. But if you’re more interested in healthcare security, go for the CHISSP credential.
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Here are the eligibility requirements to become a CHISSP.
- At least 1-2 years of professional experience in healthcare information security or technology.
- A bachelor’s degree in information technology, health informatics, or computer science. Related fields are accepted, too. This is a preferred credential but not required.
- A basic understanding of cybersecurity, healthcare workflows, and HIPAA.
The application process includes:
- Buy and complete the CHISSP training course. Choose between the instructor-led and self-paced course.
- Register and schedule your certification exam. Pay the certification fees.
The CHISSP certification exam consists of about 100 multiple-choice questions. This is a two-hour, online proctored test known for its challenging content. Content areas include EHR security, healthcare regulations, and risk management.
The validity period for the initial CHISSP certification is three years. Afterward, you must renew it if you’re still interested. You must retake the exam, complete CEUs, and pay the renewal fee.
Who are the ideal candidates for CHISSP certification? If you fall under one of these categories, you may want to consider it.
- Information security specialists
- Healthcare IT professionals
- Compliance officers
- Network and system administrators
- HIPAA officers
Earning the CHISSP certification isn’t easy, especially its certification exam. But the rewards can be worth it if it aligns with your goals.
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What Can You Do With a CHISSP Certification?
Being a Certified Healthcare Information Systems Security Practitioner is only the start. You must leverage it to open career advancement opportunities. Keep in mind that it’s only paper with ink until you actually use it to land a rewarding job.
You’ll find a wide range of rewarding and challenging jobs that fit the CHISSP credential. Check out these 10 jobs that either require or prefer the certification.
We’ve also included their average annual salaries (Glassdoor, 2025) for reference purposes. Plus, pay is a determining factor when deciding whether a certification is worth it or not.
| Clinical systems security specialist | $98,057 |
| Cybersecurity healthcare consultant | $151,164 |
| Healthcare IT security analyst | $90,387 |
| Health information systems manager | $115,890 |
| HIPAA compliance officer | $144,395 |
| Information healthcare security officer | $210,768 |
| IT auditor | $107,793 |
| Medical device security specialist | $134,630 |
| Network security engineer | $159,307 |
| Security risk analyst | $152,914 |
The healthcare cybersecurity certification is also a sought-after credential in diverse sectors. In these sectors, health information systems security and compliance are vital.
- Hospitals and health systems
- Government health agencies (e.g., CDC, HHS, and NIH)
- Health insurance companies
- Electronic health record suppliers
- Medical device manufacturers
- Pharmaceutical and biotech corporations
- Long-term care facilities (e.g., assisted living facilities and nursing homes)
- Telehealth providers
- Clinical research organizations
- Healthcare IT service providers
Indeed, CHISSPs are sought-after in today’s increasingly digital healthcare industry. While the human touch is vital, digital technology plays a crucial role, too. Safeguarding patient data is foremost among them – and CHISSPs are there for it.
How Much Does CHISSP Certification Cost?
Earning the certification for healthcare IT security isn’t cheap. You should consider your financial resources and, if available, financial aid options.
Here’s a basic breakdown of the cost of earning the CHISSP credential. Keep in mind that your actual costs will vary. Your choice of training provider and geographical location will affect the total cost.
Certification exam fee
There’s no public listing for the exam fee, but similar exams cost around $550/exam. You can buy an exam-only package at the Mile2 website.
Training program costs
Again, there are no exact public listings. But you should budget between $1,200 and $1,500 for the training program. You can choose between the following:
- Self-study combo, which includes training materials, lab access, and exam simulator. You only have one exam attempt with it.
- Live-instructor classes or Cyber Range classes are more expensive.
So, prepare at least $1,750 for the training program and certification cost. But it can be as high as $2,050 or more, depending on your choices.
Tips:
- Choose the exam voucher if you have a tight budget. You can also skip the training part.
- Select the self-study combos if you prefer guided learning. You may also find that it offers better value for the money.
- Choose either the Cyber Range or live-instructor classes for in-depth training. You’ll spend more, but it’s worth it.
Then, if you want to renew your CHISSP credential, you’ll spend money, too. You must buy and complete a renewal product costing $120-$150 each.
Be sure to budget for the 60 CEUs that you must earn for renewal over the three-year cycle. You’ll find many free programs, such as webinars. Most are paid programs, such as bundles and individual courses.
There’s also a missed deadline penalty. If you miss the renewal period after seven days, you’ll have to retake the exam. This means paying the full exam fee.
Is CHISSP Certification Worth It?
Yes, it is, but only if it aligns with your goals and you leverage it. Let’s expand the discussion by looking at its pros and cons, too.
Pros:
- Growing demand in healthcare cybersecurity
- The projected job growth for information security analysts is 33% (BLS, 2023-2033). This means that CHISSPs are in high demand across diverse industries, including healthcare.
- Indeed, cybersecurity jobs in healthcare are on the rise for many reasons:
- Rise in cyber threats and attacks on healthcare organizations (e.g., data breaches)
- Increase in the amount of highly sensitive personal and medical information
- Expansion of telehealth and telemedicine services
- Interconnected design of medical devices (i.e., IoMT)
- Increased emphasis on compliance with legal and ethical requirements
- When you become a CHISSP, you can take advantage of these job opportunities.
- Increase in salary potential
- The CHISSP certification is a niche credential – it isn’t as widely known as, say, CISSP. However, it’s a competitive edge that can land you in a well-paying job.
- The salary difference between certified and non-certified professionals can be $10,000/year or more.
- Specialization advantage
- The CHISSP certification is exclusively focused on healthcare systems. As such, it offers a specialization advantage.
Cons:
- High initial cost followed by renewal costs
- Significant time investment (i.e., studying for the exam, among others)
- More widely recognized alternatives are available (e.g., CISSP and HCISPP)
Let’s use the return on investment (ROI) formula to determine its worth, too.
- ROI = (Average Salary Increase with Certification) x 100 / Cost of Investment
Where:
- Average Salary Increase with Certification: $10,000
- Cost of Investment (Highest): $2,050
The ROI is almost 488% in one year. You’ll get back $4.88 for every dollar you spend on becoming a CHISSP. So, yes, it’s a good investment.
Alternatives to CHISSP Certification
We’ve previously mentioned that the CHISSP certification is a niche credential. This means it’s less well-known – although more specialized – than other certifications. Plus, it can be costly and advanced for many professionals, too.
If you think that it’s too niche, expensive, or advanced, consider these alternatives.
CompTIA Security+
- There are no formal prerequisites. But 1-2 years of professional IT experience is recommended. So is basic knowledge and skills in networks and security.This is a great choice for entry-level cybersecurity professionals. It’s also a widely recognized certification with an affordable exam.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- IT professionals seeking work in ethical hacking/penetration testing will find it useful.
- Candidates must have at least two years of relevant work experience. Completion of EC-Council Training is the approved substitute.
(ISC)² HealthCare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner (HCISPP)
- If you’re looking for a prestigious healthcare security certification, consider it.
- Candidates must have at least two years of work experience in at least one HCISPP domain.
- At least one year of it must be in healthcare settings.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Professionals in governance, risk, and compliance find it useful. Risk managers and auditors are among these GRC professionals.
Candidates must have at least five years of relevant professional experience. It should be in IS control, security, or audit. The high experience requirement can be a deterrent.
Each of these certifications is a good choice for career advancement. But you must determine which one is the right choice for you. Your interests, experience, and goals are key to making the right choice.
Tips for Paying for Certification Programs
The answer to the question, ‘How to get CHISSP certified?’ is straightforward. Earn a relevant bachelor’s degree and gain relevant work experience. Apply for the certification afterward.
The high initial cost can be an issue. Again, the health information systems security training itself costs $1,200-$1,500. You may have second thoughts because of it.
Fortunately, there are many effective ways to reduce the cost of CHISSP certification.
Look for online programs with bundles.
Explore training providers that offer all-in-one packages. You’ll get course materials, an exam voucher, and practice exams. These packages are sometimes available at discounted rates, too. Mile2 also offers them.
Ask your employer about tuition assistance or reimbursement.
Talk to the owner or manager about it. Make a compelling case about its benefits to the company and your productivity. Offer to share your newfound knowledge and skills. You can cut your expenses in half, maybe even more, with tuition assistance.
- Explore technology-specific scholarships and grants. Workforce development programs, nonprofits, and government agencies are good sources. Examples include:
- SANS CyberTalent Immersion Academy
- Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS)
- CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (SFS)
- Local workforce development boards
- Ask about discount vouchers and stipends, too. Access to free training resources is also welcome.
With these financial aid options, CHISSP can become among the most affordable IT certifications in healthcare.
Remember that your incidental expenses will likely be yours to shoulder. You must then budget for these costs while exploring financial aid.
Final Takeaway: Should You Invest in CHISSP?
Now that you know these things, you’ll want to think if it’s the right investment for you. Take your time, too, because of the significant time, effort, and money investments. Also, think of the benefits that it brings, even as you consider its cost.
A balanced perspective means that you’re likely to make the right decision. But to make it easier, here’s a general guide on whether it’s right for you or not.
Earning the CHISSP credential may be right for you if:
- You’re already in the healthcare cybersecurity or IT sector. Becoming a CHISSP means in-depth knowledge and practical skills for the job.
- You’re aspiring for leadership roles, such as a security analyst or a compliance officer. The CHISSP signals your specialist expertise and experience.
- You want a healthcare-focused certification that combines technical skills and regulatory knowledge.
It may not be the right choice if:
- You’re a cybersecurity newbie. Consider beginner-friendly, entry-level credentials instead.
- You want an internationally recognized credential. Go for the CEH or CISSP instead.
- You’re concerned about the high initial cost of certification.
In making your decision, list the possible pros and cons in your case. Consider your interests, goals, and experience, too. There’s no right or wrong choice here – just what’s best for you.
All things considered, earning the CHISSP credential is a smart investment in a healthcare career.