Are Information Security Systems (CISSP) Certifications Worth It?

In this article, we will answer the question, “Is CISSP worth it?” by investigating how CISSP certification provides genuine value for cybersecurity professionals in terms of salary, job opportunities, and career advancement.

If there’s one field that’s booming right now, it’s Cyber Security. Between 2022 and 2023, global cybersecurity jobs grew by 12.6%. However, even with a high rate of growth, we’re still nowhere near meeting the demand.

Only 15% of companies expect that situation to improve much by 2026. According to the Forum, there’s little hope the talent supply will catch up anytime soon—even though the demand just keeps growing.

When you start diving into this world, it doesn’t take long before you come across something called the CISSP certification. And if you’re here, you’re probably wondering: Is CISSP worth it?

What Is a CISSP Certification?

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional is among the most globally recognized certifications in cybersecurity. CISSP was created by (ISC)², and it’s considered a gold standard for senior-level professionals in the field.

It’s not some generic badge. CISSP is deep and broad and covers topics like:

• Security and risk management
• Asset security
• Security architecture and engineering
• Communication and network security
• Identity and access management
• Security operations
• Software development security

The CISSP is especially valued by employers seeking experienced security leaders. It’s often seen as a key qualification for those aiming for high-level roles, such as CIO, CSO, CISO, or even CEO.

To become fully certified, you need to:

1. Pass the CISSP exam, which tests knowledge across the eight domains of CISSP’s Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).
2. Have at least five years of relevant work experience in at least two of the eight domains. If you’re short on experience, take the exam and become an Associate of (ISC)² while you build up your credentials.
3. Agree to the (ISC)² Code of Ethics and commit to continuing professional education. Keeping your certification means staying current in a constantly evolving industry.

Wondering how long to study for CISSP? It typically takes most people around three to six months of focused preparation to feel confident for the exam.

The CISSP certification benefits professionals in many ways:

1. Boosting credibility as a trusted cybersecurity expert.
2. Opening doors to leadership roles like CIO, CISO, and more.
3. Expanding your skills across key security domains.
4. Offering global recognition that transcends industries and borders.
5. Increasing earning potential—CISSP pros often earn significantly more.
6. Connecting you with a worldwide network of security professionals.

Related Articles:

• Are Cyber Security Certifications Worth It?
• Are CompTIA A+ Technician Certifications Worth It?
• Are Cloud Architecture Certifications Worth It?
• Is An Information Technology Degree Worth It?

Who Should Consider CISSP Certification?

CISSP is designed for professionals with 5+ years in at least two CISSP domains, though you can take the exam early and become an (ISC)² Associate while you build the required experience.

Here’s a quick rundown of the ideal candidates:

1. Experienced cybersecurity professionals: If you’ve been working in cybersecurity or information security for a few years—whether as a security analyst, engineer, or consultant—and want to move into more senior or managerial roles, CISSP is a natural next step.
2. IT managers looking to specialize in security: Maybe you’re managing IT teams but don’t yet have formal security credentials. CISSP can help you bridge that gap. It gives you the expertise you need to take ownership of security policies, risk management, and compliance.
3. Career Changers with relevant experience: Individuals transitioning into cybersecurity from related fields—such as military roles, physical security, law enforcement, or IT roles focused on networks or systems—can greatly benefit from obtaining a CISSP.

CISSP Costs: What You’ll Pay and What You Might Save

When deciding whether to pursue the certification, it’s important to carefully weigh the CISSP cost vs value to ensure it aligns with your career goals and budget.

Getting your CISSP certification costs more than just the exam fee. You’ll need to budget for training classes, study materials, and other extras that help you pass with confidence.

CISSP Exam Fee

The CISSP exam serves as your entry ticket to certification. The cost varies by region but generally looks like this:

• Americas, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa: $749
  Europe: €665
• United Kingdom: £585
• Other regions: costs vary; check with Pearson VUE

Before you pay, make sure you meet the experience requirements and understand what the exam covers. You don’t want surprises after investing this much.

Training and Preparation Costs

The exam fee is just the start. To pass, you’ll want solid preparation, and that usually comes with a price.

• In-person classes offer hands-on learning and direct support but can run $2,000 to $5,000. Also, factor in travel and lodging.
• Online courses tend to be cheaper ($600 to $5,000) and more flexible, letting you study when and where you want.
• Bootcamps are intense, short programs (usually one week) that cost $3,000 to $7,000. Great if you can dedicate full-time hours and want to prepare fast.

Study Materials

Books, official guides, and practice tests are worth the investment. They help you focus on your studies and gauge your readiness. While many free resources exist, they often miss key details, so don’t skip quality materials if you want to pass on the first try.

Renewal and Maintenance Costs

Your expenses don’t end with passing the exam.

• Annual membership fee: $125 to keep your certification active and access ISC² benefits.
• Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits: Required to maintain your certification, CPE credits can be gathered through courses, seminars, or volunteering, which may cost money.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Don’t forget about smaller but real expenses:

• Travel to exam centers or training sessions
• Meals during study or class days
• Exam rescheduling ($50) or cancellation fees ($100)

These add up, so factor them into your budget to avoid surprises.

Funding Tips:

• Employer Sponsorship: Many employers cover the costs of CISSP exam fees and training.
• Scholarships: (ISC)² offers scholarships for cybersecurity students and professionals.
• Veterans Programs: U.S. military personnel may qualify for funding via the GI Bill or other veteran-specific grants.
• Free Resources: Utilize platforms such as Cybrary, YouTube channels, and Reddit forums. (You don’t have to drop $3,000 on a course.)

CISSP can be pricey, but you can apply for financial aid for CISSP certification to reduce costs.

CISSP Salary Potential and Job Outlook

The CISSP cost is actually quite reasonable when you consider the salary boost and job opportunities it opens up. On average, CISSP-certified professionals in the U.S. earn around $175,583 (with bonuses) annually, which is significantly higher than many non-certified cybersecurity roles.

And that’s just the starting point of the CISSP salary potential—seasoned experts with CISSP and other credentials often make better money, especially in leadership positions.

The job outlook for CISSP holders is strong and continues to improve. Cybersecurity threats aren’t going away anytime soon—in fact, they’re growing more complex and frequent. In fact, Information Security Analysts jobs are expected to rise by about 33% between 2023 and 2033.

This ongoing demand makes CISSP holders some of the most sought-after talent in the cybersecurity field.

Popular job titles for CISSP-certified pros include:

• Security Analyst
• Cybersecurity Manager
• Security Manager
• Security Architect
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• Information Security Consultant

Many of these roles offer both great compensation and room for advancement. Additionally, organizations across various industries—finance, healthcare, government, technology, and more—prioritize hiring candidates with a field-specific cybersecurity certification, as it demonstrates a proven level of expertise and commitment.

CISSP vs. a Cybersecurity Degree: Which Is Better for You?

Ah, the age-old question: should I get a certification or a degree?

Choosing between an information security certification and a full cybersecurity degree depends a lot on your current situation, goals, and learning style. Both paths offer strong benefits, but they serve different purposes.

Let’s compare CISSP vs college degree:

CISSP Certification:

• Focused Expertise: CISSP is focused on advanced cybersecurity knowledge, covering eight key domains that employers care deeply about. It’s designed for professionals who already have some experience and want to demonstrate their ability to handle senior-level responsibilities.
• Faster to Achieve: Preparing for and passing the CISSP exam usually takes months, not years. This makes it a quicker way to boost your credentials if you already have the background.
• Industry Recognition: CISSP is highly respected worldwide and often required for leadership roles. It’s especially valuable if you want to climb the ladder in security management or consulting.
  Cost and Flexibility: While it can be pricey, CISSP certification is generally less costly than a full degree and offers more flexibility for working professionals.

Cybersecurity Degree:

• Broader Education: A degree program (bachelor’s or master’s) offers a comprehensive education—not just cybersecurity but also related fields such as computer science, networking, and software development. It’s a deeper dive into theory and practical skills.
• Ideal for Beginners: If you’re new to IT or cybersecurity, a degree is a strong foundation. It often includes internships and hands-on labs that prepare you for entry-level roles.
• Longer Time Commitment: Degrees take several years and often require a bigger financial investment upfront.
• More Career Options: Having a degree can open doors beyond cybersecurity, including general IT roles, software development, or even academia.

Which to Choose?

• If you already have relevant experience and want to accelerate your career with a well-known certification, CISSP is probably your best bet.
• If you’re starting fresh or want a comprehensive education with a broader scope, a degree may be a better option.
• Many professionals eventually pursue both: earning a degree to build foundational skills and obtaining certifications like CISSP to specialize and demonstrate their expertise.

Pros and Cons: Is CISSP Certification Worth It?

Let’s simplify this. Here’s the real-world breakdown of CISSP’s pros and cons:

Pros:

• High earning potential
• Global recognition
• Opens doors to management-level roles
• Enhances credibility and trust
• May lead to employer-funded education
• Great for job security
• Meets many compliance standards (especially in government roles)

Cons:

• High upfront cost
• Difficult exam (only ~50–60% pass rate on first try)
• Requires 5 years of experience
• Must maintain certification annually
• Not suitable for total beginners

Tips for Making CISSP More Affordable

You don’t need to max out a credit card to earn this certification. Here’s how to make it easier on your wallet:

• Use free or low-cost study resources.
  • YouTube (e.g., Mike Chapple’s lectures)
  • Cybrary’s CISSP content
  • Reddit’s r/cissp study threads
  • CISSP Exam Cram guides
• Join a study group.
  • Online communities like LinkedIn, Discord, or Reddit have study groups.
  • Accountability helps, and you’ll get tips from others who passed.
• Ask your employer.
  • Ask about professional development budgets.
  • Determine how CISSP can enhance your performance and that of your team.
• Apply for scholarships.
  • Check out (ISC) ²’s Global Scholarship program.
  • Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) offers resources for underrepresented professionals.
• Buy used books or share costs.
  • Used textbooks are usually half-price.
  • Split online course costs with a peer or co-worker.

Final Thoughts: Should You Invest in a CISSP?

Is CISSP good for beginners? Definitely NOT! If you’re just starting in IT or don’t yet meet the experience requirement, you might want to look at CompTIA Security+ or CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) first.

But is CISSP worth it? For experienced professionals, absolutely! If you’ve already been in the cybersecurity game for a few years and you’re looking to level up into leadership, earn more, or switch to a high-demand role—then CISSP is one of the smartest moves you can make.

It takes effort. It costs money. But the return on investment is often more than worth it in terms of salary, job stability, and career growth.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to be seen as a leader in cybersecurity?
• Am I ready to commit to a few months of serious studying?
• Can I find support—financial or community-wise—to help me along the way?

If you answered yes to any of those, then CISSP might just be your next big win.