π’ (ISC)Β² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
Here is a comprehensive analysis of the (ISC)Β² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification.
π§ 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body
Full name: Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
Issuing organization: (ISC)Β² (International Information System Security Certification Consortium)
Reputation and global recognition: The CC is an entry-level certification introduced by (ISC)Β² to address the cybersecurity workforce gap. It’s globally recognized and serves as a foundational credential for individuals starting in cybersecurity.
π 2. Curriculum and Skills Covered
Covered domains:
Security Principles
Business Continuity (BC), Disaster Recovery (DR), and Incident Response Concepts
Access Controls Concepts
Network Security
Security OperationsΒ
Depth of content: The CC certification provides a theoretical foundation in cybersecurity concepts, suitable for beginners.
Technologies and tools included: The certification focuses on concepts rather than specific tools, covering areas like risk management, access control, and network security principles.
Relevance in the current job market: Highly relevant for individuals seeking to enter the cybersecurity field, providing a recognized credential to demonstrate foundational knowledge.
Mapping to frameworks: While not explicitly mapped, the CC covers concepts aligned with frameworks like NIST and NICE.
π§© 3. Prerequisites and Recommended Level
Prior certifications or experience required: None. The CC is designed for individuals without prior cybersecurity experience.
Expected skill level: Beginner.
Required knowledge: No specific prerequisites, but a general understanding of IT concepts can be beneficial. (Official CC Course Completion Certificate_Official (ISC)Β² Certified in …, Certified in Cybersecurity Specialization [5 courses] (ISC2) | Coursera)
π΅ 4. Cost
Total cost: For a limited time, (ISC)Β² offers free access to the CC online self-paced training and exam through the Β«One Million Certified in CybersecurityΒ» initiative.
Study materials or lab access included: The free offering includes the official self-paced training course.
Discounts, scholarships, or regional pricing: The current free offering is available globally for a limited time. (One Million Certified in Cybersecurity β Free ISC2 Certification Exams)
β³ 5. Estimated Preparation Time
Recommended study hours: Approximately 30β40 hours, depending on prior knowledge.
Self-paced or instructor-led: Self-paced online training is available.
Learning modes: Self-study through the official (ISC)Β² platform; additional resources like Coursera offer structured courses.
π― 6. Target Roles and Career Path
Job roles prepared for:
Cybersecurity Analyst (Entry-Level)
IT Support Specialist
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Systems Administrator (Certified in Cybersecurity Certification – ISC2, ISC2 Exam Pricing)
Alignment with career goals: Ideal for individuals aiming to start a career in cybersecurity.
Technical, managerial, or both: Primarily technical, focusing on foundational cybersecurity concepts. (Certified in Cybersecurity – CC (ISC)Β² Complete Video Course (Video …)
π§ͺ 7. Exam Format and Difficulty
Exam delivery: In-person at Pearson VUE testing centers.
Exam content: 100 multiple-choice questions.
Proctored exam or testing center: Yes, administered at authorized testing centers.
Real-world labs or simulations: No; the exam assesses theoretical knowledge.
Length and number of questions: 120 minutes to complete 100 questions.
Difficulty level or average pass rate: Designed for beginners; passing score is 700 out of 1000. (Everything You Should Know About ISC2 CC Certification in 2025, ISC2 CC Certification Syllabus and Prep Guide – EDUSUM)
π 8. Validity and Renewal
Expiration: Valid for three years.
Renewal process: Requires earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits and paying an annual maintenance fee of $50. (Preparing for the ISC2 CC Exam)
π§° 9. Study Resources Available
Official documentation: (ISC)Β² provides an official self-paced training course.
Recommended books:
Β«Certified in Cybersecurity Study GuideΒ» by Mike Chapple.
Online labs or platforms: Not applicable; the certification focuses on theoretical knowledge.
YouTube channels, community guides, paid or free courses:
Coursera offers a Certified in Cybersecurity specialization.
Various YouTube channels provide exam preparation content.
Online communities:
Reddit’s r/isc2 community.
(ISC)Β² Community forums. (Official CC Course Completion Certificate_Official (ISC)Β² Certified in …, Certified in Cybersecurity – CC (ISC)Β² Complete Video Course (Video …, Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) course from ISC2 ; my review – Medium, Certified in Cybersecurity Specialization [5 courses] (ISC2) | Coursera, How I passed (ISC)Β² CC within 2 days thanks to Google … – Reddit)
πΌ 10. Industry Value and Demand
Mention in job postings: Increasingly recognized in entry-level cybersecurity job listings.
Profile boost with recruiters: Demonstrates commitment and foundational knowledge in cybersecurity.
Recognition by top companies or certain countries: As an (ISC)Β² certification, it holds global recognition.
Average salary for certified professionals: Varies by region and role; as an entry-level certification, it’s a stepping stone to higher-paying positions. (Certified in Cybersecurity Certification Exam Outline – ISC2)
π§ 11. Related Certifications and Progression
Part of a larger learning path or career track: Yes; serves as a foundation for advanced (ISC)Β² certifications.
Subsequent certifications:
Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Comparison or complement to other certs: Comparable to CompTIA Security+ in terms of foundational knowledge, but CC is more focused on cybersecurity principles.