๐ข ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals (CSX-F) ย
Here is a comprehensive analysis of the ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals (CSX-F) certification.
๐ง 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body
Full name: Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate (CSX-F)
Issuing organization: ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association)
Reputation and global recognition: The CSX-F is globally recognized as a foundational certification in cybersecurity. It is part of ISACA’s Cybersecurity Nexus (CSX) program, designed to address the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals. (Cybersecurity Fundamentals training and certification – IMF Academy, ISACAยฎ Cybersecurity Nexusโข (CSX) Fundamentals Training)
๐ 2. Curriculum and Skills Covered
Covered domains:
Information Security Fundamentals (27%)
Threat Landscape (18%)
Securing Assets (35%)
Security Operations and Response (20%) (Cybersecurity Fundamentals training and certification – IMF Academy)
Depth of content: The certification offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, including performance-based questions in a virtual lab environment.
Technologies and tools included: While specific tools are not mandated, the certification covers a range of security technologies and concepts, including risk management, access control, and network security principles.
Relevance in the current job market: Highly relevant; the certification addresses foundational cybersecurity skills that are essential for many IT security roles.
Mapping to frameworks: The certification aligns with several frameworks, including:
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework
Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) (Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate – ISACA, CSXF – CSX Fundamentals Certification – Global Knowledge)
๐งฉ 3. Prerequisites and Recommended Level
Prior certifications or experience required: None.
Expected skill level: Entry-level; suitable for individuals new to cybersecurity or those looking to transition into the field.
Required knowledge: A basic understanding of IT concepts is beneficial but not mandatory. (CSXF (CSX Fundamentals) Exam Review Class – ISACA Engage)
๐ต 4. Cost
Total cost:
Exam: $120 (ISACA members), $150 (non-members)
Optional Study Guide: $40 (members), $44 (non-members)
Optional Online Course: $160 (members), $220 (non-members)
Optional Lab Package: $136 (members), $200 (non-members)
Study materials or lab access included: Study materials and lab access are available for purchase separately.
Discounts, scholarships, or regional pricing: ISACA offers discounted pricing for members and students. (Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate Resources – ISACA)
โณ 5. Estimated Preparation Time
Recommended study hours: Approximately 40โ60 hours, depending on prior experience.
Self-paced or instructor-led: Both options are available. Candidates can choose self-study, instructor-led courses, or hybrid models.
Learning modes: Options include intensive bootcamps, self-study programs, and hybrid courses combining online and in-person instruction.
๐ฏ 6. Target Roles and Career Path
Job roles prepared for:
Cybersecurity Analyst (Entry-Level)
IT Support Specialist
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Systems Administrator
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.
๐งช 7. Exam Format and Difficulty
Exam delivery: Online, remotely proctored.
Exam content: 75 questions, including multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
Proctored exam or testing center: Yes, all exams are proctored, whether taken online or at a testing center.
Real-world labs or simulations: Performance-based questions simulate real-world scenarios to assess practical skills.
Length and number of questions: 120 minutes to complete 75 questions.
Difficulty level or average pass rate: Moderate difficulty; passing score is 65%. (Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate – ISACA, Cybersecurity Fundamentals Practice Quiz – ISACA, CSXF – CSX Fundamentals Certification – Global Knowledge)
๐ 8. Validity and Renewal
Expiration: The certification does not expire.
Renewal process: No renewal required; however, staying updated with industry developments is recommended. (Cybersecurity Fundamentals training and certification – IMF Academy)
๐งฐ 9. Study Resources Available
Official documentation: ISACA offers official study guides, exam objectives, and training materials.
Recommended books:
ยซCSX Cybersecurity Fundamentals Study Guideยป by ISACA
Online labs or platforms:
ISACA’s Cybersecurity Fundamentals Lab Package
YouTube channels, community guides, paid or free courses:
Udemy’s ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals practice exams
Online communities:
ISACA Engage Community
Reddit’s r/ISACA and r/cybersecurity (Cybersecurity Fundamentals Practice Quiz – ISACA, Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate Resources – ISACA, ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Practice Exam Questions, CSXF (CSX Fundamentals) Exam Review Class – ISACA Engage)
๐ผ 10. Industry Value and Demand
Mention in job postings: Frequently listed as a preferred certification for entry-level cybersecurity roles.
Profile boost with recruiters: Enhances credibility and demonstrates foundational cybersecurity knowledge to potential employers.
Recognition by top companies or certain countries: Recognized globally, including by U.S. federal agencies and defense contractors.
Average salary for certified professionals: Varies by region and experience; in the U.S., entry-level cybersecurity professionals can expect salaries ranging from $60,000 to $80,000 annually. (ISACA CSX Fundamentals Certificate Practice Quiz Exam Questions and …)
๐งญ 11. Related Certifications and Progression
Part of a larger learning path or career track: Yes; serves as a foundational certification in ISACA’s cybersecurity pathway.
Subsequent certifications:
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
Comparison or complement to other certs: Comparable to CompTIA Security+ and (ISC)ยฒ Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) in terms of foundational knowledge, but CSX-F includes performance-based assessments. (CSX-P Certification | Cybersecurity Practitioner Exam | ISACA, PPT – ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certification Exam Info and …)