🧩 PECB Certified ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

🧩 2. Certification Level and Type

  • Level: Intermediate to Advanced

  • Type: Hybrid (Managerial + Technical)

πŸ“œ 3. Purpose and Goals

  • What skills does it certify?
    Planning, implementing, managing, and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS) based on ISO/IEC 27001

  • Target roles or profiles:
    ISMS Project Managers, Compliance Officers, Information Security Managers, Auditors, Consultants

  • Practical applications:
    ISMS implementation, internal security policy development, risk treatment planning, and continual improvement processes

πŸŽ“ 4. Prerequisites

  • Recommended prior certifications:
    ISO/IEC 27001 Foundation or equivalent knowledge of ISO standards

  • Suggested experience:
    2–5 years in information security, risk, or compliance roles

  • Required technical knowledge:
    Basic understanding of information security controls, risk assessment, documentation processes

πŸ“š 5. Content and Curriculum

  • Key domains/modules:

    1. Introduction to ISO/IEC 27001 and initiation of ISMS

    2. Planning the implementation of an ISMS

    3. Implementing the ISMS

    4. Performance evaluation, monitoring, and continual improvement

    5. Certification audit preparation and closure

  • Technologies/tools:
    Risk management tools (e.g., asset registers, control matrices), policy frameworks, documentation templates

  • Framework mapping:
    ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27002, ISO/IEC 27005 (risk), ISO 19011 (auditing)

πŸ§ͺ 6. Learning Approach

  • Style: Primarily theoretical + applied case studies

  • Labs/environments: Implementation workshops, documentation exercises, simulated audits

  • Materials: PECB student manual, course slides, case studies, toolkit templates

  • Recommended platforms: Delivered via authorized PECB training partners globally (in-person or online)

πŸ“ 7. Exam Format and Details

  • Mode: Online or in-person via authorized partners

  • Duration: 3 hours

  • Questions: Essay-type (scenario-based, open book)

  • Languages: English, French, Spanish, German, and more

  • Retake policy: Retake allowed after 30 days; exam voucher often included with course

  • Certification validity: Lifetime (with maintenance requirements)

πŸ’° 8. Estimated Cost

  • Exam fee (standalone): ~$500 USD

  • Training cost (course + exam): ~$1,500–$2,200 USD (varies by provider and region)

  • Renewal cost: ~$100–$250 USD every 3 years for professional title maintenance

🌍 9. Industry Recognition

  • Demand/popularity: Highly respected globally in compliance, governance, and ISO-centric organizations

  • Organizations that value it: Government agencies, banks, healthcare systems, consultancy firms, multinational companies

  • Comparison:

    • More practical than ISO/IEC 27001 Auditor

    • Similar to BSI Lead Implementer, but PECB is more internationally recognized in training ecosystems

πŸ’Ό 10. Career Opportunities

  • Job roles:
    Information Security Manager, ISMS Consultant, Compliance Specialist, GRC Analyst

  • Suggested paths:
    β†’ ISO 27001 Foundation β†’ Lead Implementer β†’ ISO 27001 Lead Auditor / CISM / CISSP
    β†’ ISO 27001 Lead Implementer + GDPR Cert = strong GRC profile

πŸ’΅ 11. Average Salary

  • Global range: $70,000–$110,000/year

  • Europe: €55,000–€90,000/year

  • Salary increase: Strong potential when combined with ISMS responsibilities or consulting roles

  • (Sources: PayScale, LinkedIn, PECB job market analytics)

πŸ“… 12. Renewal and Maintenance

  • Validity: Lifetime certificate, but title as β€œPECB Certified Professional” must be renewed every 3 years

  • Maintenance:

    • Submit CPD hours (Continuing Professional Development)

    • Submit proof of ISMS implementation involvement (logbook)

    • Pay maintenance fee

🧭 13. Final Recommendations

  • Ideal for:
    Professionals managing ISMS projects or advising organizations on compliance and risk treatment

  • When to pursue:
    After acquiring experience with ISO standards or foundational security frameworks (NIST, CIS, etc.)

  • Tips:
    Understand how ISO 27001 aligns with real-world business needs. Focus on policy writing, risk registers, and audit trails. Practice scenario analysis.