🧩 CCISO
Certified Chief Information Security Officer
(EC-Council)

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

  • Full name: Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)

  • Issuing organization: EC-Council

  • Reputation and global recognition: Recognized globally as a high-level executive certification for senior cybersecurity leaders; valued by large enterprises and organizations with complex information security governance structures.

πŸ“š 2. Curriculum and Skills Covered

  • Covered domains:

    1. Governance and Risk Management

    2. Information Security Controls and Audit Management

    3. Security Program Management and Operations

    4. Information Security Core Competencies (technical knowledge)

    5. Strategic Planning, Finance, and Vendor Management

  • Depth of content: Executive-level focus, blending business, strategic, legal, technical, and managerial perspectives

  • Technologies and tools included: Framework-based; includes case studies, budgeting tools, metrics, incident response strategies

  • Relevance in the current job market: High among professionals transitioning into executive leadership (CISO, VP Security, etc.)

  • Mapping to frameworks: NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001, COBIT, DoD 8140, NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework

🧩 3. Prerequisites and Recommended Level

  • Prior certifications or experience required?: Yes β€” minimum 5 years in at least 3 of the 5 CCISO domains.

  • Expected skill level: Advanced to executive

  • Required knowledge: Deep understanding of cybersecurity, IT governance, risk, compliance, budgeting, and leadership

πŸ’΅ 4. Cost

  • Total cost:

    • Self-study exam: ~$999 USD

    • Training bundle (exam + course): ~$2,499–$3,499 USD depending on delivery method

  • Study materials or lab access included?: Included in official training bundle

  • Discounts/scholarships: Limited; sometimes available through EC-Council partners or events

⏳ 5. Estimated Preparation Time

  • Recommended study hours: 100–160 hours

  • Self-paced or instructor-led: Both; instructor-led bootcamps are common for this level

  • Learning modes: Self-paced online, live online bootcamps, in-person executive training

🎯 6. Target Roles and Career Path

  • Job roles: Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), VP of Security, Director of Information Security, Cybersecurity Strategist, Risk and Compliance Executive

  • Career goals: For those targeting board-level cybersecurity roles or senior management in enterprise environments

  • Type: Executive/managerial with strategic and business leadership emphasis

πŸ§ͺ 7. Exam Format and Difficulty

  • Is the exam online or in-person?: Online proctored (ECC Exam Portal)

  • Theoretical, hands-on, or both?: Primarily scenario-based theoretical; includes executive decision-making questions

  • Proctored exam?: Yes

  • Length and number of questions: 2.5 hours, 150 multiple-choice questions

  • Difficulty level or average pass rate: High difficulty; designed for senior professionals with decision-making authority

πŸ“œ 8. Validity and Renewal

  • Does it expire?: Yes, valid for 3 years

  • Renewal process: 120 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) + annual membership fee with EC-Council

🧰 9. Study Resources Available

  • Official documentation: EC-Council CCISO courseware, official books, and scenario-based practice exams

  • Recommended books: Executive-level security management texts; cybersecurity strategy publications

  • Online labs or platforms: EC-Council iLearn platform; not highly technical but includes simulations and case-based exercises

  • YouTube channels, community guides: Limited free material; premium content dominates

  • Online communities: EC-Council forums, LinkedIn executive security groups, private coaching communities

πŸ’Ό 10. Industry Value and Demand

  • Is it frequently mentioned in job postings?: Yes, especially in high-level roles at large organizations

  • Does it boost your profile with recruiters?: Strongly, if aiming for C-suite or senior InfoSec management positions

  • Is it recognized by top companies or certain countries?: Yes β€” particularly in regulated sectors (banking, defense, healthcare)

  • What’s the average salary?: $150,000–$220,000 USD/year for CISO-level roles depending on region and company size

🧭 11. Related Certifications and Progression

  • Is it part of a larger learning path?: Serves as a capstone executive certification in the EC-Council track

  • What can you study after completing it?: Leadership programs (e.g., MBA in Cybersecurity), board governance training, or regulatory frameworks specialization

  • How does it compare or complement other certs?: More strategic and executive-oriented than CISSP or CISM; complements them well for a complete leadership profile