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(ISC)²: The World’s Leading Cybersecurity Professional Organization

You face immense pressure to stay ahead of attacks and up-to-date in our ever-changing security profession. But you aren’t alone. 

(ISC)² is an international, nonprofit membership association for information security leaders like you. We’re committed to helping our members learn, grow and thrive. Nearly 330,000 members, associates and candidates strong, we empower professionals who touch every aspect of information security.

How can we help you make an impact in your career and advance our industry? Through our globally recognized certifications. Our vast networking and collaboration opportunities. Our Professional Development Institute and leadership tools. 

We’re also committed to educating the general public through our support of The Center for Cyber Safety and Education. Because we get it. Protecting information is everyone’s job — not just IT’s job!

Join us in our vision of inspiring a safe and secure cyber world.

ATTACKS HAPPEN. BE READY.

A data breach hits headquarters at 3 a.m. Are your critical assets secure? Hire (ISC)²-certified cybersecurity professionals to prepare for, prevent and recover from attacks.

History Of (ISC)²

(ISC)² was founded in 1989 as the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, Inc. Our founders saw the need for standardization and certification in the cybersecurity industry. Since then, our founders and members have been shaping the information security profession.

Are you ready to make your mark?

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1988 : The Consortium was Formed

“The Consortium” was formed among several professional organizations to create a global information security certification process for professionals and to address the need for standardized curriculum for the burgeoning profession. A series of strategy and planning meetings were held at Idaho State University and in Salt Lake City starting in November.

The initial groups that joined together to form (ISC)² included: the Canadian Information Processing Society, the Computer Security Institute, the Data Processing Management Association (two special interest groups), Idaho State University, the Information Systems Security Association, and the International Federation for Information Processing.

1989 : (ISC)² was Established

(ISC)² was established as a nonprofit corporation, and we named our first president. In addition, our founders completed the first Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) prototype.

1990 : The CBK Committee Was Formed

The first Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) working committee was formed.

1992 : The CBK Was Finalized

The CBK committee finalized creation of the CBK’s general contents.

1994: CISSP — the First Credential — Was Established

(ISC)² established the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential and launched the first exam.

The United States Postal Service became the first organization to contract with (ISC)² for its certification services.

1997 : The Board of Directors Was Established

The (ISC)2 Board began overseeing all operations.

2000 : The First Management Team Was Hired

(ISC)2 hired a professional management team, including the first managing director.

2001: (ISC)² Expanded to Europe and Launched the SSCP Credential

(ISC)² established its European headquarters in London.

In addition, the organization launched the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) credential.

(ISC)² also established the Harold F. “Hal” Tipton Lifetime Achievement Award. To this day, it’s the highest honor given in the information security industry.

2002: (ISC)² Opened Its Asia-Pacific Office and Expanded Education to Europe and Asia

(ISC)2 opened its Asia-Pacific office in Hong Kong. We expanded our information security education to Europe and Asia.

2003: The Associate of (ISC)² and CISSP Concentrations Were Launched

Certification Magazine recognized (ISC)2 as one of the industry’s top IT certifications.

Our professional cybersecurity organization launched:

  • The Associate of (ISC)2 designation
  • CISSP Concentrations
  • (ISC)2 Press
  • The first Advisory Board
  • The Information Security Scholarship

2004 : (ISC)² Expanded to Tokyo and CISSP Received ANSI Accreditation

(ISC)2 corporate headquarters moved to Palm Harbor, Florida, and an office was opened in Tokyo. The CISSP earned ANSI accreditation for ISO/IEC Standard 17024. The first Resource Guide for Today’s Information Security Professional was launched and (ISC)2 released its inaugural publication of Information Systems Security, The (ISC)2 Journal. The organization also developed the Security Leadership Conference Series and released its inaugural Global Information Security Workforce Study.

2005: The CAP Credential Was Launched

The organization launched the Certified Authorization Professional (CAP) credential.

2006 : SSCP Received ANSI Accreditation

SSCP received ANSI Accreditation for ISO/IEC 17024 and (ISC)2 received the inaugural SC Magazine Award for “Best Professional Training Program.” In addition, we launched the “Safe and Secure Online” program with Childnet in the United Kingdom.

2007 : (ISC)² Recognized as Best Professional Training Program

(ISC)2 launched the e-Symposium Webcast under the (ISC)2 Security Leadership Series as an exclusive member benefit. In addition, (ISC)2 won the SC Magazine Award for “Best Professional Training Program” for the second consecutive year.

2008 : (ISC)² Launched the CSSLP, InfoSecurity Magazine, and Our Blog

(ISC)2 launched the InfoSecurity Professional magazine to its membership, published the Hiring Guide to the Information Security Profession, and launched the (ISC)2 Security Blog. In addition, the CSSLP was launched and (ISC)2 won the inaugural SC Magazine Award for “Best Professional Certification Program.”

2010 : CISSP Won “Best Professional Training Program”

The CSSLP Exam became available via CBT and InterSec was launched to the public. In addition, the CISSP won the SC Magazine Award for “Best Professional Training Program.”

2011 : The Inaugural (ISC)² Security Congress Was Held

(ISC)2 Education won the SC Magazine Award for “Best Professional Training Program” and we held the inaugural (ISC)2 Security Congress industry conference.

2013: (ISC)² Launched the CCFP and HCISPP Credentials

(ISC)2 launched the Certified Cyber Forensics Professional (CCFP) and Healthcare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner (HCISPP) credentials.

In addition, the CSSLP credential became qualified for use under the United States Department of Defense (DoD) 8570.1 Mandate.

2015: (ISC)² Launched the CCSP Credential

(ISC)2 launched the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) credential.

The organization expanded its corporate operations into the Washington, D.C. metro area.

August 2017: 125,000+ Members Worldwide

(ISC)² membership surged past 125,000 certified cybersecurity professionals around the globe.

September 2017: First Independent (ISC)² Security Congress

The seventh annual conference was the first to be independently run and took place in Austin, Texas with more than 1,900 professionals in attendance.

November 2017: Launch of Online Community

14,500 cybersecurity professionals, members and non-members alike, joined (ISC)²'s online Community in its first 30 days.

December 2017: CISSP CAT Format

The English version of the CISSP exam changed from linear Computer Based Testing to Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT). CAT’s value to candidates is efficiency, shorter test administration sessions and a more precise competency evaluation.

January 2018: Ten Years of InfoSecurity Professional Magazine

The (ISC)² members-only digital publication celebrated ten years of educating and enabling cyber, information, software and infrastructure security professionals to excel in their careers.

June 2018: 2,000+ Members in China

China reached a landmark number of 2,000 members. The APAC region overall exceeded the 17,500 member mark, which made up roughly 13% of (ISC)²’s total global membership.

January 2019: 150,00+ Members Worldwide

(ISC)² membership exceeded 150,000 certified cybersecurity professionals around the globe.

February 2019: Introducing Professional Development Institute

With courses first introduced in 2018, this year marked the official launch of (ISC)²'s Professional Development Institute (PDI) designed to provide members with unlimited access to continuing education courses and labs at no charge.

April 2019: 2,000+ Members in Hong Kong

Hong Kong exceeded a landmark of 2,000 members, joining the "2K Club" in the Asia-Pacific region, along with Australia, India, Japan, Korea, China and Singapore.

May 2019: Global Recognition by IAF

All nine (ISC)² cybersecurity certifications are recognized by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) following the signing of a Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) in 2018 that confirmed the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) standing as an internationally-respected accrediting body with rigorous standards.

May 2019: Recognition by ACE

Professionals who successfully complete any of six cybersecurity exams and four courses from (ISC)² will earn college credit thanks to evaluation and approval from the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT®).

August 2019: Celebrating 30 Years

Marking 30 years since the formation of the original Consortium, (ISC)² celebrated its anniversary in August.

2020: 150,000+ Members Globally

(ISC)² membership grows to include more than 150,000 certified cybersecurity professionals in 175 countries.

2020: 20,000+ Members in APAC

The number of (ISC)² certified cybersecurity professionals in the Asia-Pacific region exceeded 20,000.

2021: Online Proctored Pilot Testing

(ISC)² implemented its first pilot test for online proctored exams for all certification exams.

2021: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) task force is formed helping to launch strategic initiative to support DEI in cybersecurity.

2021: CCSP Crosses 10K Threshold

More than 10,000 cybersecurity professionals around the world have earned the CCSP.

2022: Pilot for New Entry-Level Exam

Following a rigorous development process in 2021, the pilot exam for a new entry-level cybersecurity certification is launched in January 2022.

2022: Certified in Cybersecurity Officially Launches

Following a successful pilot, the entry-level cybersecurity certification exam is introduced officially as the Certified in Cybersecurity certification in August 2022.

2022: (ISC)² Candidates Launched

(ISC)² Candidates was created to offer professional development to those just starting their career, or considering a change to cyber, in order to close the global cybersecurity workforce gap. (ISC)² Candidates have access to exclusive networking opportunities, discounts on events and certification training and other resources to help them start their career.

2022: One Million Certified in Cybersecurity

To help close the cybersecurity workforce gap, (ISC)² pledged to put one million people through the Certified in Cybersecurity entry-level certification exam and education program for FREE.

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Distinguish Yourself With Globally-Recognized Certifications

(ISC)² information security certifications are recognized as the global standard for excellence. They allow you to prove your expertise and highlight your skill mastery. And for employers, having certified employees means your organization is better prepared to protect your critical information assets and infrastructures.

(ISC)² created and maintains the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) on which the certifications are based. The CBK defines global industry standards and best practices in information security.

Certification Programs

CC Logo SSCP Logo All CISSP Logo CCSP Logo CGRC Logo CSSIP Logo HCISPP Logo

You work in a world where you always have to stay one step ahead. So do we. We were honored to be the first information security certifying body to meet the requirements of ANSI/ISO/IEC Standard 17024. (This is a global benchmark for certifying people.)

All of our certifications have been accredited against this standard.

Association Governance

(ISC)² is a United States 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional corporation. It was established to develop a program and common body of knowledge for the certification of cybersecurity professionals, and it has since expanded to support its members’ professional development and advocating for the continued growth, ethical best practices and health of the profession. (ISC)² operates under the authority and direction of the (ISC)² Board of Directors.

Learn more about (ISC)² governance.

Code of Ethics

Honor and duty. They’re fundamental parts of an information security career. And they’re fundamental parts of being a member of a (ISC)².

If you’re interested in becoming a member of our cybersecurity professional organization, you need to subscribe to our (ISC)² Code of Ethics. It safeguards the professionalism of the information security industry. It also protects the integrity of our credentials.

  • Our Code Our Code

    All information security professionals who are certified by (ISC)² recognize that such certification is a privilege. It must be both earned and maintained.  

    In support of this principle, all (ISC)² members are required to commit to fully support this Code of Ethics (the "Code").

    (ISC)² members who intentionally or knowingly violate any provision of the Code will be subject to action by a peer review panel. This may result in the revocation of certification.

    If you observe any actions by an (ISC)² member that breach the Code, you are obligated as an (ISC)² member to follow the ethics complaint procedure. Failure to do so may be considered a breach of the Code pursuant to Canon IV.

    There are only four mandatory canons in the Code (described below). By necessity, such high-level guidance is not intended to be a substitute for the ethical judgment of the professional.

  • Code of Ethics Preamble Code of Ethics Preamble
    • The safety and welfare of society and the common good, duty to our principles and duty to each other, requires that we adhere, and be seen to adhere, to the highest ethical standards of behavior.
    • Therefore, strict adherence to this Code is a condition of certification.
  • Code of Ethics Canons Code of Ethics Canons

    You will:

    • Protect society, the common good, necessary public trust and confidence, and the infrastructure.
    • Act honorably, honestly, justly, responsibly, and legally.
    • Provide diligent and competent service to principals.
    • Advance and protect the profession.

Our Members: Elite Cybersecurity Professionals

Do You Have What It Takes?

Our members represent an elite, global network of information security professionals. They are top experts in their fields. They’re dedicated to the highest ethical standards and best practices.

Our members work for governments and highly respected companies around the world. Through certification, they show superior competency. They’ve devoted themselves to making the cyber world a safer place for all.

Connect With Members All Over the World

We are more than 168,000 members strong. Our cyber and IT security professionals work in critical cyber, information, software and infrastructure positions all over the world. Connect with other professionals on the (ISC)² Community.

Make a Far-Reaching Impact

The professionals who make up our (ISC)² community play a vital role. They not only protect the organizations they serve, but they also help keep society safe. And they’re in high demand as organizations place more importance on information security.

Our members serve as:

  • Chief Security Officers
  • Chief Information Officers
  • Systems and Network Administrators
  • Chief Technology Officers
  • Security Managers
  • Systems Integrators
  • Chief Risk Officers
  • Systems Engineers

(ISC)² Has Members All Over the World

(ISC)² members work in critical cyber, information, software, IT and infrastructure security positions all over the globe. Our mission is to support these valuable, highly skilled professionals throughout their careers by providing them with industry information, vast networking and collaboration opportunities, and professional development tools.
Learn about joining this incredible community.
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