Computer Security Certification, Essay Example

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) organization is intended for experienced professionals who develop the information security policies, standards, and procedures, thus managing their performance across the company. In order to obtain this certificate you must have four years of direct work experience at least in one of the ten test domains of the information systems security Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). Also you must subscribe to the (ISC)² code of ethics, submit a completed Endorsement Form, and pass the examination with a scaled score of 700 points or higher. The exam itself consists of 250 multiple-choice questions to be answered within 6 hours. To be eligible to take the exam the candidate must submit the application and $549 fee 16 days in advance. However, last minute registration may cost you additional $100. In case when the candidate has a college degree he needs to provide the proof three years professional experience instead of four. After that, he must complete the Candidate Agreement, thus verifying the professional experience and adhering to the company’s Code of Ethics. The last thing would be answering four questions on account of your criminal history and related background. An application endorsement is required upon the completion of the test before the credential can actually be awarded. Once you obtain a receipt of the Endorsement Form and barring a random audit of your professional experience, you will be awarded the CISSP credential within one business day and notified via e-mail.  After you actually get the certificate you will have to pay an annual maintenance fee and earn continuing professional education credits every three years, otherwise you will have to take the examination again.

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is designed for those who need to monitor knowledge of IT auditing, control, and security, thus being very popular with 30,000 of certified professionals. In order to obtain this certification you have to pass an exam that consists of 200 multiple-choice questions to be answered within four hours. The score is valid for five years only, thus not corresponding to the CISM certification requirements after five years will eliminate the score. Next, the candidate must agree to the CISM Code of Professional Ethics for guiding professional and personal conduct. The candidate must also submit a proof of a minimum of five years working experience in the field of information security, which must be obtained within the period of 10 years preceding the application date for certification or within five years after you have last passed the exam. The prices for the exam differ for members of ISACA and non-members, thus members have to pay something between $300 and $385 and non-members pay the fee that ranges from $420 to $505. This amount depends on the time of registration as well. Upon passing the CISM certification examination and meeting the work experience requirements the candidate must actually complete the CISM Application for Certification. After the candidate receives the CISM certificate he is obliged to participate in Continuing Education Program (CPE), fulfilling the minimum of twenty contact hours annually. Additionally, there is a required minimum of 120 hours of CPE within a fixed three-year period. As soon as the candidate completes all the requirements for initial certification, the CISM will be delivered along with the CPE policy booklet for detailed criteria which is efficient for use when developing a personal CPE program.

References

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). (2009). CISSP Examination Information. Retrieved March 1, 2009 from http://www.cissp.com/Exam/exam.asp

Harris, Sean. (2007). CISSP All-in-one Exam Guide: Exam Guide. McGraw-Hill Professional.

ISACA, (2009). CISM Certification. Retrieved March 1, 2009 from http://www.isaca.org/Template.cfm?Section=CISM_Certification&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=16&ContentID=7513