Are you eager to dive into the world of cybersecurity? Embark on your journey with the entry-level Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification offered by ISC2. The International Information System Security Certification Consortium, or ISC2, is a non-profit organization renowned for training and certifying cybersecurity professionals. Often described as the “world’s largest IT security organization,” ISC2 is an ideal starting point for your cybersecurity career.

Prerequisites

This entry-level certification covers all the fundamental concepts essential for further studies in cybersecurity. Whether you come from an IT background or not, this certification is accessible to anyone with consistency and a passion for the cyber world.

How to Start?

The path to certification can sometimes seem unclear. Here’s how I began my journey:

1. Registration with ISC2

The first step is to register on the ISC2 portal.

2. Enrollment

ISC2 provides training and examination scheduling services. I began by reviewing the syllabus on the portal and enrolling in the online self-paced training option. ISC2 also offers in-person classroom training. As part of ISC2’s initiative to close the cybersecurity workforce gap and diversify the field, they are offering free Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) Online Self-Paced Training and exams to one million individuals. I was fortunate to receive my training for free. For current details, please visit the official ISC2 portal.

3. Preparation

Once enrolled, access the “My Courses” tab and start your learning journey. The course is meticulously designed, covering various domains:

• Domain 1: Security Principles
• Domain 2: Business Continuity (BC), Disaster Recovery (DR), and Incident Response Concepts
• Domain 3: Access Controls Concepts
• Domain 4: Network Security
• Domain 5: Security Operations

Each domain consists of several modules, incorporating videos, interviews with industry professionals, podcasts, reading materials, audio content, visualizations, and assessments to check your knowledge. Real-world applications and easy-to-understand examples help reinforce fundamental concepts. Completing each domain earns you a domain completion badge. Before starting the training, there is a pre-course assessment of 75-100 questions. Don’t worry if you don’t score well initially; you have unlimited attempts. The crucial test is after completing the training, with a free mock post-assessment examination containing 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

4. External Resources

After completing the ISC2 training, I used additional resources to boost my confidence and deepen my understanding. LinkedIn Learning offers an excellent course by Mike Chappell, which is particularly useful for revision. For hands-on practice, I recommend Prabh Nair’s Coffee Shots for the CC exam on YouTube, which covers scenario-based questions with detailed explanations.

5. Revision and Examination Booking

Revise the concepts thoroughly before booking your examination. ISC2 provides an exam booking portal, redirecting to the Pearson VUE portal, where you can schedule your exam at a convenient location and time.

6. Exam Day

On the exam day, bring two government-issued identifications with your signature and photo. Carefully read the instructions provided in the email from the day before the exam. The exam is conducted at a Pearson VUE exam center, where they provide the necessary stationery for rough work.

Exam Details

• Total Questions: 100 MCQs (25 non-marked, but not indicated)
• Total Marks: 1000
• Passing Score: 700/1000
• Duration: 2 hours
• Navigation: Sequential, no toggling between questions

7. Results

Upon completion, you will receive a printed copy indicating pass or fail. The results are also emailed to you. Follow the instructions in the email to obtain your certification.

8. After the Exam

I hope this post aids your journey to becoming a certified cybersecurity professional. Happy learning, cybersecurity enthusiasts!