Earning the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is a significant achievement in the cybersecurity field, but what happens if you don’t meet the work experience requirement to become fully certified? Fortunately, ISC2 offers a pathway for candidates who are short on experience but still pass the CISSP exam: becoming an Associate of ISC2.
In this blog, we’ll explain what it means to be an Associate of ISC2, how you can earn this title, and what steps you need to take to become fully CISSP certified after meeting the experience requirements.
TLDR: Too Long; Didn’t Read
If you pass the CISSP exam but don’t meet the required work experience, you can become an Associate of ISC2. This allows you to officially use the CISSP designation while working to gain the necessary experience over the next 6 years. Once you meet the experience requirement, you’ll become a fully certified CISSP.
What is an Associate of ISC2?
An Associate of ISC2 is a designation given to candidates who have passed the CISSP exam but do not meet the required 5 years of full-time work experience in at least two of the eight CISSP domains. This designation is a great option for those who are looking to get started on their CISSP journey while gaining the necessary experience for full certification.
Becoming an Associate of ISC2 means you’re one step closer to becoming a fully certified CISSP once the experience requirement is fulfilled. You’ll also have access to the benefits of being part of the ISC2 community and have time to complete the experience requirement.
How to Become an Associate of ISC2
Becoming an Associate of ISC2 is simple if you pass the CISSP exam but don’t meet the experience requirement. Here’s how you can earn this title:
1. Pass the CISSP Exam
- The first step is to pass the CISSP exam, which tests your knowledge across the eight CISSP domains.
- Once you pass, you’ll receive the Associate of ISC2 designation while you work towards meeting the experience requirement.
2. Submit Your CISSP Application
- After passing the exam, submit your CISSP application to ISC2. This will officially mark you as an Associate of ISC2.
- You’ll have 6 years to gain the necessary work experience in two or more of the CISSP domains.
3. Fulfill the Experience Requirement
- You’ll need to gain 5 years of full-time, paid work experience in at least two of the eight CISSP domains.
- Once you meet the requirement, you can submit your experience to ISC2 for review and officially become fully certified as a CISSP.
Associate of ISC2 vs. Full CISSP Certification
| Feature | Associate of ISC2 | Full CISSP |
| Work Experience Required | No (exam pass only) | Minimum 5 years in 2+ CISSP domains |
| Title Usage | Can state “Associate of ISC2” | Can use the full CISSP designation |
| Time Allowed to Gain Experience | Up to 6 years | Not applicable |
| Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) | $50 USD | $125 USD |
| Access to ISC2 Resources | Full member benefits | Full member benefits |
Why Become an Associate of ISC2?
While the Associate of ISC2 title may not grant you full certification, it offers several valuable benefits for candidates working towards their CISSP certification:
1. Professional Recognition
- Even as an Associate, you can use the CISSP designation on your resume and LinkedIn profile, which helps show potential employers that you are on your way to becoming a CISSP certified professional.
2. Networking Opportunities
- As an Associate, you have access to ISC2’s network of cybersecurity professionals and events, giving you the opportunity to connect with experts in the field and stay up to date on industry trends.
3. ISC2 Resources and Support
- Associates of ISC2 gain access to a wealth of resources, including:
- Webinars and training to help you continue your professional development.
- Discounts on ISC2 certifications and other professional development programs.
- Webinars and training to help you continue your professional development.
4. Time to Gain Experience
- Being an Associate of ISC2 allows you up to 6 years to accumulate the required work experience, so you’re not rushing to gain experience in a limited time frame. This flexibility gives you ample time to transition into roles that align with the CISSP domains.
What Happens After You Gain the Experience?
Once you’ve completed the required 5 years of work experience in the relevant domains, it’s time to submit your experience for review by ISC2.
Steps to Become Fully Certified:
- Submit Your Work Experience: After meeting the experience requirement, you can submit your work history to ISC2 for verification.
- Become Fully CISSP Certified: After ISC2 reviews and approves your experience, you’ll officially become a CISSP-certified professional.
- Maintain Your Certification: Like all ISC2 certifications, your CISSP certification will require Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to maintain.
Why This Matters:
Becoming a fully certified CISSP will significantly enhance your career prospects and validate your expertise in managing security programs at an enterprise level. You’ll be eligible for a wider range of cybersecurity positions and higher salary opportunities.
Is Becoming an Associate of ISC2 a Good Path?
Yes, becoming an Associate of ISC2 is a great option if you’ve passed the CISSP exam but don’t yet meet the experience requirements. It allows you to start building your professional network, use the CISSP designation, and access ISC2’s resources while giving you the time to gain the required experience.
It also shows employers that you are committed to becoming fully certified and are taking proactive steps towards building your career in cybersecurity.
Six-Year Path to Full CISSP Certification
| Year | Key Action | Goal |
| Year 1 | Pass CISSP exam and apply for Associate status | Secure your standing and begin experience accumulation |
| Years 2–4 | Work in cybersecurity roles across at least 2 CISSP domains | Build practical, qualifying experience |
| Year 5 | Review and document work history | Prepare endorsement application |
| Year 6 | Submit endorsement and upgrade to full CISSP | Become a fully certified CISSP professional |
Quick Summary
If you pass the CISSP exam but don’t have the required work experience, you can become an Associate of ISC2. This allows you to use the CISSP designation and access ISC2 resources while working towards fulfilling the 5 years of experience requirement. Once you meet the experience requirements, you’ll be fully certified as a CISSP.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an Associate of ISC2 is a great opportunity for those who have passed the CISSP exam but need more time to meet the work experience requirement. It’s a stepping stone that gives you professional recognition, access to a wealth of resources, and time to gain the necessary experience. Stay focused and use the resources available to you, and soon, you’ll be fully CISSP certified and ready to take on higher-level roles in cybersecurity.
More Resources
For more information about the CISSP exam, including the full exam breakdown and other helpful resources, visit the comprehensive CISSP exam breakdown.
If you want to explore other aspects of the CISSP certification process, check out these related blogs:
- How to Pass the CISSP Exam on Your First Attempt: Tips and Strategies
- CISSP Exam Cost Breakdown: Everything You Need to Know Before You Register
Last Updated on by Team CE
