CCISO vs CISSP | Top Cybersecurity Certifications Compared

In the arena of cyber security, any certification issued by (ISC)² is the cream of the crop. The CISSP certification is an indication of the knowledge, skill, and hard work of any cyber security professional. The certifications offered by (ISC)² provide the required academic validation that recruiters all over the world are looking for. But there are a total of eight certifications issued by (ISC)² and many people in the profession of cyber security get confused in choosing the best certification for them. Today we will talk about two of the eight certifications issued by (ISC)², which are CCISO and CISSP certifications, and draw a detailed comparison between them, that will help many cyber security professionals in deciding which certification is better for them.

What is Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)?

CISSP or certified information systems security professional is a certification issued by (ISC)², which is the world's largest non-profit organization for cyber security professionals. The CISSP certification is one of the most valued certifications in the field of cyber security best practices. It is a certification that attests to the ability of a cyber security professional to design, implement and manage a security system at advanced levels. Factors like the ability to manage security risk, maintain security procedures, design security architectures, provide network security, identify security vulnerabilities, manage security vulnerabilities, assess security systems, and rectify security systems. It is a testimony of having the capability of maintaining progressive security systems. All these concepts and skills are taught over a fixed period and taught during the CISSP training period. If you are someone who wants to get certified, best way to get CISSP certified  is by enrolling on this course by KnowledgeHut.

Read more about the cybersecurity demand by checking the detailed article on the need for cyber security specialists.

What is CCISO?

CCISO stands for Certified Chief Information Security Officer, it is a certification that is issued by EC- Council and awarded to cyber security personnel. It is a recognition of the skills and acumen of an individual in developing, executing, and managing advanced security systems. The CCISO certification has 5 domains. All the 5 domains contain detailed studies about different topics. The following are the 5 domains: -

• Domain 1: The first domain or domain 1 consists of a detailed study of the Governance of security systems, the Risk involved in any security system, and the Compliance of security systems.
• Domain 2: The second domain or domain 2 consists of a detailed study of information Security Controls and Audit Management, frequent reviews to strengthen the concepts are also conducted.
• Domain 3: The third domain or domain 3 consists of a detailed study of Security Program Management & Operations.
• Domain 4 - The fourth domain or domain 4 consists of a detailed study of Information Security Core Competencies.
• Domain 5 - The fifth domain or domain 5 consists of a detailed study of Strategic Planning, Finance, Procurement, and Third-Party Management.

all these domains focus on increasing the overall cyber security-based knowledge of any individual.

Main Differences Between CCISO vs CISSP?

Now that we have a basic understanding of both the (ISC)2 certifications, we will now study CISSP vs CCISO in detail, and draw the main comparison between them.

1. CCISO vs. CISSP – Experience

CCISO

The experience criteria of the CCISO exam are a little tricky. It is mandatory to have a minimum of 5 years of experience in at least 3 out of the 5 domains that are included in the CCISO training program.

CISSP

The experience criteria of the CISSP examination are a little similar to the experience criteria of the CCISO examination. A mandatory minimum of 5 years of experience as a security professional in any 2 out of the 8 domains should be possessed by any candidate.

Many candidates often do not have the required experience or do not fully match the selection criteria, in such cases one can also go for EC-Council Information Security Management (EISM) certification.

2. CCISO versus CISSP - Exam Details

CCISO 

The CCISO examination has three levels, the first level tests your knowledge, and the basic knowledge of cyber security is tested in this level. In the second level, your application skills are tested, which requires more understanding of the concept. The third level is analysis, which tests your reviewing and understanding skills better. The CCISO examination has a Multiple Choice Questions format, candidates have to attempt 150 questions in 2.5 hours. Since CCISO is a prestigious certification, the cut-offs go from 60% to 85% every year. The examination fee for CCISO has two parts, the eligibility application is $100, and the voucher for the examination can be purchased for $500.

CISSP 

The CISSP examination has questions based on all 10 domains. The exam has a multiple-choice question format. There are 250 multiple choice questions in total out of which 25 are pretest questions and the candidates need to attempt them all. The passing score for the CISSP examination is 700 out of 1000. And the duration of the exam is 6 hours. The topics include Access Control, Telecommunications and Network Security, Information Security Governance and Risk Management, Software Development Security, Cryptography, Security Architecture and Design, Operations Security, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning.

Legal, Regulations, Investigations and Compliance, and Physical Security. Taking the CISSP practice exam is recommended for optimum results. The examination fee for CISSP is $599.

Both the CCISO and the CISSP certifications are based on the cyber security domain, so to pursue these cyber security certifications you can enroll in these courses by KnowledgeHut.

3. CCISO vs CISSP - Certification Levels

CCISO 

The CCISO certifications have two levels, the first is the certification that the candidate gets after clearing the exam and then the maintenance of the certificate. The CCISO certificate needs to be renewed from time to time. For the renewal, a candidate must fulfill the academic requirements and submit a fee of $100.

CISSP 

Like the CCISO certificate, the CCISO certification has two-level requirements. It is mandatory for the candidate to maintain a membership with (ISC)². Members have to pay $125 annually as fees for the membership. And the candidates have to earn and maintain a score of 120 CPE as well.

4. CCISO vs. CISSP - Domains

CCISO 

The CCISO certifications have 5 domains:-  

• Governance 
• Security Risk Management, Controls, and Audit Management 
• Security Program Management & Operations 
• Information Security Core Concepts 
• Strategic Planning, Finance, and Vendor Management 

CISSP 

The CISSP certifications have 8 domains, which are:-  

• Security and risk management 
• Asset security 
• Security engineering 
• Communication and network security 
• Identity and access management 
• Security assessment and testing 
• Security operations 
• Software development security 

If you are looking to get a certified CISSP course you should try the certification by knowledgeHut, the best way to get CISSP certified. 

5. CISSP versus CCISO - Salary Prospects

CCISO 

The CCISO certification is one of the most valued certifications, the worth it adds to the academic portfolio of a candidate is unparalleled. There is a huge demand for professionals with the CCISO certificate. According to reports, on average, a person with a CCISO certification holder earns anywhere between $105,177 – $255,135.

CISSP

Just like the CCISO certificate, the CISSP certification is in huge demand as well. It is an indication of skills, knowledge and aptitude. According to a report, 20 million jobs are coming up in the IT sector for CISSP certification holders alone. An individual with a CISSP certification is paid up to 35% more than an individual without the certification. A CISSP certification holder earns about $156,659 annually.

6. CCISO vs CISSP - Job Opportunities

CCISO 

The CCISO certifications cover the fundamental, yet the most critical knowledge related to cyber security. Recruiters today are running behind individuals with CCISO certification and offering them jobs so that they can utilize their knowledge and skill and implement it efficiently. The presence of a CCISO certification with a candidate increases the job opportunity of any candidate 5 fold. The CCISO program delivers the top level CISO professionals to the industry, who make the most competent working professionals in the industry.

CISSP 

Just like the CCISO certification, the CISSP certification contributes highly to job opportunities. The CISSP certification is the first step toward the journey of starting a career in managing advanced security systems. It is an indication of the ability to run, execute, design, and manage advanced security systems. To avoid and safeguard safety issues due to the online presence of the association, recruiters at human resources actively recruit people with a CISSP certification.  

CCISO vs CISSP - Which is Better?

From the elements we discussed above it is clear that both certifications possess high value in the industry. We are aware of the fact that having a CCISO certification enables a person to apply for a job as a CISO. The work of a CISO involves playing the executive role and having vast responsibilities. On the other hand, the CISSP certification is a predecessor of the CCISO certification. The CCISO was created to keep the CCISO as the next step. However, the domains of both certifications were designed in such a way that the domains of the two certifications complemented each other. So, the answer to the CCISO v/s CISSP debate is that both the courses are perfect in the way they are, however, if there is ever a situation to choose between them, one must choose the certifications according to the needs and interests of the candidates.

For next steps, check out our blog posts about CASP vs CISSP.