U.K. NARIC Designates CISSP certification Now Comparable to Masters Degree Across Europe
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification has been granted a training level comparable to that of a Master’s degree across Europe. The designation was granted by the UK’s National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) Britain uses the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) to providing information and expert guidance on academic, vocational and professional qualifications. NARIC has assigned the CISSP certification a RQF Level 7 – Master’s Degree, Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma, PGCE.
The upgrade to RQF Level 7 may allow cyber security professionals to use their CISSP certification for university credit or to qualify for jobs that require higher education. Individuals must have five years of work experience to qualify for the CISSP exam, pay an annual fee, and earn annual continuing education credits.
Although RQF is a UK educational designation, the level is mapped to the European framework as well. The RQF is mapped to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) so the Level 7 status is also recognized across Europe.
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What is CISSP Certification?
Certified Information Systems Security Professional or CISSP is a security certification granted by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)² This certification is for individuals working in cybersecurity – IT Directors, Security Analysts, Security Systems Engineers, and similar career paths. •
CISSP can be a difficult credential to achieve as it is intended for IT professionals who have 5 years of experience with experience working in the InfoSec. Your work experience must involve at least two or the eight domains covered in the CISSP Preparation involves hands on experience and training materials. ISC offers an CISSP CBK Training Seminar that is recognized by American Council on Education (ACE) Competing this course earns college credit but like many university programs it is expensive. Official CISSP CBK Training runs in the thousands of dollars. It is not required to take this course to take the CISSP exam.
Those who have earned the certification must recertify every three years and work on continuing professional education credits.
Security professionals who hold a CISSP certification typically earn up to $110k per year – usually about 25 percent more than non-certified colleagues.
Does this mean that CISSP is the same as a Master’s degree?
UK’s NARIC RFQ Level 7 means that holding a CISSP certification is an educational achievement on the same level as a Master’s Degree. However, those who have earned a CISSP cannot say they also hold a Masters.
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How Long Does it Take to Study for CISSP?
If you have no information security experience, the CISSP exam may be rather difficult to pass. It can take anywhere from 40 to 70 hours to study for the CISSP exam. It depends on your level of experience with information security. Although it is possible to take this exam and pass it without security training and experience, it is not recommended.
Candidates will have to demonstrate information security knowledge. The exam covers the 8 domains of the CISSP
