"For the Security Analyst"

Obtaining (ISC)2 certification is a matter of both personal and professional commitment, and on-going dedication to excellence in the information security [IS] industry. There are 5 primary steps to certification: Determine which type of certification you are best qualified for:

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) which is Tailored for IS professionals with a minimum of 3 years cumulative experience in one or more of the ten CBK domains. The CBK is a Common Body of Knowledge (objectives if you will) that the test is comprised of. Up until now, study guides were extinct, now 5-6 of them exists on the market today including an Exam Cram.

SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) which Tailored for IS practitioners with at least 1 year of cumulative experience in at least one of the seven CBK domains and understand and accept the principles stated in the (ISC)2 Certification Code of Ethics, which all certified individuals are required to adhere to.

Taking and passing of the appropriate certification examination is needed and this exam is a written exam that must be taken when submitted by the (ISC)2. You can find where and when below.

Upon passing the certification examination, continuing to keep your credential vital with continuing professional education, recertification every three years and other requirements to stay in good standing.

To find when and where the next test is go here:
http://www.isc2.org/cgi/exam_schedule.cgi

For More information go here:

http://www.isc2.org/

http://www.cccure.org/

http://www.cissps.com/

Other valid certifications are:

The lower level CISSP exam is the SSCP
Cisco Qualified Specialist: Security
Checkpoint CCSA, CCSE
SANS GSE (www.sans.org)