CC
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity
Created per CertMap methodology · Updated 12 May 2026 · About the editorial team →
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Overview
What is CC?
The CC is ISC2's entry-level certification without experience requirements and explicitly targets career starters, career changers, and students. Notably, ISC2 periodically offers CC training and the exam for free (as part of the 'One Million Certified' initiative), which has significantly increased market penetration. Content covers five domains: Security Principles, Incident Response, Access Control, Network Security, and Security Operations – at a solid but intentionally broad entry level. As a stepping stone to SSCP or CISSP it is well-suited; as a standalone credential it carries less weight than Security+. From September 2026, a new Exam Outline applies.
Quick facts
Key details
Cost, prerequisites, exam & renewal
Prerequisites
None. Entry-level certification without professional experience.
Exam format
100 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours, proctored via Pearson VUE.
Renewal & maintenance
Valid for 3 years. 15 CPE credits/year + annual AMF (50 USD). Free exam for first-time candidates.
Classification
CertMap score and matching roles
Rating
Matching NICE roles
Mapping from NIST NICE Framework SP 800-181, status 2025. NIST source ↗
More certifications
More certifications
From ISC2
CCSP(ISC)2 Certified Cloud Security ProfessionalCISSP(ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalHCISPPHealthCare Information Security and Privacy PractitionerISSAPInformation Systems Security Architecture ProfessionalISSEPInformation Systems Security Engineering ProfessionalISSMPInformation Systems Security Management ProfessionalSSCP(ISC)2 Systems Security Certified PractitionerThis page follows CertMap methodology: editorial content is curated by hand. Score, costs and NICE mapping are aggregated from official provider documents. Score methodology → · TCO methodology →
Transparency: CertMap is operated by Daniel Thomas Heessel, who is also managing director of Threat‑Informed, a company specialising in Threat‑Informed Defense. He additionally offers consulting services on CertMap. CertMap currently receives no commissions from certification providers, no affiliate links, no sponsored placements. Podcast and interview guests are not paid for appearances and receive no affiliate commissions.
From the knowledge base
View all articles →About the CertMap editorial team
CertMap is an independent platform for comparing cybersecurity certifications, built on data-journalism standards that combine editorial curation with mechanical aggregation.
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