CCISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity
Created per CertMap methodology · Updated 12 May 2026 · About the editorial team → · Official page ↗
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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+. A revised exam outline takes effect on 1 September 2026, the first content update since the certification launched in 2022: the five domains remain but are renamed and re-weighted, and ISC2 spreads foundational AI topics across all of them.
Quick facts
Cost, prerequisites, exam & renewal
Cost over 5 years
Prerequisites
None. Entry-level certification without professional experience.
Exam format
Renewal & maintenance
Valid for 3 years. 15 CPE credits/year + annual AMF (50 USD). Free exam for first-time candidates.
CertMap score and matching roles
Rating
Matching NICE roles
More certifications
From ISC2
CCSPISC2 Certified Cloud Security ProfessionalCGRCISC2 Certified in Governance, Risk and ComplianceCISSPISC2 Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalCSSLPISC2 Certified Secure Software Lifecycle ProfessionalHCISPPHealthCare Information Security and Privacy PractitionerISSAPInformation Systems Security Architecture Professional
In GRC
CGEITISACA Certified in the Governance of Enterprise ITCGRCISC2 Certified in Governance, Risk and ComplianceCNDAEC Council Certified Network Defense ArchitectCRISCISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems ControlEISMEC Council Information Security ManagerGISFGIAC Information Security Fundamentals
From the knowledge base
View all articles →CC or Security+? The Free Entry Point and the Job-Market Classic
Both are entry-level certifications with no admission barrier, both cover the fundamentals of cybersecurity, and yet they stand for different strategies: one as a low-threshold, temporarily free start, the other as an established credential with weight in the job market. The comparison with the numbers and the opposing cost logic.
CISSP or CISM? Two Careers, One Decision
Both require five years of experience, both cost roughly the same at first glance. Yet CISSP and CISM lead to different professions. The comparison with the numbers that course providers don't show.
CISM or CISA? Two ISACA paths, one directional decision
Both come from ISACA, both require five years of experience, and both cost almost the same. The difference is not the price but the role: managing or auditing. The comparison with the numbers and the role mapping.