Groundwork, not a job ticket on its own
Commenters say employers do not hire on CC alone. They describe it as a cheap way to learn the basics and ISC2’s question style before SSCP or CISSP.
Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
Validates foundational knowledge of security principles, governance, access control, network and cloud security, and security operations.
Summary
Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) is ISC2’s entry-level credential, covering security principles, governance, access control, networking, cloud security and security operations. It is aimed at people starting out and gives a broad, ISC2-backed overview of the field.
Good fit if
- You are new to cybersecurity and want a low-cost overview
- You plan to pursue SSCP or CISSP later
- You work near security and want the core vocabulary
Look elsewhere if
- You want the credential most named in job postings: Security+
- You already have a year of security work: SSCP
- You want a guided course with hands-on labs: Google Cybersecurity
Prerequisites
Cost
What holders say
Security+ is better known to employers
People who hold both say job postings and recruiters recognize Security+ far more than CC at entry level.
Many holders already work in IT or security
ISC2’s own study of CC holders found about 45% already worked in cybersecurity, with a median of six years’ experience.
Certification path
CC is ISC2’s starting point, SSCP the next step into security operations, and CISSP the next for experienced professionals.
Renewal
CC renews every three years through continuing education and an annual fee.
- Renewal cycle
- 3 years
- Continuing education
- 45 CPE credits
- Maintenance fee
- $50 / year USD
All 45 credits are Group A, related to the CC domains. If you add another ISC2 certification, a single $135 annual fee covers everything you hold.
ISC2 member policies ↗Alternatives
CompTIA Security+$439 required · Entry
Entry-level security credential more widely named by employers.
SSCP$384 required · Intermediate
ISC2’s next step for practitioners with one year of security experience.
Google Cybersecurity$294 required · Entry
Course-based program with hands-on exercises for career changers.
FAQ
Is the ISC2 CC still free?
Not for new candidates. The free program closed to new enrollments on May 20, 2026. Existing exam codes can be used until December 31, 2026; everyone else pays $199.
Do I need experience for the CC?
No. Pass the exam, agree to the ISC2 Code of Ethics and pay the first $50 annual fee.
What is the CC passing score?
700 out of 1,000 scaled points. The adaptive exam has 100 to 125 questions in two hours.
CC or Security+?
Security+ is more widely named in job postings. CC costs less and introduces ISC2’s exam style if you plan to take SSCP or CISSP later.
Last updated October 2026