Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Program Description

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is ideal for experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives interested in proving their knowledge across a wide array of security practices and principles. Common job positions for CISSP holders include Chief Information Security Officer, Security Systems Administrator, Information Security Assurance Analyst, IT Security Engineer, Senior IT Security Consultant, Security Manager, Security Architect, and ​Network Architect. They design, implement, and manage the security programs that assure the protection of information assets for various organizations.

This program prepares students for the CISSP certification exam. Learn about security and risk management, asset security, security engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development.

Since this course is delivered completely online, students will need to have the self-discipline to complete all required material on their own. A course instructor will be available to assist students with questions and to lead online activities during the course of the class.

CISSP professionals are in high demand across industries due to their advanced knowledge and ability to defend against data breaches and improve security measures. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/.​

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1. discuss how to handle security and risk management;
2. explain asset security;
3. implement security engineering;
4. demonstrate best practices for communications and network security;
5. determine identity and access management;
6. use access and test security controls, processes, and architectures;
7. discuss foundational security operations concepts; and
8. describe the importance of security in the software development lifecycle.​

CCBC Pathway

Technology and Engineering Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential: Students will earn a CCBC Workforce Certificate and have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

External Credential: Students will be prepared to take the (ISC)² CISSP certification exam.

Certifying Organization: International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)².

Please note: Individuals wishing to take the CISSP exam are required to have a minimum of 5 years of paid full-time work experience in 2 of the 8 domains of the CISSP CBK, which covers critical topics in security today including risk management, cloud computing, mobile security, application development security, and others.  Information about the CISSP credential and exam is available on their website: https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Length of Training

4 months

Program Requirements

Academic requirements:

• Base knowledge or certification in Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP).

Computer requirements:

• PC - Windows 8 or later or Mac - macOS 10.6 or later. Mac users are encouraged to have access to a Windows environment on their device.
• Browser - latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has no options for obtaining course waiver(s) for prior learning.

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Program Course Sequence

Prerequisite Course

Course Information - note - both courses must be registered for at the same time

Additional Information

Additional Expenses:

CISSP Certification exam = $749

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA.  Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

​Coordinator: Steve Ricketts | sricketts@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4442 | C.BESS 100L

Administrative Assistant: TBA