ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity
An entry-level cybersecurity credential introducing security principles, access controls, network security, incident response, and basic security operations.
Last verified: 2026-09-01
Overview
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) is an entry-level cybersecurity certification designed for people beginning a cybersecurity career, including candidates without prior professional security experience. It validates foundational knowledge across security principles, governance, identity and access management, networking and cloud security, and security operations and incident response.\n\nThe CC exam uses computerized adaptive testing and, effective September 1, 2026, follows ISC2's refreshed five-domain outline with updated coverage of modern topics including cloud security, governance, threat intelligence, incident response, and foundational AI-related security concepts.
- Recommended experience
- No work experience is required for the ISC2 CC certification. Candidates should have basic familiarity with computers, networking, and security terminology, but the credential is specifically designed for newcomers to cybersecurity.
- Estimated study time
- 40–80 hours
- Target job roles
- Junior Cybersecurity AnalystSecurity Operations SupportIT Support SpecialistJunior Security AdministratorCybersecurity Technician
Exam Details
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) Exam
- Exam code
- CC
- Number of exams
- 1
- Duration
- 120 minutes
- Question count
- 100–125 items (computerized adaptive testing)
- Delivery method
- Pearson VUE testing center (in person)
- Price
- $199 USD in the Americas and many regions; regional pricing varies
Skills and Domains
Security Principles
24%Foundational cybersecurity concepts, security controls, risk concepts, threat awareness, and core principles.
Security Governance
17.3%Governance, policy, risk responsibilities, organizational security expectations, and related oversight concepts.
Identity and Access Management (IAM) Concepts
20%Identity, authentication, authorization, access-control concepts, and account-management fundamentals.
Networking and Cloud Security Concepts
21.3%Networking fundamentals, network defenses, cloud concepts, secure communications, and infrastructure security.
Security Operations and Incident Response
17.3%Operational security practices, monitoring, incident-response concepts, data protection, and security readiness.
Study Resources
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity
Official resourceDocumentation · Free
Official ISC2 CC certification overview and candidate information.
View resourceISC2 CC Exam Outline
Official resourceOfficial Guide · Free
Official exam outline for Certified in Cybersecurity, including the current five-domain structure.
View resourceISC2 CC Self-Study Resources
Official resourceOfficial Training · Freemium
Official ISC2 preparation resources for CC candidates.
View resourceRenewal
- Validity period
- 3 years
- Renewal method
- Earn 45 CPE credits during the three-year certification cycle and remain current on ISC2 annual maintenance requirements.
- Notes
- ISC2 recommends approximately 15 CPE credits per year. CC-only members currently pay a U.S. $50 Annual Maintenance Fee.
Related Certifications
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Specializations
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