The association you know as ISC2 was originally founded in 1989 as the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium by a small, forward-looking group of information security professionals. These pioneers recognized, before others, the role that security would play in the rapid adoption of innovative new technologies. ISC2 was the first information security certification body accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) in compliance with the stringent requirements of ISO/IEC 17024 for personnel credentialing organizations. The CISSP has been accredited for 20 years. All nine ISC2 certifications are ANAB accredited and are reviewed for reaccreditation on a five-year cycle. The latest renewal was granted this year and will come up again in 2029.
What is accreditation, and why does it matter?
Accreditation is the procedure by which an authoritative body gives formal recognition that a body or person is competent to carry out specific tasks.
Accreditation assures:
- ISC2 certification programs are relevant and effective in meeting the needs of the cybersecurity industry by requiring continuing professional education (CPE) to maintain the credential.
- ISC2 certification programs are fair and unbiased in that our certification process promotes equality and fairness regardless of background and does not discriminate against certain groups of individuals.
Hear from CISSP Holders
Additional Global Recognition
Americas
- All ISC2 certifications are accredited under ANAB ISO/IEC 17024 and have been approved for use in the DoD 8140 Cyber Workforce Qualification Provider Marketplace.
- ISC2 supports the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) with information to strengthen the cybersecurity of federal networks and critical Infrastructure through workforce development.
- ISC2 collaborated with the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security by providing workforce data and insights during the drafting period of Bill C-26 (currently at second reading in the Senate), introducing new compliance requirements for designated operators of critical cyber systems related to vital services and systems.
Europe
- ISC2 is a founding member of the UK Cyber Security Council, the self-regulatory body for the UK's cyber security profession.
- ISC2 certifications map to The European Cyber Security Framework (ECSF), a tool to support the identification and articulation of tasks, competences, skills and knowledge associated with the roles of European cybersecurity professionals.
Asia-Pacific
- ISC2 certifications are recognized as relevant certifications in the Australian Government Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Cyber Skills Framework.
- ISC2 CISSP, CCSP and SSCP certifications are included under the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)'s Enhanced Competency Framework on Cybersecurity (ECF-C) as options available to banking practitioners for meeting the ECF-C requirement. ISC2 CISSP holders are acceptable cyber professional qualifications for conducting C-RAF assessments under the HKMA's Cybersecurity Fortification Initiative 2.0.
- Data Security Council of India and ISC2 are strategic partners addressing the development and need of a skilled cyber security workforce in India and the region.
Our accreditation, endorsements and partnerships ensure ISC2 certifications maintain the highest standards and are aligned with the goals of our community of cybersecurity professionals.
Learn more about the leading organizations, government agencies, academic institutions and industry bodies we have built valuable strategic partnerships with at https://www.isc2.org/about/accreditation-recognition-and-endorsement.