The CISSP is the original information security qualification, held to ISO (International Standards Organisation) regulations and it remains a globally recognised and highly respected qualification. To achieve CISSP certification you need to pass an examination of 250 multiple choice questions. However, the world of computers does not slow down and programs and systems are forever being updated and replaced. This means that there can be no one-off qualification for Information security.

(ISC)2, the body which created and regulates CISSP certification, understands this need. Every year, every month, computer security needs to advance and so the CISSP qualification needs to be maintained throughout your career. The original certification lasts for three years and after that there are options available to renew and maintain the status.

You could choose to retake the CISSP exam but (ISC)2 have provided an alternative solution in the form of CPEs or Continued Professional Education credits. These can be earned in various ways including: attending online seminars and security conferences, publishing articles or books on the subject of security and participating in self-study courses.

(ISC)2 also allows people to help maintain their CISSP certification by submitting reviews for books on information security to their website. This is simple and easy and, if your review is accepted, you automatically gain CPEs.

You can even receive credits for subscribing to an information security magazine, providing training for other people on information security or volunteering to help charitable organisations maintain the security of their computer systems.

None of this is any good without the original qualification, though, which is just as easy to study for. There are many books and computer training courses available for CISSP qualifications. If you are looking for a way to stand out in information security and you have five years of experience in the area, then you could qualify for CISSP certification. If you think that this certification could help you there are DVD training and online courses available to help you study for the exam