ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity)
Certified in Cybersecurity is ISC2's foundational credential for people entering the field, including those without direct IT experience. It tests core concepts in security principles, governance, identity and access management, networking and cloud security, and security operations.
Exam Details
Computerized Adaptive Testing with multiple choice and advanced item types at Pearson VUE test centers, available in five languages.
Standard registration in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. ISC2 also lists EUR 191.04 for EMEA and GBP 161.19 for the UK. Currency and taxes depend on the exam location. The free One Million Certified in Cybersecurity program closed to new enrollments on May 20, 2026, and non-expired exam codes issued through it must be used by December 31, 2026.
Requirements and Renewal
Prerequisites
None. ISC2 states that no work experience is required.
Renewal
45 Group A CPE credits per three-year cycle (no Group B required) and a U.S. $50 annual maintenance fee.
Current Version
CC Exam Outline effective September 1, 2026, in effect since Sep 1, 2026.
Exam Domains
5 domains| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Security Principles | 24% |
| Security Governance | 17.3% |
| Identity and Access Management (IAM) Concepts | 20% |
| Networking and Cloud Security Concepts | 21.3% |
| Security Operations and Incident Response | 17.3% |
DoD 8140 Work Roles
5 work rolesThe DoD 8140 Qualification Matrix V2.1 lists ISC2 CC as a foundational qualification option for these DoD Cyber Workforce Framework work roles, up to the proficiency level shown. Lower levels of the same work role are also covered.
Related Certifications
Certification Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ISC2 CC exam still free?→
No longer for new candidates. ISC2 closed new enrollments in its One Million Certified in Cybersecurity program on May 20, 2026, and non-expired exam codes issued through it must be used by December 31, 2026. The standard exam price is U.S. $199.
What changed in the September 2026 CC exam outline?→
It is the first major content update since the CC launched in August 2022. A new Security Governance domain carries 17.3%, incident response moved into Domain 5, and foundational AI topics appear throughout the outline.
Do I need experience for the CC?→
No. ISC2 lists the CC as entry level with no work experience required.
How do I keep the CC active?→
Holders earn 45 Group A CPE credits over each three-year cycle and pay a U.S. $50 annual maintenance fee.
Sources
- CC - Certified in Cybersecurity
- Certified in Cybersecurity Certification Exam Outline
- Inside the Updated ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Exam
- ISC2 One Million Certified in Cybersecurity has Concluded
- ISC2 Exam Pricing
- ISC2 Member Policies (CPE requirements)
- ISC2 Annual Maintenance Fees (AMF)
- ISC2 Certification Maintenance Handbook
Exam details are checked against official ISC2 pages. Fees, exam versions, and renewal rules change; confirm with ISC2 before registering. ISC2 CC is a trademark of its owner. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by ISC2.