Cybersecurity and Applied AI career insights
© 2023-2026 Bespoke Intermedia LLC
Founded by Julian Calvo, Ed.D., M.S.
Exam fee
$0
Exam code
CC
Renewal
3yr
The ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) is a cybersecurity certification from ISC2 with an exam fee of $0 and a 3-year renewal cycle. Built from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and ISC2's official exam requirements.
'ISC Squared CC' is also common.
The ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) is the free entry credential ISC2 introduced to widen the pipeline into cybersecurity. It covers the same conceptual foundations as Security+ (access control, network security, security operations, risk management, incident response) but is shorter and does not require work experience. The exam and first year of membership are free through ISC2's One Million Certified in Cybersecurity program. It is a real ISC2 credential that shows up on resumes and signals you have passed a proctored exam; it is not a substitute for Security+ if you are targeting federal contractor work, but it is an excellent cost-zero first step for complete beginners.
Complete beginners who want a zero-cost proctored cert, career changers stress-testing their commitment before investing in Security+, and students using it to qualify for internships.
None. Designed for beginners with no security experience.
Similar impact to the Google Cybersecurity Certificate. Opens doors to $55,000-$75,000 entry SOC and GRC roles when paired with hands-on portfolio work. Less valuable than Security+ in federal and defense hiring.
This role lives inside a packaged path
DecipherU bundles cybersecurity roles into a small set of packaged paths. Each path has the curriculum sequence, the compensation delta it unlocks, and the recommended courses, all pre-set. Two ways in:
Cert-prep add-on for this credential
Certification details are sourced from official certifying body websites. Verify current pricing, exam format, and requirements directly with the certifying organization before making decisions. DecipherU is not affiliated with any certifying body.
The ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) is a cybersecurity certification from ISC2 targeting entry-level professionals. It validates core competencies employers look for when hiring for security-focused roles.
The ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) exam fee is $0 as of April 2026. Pricing is set by ISC2 and subject to change. Always verify current pricing at the official ISC2 website before registering. Some employers and training programs offer exam vouchers that can reduce out-of-pocket cost.
The ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) is designed for those starting their cybersecurity career, including IT professionals transitioning into security roles and recent graduates.
The ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) certification is valid for 3 years. Renewal requires earning continuing education units (CEUs) or retaking the exam before expiration. ISC2 manages the renewal process through their member portal. Plan renewal activities well before the expiration date.
The ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) is commonly listed as a preferred or required qualification for SOC Analyst, Security Engineer, Penetration Tester, and related cybersecurity roles. Use the DecipherU career assessment to find which certifications match your target role and experience level.
Take a free behavioral assessment to discover which certifications align with your natural strengths and cybersecurity career goals.
Was this page helpful?
DecipherU's career insights are developed by Julian Calvo, Ed.D., M.S., with AI-assisted research and drafting, then reviewed and edited by DecipherU Editorial. Career and compensation data come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, O*NET, and industry compensation databases. Assessment frameworks are grounded in peer-reviewed psychometric research, learning sciences (University of Miami), organizational learning (Barry University), and applied AI (Northeastern University). AI is used as a research and drafting tool; all methodology, framework design, scoring, and editorial standards are owned by the DecipherU team.
Join cybersecurity professionals receiving weekly intelligence on threats, job market trends, salary data, and career growth strategies.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy. Unsubscribe anytime.