Associate-C|CISO Certification: Why Should Cybersecurity Professionals Consider It?

The Associate C|CISO (A|CCISO) certification by EC-Council is a comprehensive information security program designed to help a cybersecurity officer begin their path toward a C-suite information security career. Cybersecurity professionals opting for it get trained in fundamental infosec concepts, technical know-how, and information security management systems.

The job of a CISO is highly critical, requiring exceptional expertise in information security and risk management along with governance, finance, and strategic planning skills. To demonstrate leadership competence in all these fields, information security officers must undergo training to effectively devise infosec strategies in alignment with organizational goals. Executive and managerial skills cannot be developed on the job but must be mastered with rigorous training and application. The Associate C|CISO certification is an excellent option to acquire a high-level understanding of technical knowledge, managerial skills, and business acumen and prepare to lead complex information security programs.

Compared with other industry-leading cybersecurity management certifications, EC-Council’s A|CCISO certification stands out because of its comprehensive and rigorous training in the five C|CISO domains. Knowledge of the five domains is essential for infosec professionals transitioning to leadership roles. Furthermore, unlike other certification programs, the A|CCISO aims to strengthen the participant’s grasp of fundamentals and test the participant’s merit through a challenging exam assessing their cognitive aptitude.

This blog will further discuss the prerequisites for enrolling in this certification program, its various benefits, and how it makes you eligible for the C|CISO certification.

The Associate-C|CISO Certification Trains Candidates in the Five C|CISO Domains

With this certification, candidates get access to EC-Council’s highly sought C|CISO courseware and build a solid foundational knowledge of the five C|CISO domains in detail, as enumerated below:

1. Governance and Risk Management

• Information Security Governance and Risk Mitigation
• Oversight of Information Security Governance and Risk
• Managing Information Security Governance and Risk

2. Information Security Controls, Compliance, and Audit Management

• Information Security Controls and Compliance Oversight
• Managing Information Security Controls and Audits
• Governance of Information Security Compliance and Audits

3. Security Program Management and Operations

• Information Security Program Management and Operations Oversight
• Managing Information Security Programs and Operations
• Governance of Information Security Program Management and Operations

4. Information Security Core Competencies

• Information Security Technical Expertise
• Competencies in Information Security
• Technical Knowledge of Information Security

5. Strategic Planning, Finance, Procurement, and Vendor Management

• Information Security Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight
• Procurement and Vendor Management for Information Security
• Governance of Information Security Finance, Procurement, and Vendors

Who Qualifies for the Associate-C|CISO Certification?

Anyone can apply to the Associate C|CISO program if they have either of the following qualifications:

at least 2 years of technical or management experience in any of the 5 C|CISO domains

-or-

hold any of the following certifications: CISSP, CISM, or CISA.

How Will the Associate-C|CISO Make You Eligible for the C|CISO Certification?

The Associate C|CISO program is a practical path for cybersecurity officers looking to jumpstart their careers in infosec security management systems and take the next step toward making themselves eligible for the C|CISO certification. The A|CCISO program acts as a bridge to helping aspiring C|CISO students gain the experience they need, taking a step-by-step approach, so that they can ultimately achieve “Certified C|CISO” status.

To obtain the full C|CISO status, candidates must fulfill the criteria of a minimum of 5 years of experience in at least three of the five domains after completing the A|CCISO program. It is important to note that this experience must be acquired while the candidate holds the A|CCISO credential. After this requirement has been met, A|CCISO certificate holders may complete a new self-attestation form, indicating their eligibility for the C|CISO credential. Once the form is approved, the applicant will be presented with “Certified C|CISO” status without any further testing process.

Benefits of the Associate-C|CISO Certification

The A|CCISO certification is structured to help information security managers transition to a C-level information security role. Candidates pursuing the A|CCISO credential are trained through C|CISO courseware, which equips them with technical skills and fundamental knowledge in cybersecurity management. The benefits of the course are discussed below:

• Trains Candidates in 5 C|CISO Domains– The A|CCISO program offers a comprehensive curriculum with in-depth training in the five most fundamental and critical C|CISO domains essential to building a successful C-level infosec career.
• Enhances Candidates’ Employability– Covering a diverse range of topics from information security to finance management, the A|CCISO program equips candidates with exceptional leadership skills that catalyze their earning potential and help them gain a competitive edge in the job market.
• Provides A Step Towards Obtaining the C|CISO Certification– The A|CCISO certification is the perfect winning course that accelerates the journey to becoming a C|CISO from an A|CCISO. With the A|CCISO program, candidates can fulfill the necessary prerequisites and leverage them to attain the full C|CISO status without enrolling for the course from scratch.
• Practical Exam– The Associate C|CISO includes a practical exam that assesses a candidate’s cognitive skills on multiple levels. While the first-level exam evaluates a participant’s recall of memorized facts, the second-level exam evaluates their application knowledge and critical thinking skills.

For more information, visit: https://ciso.eccouncil.org/cciso-certification/eism-program/