How to Maintain Your CISSP Certification: What You Need to Know (from Someone Who’s Been There)
So, you’ve done the hard part—you passed the CISSP exam (cue the confetti 🎉). You probably stared at that final
“Congratulations” screen in disbelief, maybe even took a screenshot. And you should celebrate—it’s no small feat. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is the most globally recognized cybersecurity certification for a reason.
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But here’s the part many people don’t talk about enough: how do you maintain your CISSP once you’ve earned it?
I had the same question after passing mine, and like many of you, I didn’t want all that effort to quietly expire after three years. So, let’s talk about it—the real, down-to-earth guide to maintaining your CISSP in a way that fits your life, career goals, and sanity.
Why Maintenance Matters (It’s Not Just a Checkbox)
The Certified Information Systems Security (CISSP) certification serves as an opportunity—not just a trophy. It’s about staying sharp, relevant, and informed in a world where security threats evolve faster than memes.
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Maintenance isn’t about jumping through hoops. It’s about growing as a professional—and proving to your peers, employer, and clients that you’re committed to staying current.
And trust me, you don’t want to go through that grueling exam again just because you forgot to submit some credits.
Understand the Basics: What (ISC)² Requires
To keep your CISSP active, (ISC)² requires you to:
Earn 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits over a three-year cycle
Pay an Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) of $125
Abide by the (ISC)² Code of Ethics
That’s it—three bullet points, but each one has nuance. Let’s break them down.
What Counts as a CPE? (Spoiler: More Than You Think)
When I first heard “CPEs,” I thought I’d be stuck in dry webinars for hours. But actually, the options are surprisingly flexible. Anything that keeps you learning and involved in the industry counts—think reading whitepapers, attending conferences, even mentoring.
Here’s what worked for me (and what might work for you):
Enroll in structured learning: I took a short online course through CISSP training offered by Sprintzeal, and not only did it refresh my knowledge, but I also got CPE credits for it. Win-win.
Write or speak: Sharing your knowledge through blog posts (like this one!), podcasts, or even local meetups can count toward Group B CPEs.
Participate in webinars: Look for events hosted by (ISC)² or major tech companies. You often get a certificate of attendance for easy credit tracking.
Volunteer: I once mentored a junior analyst prepping for the CISSP—yes, that counted too.
Pro Tip: Use the CPE portal in your (ISC)² member dashboard as a logbook. It’s easy to forget what you did last quarter unless it’s written down.
Make It a Habit, Not a Hustle
Here’s the real secret: don’t wait until year three to cram all your CPEs in. It’s like waiting until April 14th to do your taxes—you’ll get it done, but it won’t be fun.
Try this instead:
Set a recurring reminder to log CPEs every month
Aim for at least 3–4 credits per month—they add up fast
Use opportunities like CISSP® certification training course live sessions or hands-on labs from your workplace to double dip (learn & log)
If you’re currently in the industry, a lot of your day-to-day may already qualify—you just need to recognize and report it.
Sprintzeal: A Smart Way to Refresh and Earn Credits
While maintaining your certification, I found Sprintzeal’s CISSP training modules incredibly valuable—not just for learning, but also for satisfying CPE requirements.
This CISSP certification training helps you in understanding major security concepts from (ISC)² CISSP CBK, and it also aligns with current industry needs. If you feel like you’re falling behind on any domain (like security architecture or risk management), Sprintzeal’s instructor-led CISSP training is a great way to catch up—while earning those sweet, sweet CPEs.
Even better, the CISSP training is aligned with (ISC)² CBK and dives into the security domains listed below—from asset security to software development security. It’s not just about checking boxes; it genuinely makes you better at your job.
Don’t Forget the Admin Side
A final but critical piece: pay your dues (literally). The Annual Maintenance Fee is currently $125 per year. Mark it in your calendar or automate it—because missing that payment could mean losing your certification status.
Same goes for keeping your contact info up to date in your (ISC)² account. I’ve seen folks miss key notifications because they changed jobs and forgot to update their email.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Maintaining your CISSP is way easier than earning it—but it still takes consistency. The good news? You’re not alone, and there are more resources than ever to help you keep growing.
Use this phase of your journey to explore new corners of the cybersecurity world. Keep learning. Share what you know. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, remember—this is an investment in you.
And hey, if you’re looking to earn credits and grow your expertise in a structured way, check out Sprintzeal’s CISSP Certification Training. It’s one of the best ways I’ve found to stay ahead and stay certified.