Pilot Entry Level Cybersecurity Certification from (isc)2

[MNomadic]

(isc)2 is piloting a new entry-level cybersecurity certification which is conveniently named ELCC. Looks like the initial cost is $125 for the exam and $225 if you want the self paced or instructor-led training as well. The first exam starts Jan 31st and the instructor-led course begins Jan 25th.

(ISC)² has begun the exciting process of exploring the creation of a new certification. To fill the cybersecurity workforce gap, we need to address the workforce shortage facing the industry, especially among entry- and junior-level positions. A foundational cybersecurity certification will help (ISC)² build a pathway to a rewarding career in cybersecurity for many around the world.

Info and FAQ:
https://www.isc2.org/Notice/New-Cert

Exam Outline:
https://www.isc2.org/Notice/New-Cert/Exam-Outline

exam and training purchase:
https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/Cybe.../thank-you

[jsd]

now i'm spoiled by being paid by CompTIA to take beta/pilot exams

[Vle045]

Is there really a shortage? I would have thought it would be a popular field.

I know there are shortages in school psychologists and veterinarians

[rachel83az]

It may be popular, but more and more companies are realizing that they need someone who knows about cybersecurity. They may not need someone whose entire focus is cybersecurity, but they still need someone. I'm not discounting the need for psychologists and veterinarians, but literally every single business-type entity that is connected to the internet in some way (and most are these days) needs someone in cybersecurity. This includes all vet offices (to protect customer records), schools (though, they may only have a disctrict-wide expert), and pretty much any company that keeps a database of records.

[MNomadic]

The shortage is roughly half a million unfilled cyber positions in the US and several million worldwide depending on which sources you use. Cyber attacks are increasing in frequency across the board(though not always disclosed to the public).

[sanantone]

There's definitely a shortage of cybersecurity professionals. The federal government is trying to recruit thousands of entry-level workers to train. It's hard to go directly into cybersecurity because employers typically require work experience in another tech occupation just for an entry-level cybersecurity job. I'm not sure how this certification will solve the problem; COMPTIA already has entry-level certifications.

There's also a shortage of mental health professionals, but that's because the graduate programs are expensive, pay is low for the amount of education and training that's required, and the jobs are stressful.

[MNomadic]

Agreed, CompTIA has had the entry level cybersecurity/IT cert market covered for years but I guess isc2 just wants a piece of that pie since they've had intermediate-advanced certs covered for a while with their CISSP and others.