ISC2 Certification Exams Gain ACE Approval, Earning College Credits for Security Pros
In a significant stride for cybersecurity education, ISC2—the world's foremost nonprofit organization dedicated to cybersecurity professionals—has made an important announcement regarding its certification exams and official courses. As of September 3, 2025, the American Council on Education (ACE), a body recognized for its influence in higher education, has evaluated and approved six ISC2 cybersecurity examinations and six official certification courses for college credit hours.
This collaboration allows U.S.-based ISC2 members and candidates to earn college credits toward their degrees upon successful completion of the designated exams or courses. As Casey Marks, COO of ISC2, highlights, this recognition affirms the credibility and importance of ISC2’s certifications and the rigorous process associated with earning them.
ISC2’s commitment to professional development is reflected in the nearly 1,600 colleges and universities that reference ACE Learning Evaluations in evaluating the relevance of coursework for academic programs. Such recognition serves not only to acknowledge the knowledge and skills acquired through ISC2 certifications but also provides a structured pathway for cybersecurity professionals to align their certification achievements with their academic aspirations.
The examinations eligible for college credit include some of the most sought-after certifications in the field:
In addition to certifications, ISC2 also offers official certification courses available for college credit. These include trainings for CISSP, CCSP, CSSLP, CGRC, SSCP, and CC, with each course or exam eligible for three college credit hours. These courses span a range of difficulty levels, accommodating both newcomers to cybersecurity and seasoned professionals seeking to enhance their credentials.
Participants who earn college credits may have the opportunity to transfer these credits to their preferred higher learning institution, contributing towards their degree completion. Furthermore, ISC2 provides mechanisms for members and candidates to exhibit their accomplishments through digital badges via Credly, similar to a college transcript.
The implications of this advancement are profound. Not only does it enhance the academic and career prospects for those in the cybersecurity profession, but it also emphasizes the critical need for a well-educated workforce prepared to meet the ever-evolving challenges of cybersecurity today. Sarah Cunningham, executive director at One Dupont Ventures, remarked that ACE’s credit recommendations equip learners with the validated skills needed to thrive in today’s cybersecurity workforce.
As the cybersecurity landscape grows more complex, initiatives like those launched by ISC2 pave the way for professionals to ensure they are well-prepared with the necessary knowledge and skills. For further details, interested parties can visit ISC2’s academic partners page or the ACE website.
About ISC2: ISC2 is the leading organization for cybersecurity specialists, grounded in a vision for a secure cyber world. Serving over 265,000 certified members, ISC2 champions advocacy, diversity, and education within the cybersecurity field. For more information about ISC2 and its offerings, visit ISC2.org.
This collaboration allows U.S.-based ISC2 members and candidates to earn college credits toward their degrees upon successful completion of the designated exams or courses. As Casey Marks, COO of ISC2, highlights, this recognition affirms the credibility and importance of ISC2’s certifications and the rigorous process associated with earning them.
ISC2’s commitment to professional development is reflected in the nearly 1,600 colleges and universities that reference ACE Learning Evaluations in evaluating the relevance of coursework for academic programs. Such recognition serves not only to acknowledge the knowledge and skills acquired through ISC2 certifications but also provides a structured pathway for cybersecurity professionals to align their certification achievements with their academic aspirations.
The examinations eligible for college credit include some of the most sought-after certifications in the field:
- - Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This certification recognizes individuals capable of leading an organization's information security program with comprehensive knowledge and skills.
- - Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): It signifies advanced technical skills in managing and securing cloud environments.
- - Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP): This certification is focused on best practices in software development security throughout the lifecycle.
- - Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC): This certification highlights knowledge in security framework applications within risk management.
- - Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP): It confirms proficiency in administrating and monitoring IT infrastructure with established security protocols.
- - Certified in Cybersecurity (CC): The entry-level certification verifying fundamental cybersecurity knowledge.
In addition to certifications, ISC2 also offers official certification courses available for college credit. These include trainings for CISSP, CCSP, CSSLP, CGRC, SSCP, and CC, with each course or exam eligible for three college credit hours. These courses span a range of difficulty levels, accommodating both newcomers to cybersecurity and seasoned professionals seeking to enhance their credentials.
Participants who earn college credits may have the opportunity to transfer these credits to their preferred higher learning institution, contributing towards their degree completion. Furthermore, ISC2 provides mechanisms for members and candidates to exhibit their accomplishments through digital badges via Credly, similar to a college transcript.
The implications of this advancement are profound. Not only does it enhance the academic and career prospects for those in the cybersecurity profession, but it also emphasizes the critical need for a well-educated workforce prepared to meet the ever-evolving challenges of cybersecurity today. Sarah Cunningham, executive director at One Dupont Ventures, remarked that ACE’s credit recommendations equip learners with the validated skills needed to thrive in today’s cybersecurity workforce.
As the cybersecurity landscape grows more complex, initiatives like those launched by ISC2 pave the way for professionals to ensure they are well-prepared with the necessary knowledge and skills. For further details, interested parties can visit ISC2’s academic partners page or the ACE website.
About ISC2: ISC2 is the leading organization for cybersecurity specialists, grounded in a vision for a secure cyber world. Serving over 265,000 certified members, ISC2 champions advocacy, diversity, and education within the cybersecurity field. For more information about ISC2 and its offerings, visit ISC2.org.
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