Grow into a CISO role with the Associate C|CISO Grandfathering Program
This exclusive program is designed to recognize and elevate experienced cybersecurity professionals by offering a direct pathway to earn the Associate C|CISO credential. Security professionals are empowered with an industry-recognized credential through the grandfathering initiative to validate their competencies and readiness to advance their career toward being a security executive
Registrations are open for Training Camp (EC-Council ATC) applicants
Grandfathering Application Process
The application process is used to evaluate a potential candidate’s knowledge, skills, and experience within the cybersecurity profession. We believe that the Associate C|CISO grandfathering process will provide recognition and credibility to our applicants in their quest to take on influential positions within the cybersecurity leadership.
* Disclaimer: “CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is a trademark owned by ISC2, while CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) and CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) are trademarks owned by ISACA. EC-Council does not claim any ownership over these trademarks or assert any claims of endorsement, affiliation, connection, or sponsorship with ISC2 and ISACA.”
* Candidates shall be able to apply the Associate C|CISO grandfathering fee as a credit towards their future C|CISO exam voucher fee, provided the candidates attempt the C|CISO examination within 9 months of attaining the Associate C|CISO grandfathering status.
Qualified individuals can acquire the Associate C|CISO title without taking the exam because of their proven experience and knowledge.
By acquiring the Associate C|CISO Certification, applicants gain an incredible opportunity to enhance their profiles for leadership roles and are eligible to earn the industry's most coveted CISO certification, the Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO), to advance their careers in executive leadership. Associate C|CISO-certified candidates can aid CISOs in strategy planning and build a pathway to joining the elite Associate C|CISO community at EC-Council.
Prerequisites for Associate C|CISO Grandfathering
- Cybersecurity professionals who demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of cumulative experience in the below Associate C|CISO domains.
- With the nomination of individuals to verify your work experience in these domains:
Governance and Risk Management
Information Security Controls and Audit Management
Program Management and Operations
Information Security Core Competencies
Strategic Planning, Finance, Procurement and Vendor Management
OR
Applicants who already hold the CISSP, CISM, or CISA certification should submit their valid certification as evidence to verify their domain experience.
The Grandfathering Application for the Associate C|CISO
Start the following application process to become an Associate C|CISO:
Why is EC-Council Announcing a Grandfathering Program for the Associate C|CISO?
Grandfathering as an Associate C|CISO provides a valuable opportunity for qualified candidates. After all, a CISO’s office carries the weight of various responsibilities, including developing and implementing security strategies, managing risk, ensuring compliance, and safeguarding sensitive information. To be effective in such a position, professionals associated with a CISO’s office must comprehensively understand the skills and knowledge required for success. The Associate C|CISO program not only validates a candidate’s skills but also supports their growth in these vital areas.
FAQs
Associate C|CISO Grandfathering is a unique program designed to offer experienced cybersecurity professionals an opportunity to transition into Associate C|CISO status, recognizing their expertise and opening a pathway to joining the office of a CISO.
Cybersecurity professionals with at least 5 years of cumulative experience in any one or all of the 5 Associate C|CISO domains.
Candidates with valid CISSP, CISM, or CISA certifications can use these credentials as evidence to showcase their domain experience. Otherwise, they can nominate up to 5 individuals to verify their work experience in the chosen domains.
Cumulative experience in the five domains is required for the Associate C|CISO Grandfathering program to validate that candidates have comprehensive expertise across the domains essential for effective leadership within a CISO’s office. This ensures that candidates possess a well-rounded skillset and knowledge base to excel in senior cybersecurity roles and contribute meaningfully to organizational security strategies.
Eligible candidates can apply for Associate C|CISO Grandfathering. Upon successful verification and payment of a nominal fee, the candidate can download their certificate and badge that recognizes them as an Associate C|CISO.
- Enhance your credibility as an asset to join the office of a CISO.
- Get recognized by CISOs immediately.
- Expand your network by joining the elite leadership community of EC-Council.
- Unlock new opportunities by showcasing your readiness and commitment to continuous learning as an information security leader.
- Make use of the Associate C|CISO certification as a stepping stone to acquiring the EC-Council's Certified CISO (C|CISO) certification. This program has empowered information security professionals across the globe to assume leadership roles.
The Associate C|CISO certification is valid for 3 years from the certification date, and members must comply with ECE policy.
Yes, Associate C|CISO holders who meet the experience criteria can transition to the full C|CISO. Upon meeting the requirements, they can take the Certified CISO exam and apply the fee paid during the Associate C|CISO grandfathering process to the exam voucher cost within 9 months of receiving of the Associate C|CISO.
There’s no time limit for transitioning into a Certified CISO; however, candidates must hold an active Associate C|CISO certificate when applying for the Certified CISO as per policy guidelines or they must apply for the Certified CISO program and follow the standard Certified CISO application process from the beginning
If the candidate’s Associate C|CISO certification has lapsed, they must apply for the C|CISO program and follow the standard C|CISO application process from the beginning.
For detailed information, visit the official product page:
- Certified CISO: https://www.eccouncil.org/train-certify/certified-chief-information-security-officer-C|CISO/
- Associate C|CISO: https://www.eccouncil.org/train-certify/associate-C|CISO
- Grandfathering: https://associate-cciso.eccouncil.org/
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