I'm looking to go for the Certified CISO certification & training as I'm an aspiring CISO. Any recommendations and additional certifications that I should be doing along with that? I already have CISSP.
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First, you need to get your certifications up to speed. Start with the basics and move to the advanced level. Do one a month for the rest of 2025 and you will lay a solid foundation for your cyber security career path. CISSP, CISM, CISA, CCSP, CRISC, etc.
Second, go to LinkedIn and do a search for CISO jobs. Look at the requirements that are listed by companies that are hiring a CISO. The criteria may include, experience, certifications, the correct degree, etc. While in reality, you do not need all of these items to run a team, you will need these items to get the interview!
Example from a LinkedIn CISO job posting:
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field (Master’s degree or relevant certifications preferred).
Experience: 10+ years of experience in information security or IT, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing cybersecurity programs.
Certifications: Preferred certifications include CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), or equivalent.
Technical Skills: Deep understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, threat landscapes, encryption, network security, cloud security, and endpoint protection.
Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage budgets, and drive strategic initiatives.
Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving security challenges.
Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with industry-specific compliance requirements and data protection regulations.
Great question!
I am also curious to hear recommendations from others who have pursued these paths. I am exploring ways to complement leadership focused certifications with emerging areas like AI and PQC myself, so any insights would be helpful
I might suggest looking at https://theciso.org/ and joining that network
CMU's CISO Executive Certification Program is very good, with excellent faculty, a global community, and real-world practical use cases.
YouTube is an excellent source for learning resources. So, before you take the exams, which can be really challenging, be sure to get that extra knowledge.