Certified in Cybersecurity (ISC2 CC): 2026 Complete Guide
Suggested Category: Cybersecurity Careers Estimated Read Time: 8 minutes
Breaking into cybersecurity without prior experience is one of the most common questions career-changers ask — and in 2026, the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) is one of the clearest answers on the market. Built by ISC2, the same organization behind the CISSP, the CC was designed from the ground up as a true entry-level credential requiring no prior work experience.
This guide covers what's actually on the exam, current 2026 pricing, how it compares to other entry-level certs, and whether it's worth pursuing.
What Is the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)?
The Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) is an entry-level certification that validates foundational cybersecurity knowledge — the concepts a junior security professional needs on the job. ISC2 introduced it in 2022 as a stepping stone toward its more advanced credentials like SSCP and CISSP, and grew it rapidly through a free-voucher initiative called the "One Million Certified in Cybersecurity" (1MCC) program, which gave away free training and exam vouchers to over a million people before closing to new enrollments on May 20, 2026.
As of 2026, CC is a standard paid credential in ISC2's certification catalog, but it remains one of the most accessible professional certifications available, with no experience prerequisite — the only major ISC2 certification with that distinction.
ISC2 CC Cost in 2026
Item | Cost |
Exam fee | $199 USD |
Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) | $50 USD/year |
Free path | Available to existing ISC2 members at no additional exam cost |
For comparison, CC is notably less expensive than other entry-level security certifications:
Certification | Approx. Cost |
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) | $199 |
Cisco CyberOps Associate | $330 |
CompTIA Security+ | $392 |
EC-Council CEH | $950+ |
CISSP (for comparison, advanced-level) | $884+ (exam plus first-year AMF) |
Exam Format and Domains
Format: Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) at Pearson VUE testing centers
Length: 2 hours
Questions: 100–125 items
Passing score: 700 out of 1000 (scaled score)
Experience required: None
The five CC domains and their weighting:
Domain | Weight |
Security Principles | 26% |
Network Security | 24% |
Access Controls | 22% |
Security Operations | 18% |
Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery & Incident Response | 10% |
Worth noting if you're planning to test soon: ISC2 has announced a refreshed CC exam outline effective September 1, 2026. If you test before that date, the current five-domain outline above applies; if after, check ISC2's official CC page for the updated blueprint before you start studying.
After You Pass: What Happens Next
Passing the exam isn't the final step. Candidates have 9 months after passing to formally agree to the ISC2 Code of Ethics and submit their certification application — miss that window, and you'll need to retake the exam. Once certified, the $50 Annual Maintenance Fee applies going forward, with a 90-day grace period from the due date.
CC vs. CompTIA Security+: Which Should You Choose?
This is the comparison most beginners actually want answered:
Cost: CC is significantly cheaper ($199 vs. $392)
Experience level: Both are positioned as entry-level, but CC is built with zero assumed background, while Security+ leans slightly more technical
Employer recognition: Security+ has a longer track record in hiring pipelines, but CC's recognition has grown quickly since ISC2's million-certification push put it in front of far more hiring managers
Career path: CC is explicitly designed as the first rung on ISC2's certification ladder — CC leads naturally toward SSCP and eventually CISSP, which is useful if you already know you want to stay in the ISC2 ecosystem long-term
Many career advisors now suggest CC as a starting point for true beginners, with Security+ as a strong follow-up once you have foundational knowledge and some hands-on exposure.
Who Should Get the CC Certification?
Career changers with no prior IT or security background
Students exploring cybersecurity before committing to a four-year path
IT professionals (help desk, networking) looking to pivot into a security-focused role
Anyone targeting entry-level roles like SOC analyst, security operations support, or junior security analyst positions
Is the ISC2 CC Worth It in 2026?
For genuine beginners, yes — it remains one of the clearest, most affordable signals to a hiring manager that you understand foundational cybersecurity concepts, without requiring years of experience you don't have yet. The cybersecurity workforce shortage (estimated by ISC2's own workforce research at several million unfilled roles globally) means employers are actively looking for a reliable way to filter and trust entry-level candidates faster — CC has increasingly become that filter.
The caveat: CC alone won't land a senior or highly technical role. It's a foundation-level credential, meant to open the door to junior positions and hands-on experience, not to replace years of practical skill-building.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity exam cost? The CC exam costs $199 USD as of 2026, plus a $50 annual maintenance fee once certified. ISC2 members can take the exam at no additional cost.
Do I need experience to take the CC exam? No. The CC is the only major ISC2 certification with no work experience prerequisite, making it accessible to complete beginners.
How long is the CC exam and how many questions does it have? The exam is 2 hours long with 100-125 questions delivered through Computerized Adaptive Testing, and requires a scaled score of 700 out of 1000 to pass.
Is CC easier than CompTIA Security+? CC is generally considered more foundational and beginner-friendly, with less required technical depth than Security+, though both are positioned as entry-level certifications. CC also costs roughly half as much.
What happens after I pass the CC exam? You have 9 months to agree to the ISC2 Code of Ethics and submit your certification application. Missing this window means retaking the exam. After certification, a $50 annual maintenance fee applies.
The Bottom Line
The ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) remains one of the most accessible entry points into a cybersecurity career in 2026 — a genuinely beginner-friendly exam, no experience requirement, and a lower cost than most competing entry-level certifications. It won't replace hands-on experience, but as a first credential that opens the door to junior security roles and sets up a path toward SSCP and CISSP down the line, it's a strong starting move for anyone serious about breaking into the field.
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