The EC-Council 712-50 exam is also called the CCISO evaluation. It is designed to affirm professionals’ knowledge of top-level information security concepts. When you pass it, you are awarded the CCISO certificate, which indicates that you are capable of handling executive responsibilities. These include managing controls for information security, human resource, and even making financial decisions related to information security.

Who It Was Designed for?

The CCISO exam is intended for individuals who have worked in managerial roles handling information security for organizations. Also, it is organized for applicants who have technical skills in this field and wish to advance to the executive management roles. Besides, interested professionals need to have five years of experience working in the space of information security. This is because this test does not focus on technical skills but rather managerial expertise which is best gained through working in this area.

Details of Main Test

First things first, the CCISO exam has multiple-choice and scenario-based questions that number 150 in total and candidates have 2.5 hours to solve it. To add more, the application for eligibility costs $100, and the purchase of the exam voucher is $999. Finally, in order to pass, a score of 60% to 85% is required.

Topics Covered in 712-50 Exam

Candidates who wish to pass the CCISO evaluation in one go have to be knowledgeable in five domains. They should also have worked in roles that required these skills. The topics include:

• Governance, risk, along with compliance (21%);
• Audit management as well as controls for information security (20%);
• Management together with operations of security program (21%);
• Information security key capabilities (19%);
• Strategic planning, acquisition, finance, as well as third-party management (19%).

For the first domain, candidates should be knowledgeable on the program associated with the governance of information security (IS). Thus, they should also be able to integrate the IS framework to the objectives of the company. Further, they should be skilled in the development of IS management structure and the framework to monitor IS governance, comprehend the factors that impact IS program, and manage the IS compliance program as well as the team. Other expertise that this domain for the CCISO 712-50 test looks at encompasses the process followed when you wish to design a policy for management of risk and its frameworks, develop and maintain risk register, come up with a schedule for risk assessment, and well as report parameters, comprehend laws and standards in IS, and also create IS policies that comply with laws and regulations.

The second topic is all about knowing the operational procedures of the company and designing effective IS controls to meet its objectives and minimize risks. Knowledge of the resources needed for IS controls and identification of vulnerabilities may still be tested in the official CCISO exam. Plus, candidates should be able to eliminate the deficiencies in IS controls and also execute solutions that will automate the processes involved. Further, professionals should have a good awareness of standards and procedures in the IT audit. Other competencies tested in this topic are the ability to apply the audit principles to secure information, effectively assess the results of an audit, create principles for audit documentation and share the reports with relevant professionals, and finally, making sure that there is effective execution of the results from the audit.

The next module checks candidates on the development of statements for project scope in accordance with organizational objectives. Besides, candidates should be able to determine the actions and resources needed to effectively deploy the IS program. The subject area also concerns the control of costs associated with developing and executing the program. Furthermore, professionals will be tested on their ability to manage human capital to effectively secure information. Also, knowledge on the evaluation of the effectiveness of these IS programs in meeting the organization’s goals is included. As a result, candidates for the final CCISO test should be competent in implementing changes to improve effectiveness.

The fourth tested area first evaluates knowledge on the parameters and concepts associated with controlling access to information. Next, candidates may be checked on identity theft, phishing attacks, and also social engineering. Physical security, as well as physical assets required for effective information security in accordance with the organization’s objectives, are tested as well. Plus, candidates also have to understand what disaster recovery, as well as business continuity, is all about. IDS/IPS, firewall, along with other systems used in the defense of a network is also examined in this domain. Other subjects evaluated in the main CCISO 712-50 test are wireless security, best practices used in secure coding and the security of web applications, hardening of operating systems, solutions used in encryption, and evaluation & testing of vulnerabilities as well as penetration. The last two subtopics in this domain are the management of threats along with computer forensics and response to incidences.

Lastly, the CCISO exam evaluates candidates on their capability to come up with a plan of action for an IS program that is aligned with the organization’s goals. To add more, specialists should also be able to develop budgets and manage the use of finances in securing information. And finally, candidates should be able to manage third parties and develop a selection process.

Career Prospects

Individuals who pass the EC-Council CCISO exam and earn the linked certificate operate at the top-level management in organizations. They can be employed as a chief security officer, information security director, information assurance manager, plus chief information security officer. These positions are lucrative financially as they are basically for executives in the company. For example, the chief information security officer commands an average pay of $166k annually as per Payscale. Also, an information assurance manager makes a median salary of almost $105k yearly according to the same site. Furthermore, the responsibilities you have in these roles give one a position within the executive level, which means that job retention is much easier. This is because you are part of the team that recruits or fires employees. You will also be involved in the process of decision-making related to budgeting for the IT department. This will enhance your worth in the company tremendously.

Certification Path after Passing Concerned Test

Once you have aced the 712-50 exam, you will be at the top management of the organization. However, there is always room to improve. The best way to advance to higher positions in the organization is to acquire more managerial skills. It will ensure that you have more expertise to make good decisions that affect the company as a whole. Thus, you can expand by utilizing opportunities from other certification vendors that provide management-based certificates.