(ISC)2® appoints Pearson VUE to add computer-based delivery of most popular exam

Bloomington, MN, October 19, 2012 – Information security professionals around the world are benefitting from a more accessible and secure way to pursue certification, thanks to an ongoing relationship between (ISC)2, the not-for-profit global leader in educating and certifying information security professionals throughout their careers, and Pearson VUE.

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) exam is now computer-based. Delivered globally from Pearson Professional Centers, Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center Selects and Pearson VUE’s global network of Military Test Centers, information and software security professionals around the world can schedule exams at a time and location convenient to them.

Robust security measures – not used when the exam was delivered via pencil and paper testing – include palm vein recognition. The technology is used to scan a candidate’s palm and ensures their identity by matching the unique vein formation in their hand, making sure the right candidate takes the test at the right time.

With more than 86,000 certified members worldwide, the provision of greater accessibility, improved convenience and immediate results notification help (ISC)2 to strengthen the professionalism of the IT security community and create a robust global workforce. (ISC)2’s conversion of its exam delivery method to computer-based testing (CBT) is also set to further protect the company’s intellectual property, the reputation of its certification and ensure more efficient exam delivery.

The CISSP exam is the final (ISC)2 exam to transition from pencil and paper to Pearson VUE computer-based delivery. Other (ISC)2 exams – the CISSP concentrations, Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP®)), Certification Authorization Professional (CAP®)), and Secure Systems Certified Practitioner (SSCP®)) – are available at Pearson VUE test centers worldwide. Since the relationship between Pearson VUE – the CBT business of Pearson – and (ISC)2 went live in 2010, professionals such as Network Security Engineers, Security Systems Analysts and Security Administrators have used the exams to advance their careers.

W. Hord Tipton, CISSP-ISSEP, CAP, executive director for (ISC)2, said: “We converted the CISSP, our largest volume exam, to CBT based on Pearson VUE’s security, geographical reach and the general convenience it offers. With CISSP the leading executive- level IT security certification, it was essential that we had use of the world’s most secure and dependable test center network.”

Robert Whelan, President of Pearson VUE, added: “This transition reflects the industry’s growing demand for certified information security professionals and also for CBT. We will continue to meet both needs, working with (ISC)2 to evolve its program to develop professionals to build a safe and secure world.”

Dr. Aury Curbelo, CMSP, CNDP, CCFI, Security +, ACA, professor, University of Puerto Rico said: “I anticipated (ISC)2’s announcement of the availability of the CISSP exam through CBT and delayed registering to sit for this exam until the more convenient CBT option was offered. I look forward to taking my CISSP exam in December or January at the Pearson VUE test center in Puerto Rico. I’m very pleased that (ISC)2 now offers CBT for all of its credential exams, as more worldwide information security professionals will have access to convenient test centers on a date of their choice.”

About (ISC)²

(ISC)2 is the largest not-for-profit membership body of certified information security professionals worldwide, with over 86,000 members in more than 135 countries. Globally recognized as the Gold Standard, (ISC)2 issues the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®)) and related concentrations, as well as the Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP®)), Certified Authorization Professional (CAP®)), and Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP®)) credentials to qualifying candidates. (ISC)2’s certifications are among the first information technology credentials to meet the stringent requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17024, a global benchmark for assessing and certifying personnel. (ISC)2 also offers education programs and services based on its CBK®), a compendium of information security topics. More information is available at www.isc2.org.

© 2012, (ISC)2 Inc. (ISC)2, CISSP, ISSAP, ISSMP, ISSEP, CSSLP, CAP, SSCP and CBK are registered marks of (ISC)2, Inc.