Considering (ISC) 2 Volunteer Opportunities

Considering (ISC) ² Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers perform much of the work done by the (ISC)2. When you take your CISSP certification exam, most or all the officials in the room are volunteers. Volunteers write the questions in the CISSP exam itself. Most or all the speakers at (ISC) ² events are volunteers.

(ISC) ² is much more than a certification or an organization: it is a cause. It is the raison d’être, the reason we exist - professionally, anyway. As such, we should consider throwing our weight into the cause.

Volunteers made (ISC) ² what it is today, and contributed toward your certification. You can’t stand on the sidelines and watch others do the work. Use your talents to help those who will come after you. There are many ways that you can help. Information on how to volunteer can be found on the (ISC) ² Web site ( www.isc2.org).

 Tip   Most sanctioned (ISC) ² volunteer activities earn CPE credits. Check with (ISC) ² for details.

Writing certification exam questions

The state of technology, laws, and practices within the (ISC) ² Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) is continually advancing. In order to be effective, CISSP exams need to have exam questions that reflect how security is done today.

That means that people working in the industry - like you - need to write the questions. If you’re interested in being a question writer, visit the (ISC) ² Web site.

Speaking at events

(ISC) ² currently holds more security-related events around the world than it has at any other time in its history. More often than not, (ISC) ² speakers are local volunteers, experts in their professions who want to share what they know and have learned with others. If you have an area of expertise or a unique perspective on CISSP-related issues, consider educating others with a speaking engagement. For more information, visit the (ISC) ² Web site.

Supervising examinations

Volunteers who have already earned their CISSP certifications supervise local certification exams. Exam volunteers check in candidates, proctor exams, and observe test-takers to ensure that no one cheats on the certification exam.

 Remember   If you proctor CISSP examinations, you are ineligible for many other activities - in particular, performing any instructional activities such as teaching a CISSP class or study group. If you are interested in proctoring CISSP exams (a noble activity, in our opinion), make sure that your other activities aren’t in conflict with (ISC)2’s terms and conditions for proctoring. Don’t hesitate to contact (ISC) ² if you’re not sure which other outside teaching activities you may participate in if you’re considering being a proctor.

Writing articles for the (ISC) ² Journal or (ISC) ² Newsletter

The (ISC) 2 Journal and the (ISC) 2 Newsletter benefit from articles submitted by (ISC) ² members. The entire security community benefits by sharing what others have learned.

The (ISC) 2 Newsletter is a free monthly publication for all (ISC) ² members. Find the newsletter, as well as information about writing articles, at www.isc2.org/newsletter/.

Why volunteer?

Why should you consider volunteering for (ISC) ² - or any other professional organization? There are two main reasons:

Volunteerism of any kind is about giving back to a larger community (in this case, the community that helped you to earn your CISSP certification).

Volunteering looks good on your resume. Personally, we consider this a byproduct of volunteering, and not the primary reason for doing it.

Volunteering for (ISC) ² or any other cause should be a reflection of your character, and not simply an activity to embellish your resume.

The (ISC) 2 Journal is a fee-based publication that is published bimonthly. Find information about subscribing and writing articles on the journal’s home page ( www.isc2.org/journal/).

Participating in (ISC) ² focus groups

(ISC) ² has developed focus groups and QA (quality assurance) testing opportunities. (ISC) ² is developing new services and needs to receive early feedback during the requirements and design phases of its projects. This is a great opportunity to influence future (ISC) ² services that will aid future certification holders and us.

Getting involved with a study group

Many communities have a CISSP study group that consists of volunteer mentors and instructors who will help those who want to earn the certification.

If your community does not have a CISSP study group, consider starting one. Many communities have them already, and the organizers there will be happy to give you advice on how to start your own.