7/30/2003 -- The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium's [ISC(2)'s] three new Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)concentrations are now live.

Exams for CISSP Architecture, CISSP Management and the new specialization for federal IT security workers, Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (ISSEP), officially launched July 1. Each costs $295.

To earn the specializations, candidates must hold a current CISSP, which requires passing an exam, signing a code of ethics and submitting proof of at least three years of security-specific IT experience. Training is being offered but is not required.

(ISC)2 officially announced the Architecture and Management specializations in April (more information here), two months after announcing that they would be developing the ISSEP title in conjunction with the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Defense.

Although details about obtaining the concentrations have yet to be posted on ISC(2)'s Web site (http://www.isc2.org), a spokesperson for the organization said that the specializations are doing well -- the organization has granted 28 so far this month.

Last week, ISC(2) held an informational seminar regarding the ISSEP for federal employees and contractors. Lynn McNulty, ISC(2) government affairs director, told CertCities.com that the NSA is already "strongly encouraging" its systems security engineers to obtain the title, and that other federal organizations are incorporating it into their compensation structure. "We see this credential moving beyond the NSA and Department of Defense to civilian agencies, contractors," and others in IT, he said. Training sessions for the ISSEP have been scheduled for August and September.

More information on obtaining the concentrations should be posted on ISC(2)'s Web site shortly. In the meantime, interested CISSPs can call (888) 333-4458 between 8 a.m to 7 p.m. EST or e-mail [email protected]. -Becky Nagel