10/8/2003 -- This week the International Information Systems Security Certifications Consortium [(ISC)2] announced that the price of its Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam will rise to $499 in 2004.

Currently, those who register for the exam at least 16 calendar days in advance pay $450.

As per the current policy, those who do not pre-register will pay $100 more.

The price of the organization's Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) exam will also rise. Advance registration will be $369, a $19 increase. The price rises to $469 for those who do not pre-register.

In 2004 candidates will be charged as follows for the organization's three CISSP Specialization exams (CISSP Information Systems Security Architecture Professional, CISSP Information Systems Security Engineering Professional , and CISSP Information Systems Security Management Professional):

• One specialization: $349 early, $449 regular
• Two specializations (must register at the same time): $599 early, $699 regular
• Three specializations (must register at the same time): $749 early, $849 regular

The above prices apply to any exam taken in 2004, even if the registration is made in 2003, the organization said.

To view the official announcement, go here. -Becky Nagel