Did you pay the $50 fee after passing the CC exam

[Babsarena]

Hello, I passed my CC exam and found out I'd have to pay $50 annual fee to actually be a member of isc2, so people who have passed their exam, did you guys pay the $50 fee or there's also a coupon for that?

[Early_Adopter]

"Freedom isn't free..." To quote the movie Team America... In this spirit here's some meandering thoughts.

The actual 50 dollar AMF is listed as point four, sorry there isn't a coupon, which is probably reasonable:

One Million Certified in Cybersecurity – Free (ISC)2 Certification Exams (isc2.org)

It should be noted that this is a Per-User Per-Year (PUPY) commitment as long as you would like the entry level certification. this is at a lower rate than that required for one of the more recognized/advanced/useful certifications ISC2 provide, and the same rate as for associate status after passing a more challenging exam, however once you have it membership is locked in, meaning it might be a good way to have ISC2 membership without paying 125 USD PUPY. This might be seen as hard doing by other non-members, it doesn't seem that as a CISSP I necessarily get any extra for the 75 USD on top, but in any case it's a slam dunk for something like congress:

(ISC)² Security Congress 2023 (isc2.org)

I'd hasten to add that ISC2 membership is a steal compared it IAPP 275 USD PUPY, and a little but cheaper than ISACA's headline rate of 144 USD (but they have a deal on right now for $72.50* (standard, 1-year rate: US$145). ALso both orgs let you maintain certifications separately - it's included with IAPP membership, with ISACA - well like Pokemon, if you gotta catch 'em all it can cost you - (Membership is good in all cases):

What are all of the possible costs associated with becoming CISA / CISM / CGEIT / CRISC/ CDPSE certi...

So right now, I think if you've done the course, spent the time and think CC will help you gain employment it's a pretty good deal and you should pay the fifty bucks, trust me in the balance it's a good deal for a years' worth - if it doesn't help you can just stop it after.

It's almost certain right now that CC is not as good as CompTIA Security+ for its utility to job seekers, and if money wasn't an object to you, and you're going for a first job in infosec/cybersecurity I'd advise you go for that ASAP, you've the aptitude and having both would look good.

One last point if you are a talented hacker then OSCP is a good way to prove this to an employer, however the training is excellent, and the exam is a real-world Simulation:

Information Security Training & Certifications | OffSec

[Sohaib]

Yes after that you will receive certificate

[ericgeater]

ISSA membership, which I consider quite valuable, is $100 per year.

There's no certifications to attain with ISSA.

Congratulations* on passing a free industry-supported, accredited cybersecurity exam.

* hint

[mjspy]

Does this mean you have to pay $50 before you can get your certificate? Pardon for my newbidity

[JoePete]

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@mjspy wrote:

Does this mean you have to pay $50 before you can get your certificate? Pardon for my newbidity

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I suspect it does. These questions are better directed at customer support:
https://www.isc2.org/Contact-Us#accordion-ec0be5accd8a4a36a5dbbcd3adb5307b

But as a practical matter, if you passed the exam, you can always put on an application/resume "Passed CC exam." No one can deny you that factual statement. You might not be "certified" until you pay the AMF of $50. But functionally it's not like there is a huge difference between passing the exam and being a CC, at least in the first year. In that regard though, bear in mind that as a CC you need to earn an average of 15 CPEs per year to maintain your certification. One of the things you do get for $50 is access to CPEs through the (ISC)2 as a member.

What you are likely going to find is $50 is pretty cheap compared to other memberships you will pick up along the way, cost of conferences, software, hardware, other tools of the trade, books, subscriptions, etc. Something to think about/look for with an employer - do they have a liberal professional development account.

[Early_Adopter]

@mjspy

Yes it does, step 4 is to pay the AMF.

https://www.isc2.org/1mcc

There’s a few issues I see with CC I’ve waxed lyrical on, however I do still think that it represents good value at 50 USD.

[mjspy]

Yeah makes sense and for what you get for an annual $50 is not so bad to say the least.

Thanks for this thorough explanation! Big help!

[denbesten]

There are three training bundles available for the CC.  If you purchased the $199 or $804 training bundle, they come with the first-year AMF free.  If you "purchased" the $0 training bundle, it requires you to pay the AMF in the first year.  This is explained in this link.

[Early_Adopter]

That’s very helpful. Do you know if a candidate that fails the free exam can then purchase the 199 USD option? It might be a more economical path for some folk that need to retake.