ISC2’s 2024 Annual Report, covering the organization’s activities and membership data through the end of fiscal year 2024, documented 16% overall membership growth and confirmed strong momentum across its certification portfolio. The entry-level Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) credential posted the fastest growth, up 56% year-over-year. The report also confirmed ISC2 secured renewal of its ANAB ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation for all certification programs — the international standard that validates ISC2 certifications are developed and maintained to rigorous global standards.
ISC2 describes its membership as comprising certified holders and associates across all credentials. The organization’s public-facing figures currently report more than 265,000 certified members and associates globally, with the largest concentrations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and India. CISSP remains the flagship — with over 165,000 holders worldwide as of the most recent public count — and continues to see growth alongside the newer credentials in the portfolio.
What the CC Growth Means for the CISSP Pipeline
A 56% year-over-year growth in CC holders represents a significant expansion of the professional pipeline that eventually feeds into CISSP. The CC is free for anyone who completes the associated training through ISC2’s One Million Certified in Cybersecurity initiative. It’s designed as an entry point — the credential that gives early-career professionals their first recognized security certification and connects them to the ISC2 ecosystem.
The report also highlighted ISC2’s DoD 8140 approval status — all ISC2 certifications are approved for use in satisfying the U.S. Department of Defense’s cybersecurity workforce qualification requirements. For professionals in defense contracting or federal civilian roles, this approval directly affects which certifications can satisfy employer requirements and influence hiring decisions.
The accreditation renewal deserves attention beyond the headline. ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation means ISC2’s certification processes — exam development, administration, scoring, and maintenance — are independently verified to meet international standards. This is part of why CISSP carries weight with government agencies and large enterprises that require auditable evidence of certification program quality, not just name recognition. ISC2’s commitment to maintaining this accreditation is reflected in the CISSP certification page.
For candidates weighing the investment in CISSP preparation, the 2024 growth figures support the case that the credential’s relevance is expanding rather than contracting. Sixteen percent membership growth in a year when the broader security labor market faced budget pressures and hiring slowdowns suggests the credential continues to attract serious professionals who see long-term value, not just those riding a momentary wave of security industry optimism.