Introduction

If you hold an ISC2 certification like CISSP, CC, CCSP or SSCP, you’re required to maintain your credential by earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. These credits ensure that you keep your skills up to date and remain engaged in the ever-changing world of cybersecurity.

  1. Introduction
    1. What are CPE Credits?
    2. Types of CPE Credits
    3. Easy Ways to Earn CPE Credits
      1. 1. ISC2 Quizzes (2 CPE Each)
      2. 2. Abnormal Security Resources
      3. 3. BrightTALK Webinars (Automatic Credits)
      4. Webinars and Online Events
      5. Self-Study (Books, Whitepapers, Podcasts)
      6. Conferences & Training
      7. Creating Content
      8. Volunteering & Community Work
    4. Submitting CPE Credits
    5. Best Practices for Managing CPEs
    6. Final Thoughts

What are CPE Credits?

CPE (Continuing Professional Education) credits are points you earn for engaging in professional development activities. ISC2 requires members to earn a set number of CPE credits during their three-year certification cycle.

For example:

  • CISSP: 120 credits (with a minimum of 40 per year)
  • SSCP: 60 credits (with a minimum of 20 per year)
  • CCSP: 90 credits (with a minimum of 30 per year)

The exact requirement varies by certification, but the principle is the same—stay current, stay active.

Types of CPE Credits

ISC2 divides CPE credits into two broad categories:

  1. Group A (Domain-related)
    • Activities directly related to the domains of your certification.
    • Example: Attending a cloud security webinar for CCSP, or reading research on encryption for CISSP.
  2. Group B (Professional development)
    • Broader skills that enhance your overall professional competence.
    • Example: Leadership training, project management, or communication skills workshops.

Easy Ways to Earn CPE Credits

Here are some practical (and often free) ways you can rack up credits:

1. ISC2 Quizzes (2 CPE Each)

ISC2 publishes bi-monthly CPE quizzes based on their Insights magazine.

👉 Pro tip: If you’re behind on CPEs, complete the last 6 quizzes—you’ll instantly earn 12 CPEs.

2. Abnormal Security Resources

Abnormal AI provides free sessions with direct CPE submission to ISC2:

3. BrightTALK Webinars (Automatic Credits)

BrightTALK hosts hundreds of cybersecurity webinars from vendors and experts.

  • Create a free account and add your ISC2 membership ID during sign-up.
  • Your CPEs will be credited automatically—no manual submission needed.

👉 This is one of the easiest “set and forget” ways to keep your CPEs rolling in.

Webinars and Online Events

  • Many vendors (Microsoft, AWS, Palo Alto, SANS, ISACA) host free security webinars.
  • 1 hour = 1 CPE.

Self-Study (Books, Whitepapers, Podcasts)

  • Reading a cybersecurity book or industry whitepaper counts.
  • Keep a short summary as proof if audited.

Conferences & Training

  • Attending Black Hat, RSA, or local security meetups qualifies.
  • Paid trainings also count.

Creating Content

  • Writing blogs, recording videos, or presenting on cybersecurity topics is eligible.
  • Example: Writing a post about phishing awareness = 1 CPE per hour spent.

Volunteering & Community Work

  • Mentoring, teaching, or volunteering in cybersecurity programs can earn credits.

Submitting CPE Credits

You can submit credits through the ISC2 Member Portal:

  1. Log in at https://my.isc2.org
  2. Go to CPE → Submit CPE
  3. Select Group A or B
  4. Enter activity details and duration
  5. Save and track progress

💡 Pro Tip: Use automatic submission options (ISC2 quizzes, BrightTALK, Abnormal AI) first, then manually add any additional learning.

Best Practices for Managing CPEs

  • Automate where possible: Use ISC2 events, BrightTALK, and Abnormal AI—they submit credits for you.
  • Diversify activities: Mix reading, webinars, and hands-on training to keep learning engaging.
  • Keep records: Save certificates, notes, or screenshots for at least 12 months in case of audit.
  • Plan annually: Break down your requirement (e.g., 40 per year for CISSP) so you don’t fall behind.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your ISC2 certification isn’t just about compliance—it’s about staying relevant in a rapidly evolving field. By making CPEs part of your regular learning routine, you’ll keep your credential active while continuously sharpening your skills.

And remember, with resources like ISC2 quizzes, BrightTALK, and Abnormal AI, you can easily collect dozens of credits without spending a dime.

Thank you for reading!