(ISC)2 Tweaks Recertification Program

(ISC)2, pledging to help its constituents keep up with recertification needs, yesterday announced a new program wherein CPE (Continuing Professional Education) credits submitted from “trusted” sources wont be subjected to audit.

The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, which is based in Framingham, Mass., named Symantec Corp. as the first trusted partner in the new program. (ISC)2 will post Trusted CPE credits to attendees of all Symantec Education Services Webcasts and Seminar Series.

(ISC)2 requires that holders of its CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification earn 120 continuing education credits every three years in order to maintain certification. The non-profit organization requires that holders of the SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) certification earn 80 credits every three years.

James Duffy, executive director of (ISC)2, said in a statement that the program will relieve certification holders from having to maintain an audit trail for CPE credits, as long as they come from trusted sources.

Besides Symantec, trusted sources will include professional organizations, recognized educational institutions and commercial sources. Also, CPEs recorded prior to 2003 that were submitted by a trusted source will not require certification holders to retain or submit documentation. Sources that dont qualify for trusted status will be able to continue to offer CPEs, which can be submitted to (ISC)2 for credit evaluation.