Requirements

FITSP candidates need to have five years of information security experience.  This can be in the form of a practitioner, a manager, an instructor, an implementer, an auditor, etc.  Candidates must submit a resume at registration time demonstrating the five years of experience.

FITSP candidates are able to waive some experience requirements if the candidate possesses other complimentary security certifications and/or education experience.  Candidates cannot waive more than 3 years experience in total.

Candidates can waive one year of experience for a bachelor degree and can waive a second year with a master's degree in an information technology or information assurance focus.  Degrees must be issued by a fully accredited institution.

Candidates can also waive experience by possessing one or more of the following IT security certifications: 

•     CISM - Certified Information Security Manager
•     CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional
•     CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor
•     GIAC - Global Information Assurance Certified
•     CEH - Certified Ethical Hacker
•     Security+
•     SSCP - System Security Certified Practioner
•     SCNA - Security Certified Network Architect
•     SCNS - Security Certified Network Specialist
•     CAP - Certification and Accreditation Professional

Candidates must also pay a $295 exam fee for each role based FITSP certification they pursue. (FITSI is waiving the exam fee to the first 500 civilian, military and contract personnel that sit for the exam in 2010).

Once a candidate becomes certified, the certification is good for three years.   Candidates must maintain their certification by paying a $45 annual maintenance fee and earn a minimum of 60 CPE over the three year period.  Each three year period will be automatically renewed as long as the member maintains their CPEs and membership fee requirements current.