2026 Certified Cybersecurity Specialist (CCS) Beta

The 'apply' button will only display to logged in users; please login to Engage to apply. 

< return to list
Signup Deadline: 23 Aug, 2026
Starts: 01 Sep, 2026
Ends: 02 Nov, 2026
Location: Online Opportunity
volunteer opportunity image

Description:

ISACA is seeking volunteers to participate in a closed beta for the new Certified Cybersecurity Specialist (CCS) certification that is currently in development. Selected volunteers will be one of the first to experience the program at a discounted rate and have the opportunity to provide feedback as ISACA finalizes this new certification.  

 

Please note: Eligible applicants will be approved by August 31, 2026, and space is limited; review the timeline below for further details. We anticipate a very high volume of applicants and not everyone who applies will be selected. Do not delay in applying.

If you are not approved by August 31, the beta has likely reached capacity. We will keep your application on file and contact you if a spot becomes available.

Selected volunteers will be required to purchase the Certified Cybersecurity Specialist certification exam for US $199. If you are unable to purchase the exam, please refrain from applying.  

 

 

Timeline (please see Anticipated Outcomes for more detailed instructions):

  • Eligible applicants will be approved by 31 August, or until all spots are filled. 
  • Exam Preparation:
    • Upon approval, volunteers will receive a link to purchase the Certified Cybersecurity Specialist (CCS) Beta Bundle for US $199. This is required for participation.
      • The Beta Bundle will include the CCS Review Manual and one CCS exam attempt.
      • The print version of the CCS Review Manual will not be available during the beta.
      • Volunteers may also purchase the CCS Questions, Answers, and Explanations (QAE) Database for an additional US $149. This is not required to participate in the beta period. The CCS QAE will be available on 15 September.
    • After receiving access to the exam prep material, volunteers should begin studying and preparing to sit for the CCS certification exam.
  • CCS Certification Exam:
    • Volunteers will take the certification exam between 1 October and 2 November. 
      • The exam will be self-scheduled through ISACA’s exam administrator, PSI.
    • Please schedule your exam as soon as possible during the window you applied for.
    • The exam must be completed by 2 November.
      • Note: The exam will only be available during this four-and-a-half-week period. If you are unable to sit for the exam during this time, please refrain from applying. You will not be eligible for a refund if you are absent for your exam. 

Anticipated outcomes:

Beta participants will play a critical role in shaping the final pieces of the Certified Cybersecurity Specialist (CCS) Certification. Participants are expected to work through the exam prep materials and sit for the certification exam by 2 November 2026.  

  • Participants that have been accepted into the beta must purchase the Certified Cybersecurity Specialist (CCS) Beta Bundle for US $199. A link to the product page will be provided in a separate email after approval. 
  • If participants would like additional exam prep, they will be able to purchase an CCS Questions, Answers, and Explanations Database (QAE) for an additional $149.  Purchase of this product is not required to participate in the beta. The CCS QAE will be available on 15 September.
  • Participants should start preparing for the certification exam after obtaining exam prep material.
  • The certification exam will be open between 1 October and 2 November. Volunteers must complete the certification exam by 2 November.
    • Beta participants must complete the exam during the test window they sign up for in the application.
    • Test results will not be delivered until the CCS certification program officially launches in Q1 2027. 
  • Participants will receive surveys via email and must complete them to provide feedback to ISACA both before and after they have completed the certification exam.
  • Selected participants may be asked to complete a 1:1 virtual interview with ISACA staff about their experience.
  • Participants will only have one exam attempt.
  • Participants will have 210 minutes to complete the exam.
  • The beta exam will not be offered via remote proctor; the exam will only be available in a PSI test center during the beta.  

 

Volunteer Criteria:

  • ISACA Membership is not required.
  • Approved volunteers must purchase the beta exam for US $199.
  • Products are only available in English; volunteers must be comfortable reading, learning, and taking the exam in English.
  • Volunteers must be available to start preparing for the certified cybersecurity specialist exam upon receiving access to the exam prep material and sit for the certification exam no later than 2 November. 

Volunteer Benefits: 

  • Early access to ISACA’s newest certification and exam passers who apply for certification will be fully recognized as a Certified Cybersecurity Specialist (CCS) certification holder.
  • Approved volunteers receive the CCS exam prep material at a discount through beta pricing.
  • Volunteers will have a direct impact on the finalization of the CCS program.
  • Professional development and credibility amongst peers.
  • Exam passers who apply for certification will earn the official CCS Certification digital badge.
  • All participants, regardless of whether they pass or fail the exam, will receive a CCS Certification Beta Participant Digital Badge.
  • CPE: Successful exam passers will earn 4 CPE for completing and earning the certification. 

 

All volunteers must have an ISACA Participation Agreement on file.  To see if your agreement is active, visit your volunteer profile. Access all volunteer policies here.

Per the ISACA Terms of Use all users are prohibited from sharing ISACA content or services with generative AI tools. AI tools and notetakers are not permitted in any ISACA-led meeting. We appreciate your cooperation.

Volunteers Needed:

250 (250 open slots)

Experience Required:

1 to 3 Years Industry Experience

Engagement Points:

40

Staff Facilitator:

John Flanagan


Nominate Volunteers

Do you know someone who would enjoy this unique opportunity?


ISACA's Philosophy on Volunteer Engagement

ISACA encourages the active participation of our dedicated professional community in relevant, compelling and innovative activities at both the regional and international levels. With appreciation for the talent, expertise and experience each person contributes, volunteers and staff work collaboratively to fulfill ISACA's purpose and promise, while benefiting from incredible experiences and accomplishments that instill confidence in our professional and personal growth.