ISC2 Regulations Governing Use of Certification Marks and ISC2 Logo

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ISC2 is a non-profit membership organization identified as the leader in certifying individuals in cybersecurity. All ISC2 certifications are ANAB ISO/IEC 17024 accredited. ISC2 does not provide cybersecurity services, but focuses on the training, education, and certification of information and application security professionals.

These regulations have been developed to assist you in featuring the certification marks in print, multimedia, and online communications, including business cards, letterhead, advertising, presentation materials, personal promotional literature, signage, and websites. The ISC2 certification marks and badges (collectively the “Marks”) may only be used as described in this guide.

The proper usage of a Mark is important when you are communicating with your employer and current or prospective clients. When used appropriately, the Marks represent standards of excellence for information security in its respective areas.

The Marks are not equivalent to an educational degree, a professional designation, or a title. Instead, the Marks represent that you have met the standards set by ISC2, including completing the required work experience, adhering to the ISC2 Code of Ethics, and passing an examination. You are therefore entitled to use the Mark to which you have been certified, in conjunction with your name, to demonstrate this accomplishment so long as you abide by the rules outlined in these guidelines.

These rules should not be taken lightly. Since every ISC2 certification holder worked hard to achieve the right to use their Mark(s), we expect all members will want to protect their integrity. Thank you for your assistance in protecting the Marks and making ISC2 certifications the standard for information security globally.

Using the Marks

Only those individuals that have met the specific certification requirements established by ISC2 are certified by ISC2. Those who meet these standards ("Certified") are authorized to use the appropriate Mark(s). The Marks identify those who have met the strict criteria for certification and are able to demonstrate professional judgment and abilities in information security. Use of the Mark indicates Certified’s acceptance of the terms in the agreement executed upon applying to sit for the corresponding examination. Use of the Mark must be discontinued immediately if the individual does not maintain their certification.

Rules for Proper Usage of Certification Marks

These rules apply to all ISC2 certification marks, registered or unregistered. Although these examples show only one certification, the rules are applicable to all ISC2 certification marks: ISSAP, ISSEP, ISSMP, CISSP, CCSP, CSSLP, HCISPP, CGRC, SSCP, and CC.

Certified may only use the Mark for which they have successfully completed the certification requirements (e.g. A CISSP certification holder may not use SSCP, nor may a SSCP certification holder use CISSP, unless they have completed the appropriate requirements).
The Mark must be clearly associated with the individual(s) certified by ISC2.
- Correct Use: John Zhao, CISSP
- Misuse: ABC Partnership employs three (3) CISSPs.
The Mark must appear in all capital letters and without periods between the letters.
- Correct Use: Jasmine Domingo, CISSP
- Misuse: Jasmine Domingo, C.I.S.S.P.
If an individual holds multiple certifications, the Marks should be listed in order from the highest experience to the lowest: ISSAP, ISSEP, ISSMP, CISSP, CCSP, CSSLP, HCISPP, CGRC, SSCP, CC
- Correct Use: Jasmine Domingo, ISSMP, CISSP, CGRC, SSCP
- Misuse: Jasmine Domingo, SSCP, CISSP
Certified may use the Mark only on business cards, letterhead, marketing material, and resumes to indicate that they are an ISC2 certification holder. Certified may not use the Mark on any product or product-related material or in a trade or business name, domain name, product or service name, email address, logo, trade dress, design, or slogan.
Certified may not combine the Mark with any other object, including, but not limited to, other logos, icons, words, graphics, photos, slogans, numbers, design features, symbols, or website audio files (i.e. mixing another logo with a Mark to create a variation).
Certified may not alter a badge in any way other than to increase or decrease size.
Marks may not be translated or otherwise localized into any other language. Any localized versions of these must be provided by ISC2.
Certified may not use the Marks in any manner that is derogatory to, or critical of, ISC2 or its certifications.
The Mark may not be used in any manner that expresses or might imply ISC2's affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement, certification, or approval, unless approved by ISC2 in writing.
The Logo may not be imitated in any manner.
The respective Marks (e.g. "CISSP" or "SSCP", etc.) shall always be accompanied by ® except where prohibited by size constraints (i.e. business cards).
Certified may not use the badge in any manner other than as a link on Certified’s website or social media to www.isc2.org.
Associates of ISC2 are NOT certified and may not use any Mark or description other than "Associate of ISC2”. An Associate of ISC2 badge will show the examination that they passed, but until they complete the endorsement requirements, Associates are not allowed to utilize the Marks. Failure to abide by this rule may result in the candidate being prohibited from ever attaining any ISC2 certification.
Marks may not be used in any way other than as specified in these guidelines. Failure to comply with these instructions shall constitute a breach of the ISC2 Examination Agreement.

Rules for Proper Usage of ISC2 Logo

These rules apply to the use of the ISC2 logo.

On all full-color communications materials, the ISC2 logo should be reproduced with black and Pantone 2426C or 2426U Green or reversed out in white. When necessary, the logo can be produced using CMYK, RGB and HEX. As an alternative the ISC2 logo may also be used all black.
It is important to keep the logo area clear of any distracting elements. Please allow a minimum of clear space equal to the height of the ISC2 “I”, as shown.
The ISC2 logo may not be used in any manner that expresses or might imply ISC2's affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement, certification, or approval, unless approved by ISC2 in writing.

Compliance with Guidelines

ISC2 reserves the right to spot-check all marketing and promotional materials bearing the Marks and ISC2 logo and may periodically send out requests for samples. Misuse of the Marks and/or ISC2 logo must be corrected. Refusal to correct such misuse as directed by ISC2 could result in a revocation of the right to use the Marks and/or ISC2 logo and ISC2 taking any actions it deems necessary to ensure compliance with these guidelines.

Badge Artwork

Electronic artwork files for the Marks are available for download:

Download ISC2 Logos / Marks

Questions related to the badge artwork should be directed to:

E-mail: [email protected]

Mail: Attn: Member Support

ISC2, Inc.

625 N. Washington Street, Suite 400

Alexandria, VA, 22314

United States

For questions about these guidelines or to request permission to use a Mark or the ISC2 logo, use the following contact information: