The Holistic Information Society Practitioner Institute (HISPI) based in Lithonia, Georgia is an independent certification organization consisting of volunteers that are true information security practitioners. HISPI focuses on international standards, best practices, and comprehensive framework for developing effective information security programs utilizing a holistic approach. HISPI provides IT certification and IT security. HISPI volunteers consist of Chief Information Officers, Information Security Officers, Information Security Managers, Directors of Information Security, Security Analysts, Security Engineers, and Technology Risk Managers that work at major organizations and corporations.

The objectives of HISPI include: to promote cost-effective training and certification; to foster a positive code of ethics among information security, audit, and compliance professionals; and to bridge the existing gap between existing professional certification programs by promoting holistic information security programs; and many others. HISPI is does not have desire to replace existing CISSP, CISA, CISM, and CFA certifications, but rather to complement these certifications. Membership to the HISPI is open to anyone interested in improving their organization’s internal controls and security processes utilizing a holistic approach. The cost of an annual membership to this organization is $50 USD.

HISPI has a limited number of companies that are authorized training centers that deliver certification courses. These centers are managed by a company which is the author of the HISP Certification Courseware. These centers are currently located in United States, Canada, Greece, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. The HISPI certification exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that need to be completed within 2 hours.

Prior to taking the HISP certification exam, you must attend a 5 day HISP Certification Course. This Course can be attended at a public training location, private onsite training session, or web based training session. You can find a listing of these classes and their location on the HISPI website. If you attend the 5 day training course either at a public training location or a private training session, the student has the option of taking the certification exam that is given on the final day of the training. Prior to taking this exam you must provide evidence that you currently possess one of more of the following certifications and that you are currently in good standing with these organizations: CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional); CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor); or CISM (Certified Information Security Manager).

A student planning on taking the HISP Examination on the last day of class is required to pay a separate examination fee of $499. This exam will be graded and results will be sent to the student from the HISP Institute. As mentioned above this examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be answered within 2 hours. This is a closed book examination. You must receive a grade of 75 percent or higher to successful pass the exam and receive certification. Currently, there are approximately 500 certified HISPs worldwide. In order to maintain the HISPI Certification, you must complete a total of 90 CPE’s at the end of 3 year period and pay annual membership.

Author Bio: Penny Lane recently studied new IT certification sites online while conducting research for an article. She searched the term IT security for more information.

Category: Internet
Keywords: IT Certification,IT Security