CSSLP: What It Verifies
- Published
- 2026-08-01
- Content type
- Certification / Standards Authority
- Read time
- 1 min
CSSLP — Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional — is (ISC)²'s credential for building security into software development itself, not bolting it on afterward. It covers eight domains: secure software concepts, requirements, design, implementation, testing, lifecycle management, deployment and operations, and supply chain security.
What it verifies
CSSLP confirms someone can apply security practice across the full development lifecycle — requirements through deployment — not just write secure code in isolation. (ISC)² requires 4 years of cumulative paid experience in the software development lifecycle, in one or more of the 8 domains, to sit the exam (3 years with an approved degree or credential).
Who typically holds it
On the calibre° roster, CSSLP is checked for Frontend Engineer, Application Security Engineer, and QA Engineer — roles where secure-SDLC practice, not just secure output, is what's being verified.
How calibre° verifies it
CSSLP status is checked against (ISC)²'s member verification before roster eligibility, the same primary-source standard applied to every certification calibre° lists. Full procedure: Verification.
FAQ
How is CSSLP different from CISSP?
CSSLP is scoped to the software development lifecycle specifically — requirements through deployment. CISSP is broader, covering full security-program architecture and management. (ISC)² issues both, but they verify different scope.
Why does a QA Engineer role check CSSLP?
Because secure-SDLC practice includes testing and release gates, not just development — see [QA Engineer](/calibre/roles#qa-engineer) for the full certification set checked on that role.
Does CSSLP require renewal?
Yes — continuing education credits and an annual fee keep it active, which is why calibre° checks current status rather than a resume claim.
Specify the role. We calibrate the match.