INTRODUCTION

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Welcome to Eristotle Certification Guide, describing the process for attaining your Eristotle certifications and where information is already on our website, will direct the you to the specific webpage through key links. Review each of the links for details.

The Eristotle competency-based certification programs recognises your knowledge and skills and supports your career progression.

Each certification includes its own eligibility requirements, and competency-based assessment (i.e.exam), and is aligned to the Information Security Office Body of Knowledge (ISOBOK™), the Cyber Warfare Body of Knowledge (CWBOK™), the Artificial Intelligence Body of Knowledge (AIBOK™), and the Cyber Security Body of Knowledge (CyBOK™).

Individuals who attain the designation, must demonstrate an ongoing professional commitment to the profession and satisfy recertification requirements and renew their credentials every three years.

Exam Fees FOR PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS

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All fees are listed in United States Dollars and are non-refundable and non-transferable.

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Certification Process

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For step by step instructions on how to complete the application process online, please refer to the following steps:

Step 1 – Become a Member of Eristotle

Join Eristotle and create an account. By joining, you agree to the Terms of Use, the Privacy Policy and the Code of Ethics.

Step 2 – Study the Body of Knowledge

Becoming a member will give you unlimited access to interactive versions of:

• Cyber Warfare Body of Knowledge (CWBOK™) – Prepares you for the Eristotle Certified Cyber Warfare Professional (ECCWP) award.
• Information Security Office Body of Knowledge (ISOBOK™) – Prepares you for the Eristotle Certified Information Security Officer (ECISO) award.
• Artificial Intelligence Body of Knowledge (AIBOK™) – Prepares you for the Eristotle Certified AI Governance Officer (ECAGO) award.
• Cyber Security Body of Knowledge (CyBOK) – Prepares you for the Eristotle Certified Cyber Security Professional (ECCSP) award.

Study the relevant Body of Knowledge to prepare for the certification that you are interested in.

Step 3 – Purchase the Certification Exam

When you feel you are ready to take the examination, you can go ahead and purchase the exam.

Step 4 – Schedule Exam

Next step is to review the available date and time and book your preferred slot. For exam process details including the scheduling process and identification (ID) requirements, see the Exam Information section below.

Step 5 – Take the Exam

The last step is to take the exam on the schedule day. Recipients who successfully qualify the exam are granted certified status for the next three years and will be listed in the Certification Registry. Agreement to being on the registry is part of the online certification and recertification processes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Welcome to Eristotle FAQ section. Here you’ll find clear, concise answers to the most common questions about our certifications, application process, exam policies, audit procedures, and continuing education requirements. Whether you’re just starting your journey or maintaining your credentials, this section is designed to support and guide you every step of the way.

APPLICATION

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How can I earn an Eristotle certification?

To become certified through Eristotle, you must first meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the official certification for your chosen credential. Once you meet the requirements, you’ll need to successfully pass the associated examination.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

Each Eristotle certification has its own set of requirements based on education, professional experience, and areas of expertise. Detailed information is available in the respective certification guides, which outline everything you need to know before applying.

Do I need to complete a prior certification or be an Eristotle member to apply?

No prior Eristotle certification or membership is required. You can apply directly for any certification as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Each credential stands alone and does not rely on others as a prerequisite.

What is the process for submitting a certification application?

Applications for all Eristotle certifications are completed online through our official website. Simply select the certification you are pursuing, complete the required fields, and submit your application. Be sure all details are accurate to avoid any processing delays.

Do I need to submit documents with my application?

No documentation is needed at the time of submission. However, if your application is randomly selected for audit, you’ll be asked to provide supporting materials such as proof of education or experience. More details are outlined in the audit section of the Certification Guide.

EXAMINATION

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How do I schedule my Eristotle certification exam?

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email from Eristotle with instructions to schedule your exam. All exams are conducted online. All scheduling can be managed through your Eristotle member dashboard.

Where can I take Eristotle exam?

Eristotle exams are administered 100% online globally through the comfort of your home or workplace to ensure accessibility and a consistent testing experience. Regional options and technical requirements will be shared during scheduling.

What happens after I pass the exam?

Once you successfully complete your exam, you will be officially recognized as a certified professional by Eristotle. You’ll receive a digital credential that can be shared on social media, verified by employers, and displayed as a mark of your achievement and readiness.

Are Eristotle exams offered in languages other than English?

Not at the moment but we plan to translate Eristotle exams into multiple languages to accommodate our global community. Language availability will depend on the specific certification and the details will be shared here and within the Certification Guide.

What if I don’t pass the exam on my first try?

If you don’t pass the exam initially, you’re allowed up to two additional attempts within your one-year eligibility window. Re-exam fees apply, and full details are available in the Certification Guide.

CERTIFICATION MAINTENANCE

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What are the requirements to maintain an active Eristotle certification?

All Eristotle certifications require ongoing professional development to remain valid. You must engage in continuing education and skills enhancement. Full details on these requirements can be found in the Certification Guide.

How does Eristotle Competency Models align certifcations to practical skills?

The Eristotle Competency Models rely on a structured approach to developing expertise, organized into three stages:

• Foundational Learning: Builds essential knowledge and skills, covering core concepts, terminology, and digital tools. It emphasizes clear communication, analytical thinking, and a proactive learning mindset, serving as the base for advanced study.
• Applied Learning:Focuses on hands-on experience and applying knowledge to real-world challenges. Learners work on authentic projects, developing both technical and soft skills like teamwork, communication, and resilience.
• Adaptive Learning: Aligns learning with organizational or personal goals and adapts to individual needs using technology and data. This stage ensures education is purposeful, personalized, and responsive to change.

The framework guides learners from basic understanding to advanced strategic thinking, ensuring they gain practical skills and adaptability for success in the evolving field of cyber warfare.

Are the skill areas of Eristotle Competency Models linked to volunteer or pro-bono activities?

No, Eristotle Competency Models focuses on developing practical and leadership skills. However, Eristotle certification holders can still earn credit for activities that contribute to the broader security community, such as mentoring, creating educational resources, or volunteering in relevant initiatives.

Can I maintain multiple Eristotle certifications simultaneously?

Yes, Eristotle allows for overlapping development activities to be counted across multiple certifications, simplifying the process for maintaining your credentials.

Can I request an extension if my certification is about to expire?

Eristotle understands that certain situations may prevent certification holders from meeting their requirements on time, such as military deployment, illness, or family-related leave. If this happens, you can contact our support team to request an extension for your certification maintenance.

How do I retire from Eristotle certification program if I am no longer pursuing a career in cybersecurity?

If you wish to retire your certification, you can submit a request through our customer support team. Eristotle will provide all necessary instructions to formally retire your credential.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

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What is Continuing Professional Development?

The standard measure used by Eristotle to track and validate your ongoing professional development. One CPD unit is equal to one hour of structured learning or qualifying activity aligned with Eristotle’s certification renewal requirements.

Can I still earn CPD units the same way as before?

Yes. You can continue earning CPD units by participating in approved educational activities such as instructor-led courses, workshops hosted by Eristotle partners or employers, university programs, or even self-directed study sessions and virtual training offered through Eristotle or other valid providers.

Can one learning activity count toward more than one skill area or certification?

Absolutely. If an educational activity covers topics relevant to multiple core areas of Eristotle’s Professional Development Framework, such as cyber operations, leadership, and strategic thinking, you can allocate the earned CPD units accordingly. For example, a training that combines artificial intelligence and threat modelling may contribute to both technical and leadership categories and both cyber warfare and artificial intelligence certifications.

When can I begin earning CPD units after getting certified?

You can begin accumulating CPD units immediately after your certification is awarded. Any activities completed before your certification date won’t count toward renewal, so make sure your efforts align with your active certification timeline.

What is Eristotle Certification Maintenance Section?

The Certification Maintenance section is part of Eristotle’s online platform that helps you manage and report your CPD units with ease. Within this section, you can:

• View your current certification status
• Track CPD progress and renewal deadlines
• Search for approved learning activities
• Submit CPD units as you complete them
• Access your CPD history and official record

Do I need to submit documentation when I report CPD units?

No documentation is required during routine reporting. However, Eristotle recommends keeping records of your CPD activities in case your certification is selected for audit. You should retain proof of participation (e.g., certificates, course outlines) for at least 18 months after your certification cycle ends.

Can I transfer extra CPD units to my next cycle?

Yes, CPD units earned during the final 12 months of your current certification cycle may be carried forward to the next cycle. CPD units earned earlier in the cycle are not transferable. Refer to Eristotle Certification Renewal Handbook for full policy details.

Can I earn CPD units during a suspension period and still renew?

Yes. If you are in a suspension period but complete the required CPD units before the final deadline, you may still renew your certification. Any CPD units earned must clearly fall within the correct cycle dates and be properly documented if audited.

CERTIFICATION AUDITS

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Why does Eristotle conduct application audits?

Eristotle conducts audits to verify the accuracy of professional experience and educational claims submitted with certification applications. These checks help maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of our certification programs. A portion of applications is selected randomly for audit as part of our quality assurance process.

How much time do I have to complete my audit package?

You have 90 calendar days to gather and submit all required audit documents. You can monitor your remaining time and progress through your secure Eristotle Certification Dashboard.

How do I submit my audit materials to Eristotle?

Log into your Eristotle account and access the Audit Center. Upload all necessary documents, including academic qualifications, work experience verifications, and any additional references. All documentation must be submitted before the final submission button becomes available.

Will I be notified when a reference responds?

No. Eristotle does not issue notifications for reference submissions. It is your responsibility to check the status of your references in your Audit Dashboard and ensure all required documentation has been received before finalizing your package.

Can I change a reference if they haven’t responded?

Yes, you may update your reference at any point within your 90-day audit window. Ensure your new reference can confirm your qualifications promptly to avoid delays.

Can I access my audit documents after submission?

No. Once you have submitted your audit package, you will no longer have access to make changes. You will see a confirmation page indicating that your audit is under review.

Can I request an extension if I face unforeseen circumstances?

Yes. If you are unable to complete your audit due to serious issues such as medical conditions, family leave, or military deployment, you may request an extension. Please contact Eristotle’s Member Services team with appropriate documentation to support your request.

How long does it take Eristotle to review my audit submission?

The review process typically takes 5 to 7 business days once all materials are received. If approved, you’ll receive an official confirmation along with instructions to proceed with the next step, such as payment or scheduling your exam.

What if I choose not to complete the audit process?

If you voluntarily withdraw or fail to complete the audit within the 90-day period, the application is considered incomplete and marked as a failed audit. You may reapply after one year with a new application and payment, and your submission may be subject to another audit.

What happens if I fail the audit?

Each case is evaluated individually. Eristotle will contact you to discuss the outcome and provide guidance on potential next steps, which may include resubmission after correction or waiting until the reapplication period begins.

AUDIT MATERIALS

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What should I do if I accidentally upload the wrong document in my audit submission?

If you submit an incorrect document related to your education or experience, please contact Eristotle Support immediately. Our team will assist you in correcting the issue and updating your audit file.

Are my audit materials kept confidential?

Yes. All documentation submitted during the audit process is treated with strict confidentiality. Your information will never be shared with third parties unless legally required for compliance or investigation purposes.

What if my projects involve classified work or sensitive company data?

Eristotle understands that some roles involve confidential or restricted information. You may redact proprietary details as long as the core content remains intact for verification. We also accept summaries aligned with your organization’s internal policies, and we can provide a formal verification request letter upon request.

How should I verify a project where I served as the lead or supervisor?

You may ask a colleague, client, project sponsor, or peer who has firsthand knowledge of the work to verify your involvement. The verifier should be familiar with your responsibilities and able to confirm your contributions to the project.

Will Eristotle contact my verifier directly?

Not by default. Eristotle reserves the right to follow up with a verifier only if additional clarification is required during the review process.

My reference didn’t receive the verification email. What should I do?

First, confirm that the email address you provided is correct. Ask your reference to check their spam or junk mail folders. The email will come from our secure document system, be sure they whitelist that domain.

Can Eristotle request a certificate from a training provider on my behalf?

No. If your course was delivered by an Eristotle-recognized training partner, you are responsible for contacting the provider to obtain your certificate or proof of completion.

Does Eristotle accept digital signatures?

Yes. Eristotle fully supports secure electronic signatures submitted through verified digital platforms.

What if my in-house course didn’t provide a certificate?

If your training did not include a formal certificate, we will accept a signed letter of completion issued by your HR department, course administrator, or manager, on official company letterhead.

Can I use a receipt or a course attendance list as proof of education?

No. These documents do not demonstrate completion of a course. You must provide official documentation confirming that you successfully finished the training.

Can I use a school transcript to fulfill the degree requirement?

Yes, a transcript from an accredited academic institution is an acceptable form of verification for educational qualifications.

Are scanned copies of education certificates acceptable?

Yes. Eristotle’s audit process is fully digital. You may upload scanned copies of your certificates. If the document is multi-page, please combine all pages into a single PDF before submission.

Do I need to translate certificates written in a foreign language?

Yes. You must upload both the original certificate and a brief general translation. If the document has multiple pages, combine them into one PDF file and submit it through your Audit Dashboard under the “Professional Education” section.