Understanding Chapter Memberships

Are you looking to advance your cybersecurity career, connect with professionals in the Charlotte area, and give back to your community? Joining the ISC2 Charlotte Metro Chapter for 2026 may be one of the best moves you make. Below is a detailed breakdown of what membership gives you — and what you’ll pay for it.

🎯 Chapter Membership Benefits at a Glance

When you become a member of the ISC2 Charlotte Metro Chapter, you get access to a variety of meaningful benefits tailored to help you grow professionally, expand your network, earn CPEs, and give back. According to the chapter’s own description:

• Exclusive Learning Opportunities: Regular chapter meetings and special events bring in industry‐leading experts who share the latest in cybersecurity trends and best practices.

• Community Engagement: You’ll have the chance to participate in outreach programs, mentorship initiatives and volunteer opportunities — helping raise cybersecurity awareness in the Charlotte metro area while inspiring the next generation.

• Professional Networking: Connect with a diverse group of professionals — from seasoned experts to rising stars. Share knowledge, collaborate, and build relationships that can support your career.

• Professional Growth: Through study groups, workshops and programs the chapter supports, you’ll gain skills that help set you apart in the field.

• Earn CPE Credits: As a chapter member you can earn 20+ continuing professional education (CPE) credits each year, which help maintain your ISC2 credentials. Which are submitted on your behalf.

• Leadership & Committee Roles: The chapter encourages active participation and offers committee roles (Community Relations, Educational Programs/Study Groups, Membership Support, Programs & Planning).

• No ISC2 Certification Required: Importantly, you do not need to hold an ISC2 certification to join the chapter. The local chapter dues‐funded initiatives apply regardless.

  
  

And from the broader parent organization, the ISC2 (global) membership framework reinforces the value of what a certified member gets: access to ongoing professional development, networking opportunities around the world, advocacy work, and training/discounts.

Bottom line: Joining this chapter is an investment in your local professional community, your own growth, and your ability to contribute.

Flexible workspace setup for professionals

💲 2026 Chapter Dues & What They Cover

Here’s the breakdown of the cost and how it works for 2026 membership specifically:

• The chapter dues are US $120 per calendar year, billed each January.

• They may be prorated based on time of enrollment.

• If you are a college student pursuing an IT or cybersecurity career, you are eligible for free membership for one year, provided you register using the student email account.

• These chapter dues are separate from global ISC2 certification maintenance fees (AMFs). In other words: paying chapter dues does not substitute for your national ISC2 dues if you hold a certification. The chapter dues directly support chapter-level initiatives: local cybersecurity awareness, scholarships for students, etc.

Calendar showing flexible scheduling for memberships

✅ Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Membership

To maximize your return on this investment:

1. Attend the monthly chapter meetings — the chapter holds monthly meetings (typically the 3rd Thursday) with a few exceptions.

2. Get active in a committee — pick an area (whether Community Relations, Education/Study Groups, Programs & Planning) so you’re not just a passive member.

3. Log your CPEs — make sure you track and submit the 20+ CPE credits you earn via chapter activities so they count toward certifications maintenance. CPEs for members will be submitted on your behalf for each official ISC2 Chapter event. Certificates of attendance are available upon request.

4. Leverage networking — engage with speakers and fellow members, and follow up after events.

5. Use student membership if eligible — if you’re in college and studying IT/cybersecurity, take advantage of the free year to build relationships at minimal cost.

6. Align with your global certification strategy — if you hold (or plan to obtain) an ISC2 certification, keep in mind the local dues don’t substitute for your global dues/AMF.

7. Check for pro-rations if joining mid-year — if you sign up later in the year, you may pay a reduced amount.

🚀 Final Thoughts

Joining the ISC2 Charlotte Metro Chapter for 2026 is more than just paying dues — it’s becoming part of a community, tapping into professional growth, and contributing to the cybersecurity ecosystem locally. At $120/year, it's a reasonably affordable way to invest in your career.

If you’re ready to take that step, the chapter’s membership registration form is available online here.