The need for an independent information security qualification was identified though various activities including:

• AusCERT2002 conference open forum discussion on IT security certifications
• survey of IT security certifications (NOIE) late 2002
• meetings between AusCERT, UQ, NOIE, ISSEA and EWA-A in 2002/03

ISSPCS was originally developed by The University of Queensland, AusCERT and EWA-Australia in conjunction with the IT security community including contributions from:

• The IT security community (via feedback/forums)
• Our partner organisations of AusCERT/UQ/EWA-A team ( cross-industry development team)
• Industry consultants (targeted feedback sought)
• Dual-role academic board (quality control)
• Subject matter experts
• Academic oversight
• ISSEA (an international administrative authority)

ISSPCS initially published a TPKB (Theoretical and Practical Knowledge Base). This information was subsequently expanded into curricular modules and then further refined to create the current Study Guides reference materials and regional modules.

ISSPCS has also developed a Code of Ethics and continues to be overseen by leading subject matter experts from around the world.