ISC2 CSSLP Exam Questions 2025

What is the ISC2 CSSLP exam, and what will you learn from it?

The ISC2 Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) certification validates your expertise in secure software development and application security throughout the software lifecycle.

The CSSLP is ideal for professionals involved in software design, development, testing, and deployment who want to ensure that security is built into every phase of the development process.

By earning CSSLP, you’ll master secure coding practices, risk management, software supply chain security, and application vulnerability management. It’s a globally respected credential that helps you stand out as a secure software professional in the growing cybersecurity industry.

Get the most accurate and up-to-date CSSLP exam questions PDF at Cert Empire!

Exam Snapshot

Prerequisites before taking the CSSLP exam

To earn the full CSSLP certification, you must have:

• Four years of paid work experience in the software development lifecycle.
• One year of experience in one or more of the CSSLP domains.

If you don’t yet have the required experience, you can still take the exam and become an Associate of ISC2, then complete your experience requirement later.

Recommended skills before attempting CSSLP:

• Familiarity with secure coding practices and software design principles.
• Understanding of application security testing and risk management.
• Knowledge of DevOps, Agile, and CI/CD environments.

Main objectives and domains you will study for the CSSLP exam

The CSSLP exam covers eight domains, focusing on secure software development and lifecycle management.

Topics to cover in each CSSLP exam domain

Secure Software Concepts (10%)

• Understanding software security principles and guidelines.
• Recognizing common software vulnerabilities and threats.
• Identifying security requirements across SDLC phases.

Secure Software Requirements (14%)

• Gathering and validating secure requirements.
• Performing threat modeling and risk assessments.
• Aligning requirements with compliance and standards.

Secure Software Architecture and Design (14%)

• Designing secure architecture based on risk.
• Using design patterns that enhance security.
• Implementing defense-in-depth and least privilege principles.

Secure Software Implementation (14%)

• Writing secure code in multiple languages.
• Avoiding injection flaws and buffer overflows.
• Using static and dynamic code analysis tools.

Secure Software Testing (14%)

• Conducting security testing and validation.
• Performing vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.
• Managing defect tracking and remediation.

Secure Lifecycle Management (11%)

• Applying configuration and change management.
• Maintaining secure coding standards post-deployment.
• Integrating security into Agile and DevOps processes.

Software Deployment, Operations, and Maintenance (12%)

• Ensuring secure deployment and rollback processes.
• Implementing patch and update management.
• Monitoring and logging application security events.

Supply Chain and Software Acquisition (11%)

• Evaluating third-party software risks.
• Managing open-source and commercial components.
• Verifying software integrity and authenticity.

Changes in the latest version of CSSLP

The 2024 CSSLP update includes:

• Expanded coverage of DevSecOps and continuous integration security.
• New topics on AI-assisted development and software supply chain threats.
• Updated content reflecting modern frameworks like NIST SSDF and OWASP SAMM.
• Emphasis on secure-by-design principles and cloud-native applications.

Register and schedule your CSSLP exam

You can register for the CSSLP exam through Pearson VUE or the ISC2 official website:

1. Create an ISC2 account.
2. Choose the CSSLP certification from available exams.
3. Select your testing method – online or in-person.
4. Pay the USD 599 exam fee.
5. Schedule your preferred date and time.
6. Prepare your test environment and ID verification (for online proctored exams).

CSSLP exam cost, and can you get any discounts?

• Exam Fee: USD 599 (plus applicable taxes).
• Retake Fee: Full exam cost per attempt.
• Discounts:
  • Available through corporate partnerships or ISC2 training bundles.
  • Students or cybersecurity program participants may qualify for reduced pricing
  • Occasionally, ISC2 runs promotions that include discounts with training materials.

Exam policies you should know before taking CSSLP

• You must bring a valid government-issued ID for verification.
• For online testing, ensure a quiet, private room with a webcam.
• If you fail, you can retake the exam after 90 days.
• To maintain certification, earn 90 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every 3 years
• Pay an Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) to keep your certification active.

What can you expect on your CSSLP exam day?

• 125 multiple-choice questions.
• Duration: 4 hours (240 minutes).
• Questions are scenario-based, testing practical knowledge of secure software development.
• You’ll receive a Pass/Fail score report immediately after completing the exam.
• Passing score: 700 out of 1000

Plan your CSSLP study schedule effectively with 10 Study Tips

Tip 1: Start with the Official CSSLP Exam Outline from ISC2.
Tip 2: Allocate 8–10 weeks for focused study.
Tip 3: Use the Official ISC2 CSSLP Study Guide (2nd Edition).
Tip 4: Focus on secure coding, threat modeling, and architecture.
Tip 5: Take practice exams regularly to measure your progress.
Tip 6: Study OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities in depth.
Tip 7: Build a small DevSecOps lab to practice secure CI/CD pipelines.
Tip 8: Join ISC2 community forums and developer security groups.
Tip 9: Memorize frameworks like NIST SSDF, ISO 27034, and SAMM.
Tip 10: Use Cert Empire’s CSSLP PDF questions to get real exam-style experience.

Best study resources you can use to prepare for CSSLP

• Official ISC2 CSSLP Study Guide (2nd Edition)
• Official CSSLP Practice Tests
• Cert Empire CSSLP Exam Questions PDF
• (ISC)² Training Courses and On-Demand Webinars
• Cybrary and LinkedIn Learning CSSLP Training Programs
• OWASP and NIST documentation
• YouTube channels for secure coding and software lifecycle management

Career opportunities you can explore after earning CSSLP

The CSSLP certification can open doors to high-level roles such as:

• Secure Software Developer
• Application Security Engineer
• Software Security Architect
• DevSecOps Engineer
• Application Security Manager
• Software Quality Assurance Analyst

With CSSLP, you demonstrate your ability to integrate security into every phase of software development, making you a valuable asset to modern software teams.

Certifications to go for after completing CSSLP

Once you’ve earned CSSLP, you can pursue advanced certifications like:

• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
• CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)
• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
• GIAC Secure Software Programmer (GSSP)

These certifications will help you expand your expertise in cybersecurity, cloud, and application security domains.

How does CSSLP compare to other software security certifications?

• CSSLP vs. CEH: CSSLP focuses on secure development; CEH focuses on ethical hacking
• CSSLP vs. CISSP: CSSLP is for software professionals; CISSP is for broad security leadership roles.
• CSSLP vs. CompTIA Security+: CSSLP is advanced and role-specific, while Security+ is foundational.

CSSLP is the gold standard for secure software development, recognized by organizations worldwide seeking to embed security into their SDLC processes.

Ready to master secure software development?

Prepare confidently with authentic, updated CSSLP exam questions PDF from Cert Empire, your trusted source for passing on the first attempt!