What is ISC2 CISSP?

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a globally recognized certification offered by ISC2 (International Information System Security Certification Consortium). It validates your knowledge and skills in designing, implementing, and managing a top-level cybersecurity program. CISSP is often called the “gold standard” in information security certifications because it covers a wide range of security topics and demonstrates both technical and managerial competence.

Who should take this exam?

The ISC2 CISSP exam is ideal for:

• Security professionals with experience who want to move into senior roles.
• IT managers, security consultants, and network architects.
• Professionals aiming for leadership positions such as CISO, Security Director, or IT Security Manager.

If your goal is to show that you can design and manage enterprise-level security programs, CISSP is the right certification for you.

Prerequisites and Recommendations

To become fully certified, candidates need:

• At least 5 years of full-time work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains.
• If you don’t have the required experience, you can become an Associate of ISC2 after passing the ISC2 CISSP. You will then have six years to gain the required work experience. Detailed guidance is in Become an Associate of ISC2 After CISSP.

Having prior knowledge in IT security, risk management, or network administration is highly recommended before attempting the exam. To fully understand eligibility and the Associate pathway, see CISSP Exam Prerequisites & Eligibility

Exam Objectives and Domains

The CISSP exam is based on the ISC2 Common Body of Knowledge (CBK®), which is divided into 8 domains:

• Security and Risk Management
• Asset Security
• Security Architecture and Engineering
• Communication and Network Security
• Identity and Access Management (IAM)
• Security Assessment and Testing
• Security Operations
• Software Development Security

Objective Details By Domain

Each domain of the ISC2 CISSP has specific goals and a percentage weight that reflects its importance in the exam:

Software Development Security (10%)

• Focuses on secure coding practices, software lifecycle management, and application vulnerabilities.

Security and Risk Management (16%)

• Covers governance, compliance, risk frameworks, legal issues, and professional ethics.

Asset Security (10%)

• Focuses on classification, ownership, data protection, and privacy requirements.

Security Architecture and Engineering (13%)

• Includes encryption, secure design principles, physical security, and security models.

Communication and Network Security (13%)

• Deals with secure network architecture, protocols, and protecting data in transit.

Identity and Access Management (IAM) (13%)

• Focuses on authentication, authorization, identity provisioning, and access control.

Security Assessment and Testing (12%)

• Includes audits, security testing methods, vulnerability assessments, and assurance strategies.

Security Operations (13%)

• Covers monitoring, logging, incident response, forensics, disaster recovery, and business continuity.

For readers who want deeper guidance, explore CISSP Exam Domains Explained 2025, which covers each domain’s weight, key topics, and study focus.

What Changed in this Version

ISC2 updates the CISSP exam outline every few years to match industry needs. In the latest version (effective April 2024), some domains were restructured slightly, and the exam emphasizes cloud security, zero trust, and evolving threat landscapes more strongly than before.

For a complete outline of the latest structure and domain shifts, visit CISSP Exam Outline & 2024 Updates.

Registration and Scheduling

You can register for the ISC2 CISSP exam through the Pearson VUE testing platform. Steps include:

• Create an ISC2 account.
• Choose your test center or online proctored exam option.
• Pick a date and time that works for you.

Pricing and Vouchers

The standard exam fee for ISC2 CISSP is $749 USD.

Some organizations and training providers may offer exam vouchers at discounted prices.

Additional fees may apply for rescheduling or cancellations. For a complete financial guide, consult CISSP Exam Cost Breakdown 2025.

Policies you Should Know

• ID Requirements: You must present valid government-issued identification.
• Rescheduling/Cancellation: Allowed but must be done at least 48 hours in advance.
• Retake Policy: If you fail, you must wait 30 days before retaking. After multiple attempts, waiting periods increase.

If you need to retake, you can review waiting periods and strategy in CISSP Exam Retake Rules 2025.

Scoring and Results

• The exam uses a Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format for English versions.
• The passing score is 700 out of 1000.
• You’ll receive a preliminary pass/fail result immediately after finishing the exam, with official confirmation emailed later.

Exam Day and Test Experience

On exam day:

• Question types include multiple choice and advanced innovative formats (drag-and-drop, hotspot, etc.)
• Arrive at the test center 30 minutes early.
• Expect biometric checks (photo and palm scan).
• The exam can last up to 3 hours with 125–175 questions (English CAT). Other languages may have up to 250 questions and a 6-hour limit.

For a step-by-step look at test-day procedures and tips, check CISSP Exam Day Tips & Checklist.

Study Plan and Resources

A good CISSP study plan depends on your background. Beginners may need a structured, longer timeline, while experienced professionals can prepare in a shorter, more focused way. Avoid the pitfalls many candidates face by reading Avoid Common CISSP Exam Mistakes.

Sample Study Plan for Beginners (4–6 Months)

Beginners usually need more time to understand core concepts. Here’s a realistic plan:

Month 1: Foundation Building

• Read the Official ISC2 CISSP CBK Guide (start with Domain 1: Security and Risk Management).
• Watch beginner-friendly CISSP video courses (YouTube, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy).
• Take light notes to build a glossary of key terms.

Month 2–3: Deep Dive into Domains

• Study two domains per month in detail.
• After finishing each domain, take chapter quizzes to check understanding.
• Join online CISSP study groups or forums (Reddit, LinkedIn, or Discord).

Month 4: Practice & Revision

• Attempt full-length practice exams at least once a week.
• Review mistakes carefully and revisit weak domains.
• Use CISSP exam questions (such as from Cert Empire) to practice with real-style questions.

Month 5–6: Final Prep

• Revise flashcards, notes, and key formulas (e.g., risk = threat × vulnerability × impact).
• Focus on high-weight domains (Security and Risk Management, IAM, Communication & Network Security, Security Operations).
• Do time-bound practice tests to simulate exam pressure.

Sample Study Plan for Experienced Candidates (6–8 Weeks)

If you already have hands-on experience in cybersecurity, you’ll mainly need to align your knowledge with the CISSP exam format.

Week 1–2: Refresh and Align

• Skim the CISSP CBK Guide to align experience with exam objectives.
• Use concise resources like “CISSP Official Study Guide” (Sybex) or summary notes.
• Start light practice questions to identify weak areas.

For trusted practice material, see Best CISSP Practice Questions 2025.

Week 3–4: Targeted Domain Study

• Focus on domains you’re less familiar with (e.g., Software Development Security if you’re from a network background).
• Join a CISSP bootcamp or crash course for structured revision.
• Take at least two full-length practice tests.

Week 5–6: Practice & Exam Readiness

• Use practice dumps (from Cert Mage) to strengthen real-exam question handling.
• Revise key frameworks (ISO, NIST, COBIT, etc.).
• Do daily practice sets of 50–100 questions under time pressure.

Final Week (Week 7–8): Exam Simulation

• Take two timed practice exams and analyze mistakes.
• Revise quick notes, domain summaries, and memory tricks.
• Focus on relaxation, sleep, and exam-day readiness.

Beginners will benefit from the CISSP Exam Study Plan for 2025, which maps out an effective month-by-month schedule.

Certification validity and renewal

ISC2 CISSP certification is valid for 3 years.

To maintain it, you must earn 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits within the 3 years and pay an annual maintenance fee. Full renewal and credit instructions are in Maintain Your CISSP Certification.

Career outcomes

Earning ISC2 CISSP can lead to job roles such as:

• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• Security Consultant
• Security Manager
• IT Director
• Network Architect

Average Salary: CISSP-certified professionals often earn $110,000 to $150,000+ annually, depending on region and role. To explore salaries and global roles, visit CISSP Salary & Career Benefits.

Related or next-step certifications

After CISSP, many professionals pursue:

Specialized certifications in penetration testing, risk management, or cloud.

• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
• CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
• CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) – also from ISC2.

How does this exam compare to similar certifications

• CISM: Focuses more on management and governance. For a side-by-side comparison, read CISSP vs CISM: Key Differences.
• CEH: More focused on penetration testing and offensive security.
• CompTIA Security+: Entry-level, while CISSP is advanced.
• CISSP: Offers the most comprehensive coverage for both technical and management-level professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is CISSP harder than Security+?

Yes, ISC2 CISSP is much harder because it’s designed for experienced professionals and focuses on applying security knowledge in complex, real-world scenarios. Security+ is entry-level and tests fundamentals, while CISSP goes deeper into strategy, risk, and management-level decision-making.

Can I take the exam without 5 years of experience?

Yes, you can still take the exam. If you don’t have the required 5 years, you’ll earn the title Associate of ISC2 and get up to six years to gain the experience needed for full CISSP certification.

How long should I study for CISSP?

Most candidates study for 3-6 months, depending on experience. Beginners often need more time to build knowledge, while experienced security professionals may prepare in just a couple of months. Boost first-try success using Pass CISSP Exam First Attempt.

Is the ISC2 CISSP exam multiple choice only?

No, it’s not just multiple choice. The exam also includes drag-and-drop, hotspot, and scenario-based questions, making it more practical and challenging.

What happens if I fail the ISC2 CISSP exam?

If you fail the ISC2 CISSP, you can retake it after 30 days the first time, with longer wait periods for additional attempts. You’re allowed up to four attempts in a year, so you’ll have multiple chances to try again.