CISSP

CISSP

Offered by ISC2

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) from ISC2 is widely regarded as the gold standard for experienced security practitioners...

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CISSP exam at a glance

Format

Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT): 100–150 questions

Duration

Up to 3 hours

Delivery

Pearson VUE test center

Passing score

700 out of 1000 (scaled)

Exam cost

$749 USD

Validity

3 years; maintain with CPE credits and annual maintenance fee

Prerequisites

5 years cumulative paid experience in 2+ of the 8 domains (1 year waivable with a degree or approved credential); pass without experience to become an Associate of ISC2

About the CISSP certification

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) from ISC2 is widely regarded as the gold standard for experienced security practitioners and leaders. It validates broad expertise across eight security domains and is a common requirement for senior security roles.

Since April 2024, all language versions use the same Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format. Beyond passing the exam, certification requires five years of qualifying experience and endorsement by an existing holder.

Who it’s for: Experienced security professionals, managers, and architects pursuing senior roles.

Official exam page· Details verified 2026-08

What the CISSP exam covers
  • Security and Risk Management
    16%
  • Asset Security
    10%
  • Security Architecture and Engineering
    13%
  • Communication and Network Security
    13%
  • Identity and Access Management (IAM)
    13%
  • Security Assessment and Testing
    12%
  • Security Operations
    13%
  • Software Development Security
    10%
How to study for the CISSP
  1. 1Review the current CISSP Exam Outline (updated April 2024) across all eight domains.
  2. 2Adopt a 'think like a manager' mindset — the exam rewards risk-based judgment.
  3. 3Study broadly rather than deeply; the exam is a mile wide.
  4. 4Use a full-length study guide plus adaptive practice questions.
  5. 5Line up an endorser and document your 5 years of qualifying experience.
CISSP — frequently asked questions

Can I take the CISSP without 5 years of experience?

Yes. You can pass the exam to become an Associate of ISC2 and then have up to six years to earn the required experience.

Why is CISSP considered hard?

It covers eight broad domains and rewards managerial, risk-based judgment over rote memorization. Most candidates study 100–150 hours.