CISSP Certification (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

Pearson VUE, an authorized test delivery provider for ISC2, conducts the CISSP or the Certified Information Systems Security Professional Certification exam on behalf of ISC2. The organization ensures a standardized and secure testing environment for candidates.   

 ISC2 lays out specific guidelines and procedures, which Pearson VUE takes into account while facilitating the CISSP examination process.  

Broadly, there are two types of CISSP exams - (1) Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) and (2) Linear, fixed-form exams.  

 While ISC2 has mandated that all English CISSP exams across the globe must use the CAT format (effective April 2024), non-English CISSP exams may still use the linear, fixed-form format. However, this approach is subject to change by ISC2. It would be best to consult ISC2 website, for the latest on the approach.  

 The CAT format, based on the same exam content outline as the previous linear, fixed-form exam, offers a more accurate and efficient evaluation of your competency. With CISSP-CAT, you can demonstrate your knowledge by answering fewer items and completing the exam in half the time.  

Here are a few key aspects of the CISSP-CAT exam pattern:

• The CISSP exam uses Computerized Adaptive Testing for all English exams, while exams in all other languages are administered as linear, fixed-form exams.
• In a CISSP-CAT exam, you must view at least 100 questions and at most 150 questions in a three-hour period (180 minutes). Out of the first 100 questions that you attempt, only 75 questions are marked and contribute to your final score. The non-graded 25 questions are interspersed among the 100 questions and are used to evaluate future test questions.
• As you answer questions beyond the 100th question, previous questions start getting discarded and do not contribute to your final score. The assessment is based only on the last 75 questions that are graded out of 100.
• When you arrive at the 100th question, the testing system measures your potential for passing the exam. If it estimates that your potential to pass is at least 95%, the test ends with a PASS score. If the system estimates your potential to fail is 95% or more, the test ends with a FAIL score. If the system cannot determine the likelihood of passing or failure by the time it reaches 100 questions, it evaluates again till it reaches question 150
• The passing grade is 700 out of 1000 points, which some experts equate to about 70% in every domain.
• There is no mention of negative marking, and (ISC)² does not report to candidates the number of questions they answered correctly or the overall percentage of questions they answered correctly.

When you’re ready to get started, you would want to find the best online CISSP training course, that gives you all the exam application and preparation support.  

The CISSP exam covers key topics from the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK®), the comprehensive framework of knowledge domains, ensuring that the topics stay relevant across all disciplines in today’s information security real-world context. 

 The topics fall under eight key domains which are weighted for the CISSP exam, as follows: 

 Our CISSP certification training course is designed such that it covers all the eight key domains mentioned above thoroughly. 

When you sign up for upGrad KnowledgeHut’s Certified Information Systems Security Professional course or CISSP classes online, you have a clear path to prepare for the exam and clear it in the very first go. 

Our Certified Information Systems Security Professional training provides comprehensive support to equip you with hands-on skills and the latest industry knowledge: 

1. Live Instructor-Led Training: Learn from industry experts who’ve been there and done that. 

2. On-Demand Learning: Learn on your own schedule with on-demand learning.  

3. Acquire Hands-On Skills: Practice with assessments, recall quizzes, and case studies to prepare for your CISSP exam with confidence. Our exclusive and extensive Practice Questions Bank covers all eight CISSP domains. 

4. Industry Best Practices: Study industry case studies and learn how to bridge the gap between theory and practice.  

5. Capstone Projects: Learn by doing and build an impressive portfolio that you can present to potential employers. Demonstrate your expertise in incident response, security architecture, privacy compliance, and business continuity planning, aligned with the eight main CISSP domains.  

6. Exam Prep Support: Our complementary course, “Mastering CISSP: Complete Course with Practice Exams and Study Materials” is a curated self-paced course which covers all eight CISSP domains and offers comprehensive learning, strategies, and practice exams.  

7. Exam Application Support: In addition, make the best of comprehensive assistance from our dedicated team, all the way from exam application to exam clearance.  

In summary, to prepare for the CISSP exam, all you need to do is get on board a trusted CISSP training online like upGrad KnowledgeHut’s and take action, leveraging the extensive support you will receive from resources to exam strategies. 

Here are some of the best CISSP books for the most effective exam preparation: 

1) CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional Study Guide by James Stewart, Mike Chapple, and Darril Gibson. 

2) The CISSP All In One Exam Guide by Shon Harris. 

3) Official ISC2 Guide to the CISSP CBK, 5th Edition. 

4) Eleventh Hour CISSP: Study Guide, 3rd Edition by Eric Conrad, Seth Misenar, and Joshua Feldman. 

5) CISSP for Dummies by Lawrence C. Miller and Peter H. Gregory3. 

7) Eleventh Hour CISSP®: 3rd Edition by Eric Conrad, Seth Misenar, and Joshua Feldman  

8) The NIST Security and Privacy Controls Special Publication, 800-53 Revision 5 

9) CISSP In 3 Weeks: The CISSP DIY Manual 

10) CISSP Exam Cram, 3rd edition   

11) How To Think Like A Manager for the CISSP Exam by Luke Ahmed  

12) CISSP: A Comprehensive Beginners Guide On The Information Technology by Walker Schmidt. 

Learn more about top books to help you prepare for the CISSP exam here. Enrolling for our CISSP certification online, will give you all the resources that you would need to ace your CISSP exam. 

Yes, we do. On signing up for our comprehensive CISSP course, you will receive exam support throughout, starting from CISSP application process to exam preparation.  

You can reach our team via phone or chat. Our dedicated support team is available to guide and help you throughout the process. For any course-related queries or additional information, you can also email us at support@knowledgehut.co.  

We are here to provide prompt and comprehensive support to ensure your CISSP certification journey is smooth and successful. 

How long one takes to prepare for the CISSP exam can vary depending on several factors.  

Once you have the prerequisite 5 years of working experience, the actual duration of the CISSP exam prep can be influenced by individual factors, such as how quickly you grasp the concepts, what resources you refer to, how well you practice for the exam, and your overall study approach. 

Our comprehensive Certified Information Systems Security Professional course is designed to support you throughout your certification journey, offering comprehensive assistance, guidance, and resources to ensure your exam success. Expert instructors provide valuable insights and real-world examples to enhance your understanding, preparing you to clear your exam with confidence. 

The hands-on aspect of the CISSP certification training program offers a structured learning experience and with dedicated study time, and in-depth coverage of the eight CISSP exam domains with the help of the many resources provided, you will be well on your way to acing the exam.  

Before you register for the CISSP exam, you should know what to expect. Here are some of the key aspects to familiarize yourself with: 

1. Exam outline and the eight cybersecurity skill domains you need to master 

2. Exam pattern and duration how exams are scored and formatted  

- Exam duration: 3 hours  

- Type of questions: Multiple choice, scenario-based items, advanced innovative items 

- Exam pass score: Minimum 700 out of 1,000 points required 

- Number of questions: 125 – 150 multiple choice and  

- Exam available in English, Chinese, German, Japanese, Spanish 

- Exam format: (1) Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) and (2) Linear, fixed-form exams; While ISC2 has mandated that all English CISSP exams across the globe must use the CAT format (effective April 2024), non-English CISSP exams may still use the linear, fixed-form format. Refer ISC2 website, for the latest on the approach.  

3. Review the ISC2 Candidate Information Bulletin for additional information on the exam process.  

Once you have a fair grasp of what to expect, you can go ahead and register the exam on the website of ISC2. Once your form is submitted, you will be redirected to the Pearson VUE website where you will be able to find an examination near you and schedule your certification exam conveniently. 

With our CISSP certification course which includes a comprehensive curriculum, live training, self-paced course, assessments, practice tests, projects and additional resources, you will be fully poised to pass the exam comfortably.  

Should you require any kind of support from upGrad KnowledgeHut, you can reach us 24/7 via chat, phone or email. 

Once you have completed the exam at a PearsonVUE centre, ISC2 conducts a psychometric and forensic evaluation to establish the score before releasing any of the scores. 

For this, they need data from a minimum number of test takers. In some instances, real-time results may not be available for this reason. In certain instances, it may take until six to eight weeks to complete this process as well, depending on the volume of test takers. 

You will receive an unofficial exam result by the exam proctor when you check out at the test center. You can expect the official result to be emailed to you directly by ISC2 in due course. 

Check here for the latest on the approach towards CISSP exam results. 

The CISSP passing score requires a grade of 700 out of 1000 points. There is no mention of negative marking on the ISC2 website.  

The CISSP exam is considered to be a competitive exam to pass and enrolling into a training program would be a good way to approach exam preparation as it gives you the required structure that you need. Not only will you be able to reach out to your instructor for support, you will also be part of the alumni network which helps you get connected with peers going through a similar upskilling and career acceleration journey. 

If, unfortunately, you do not pass the CISSP certification exam, you have the opportunity to retake the exam after a waiting period of 30 days. This allows you time to review your performance, identify areas of improvement, and further prepare for the exam. It's important to use this time effectively to enhance your knowledge and address any gaps in your understanding. 

After the 30-day waiting period, you can schedule a retake of the CISSP exam and have another chance to achieve a passing score. 

There are a few independent rules that govern exam retake attempts:  

• After the second exam attempt, a 60-day waiting period is required from the most recent exam attempt. 
• After the third exam attempt and for all subsequent retakes, a 90-day waiting period is required from the most recent exam attempt. 
• The maximum exam attempts within a 12-month period: Candidates may attempt the CISSP exam up to 4 times within a 12-month period. 

For the latest approach, please refer ISC2. 

A maximum of 4 CISSP exam attempts are permitted within a 12-month period. For the latest approach, please refer ISC2. 

While the CISSP exam cost is $749, this fee can vary by region and may be subject to change. For the most current pricing information, visit the official ISC2 website. 

Some test centers may charge an extra administrative fee, so be sure to account for that in your budget.  

The ISC2 CISSP certification is typically valid for three years. To renew, you can either retake the CISSP certification online course and exam, or you can earn and submit 120 Continuing Professional Education credits (CPEs) during the three years. 

To renew your CISSP certification after the three-year validity period, you need to meet the following requirements: 

• Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF): Certified members must pay an Annual Maintenance Fee of $135 each year on the certification date anniversary. If a member holds multiple certifications, they only need to pay a single AMF, which is due on the anniversary of their earliest certification 
• Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits: CISSP holders need to earn 120 CPE credits every three years. It is suggested that they earn approximately 40 CPE credits annually to avoid falling behind. CPE credits are categorized into two groups. 
• Group A Credits: These are given for activities that are related to the certification's domains. Examples include taking an online course, reading a professional book or magazine, publishing a book or article, attending a conference, preparing for a presentation, or teaching, performing a unique work-related project, volunteering, or taking a higher education course 
• Group B Credits: These are awarded for activities outside the main domain that can still enhance the general professional competencies and skills. They can be earned through professional development programs such as preparation for management courses or professional speaking, or by participating in non-security related activities and committees 

All CPE activities should be earned and completed during the certification cycle and not after the certification expiration date. There is typically a 90-day grace period for submitting CPE credits, but they must be acquired before the certificate expiration date. 

Failure to meet the CPE credit requirements may result in suspension and loss of the certification. The suspension will only be lifted after the minimum annual CPE credits are met. 

CPE credits are calculated as per activity, with one hour of CPE credit typically earned for every one hour spent in any related educational activity. However, several activities may yield more credits due to the depth of study involved or the level of commitment required. Note that you typically cannot earn CPE credits through normal daily job activities. 

Yes, there are Annual Maintenance Fees (AMF) associated with maintaining the CISSP certification. ISC2 members can pay a single AMF regardless of the number of ISC2 certifications they have earned.  

AMF for members with multiple certifications are due on their earliest certification anniversary. 

The AMF allows ISC2 to keep refining and ensuring the CISSP certification remains current and top-notch in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. In summary, it helps maintain the value and high standard that ISC2 has established. 

The AMF typically costs $135 per annum for CISSP holders. Any delays in this payment may put your certification in jeopardy. While there's a grace period should your certification go into ‘suspended’ status due to non-payment, continuous oversight may well result in you losing the coveted CISSP title.  

To maintain CISSP certification, you need to earn and submit 120 CPE credits every three years. Spreading this out in a way that you earn about 40 CPE credits each year, is a good strategy to avoid falling behind