How much does CISSP certification cost?
How much does CISSP certification cost?
$749 CISSP exam cost
$1,049 – $3,949 average CISSP certification cost (course + exam)
CISSP certification cost
CISSP certification costs $749 for the exam fee alone. CISSP test prep courses cost $300 to $3,200, depending on the type. ISC2, the company that grants this certification, requires a $135 annual membership fee on top of a cert renewal every 3 years. Extra fees apply for rescheduling and cancellations.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Prep course | $300 – $3,200 |
| Exam fee | $749 |
| Exam rescheduling fee | $50 |
| Exam cancellation fee | $100 |
| Membership fee | $135 per year |
What is CISSP certification?
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is a popular type of cybersecurity accreditation. The International Information System Security (ICS2) grants this advanced certification worldwide.
The CISSP certification indicates a person’s ability to handle cybersecurity for large organizations. It requires passing the exam as well as having 5 years of professional experience in at least two of the eight exam components. This certification is best suited to mid-level employees.
CISSP exam components
The CISSP exam covers eight different components with the following distribution:
| Subject | Exam percentage |
|---|---|
| Security and risk management | 15% |
| Security architecture and engineering | 13% |
| Communication and network security | 13% |
| Identity and access management | 13% |
| Security operations | 13% |
| Security assessment and testing | 12% |
| Software development security | 11% |
| Asset security | 10% |
CISSP exam cost
The CISSP certification exam itself costs $749. This fee rises periodically. ISC2 partner organizations will give you an exam voucher after successfully completing a CISSP exam training course. A passing score is 700 out of 1,000 points, or 70%.
If you’re not confident you’ll pass your first time, you can purchase Peace of Mind Protection for an extra $199. This will allow you to take the test twice in the event that you don’t pass, and you won’t have to pay another $749 to retake the test.
ISC2 sometimes offers early-bird pricing and discounts for the CISSP exam. To take advantage of these savings, check the ISC2 website before registering for the exam.
CISSP exam prep cost
Courses for CISSP certification cost $300 to $3,200 on average, depending on your location and whether it’s a traditional in-person, live online, or self-paced online class. Most in-person courses in the U.S. cost $2,000 to $3,200. Online bootcamps and self-paced classes typically cost less. Various organizations and websites, including ISC2, offer CISSP prep courses.
| Course type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| In-person | $2,000 – $3,200 |
| Live online | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Self-paced online | $300 – $2,600 |
Course materials
CISSP preparation books can cost $5 to $200 if they’re not covered in the course fee. Guidebooks provide valuable study materials and practice tests. Physical copies cost more than electronic versions but make note-taking easier.
Prep time
CISSP certification requires 50 to 70 hours of preparation time on average. If you have more work experience and a high competency level, you may not need as much time or formal training as someone with less experience.
Look for free training, practice tests, and related resources online. They’re not as in-depth as a complete course and may skim over some subjects, but they may help or supplement your learning.
Renewing CISSP cost
CISSP renewal costs $135 per year to maintain your membership. You must also either retake the exam every 3 years or earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Renewal requires earning 40 CPEs per year, or 120 total credits.
CPE credits help keep your knowledge up to date. You can earn them by attending training or seminars, enrolling in relevant courses, or volunteering.
FAQs about CISSP certification
How hard is CISSP?
The CISSP exam is considered difficult, especially for entry-level employees. You must have a solid grasp of not only cybersecurity but related hierarchies and processes. Only about 20% of people get the requisite passing score of 70%. The exam is less of a challenge if you complete several practice exams.
How long is the CISSP exam?
During the CISSP exam, you have 3 hours to answer 100 to 150 multiple-choice and advanced innovative questions. Non-English CISSP exams (French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean) have 6 hours and 250 questions.
Is CISSP worth it?
Though employers don’t require a CISSP certification, it can boost your earning potential and help you qualify for more advanced information security roles. Since the CISSP certification is one of the most in-demand credentials in this field, certification holders may earn more than average:
Chief Information Security Officers make around $173,500. This job requires a bachelor's or master’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field.
Network Architects make about $126,000. This job typically requires a bachelor’s in network engineering or a master’s in cybersecurity or a related field.
Information Technology Directors make around $125,000. This job requires a bachelor’s or master’s in computer science or a related field.
Security Analysts make about $73,500. This job usually requires a bachelor’s in cybersecurity, IT, or a similar field.
What to look for in a CISSP prep course or tutor
When choosing a CISSP prep course or cybersecurity tutor, follow these guidelines:
Look for tutors or courses with experience in CISSP preparation. Verify their qualifications or certifications.
Research their track record by reading reviews from previous students if possible.
Consider the teaching style of the tutor or course. Some students benefit from a structured approach, while others prefer flexibility.
Evaluate the quality of the study materials. Make sure they include practice tests and study guides.
Make sure the availability or class timeline aligns with your preferences and schedule.
Look for tutors or courses that monitor your progress and give feedback on your performance.
Questions to ask a CISSP instructor
Ask these essential questions to help make the most of your time with a tutor or instructor:
How will you test my knowledge and skills as we progress?
In which areas do I need the most improvement?
Would you help create a personalized study plan?
Can you give me an overview of the CISSP exam?
What are the hardest sections of the CISSP test? How should I approach them?
Do you have any tips for time management during the exam?
How much time should I dedicate to independent study?
Are you available for questions or support between classes?
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