How to Prepare for CISSP Exam & What's the CISSP Exam Cost?

 Are you eager to elevate your expertise in Cybersecurity and solidify your career path? Maybe you are dreaming of a career boost to reach new heights but are afraid of the unknown. The CISSP Certification is just what you are looking for. By clearing the CISSP Exam you will gain a prestigious credential that validates your skills in Information Security Governance, Risk Management, and more.

Don't know how to prepare for the exam? Worry no more. This blog is your comprehensive guide to understanding the CISSP Exam, its requirements, and effective preparation strategies. Delve into the complexities of the CISSP Exam, from its content domains to exam format, and uncover valuable tips to succeed in your certification journey.

Table of Contents

1) About CISSP

2) What are the eight domains of CISSP?

3) CISSP Exam details

4) CISSP Exam prerequisite

5) Benefits of obtaining a CISSP Certification

6) Who should take this CISSP Training?

7) Conclusion

About CISSP 

The CISSP is one of the most prestigious and in-demand information security certifications to demonstrate cybersecurity proficiency. The CISSP certification demonstrates the CISSP professional's expertise in creating and supervising security architects for the company.   

Since CISSP is a globally recognised cybersecurity-focused certification, earning the Certified Information Systems Security Professionals certification proves your competence in designing, integrating, and managing various cybersecurity initiatives. CISSP is more aligned with a managerial and strategic perspective, covering areas like risk management, access control, and security architecture, making it suitable for those in leadership roles. On the other hand, CEH is tailored for individuals directly involved in assessing and fortifying the security posture of systems through ethical hacking practices. Both certifications play crucial roles in the cybersecurity domain, and the choice between CEH vs CISSP depends on your career goals and the specific cybersecurity role you aspire to undertake.

The CISSP Domains are developed and maintained by the non-profit International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)² also administers tests to professionals worldwide.   

As described by the CISSP domains, every area of information security is covered by the eight domains that comprise the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). The candidates must prove their expertise across all domains to be certified.   

The CISSP emphasises your ability to solve problems and identify workable solutions to periodic security threats. This certification suits specialists like cybersecurity managers, network architects, security systems engineers, security analysts, and IT directors.    

Apart from the regular CISSP credential, there are three other CISSP speciality versions you can acquire: 

a) Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (CISSP-ISSAP) 

b) Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (CISSP -ISSEP) 

c) Information Systems Security Management Professional (CISSP -ISSMP)
 

What are the eight domains of CISSP? 

Below is a list of 8 CISSP Domains that are covered under this certification:

1) Security and Risk Management 

2) Asset Security 

3) Security Architecture and Engineering 

4) Communications and Network Security 

5) Identity and Access Management 

6) Security Assessment and Testing 

7) Security Operations 

8) Software Development Security 

CISSP Exam details

To earn the CISSP Certification, it is crucial to pass an examination. Thus, it is important to have a careful look at the exam details. Referring to the following tables might give you a CISSP Exam overview:

CISSP CAT Exam: The CISSP exam uses CAT (Computerised Adaptive Testing) for all the exams in English.
 

CISSP Linear/Fixed Exam: CISSP Exams in all other languages (apart from English) are conducted as linear or fixed-form exams.
 

Weightage for CISSP CAT & Linear/Fixed Examination
 

To Receive CISSP-ISSAP Certification, - join our ISSAP Training & Certification now.

CISSP Exam prerequisite

The candidate must demonstrate at least five years of information security job experience to sit for the CISSP Exam. At least two of the eight (ISC)2 CISSP security domains must be presented in your CBK experience.  

Let us go through the other essential requirements to apply for CISSP Certification.   

If you meet at least one of the following criteria, you may be eligible for a one-year waiver or cancellation of the professional CISSP experience requirement:   

a) You hold an academic degree (honours) from the National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Security.   

b) Four-year college graduation certificate.   

c) You have a certification from the (ISC)2-approved list, such as - Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), and CompTIA Security+.   

You can only take a one-year waiver from the five-year professional CISSP experience requirement, irrespective of having two or more categories from the above list (For instance, a college degree + MCSE/CISA). 

CISSP Exam Cost

The current revised CISSP Exam cost is £668, compared to the earlier charged price of £624 plus taxes, depending on the country you apply to. Regardless of the country you apply to, the CISSP exam fee will remain at £668 or $749 for America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.  

In the United Kingdom, the current CISSP Examination price as of 2024 is £585 plus taxes.

The other fee structures include:  

a) Rescheduling of Exam: £35 / $50  

b) Cancelling of Exam: £70 / $100  

You can register for the CISSP Exam with (ISC)² Authorized Pearson VUE Testing Centers or at its associated franchise locations in your area.  

The training course fee might vary depending on the country you apply.   

Are you interested in setting up a career in IT/IS Security? Then, Upgrade yourself with Chief Information Security Officer Training now! 

Expected CISSP Exam Preparation Time 

The premeditated CISSP exam preparation time for IT specialists - is about 50 to 60 hours. And someone without any IT experience can take up to 80 hours.   

It is uncertain how long it will take to finish the CISSP exam preparation. It depends on your effort, available time, and the amount of time designated each day or week to prepare for the CISSP exam. Establishing attainable objectives and devising a well-organised study schedule that aligns with your timetable can greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your CISM vs CISSP exam preparation. In a few scenarios, there are cases where people have completed their exam preparation within a month. And some have even extended up to six months to conclude the exam preparation. 

Benefits of Obtaining a CISSP Certification 

1) Increase your earnings:  

The CISSP Certification holder earns an average of about £116,370 (in the US) and around £62k (in the UK) per annum. These earnings explain the importance of acquiring cybersecurity knowledge. Security breach is a global concern soaring gradually, resulting in more and more job opportunities.

2) Increased demand for cybersecurity professionals:  

More than 2.9 million cyber workforce professionals are needed globally, according to the (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Report. The best moment to move forward with your IT security career is now. 

3) Team recognition: 

The CISSP Certification is one of the hardest to obtain, making it a potent and well-respected credential. Your peers and superiors will regard and recognise you if you can successfully earn this CISSP certification.

4) In-depth understanding of Cybersecurity: 

All the core components of the cybersecurity field are covered in the CISSP programme. With time, it updates its curriculum to keep up with changes and technological breakthroughs.

5) Hands-on experience validating knowledge in Cybersecurity: 

The candidate is supposed to show paid job experience in the cybersecurity domain during the CISSP assessment. Over three years, you must clear 120 credits worth of professional programs to get accredited with CISSP certification.

Earning CISSP certification requires completing professional programs totaling 120 credits over a span of three years, which are deemed as CISSP worth

6) Large global community: 

The (ISC)2 global community of certified professionals has more than 140,000 members. You will be entitled to join this elite club of specialists after you receive this CISSP qualification.

Who can take this CISSP Training Course? 

This CISSP training is suitable for all those who want to gain knowledge about IT/IS security. This course will be more beneficial for the following and related professionals: 

a) Network and System Architects: For Network and System Architects, CISSP Certification enhances their ability to design secure network infrastructures, ensuring data protection and minimising vulnerabilities.

b) Security Consultants: Security Consultants benefit from CISSP by demonstrating expertise in advising clients on cybersecurity strategies and implementing effective security measures.

c) Security Managers: CISSP Certification equips Security Managers with advanced knowledge and skills to develop and oversee robust security policies, procedures, and protocols within organisations.

d) Chief Information Security Officers: Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) leverage CISSP Certification to establish and lead comprehensive cybersecurity programs, safeguarding sensitive information and mitigating security risks.

e) Chief Security Officers: CISSP Certification empowers Chief Security Officers (CSOs) to effectively manage organisational security initiatives, aligning security strategies with business objectives to ensure overall resilience and compliance.

f) Senior Security Engineers: Senior Security Engineers gain in-depth expertise in designing, implementing, and maintaining secure systems and networks, enhancing their capability to address complex security challenges.

g) Security Auditors: Security Auditors benefit from CISSP certification by acquiring specialized knowledge and skills to conduct thorough security assessments, audits, and evaluations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

h) Security Architects: CISSP Certification enables Security Architects to design and implement comprehensive security architectures, integrating advanced security controls and technologies to protect critical assets and infrastructure.

i) Business Analysts: Business Analysts enhance their understanding of cybersecurity concepts and principles through CISSP Certification, enabling them to identify security requirements, assess risks, and contribute to the development of secure business solutions.

j) System and Network Designers: System and Network Designers leverage CISSP certification to integrate robust security measures into system and network designs, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and services.

Conclusion  

In this blog, we have discussed the CISSP Exam fee, preparation time, prerequisites, CISSP benefits, exam pattern, and more for aspirants who want to set a career in IT/IS security. CISSP is an internationally known and acknowledged Information Security Certification for acquiring a deeper understanding of IT Security professionals. In today's contemporary world, there is a significant demand for professionals who thoroughly understand how to safeguard IT assets, applications, and information against threats.

Unlock your Cybersecurity potential with our comprehensive CISSP Training and become a Certified Information Security expert today!