By Quick answer: Is CISSP worth it in 2027?
- Verdict — Worth it for experienced security professionals.
- Cost — See ISC2's page
- Time — Three to six months of study for experienced candidates
- Best for — experienced security professionals
Key takeaways
- CISSP is worth it for experienced security professionals.
- It's less useful for people early in security.
- Compare the alternatives below before you pay.
This is an honest review of CISSP: what it tests, what it costs, who it helps and who should pick something else. We list the best alternatives so you can compare before you commit.
CISSP and its alternatives
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalISC2 | See ISC2 page2 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 2 | CISM – Certified Information Security ManagerISACA | US$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members3 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 3 | CISA – Certified Information Systems AuditorISACA | US$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members4 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 4 | CompTIA Security+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store5 | V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk | Free test |
| 5 | ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)ISC2 | See ISC2 page6 | Check issuer | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- CISSP Practice TestPractise for CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional before you pay.Start free test →
- CISM Practice TestPractise for CISM – Certified Information Security Manager before you pay.Start free test →
- CISA Practice TestPractise for CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA Security+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Security+ before you pay.Start free test →
CISSP, then the alternatives worth comparing
- ISC2CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalThe credential reviewedSee ISC2 page
- ISACACISM – Certified Information Security ManagerManagement alternativeUS$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members
- ISACACISA – Certified Information Systems AuditorAudit alternativeUS$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Cost
- See ISC2 page2
- Entry
- 5 years of paid security work experience
Five years' experience; US average $168,060.1 ISC2's senior credential covers eight broad security domains and requires five years of paid security experience. It's ANAB-accredited, and US holders averaged $168,060 in Skillsoft's 2025 survey, the highest of any IT certification there.
Best forthe credential reviewed
CISM – Certified Information Security Manager
- Cost
- US$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members3
Security management; US average $157,189.1 ISACA's credential for security managers covers governance, risk, programme management and incident management. It costs US$575 for ISACA members and US$760 for non-members and requires management experience.
Best formanagement alternative
CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor
- Cost
- US$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members4
Audit; US average $155,362.1 ISACA's audit credential covers auditing information systems, governance, operations and protection of assets. It costs US$575 for ISACA members and US$760 for non-members and is the standard for IT auditors.
Best foraudit alternative
CompTIA Security+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store5
- Format
- V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk
Entry credential. CompTIA's vendor-neutral security exam covers threats, architecture, operations and governance, and the new version adds AI-related risk. It's listed in ANAB's ISO/IEC 17024 directory; voucher prices vary by country.
Best forearlier step
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
- Cost
- See ISC2 page6
- Entry
- No work experience required
ISC2's entry credential. ISC2's entry credential covers security principles, access control, networks and operations, with no work experience required. It's ANAB-accredited, and ISC2 has run promotions offering free training and exams.
Best forstarting point
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highest IT survey pay | Five years' experience required |
| Globally respected | Broad, demanding exam |
| Broad scope | Annual fees and CPE |
Table: CISSP pros and cons
Our verdict
Worth it for experienced security professionals. It's a strong choice for experienced security professionals. If you're people early in security, look at the alternatives above first.
How we ranked these picks
We reviewed CISSP on cost, time, assessment, employer recognition and fit, using the official page checked 3 November 2026. Science of Apps has no commercial relationship with the issuer.
Frequently asked questions
Is CISSP worth it?
Yes for experienced security professionals.
Can I take CISSP without experience?
You can pass and become an Associate of ISC2 while gaining experience.
What does CISSP pay?
US holders averaged $168,060 (Skillsoft 2025).
CISSP or CISM?
CISSP for broad technical leadership; CISM for management.
Is there a free test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free CISSP practice tests.
Sources
- Skillsoft — Top-paying IT certifications
- ISC2 — CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- ISACA — CISM – Certified Information Security Manager, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- ISACA — CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Security+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- ISC2 — ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
Where to go from here
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