By Quick answer: How do I pass CISSP?
- Plan — 14 weeks.
- Exam — see the official exam page.
- Fee — See ISC2 page.
- Practise — free timed tests until you pass comfortably.
Key takeaways
- Study from the official exam objectives, not just videos.
- Hands-on practice beats rereading.
- Book the exam when practice scores are consistently strong.
CISSP rewards a structured plan. This 14-week plan covers the exam format and cost, what to study when, and how to use practice tests so you walk in ready.
The exam and the resources that help
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 page1 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 2 | CompTIA Security+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store2 | V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk | Free test |
| 3 | CISM – Certified Information Security ManagerISACA | US$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members3 | 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 →
- CompTIA Security+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Security+ before you pay.Start free test →
- CISM Practice TestPractise for CISM – Certified Information Security Manager before you pay.Start free test →
The exam, then the resources to prepare with
- ISC2CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalThe examSee ISC2 page
- CompTIACompTIA Security+FoundationVoucher price on the CompTIA store
- ISACACISM – Certified Information Security ManagerManagement alternativeUS$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Cost
- See ISC2 page1
- Entry
- 5 years of paid security work experience
See ISC2 page. Format: see the official exam page. 5 years of paid security work experience. 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 exam
CompTIA Security+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store2
- Format
- V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk
Security+. 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 forfoundation
CISM – Certified Information Security Manager
- Cost
- US$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members3
CISM. 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
A 14-week study plan
- Week 1 — Download the official objectives and take a free baseline test.
- Weeks 2–12 — Study one domain at a time with official or trusted materials.
- Week 13 — Timed full-length practice tests; fix weak domains.
- Week 14 — Light review, rest, then sit the exam.
Tips that make the difference
- Objectives first — Map every study session to an exam objective.
- Active recall — Quiz yourself instead of rereading.
- Mistake log — Write down why each wrong answer was wrong.
- Timing — Practise full-length tests under time limits.
How we ranked these picks
Exam format, fee and prerequisites come from the official page for CISSP, checked 3 November 2026. The plan reflects common preparation patterns; adjust to your background.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to prepare for CISSP?
About 14 weeks for most people; less with experience.
How much does CISSP cost?
See ISC2 page.
What is the CISSP exam format?
See the official exam page.
Can I pass without five years' experience?
You can become an Associate of ISC2 while gaining it.
Is there a free CISSP practice test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers a free practice test, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- ISC2 — CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Security+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- ISACA — CISM – Certified Information Security Manager, 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.
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