By Quick answer: Is ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) worth it in 2027?
- Verdict — Worth it, especially when the exam is free.
- Cost — See ISC2's page (ISC2 has run free-exam promotions)
- Time — Two to six weeks
- Best for — security beginners
Key takeaways
- ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) is worth it for security beginners.
- It's less useful for experienced security staff.
- Compare the alternatives below before you pay.
This is an honest review of ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC): what it covers, what it costs, who it helps and who should pick something else. We list the best alternatives so you can compare before you commit.
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) 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 | ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)ISC2 | 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 | Google Cybersecurity Professional CertificateGoogle / Coursera | $49/mo Coursera plan3 | 6 months at 7 hours a week | Free test |
| 4 | CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalISC2 | See ISC2 page4 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 5 | CompTIA Network+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store5 | 90 minutes | 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.)
- ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) Practice TestPractise for ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA Security+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Security+ before you pay.Start free test →
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals CertificationPractise for Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate before you pay.Start free test →
- CISSP Practice TestPractise for CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional before you pay.Start free test →
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), then the alternatives worth comparing
- ISC2ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)The credential reviewedSee ISC2 page
- CompTIACompTIA Security+Next stepVoucher price on the CompTIA store
- CourseraGoogle Cybersecurity Professional CertificateLearning alternative$49/mo Coursera plan
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
- Cost
- See ISC2 page1
- Entry
- No work experience required
ISC2's entry credential; no experience required; ANAB accredited. 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 forthe credential reviewed
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 fornext step
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
- Cost
- $49/mo Coursera plan3
- Time
- 6 months at 7 hours a week
Google Cybersecurity. Google's professional certificate teaches security basics with Python, Linux, SQL and SIEM tools through hands-on labs. It's designed for beginners, takes about six months at seven hours a week and offers financial aid.
Best forlearning alternative
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Cost
- See ISC2 page4
- Entry
- 5 years of paid security work experience
CISSP. 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 forlater
CompTIA Network+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store5
- Format
- 90 minutes
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience
Network+. CompTIA's Network+ covers networking concepts, infrastructure, operations and troubleshooting in a 90-minute exam. It's vendor-neutral and ANAB-accredited; CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience.
Best forfoundation
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No experience needed | Entry-level |
| Accredited | Less named than Security+ |
| Often free | Annual fee after passing |
Table: ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) pros and cons
Our verdict
Worth it, especially when the exam is free. It's a strong choice for security beginners. If you're experienced security staff, look at the alternatives above first.
How we ranked these picks
We reviewed ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) 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 ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) worth it?
Worth it, especially when the exam is free. It suits security beginners.
How much does ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) cost?
See ISC2's page (ISC2 has run free-exam promotions).
How long does ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) take?
Two to six weeks.
Is ISC2 CC free?
ISC2 has run free-exam promotions; check its page.
Is there a free practice test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free practice tests for this topic, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- ISC2 — ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Security+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Google — Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- ISC2 — CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Network+, 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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