CISSP Frequently Asked Questions
The CISSP cybersecurity certification is an elite way to demonstrate your knowledge, advance your career and become a member of a community of cybersecurity leaders. It shows you have all it takes to design, engineer, implement and run an information security program.
Exam Details
| Certification | CISSP |
| Performance-based Questions | Yes |
| Exam Length | 3 Hours |
| Experience Level | Manager |
| Pre-requisites | 5 years experience, endorsement |
| Exam Price | $699 |
| Passing Score | 700 (0-1000 Scale) |
1. General CISSP Exam FAQs
How can I earn the CISSP certification?
Here is what you need to become a CISSP
- 5 Years Experience: You need a minimum of 5 years cumulative paid full-time work experience in two or more of the 8 domains of the (ISC)² CISSP CBK®. Candidates may receive a one year experience waiver with a 4-year college degree, or regional equivalent or additional credential from the (ISC)² approved list.Don’t have 5 years experience? No problem. You can become an Associate of (ISC)² just by passing the CISSP exam. You will have 6 years to earn your needed experience.
- Schedule the Exam and Complete the Examination Agreement: You’ll need to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE, submit the exam fee (or provide your pre-purchase voucher information, if applicable), and complete the Examination Agreement.
- Pass the Exam: A passing score of the CISSP examination is a scaled score of 700 points or greater.
- Get Your Endorsement: After you have been notified that you have successfully passed the exam, you will need to subscribe to the (ISC)² Code of Ethics and have your application endorsed. The endorsement must be from a (ISC)² active member who is a certified professional. This member will verify your professional experience. You will need to become certified within nine months of the date of your exam or become an Associate of (ISC)². If you do not become certified or an Associate of (ISC)² within 9 months of the date of your exam, you will not be certified without retaking the exam. If you cannot find someone to endorse you, then (ISC)² can act as an endorser for you.
- Maintain the CISSP Certification: To maintain your CISSP certification, you need to re-certify every 3 years. Requirements are:
- Earn and submit a minimum of 40 continuing professional education (CPE) credits each year for a total of 120 CPE credits.
- Pay the $85 annual maintenance fee
- Follow the (ISC)² Code of Ethics
How long is the CISSP exam?
As of December 2017, the CISSP is now a CAT (Computer Adaptive Testing) format. This means that the exam can vary in terms of length depending on the user’s performance. Learn more about the change here: https://www.cybervista.net/cissp-new-cat-computerized-adaptive-test/
2. CISSP Course FAQs
How long is the course?
The course length depends largely upon your personal preference. The On-Demand course can take anywhere from just a few weeks on an accelerated schedule to the full six months of access we provide to the course. In short, this course is designed to fit around your busy schedule.
Who are the instructors of the course?
We leverage the best instruction. All of our instructors are approved by CompTIA, Security+ certified, and working cybersecurity practitioners themselves. Learn more about our instructors here.
What is light board technology?
Light board technology uses an illuminated glass pane between the instructor and the camera that allows the instructor to illustrate concepts while remaining face-to-face with students. We use a light board during our instruction so you can follow along in real time while your instructor demonstrates important topics in cybersecurity. Though we do use PowerPoint in our lessons, there is no “death by PowerPoint” in our course.
How many practice questions are available?
There are more than 1,000 practice questions in our system.
When will I receive access to the LMS for my course?
You will receive login credentials for the LMS and your diagnostic exam the week prior to the start of the course.
What is a diagnostic exam and how does it work?
The diagnostic exam is a 100 question online, multiple-choice practice test that will help you to uncover what you already know and where you should focus your efforts in order to perform well on the 8 domains of the CISSP exam. We use the results of your diagnostic exam to deliver you a personalized and efficient study plan for the duration of the course. In addition to the questions of the exam, we also include a short survey to learn more about you and how you study.
You will take this diagnostic in the week prior to your first live online class. You can self-administer the diagnostic exam as soon as your instructor has delivered your credentials to access the learning management system (LMS).
What can I expect from exam preparation?
It takes roughly 300 hours to fully prepare for the CISSP exam depending on your experience level. We help make the learning manageable by using learning science techniques (including the diagnostic exam) to focus on targeted areas of improvement.
Is there a cancellation or refund policy?
Please note sessions are defined as the usage of online resources including the diagnostic, or proctored exams.
- Cancellation before any session, 100% fees are refunded (less shipping & handling fee).
- Cancellation before two sessions, 75% fees are refunded (less shipping & handling fee).
- Cancellation before three sessions, 50% fees are refunded (less shipping & handling fee).
- Cancellation after third session, there will be no refund.
A refund will be processed after all student materials are returned to CyberVista.
What is the Readiness Guarantee?
The Readiness Guarantee allows for a free course re-take if life gets in the way. If you don’t feel ready to take the exam or if you do not pass your exam, then you may re-take the course.
- After completing your course, email us at [email protected] if you are not ready to take the exam or if you have taken the exam and have not passed. We’ll register you for the next available course (one-time) at no charge to you.
- In order to qualify, you must contact us within 3 months of the end of your original course and you must select a start date within 12 months of your original purchase date.