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How to Prepare for CISSP Exam - A Comprehensive Guide

How to Prepare for CISSP Exam – A Comprehensive Guide

Looking to get certified in CISSP? Our guide will tell you everything you need to know about the exam, from eligibility requirements to what to expect on test day. We’ll also give you the benefits of passing the CISSP exam. So if you’re ready to take your career to the next level, read on!

Introduction

If you’re looking to move up in the IT field, getting good certifications is the way to go. The CISSP certification, which demonstrates a professional’s ability to create and oversee security architectures, is offered by (ISC)2. CISSP, or Certified Information Systems Security Professional, is one of the most renowned and respected certifications in the IT security industry. 

As of July, 2022, the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) had approximately 156,054 members. The pass rate for the CISSP exam is 20%, with a minimum passing score of 70%. The number is continuously growing, with more and more people taking the exam each year.

Table of Content

  1. About CISSP
  2. Types of CISSP Certifications
  3. CISSP Exam Overview
  4. CISSP Exam prerequisite
  5. CISSP Exam Weightage Breakup
  6. Benefits of obtaining a CISSP Certification
  7. Who should take this CISSP training course

About CISSP

The CISSP is a globally recognized information security certification that is held in high esteem by many employers. The CISSP certification proves your abilities in designing, implementing, and managing various cybersecurity architectures for the company. 

As the CISSP is a well-known and highly sought-after certification in the cybersecurity field, holding this certification demonstrates your expertise in managing security for the company on a global scale.

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

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). Candidates must prove their expertise across all domains in order to be certified.

Types of CISSP Certifications

The CISSP is the perfect certification for anyone looking to show off their problem-solving skills when it comes to security threats. This certification is perfect for 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)

Below is a list of 8 domains of CISSP offered 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

Want to be admired as a recognized professional in IS Security? Gain in-depth knowledge with CISSP Certified Information System Security Professional Training, now.

CISSP Exam Overview

Referring to these 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.

Exam Duration 4 Hours 
Total Questions 125-175 
Questions Format Multiple choice and innovative questions
Pass Points 700 out of 1000 
Exam Language Availability English
Exam Centres(ISC)² Authorised Testing Centers

CISSP Linear/Fixed Exam  

CISSP exams in all other languages (apart from English) are conducted as linear or fixed-form exams.

Exam Duration 6 Hours 
Total Questions250 
Questions Format Multiple choice and innovative questions
Pass Points 700 out of 1000 
Exam Language AvailabilityChinese, German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish 
Exam Centres(ISC)² Authorised Testing Centers 

CISSP Exam prerequisite

Applying for the CISSP Exam? Five years of experience in the field of information security is required, with at least two of the eight (ISC)2 CISSP security domains must be presented in your CBK experience.

If you meet at least one of the following criteria, you may be eligible for a one-year waiver or cancellation of the professional 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 experience requirement, irrespective of having two or more categories from the above list (For instance, a college degree + MCSE/CISA).

CISSP Exam Weightage Breakup

Weights for CISSP CAT & Linear/Fixed Examination

Domains  Average Weight 
Security and Risk Management 15% 
Asset Security 10% 
Security Architecture and Engineering 13% 
Communications and Network Security 13% 
Identity and Access Management 13% 
Security Assessment and Testing 12% 
Security Operations 13% 
Software Development Security 11% 
Total 100% 

Expected CISSP Certification Training Online Exam Preparation Time:

The average amount of time that IT specialists spend preparing for exams is between 50 to 60 hours. However, those without any IT experience may take up to 80 hours.

The amount of time it takes to finish exam preparation varies and depends on factors such as dedication, available time, and how much time is set aside each day or week to prepare. In some instances, people have finished preparing for their exams within one month. Others have taken up to six months.

Benefits of obtaining a CISSP Certification

Listed below are some of the benefits of obtaining a CISSP Certification:

  1. Salary: Cybersecurity professionals who earn the CISSP are among the most sought-after security experts in the world. The average salary of a CISSP professional is $120,000 in the United States. Security breach is a global concern soaring gradually, resulting in more and more job opportunities.
  2. Demand: There’s never been a better time to pursue a career in IT security. According to the (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Report, the global demand for cyber workforce professionals is expected to exceed 2.9 million. If you’re looking for an exciting and in-demand career, IT security is the perfect field for you.
  3. 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 certification.
  4. Understanding: 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. Experience: 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.
  6. 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 should 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: 

  1. Network and System Architects  
  2. Security Consultants 
  3. Security Managers  
  4. Chief Information Security Officers 
  5. Chief Security Officers 
  6. Senior Security Engineers 
  7. Security Auditors 
  8. Security Architects 
  9. Business Analysts 
  10. System and Network Designers

Conclusion

CISSP certification is globally recognized and it allows IT security professionals to deepen their understanding of information security. In today’s rapidly changing world, there is an increasing demand for professionals who can effectively protect IT assets, applications, and information from various cyber threats. 

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professionals) are best equipped to deal with these sorts of information security challenges.

We hope this blog has helped you understand more about the CISSP Certification Online Exam along with the benefits of being a CISSP professional.

The CISSP Certification prep course in usa is designed for those interested in setting up a career in IT/IS Security Industry or you can contact us and we would be happy to help.

TopD Learning provides many Cyber Security courses along with many other highly sought after IT Certification Courses so you can advance in your career and reach new heights.

So what are you waiting for? Enrol now or contact us so we can help you in choosing the best course(s) for you!!

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