Getting Ready for Your ISC2 Exam
English | 日本語
Start Your Journey to Certification
Get ready for your assessment by ensuring you know what to expect before exam day. Exam outlines help you understand what cybersecurity skill domains you need to master, and make sure you are familiar with how exams are scored and formatted, including the CISSP CAT exam. Be sure to review the ISC2 Candidate Information Bulletin (Chinese, Japanese) for additional information on the exam process.
Have you been contacted by a proxy test service? Please report exam fraud or cheating in our Exam Fraud Form.
ISC2 Exam Outlines
Exam outlines are available for all ISC2 certifications, and they provide details on the domains covered by each exam. Visit our Certification Overview page and select the certification you are preparing for to access the exam outline.
Exam Format and Scoring
For answers to frequently asked questions about exam scoring, click here.
There may be scenario-based items with more than one multiple-choice item.
You need a scale score of at least 700 out of a possible 1,000 points to pass your cybersecurity exam.
Notice: The CC, SSCP and CCSP Exam will be offered exclusively in Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format beginning on October 1, 2025. At this time, the length of the SSCP exam will adjust to 2 hours. For more information including revised item counts and FAQs, please refer to www.isc2.org/certifications/computerized-adaptive-testing.
| Exam | Time Allotted | Items | Examination Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified in Cybersecurity | 2 hours | 100 multiple choice, 4 choices | English, Chinese, German, Japanese, Spanish |
| CISSP (CAT) | 3 hours | 125 – 150 multiple choice and advanced innovative items | English, Chinese, German, Japanese, Spanish |
| SSCP | 3 hours | 125 multiple choice, 4 choices | English, Japanese, Spanish |
| CCSP | 3 hours | 125 multiple choice, 4 choices | English, Chinese, German, Japanese |
| CGRC | 3 hours | 125 multiple choice, 4 choices | English |
| CSSLP | 3 hours | 125 multiple choice, 4 choices | English |
| ISSAP | 3 hours | 125 multiple choice, 4 choices | English |
| ISSEP | 3 hours | 125 multiple choice, 4 choices | English |
| ISSMP | 3 hours | 125 multiple choice, 4 choices | English |
Notice: Chinese language exams for CISSP, CCSP and CC are only available during select appointment windows.
CISSP
- 2025 Availability: March 1-31, June 1-30, September 1-30, December 1-31
CC and CCSP
- 2025 Availability: January 4 - February 2, April 1-30, July 11 - August 9, October 8 - November 6
Requesting Special Examination Accommodations
ISC2 provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations for its exams for those who have demonstrated a need for them. Please contact ISC2 first. Do not start by scheduling through Pearson VUE’s website or through their main registration phone line.
If you wish to request an examination accommodation, complete the Examination Accommodation Form and return it to ISC2 prior to registering for your exam with the following information to examadministration@isc2.org:
- An explanation of the examination accommodations you need
- Documentation supporting the examination accommodation
- The exam you want to take
- The exam location
Examination accommodation does not assist with expenses related to travel or lodging that may be needed to attend an exam and does not assist with costs associated with obtaining any of our certifications.
Examination accommodations are individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. Once an examination accommodation is approved by ISC2, we’ll send it to Pearson VUE Accommodations. Please allow two to three business days for Pearson VUE to get this information. Then, call Pearson VUE at +1.800.466.0450, so you can schedule your exam. Please note, that the purpose of examination accommodations is to provide examinees with full access to the test. However, examination accommodations are not a guarantee of improved performance or test completion.
Familiarize Yourself with Computerized Adaptive Test
ISC2 uses the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format for CISSP exams worldwide. Beginning October 1, 2025, CC, CCSP and SSCP will all be offered exclusively in the CAT format. Based on the same exam content outline as the linear, fixed-form exam, CAT is a more precise and efficient evaluation of your competency. Learn what to expect when taking your CISSP CAT exam here.
Exam Updates
ISC2 has an obligation to its membership to maintain the relevancy of its credentials. These enhancements are the result of a rigorous, methodical process that ISC2 follows to routinely update its credential exams. This process ensures the examinations and subsequent continuing professional education requirements encompass the topic areas relevant to the roles and responsibilities of today's practicing professionals.
Reporting Fraud or Cheating
If you suspect exam fraud or cheating, please report this information to us here.