CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional
How to prepare for CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional
A 5-stage plan from your first study session to exam day. Adjust the pace to your own schedule.
Study plan
| Stage | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Familiarize with the CBK Outline Read the official CISSP domain list and understand the weight each area carries. This sets a clear focus for study time. | Week 1-2 |
| 2 | Deep Dive into High‑Weight Domains Spend extra hours on Security and Risk Management and the three 13% domains, reviewing concepts, policies, and governance frameworks. | Week 3-5 |
| 3 | Cover Remaining Domains Study Asset Security, Software Development Security, and Security Assessment and Testing, ensuring you meet the two‑domain experience rule. | Week 6-8 |
| 4 | Integrate Knowledge with Scenarios Apply concepts to real‑world management scenarios—risk assessments, incident response plans, and architecture reviews—to build the breadth the exam expects. | Week 9-10 |
| 5 | Practice Adaptive Testing Strategies Use practice CAT exams to get comfortable with question difficulty adjustments and refine time‑management skills. | Week 11-12 |
Exam domains
These come from the official exam outline.
- Security & Risk Management
- Asset Security
- Security Engineering
- Network Security
- IAM
- Security Testing
- Security Operations
- Software Security (SDLC)
CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional preparation questions
How many steps are in the CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional study plan?
This plan has 5 stages, starting with familiarize with the CBK Outline and ending with practice Adaptive Testing Strategies.
Do I need prior experience for CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional?
CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional is rated Advanced. Check the official exam page for any formal requirements before you start.
What should I study for CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional?
Focus on the official exam domains: Security & Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Engineering, Network Security, IAM, Security Testing, Security Operations, Software Security (SDLC).
Are there practice questions for CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional?
Yes, there are 17 free practice questions for CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional on this site, each with an explanation.
Exam outlines change between versions. Check the official exam page for the current outline before you start.