How To Pass The CISSP Exam On Your First Try In 2025

Looking to appear for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification exam? Or, hoping to discover the CISSP pass rates? Whatever the reason, you’re in the right place! If you wish to add your name to this very limited but esteemed list of CISSP professionals, then this guide will equip you with the knowledge on how to pass the CISSP certification exam.

The CISSP certification currently stands as the most esteemed cybersecurity credential globally. However, to be certified, interested candidates need to undergo thorough preparation and tests. Passing the CISSP exam is a formidable task that demands intricate preparation; probably why only a limited number of ISC2 members hold this certification.

How To Pass The CISSP Exam?

A Certified Information Systems Security Professional is an information security certification that accredits an individual’s cybersecurity competence. This certification showcases an in-depth knowledge of eight CISSP domains contributing to the overall information security health. Powered by ISC2, it stands out as a globally recognised accreditation for a security personnel’s ability to formulate, implement and supervise powerful cybersecurity initiatives.

An individual, post successful CISSP completion, is expected to be armed with up-to-date information security knowledge, expertise, and skills.

What’s More?

This comprehensive certification encompasses eight key domains of information security:

• Security and risk management
• Asset protection
• System architecture design
• Network defence mechanisms
• Communication and network security
• Security operations
• Software development security
• Identity verification protocols

All these domains greatly contribute towards improving the overall stance of digital security within any organisation or entity at large.

Students are often confused and want to know about CEH vs. CISSP certification. Also, many end up mistaking the CISSP exam for CEH. Although CEH is amongst the most popular CISSP alternatives, these two certifications vary widely.

Also Read: Top CISSP Interview Questions & Answers

Know The Advantages of Having A CISSP Certification

Pursuing the CISSP certification presents a multitude of advantages for your information security career. But before that, let’s explore some compelling reasons why you should consider it:

1. Industry Recognition: Global employers recognise and respect CISSP. Hence, this certificate showcases your commitment to cybersecurity excellence.
2. Career Advancement: CISSP serves as a key that unlocks doors to leadership roles, like security architect, security manager, or chief information security officer (CISO).
3. Increased Earning Potential: CISSP-certified professionals often command higher remuneration, substantially boosting their earning potential compared to non-certified counterparts. PayScale reports an estimated average annual CISSP salary in India to be around INR 16,00,000.
4. Comprehensive Knowledge: The CISSP exam will lead you to explore an extensive variety of cybersecurity niches, turning you into a professional who knows almost everything about information security principles and practices.
5. Networking Opportunities: A CISSP certification captures the attention of many who will proudly join an exclusive community created with other dedicated professionals.

Post completing your CISSP, you’ll be introduced to myriads of work opportunities. In case you wish to seek reliable sources for preparation, make sure to check out CISSP interview questions and answers to put your best foot forward!

Fulfill The Requirements and Eligibility Criteria to Become CISSP Certified

Wondering how to study for CISSP? ISC2 sets certain requirements and eligibility criteria you must meet to claim success in the CISSP examination.

1. Experience: You need at least 5 years in paid work assignments in two or more domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) amongst the eight domains.
2. Education: If you lack the required experience, then you can substitute some of it with relevant certifications or educational degrees/diplomas. A four-year graduation degree or regional alternative usually does the job.
3. Exam: You must clear the multi-choice exam that contains advanced questions to test your preparation and skills.
4. Endorsement: Once you’ve received the required pass rate for CISSP certification, you have to get an endorsement from an ISC2-certified professional.
5. Ethics: Ethical behaviour is the key to upholding the ISC2 ethical code.

Familiarize Yourself With CISSP Exam Duration and Format

CISSP emerges as a challenging test of your security knowledge and skills. The written test lasts 6 hours and covers 250 multiple-choice and innovative questions. The questions test your understanding of the eight domains of CISSP CBK.

One must receive at least 700 points out of the total 1000 to succeed through this exam. In order to strengthen preparation, it is also recommended to enrol in a CISSP exam prep course for added expert guidance.

Know The CISSP Pass Rate

Being known for its intricate syllabus and challenging learning curve, CISSP is popular amongst aspirants. Despite its popularity, only a few actually manage to achieve this certification. According to the ISC2 community of CISSP aspirants and professionals, the CISSP exam pass rate usually ranges from 20% to 50%.

Conclusion

To boost your chances of success in the CISSP exam, develop a structured study plan. Dedicate yourself to rigorous preparation and acquire the appropriate resources to get started. Your journey should commence by acquainting yourself intimately with the CISSP exam domains. Then, create a detailed schedule that allows for comprehensive coverage of all topics under consideration.

Always remember that the CISSP exam poses a significant challenge. However, armed with appropriate learning resources, such as Edureka’s CISSP Certification Training Online, claiming CISSP certification becomes achievable.

FAQs

1. What should be the plan and approach to ensure success in the first attempt for CISSP?

To claim success in your first attempt, ensure that your study plan is thorough and addresses every topic covered in the CISSP exam. Set aside specific time dedicated to each subject based on your areas of strength and weakness. Use a combination of reading materials, practice questions, and practical experience.

2. What are some of the study materials best suited for CISSP exam preparation?

Study materials best suited for CISSP preparation include:

• Official ISC2 CISSP study guide
• Edureka CISSP certification training
• CISSP official practice tests
• Cybrary CISSP video course
• CISSP boot camps
• CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide by Shon Harris
• Online forums and study groups

3. How do I start my CISSP preparation?

To start your CISSP preparation, follow these steps:

1. Comprehend CISSP exam domains along with set rules and regulations.
2. Perform a self-check to figure out what is missing in your knowledge base.
3. Make a plan of study and time schedule, taking your availability and learning style into account.
4. Acquire reputable study materials such as books, videos, practice exams, and websites.
5. Join a study group or take a CISSP exam prep course to keep your motivation rolling.
6. Set aside time for scheduled study sessions and mock tests, and use your results as an indication of how you are progressing.

4. What should be the ideal timeline for preparation?

The ideal CISSP preparation timeline primarily varies depending on your current knowledge and level of experience. However, a vast majority of candidates usually follow a routine study schedule of 2-3 hours every day that lasts for 3-6 months.

5. How hard is it to pass CISSP?

CISSP has a fhigh difficulty level, which is probably why the CISSP failure rate is around 50-60%. Thus, the basic rule here is to make time for in-depth preparation, and then work on your practical performance.

6. Can I pass CISSP in 3 months?

While the CISSP preparation time entirely varies from person to person, but yes, one can pass CISSP in 3 months. However, it can get pretty challenging, since the preparation time may claim 8-10 hours of your day for the span of 3 long months.

7. How To Pass CISSP exam on my 1st attempt?

To clear your CISSP exam in the first attempt itself, you should follow these tips:

• Understand the exam format and structure.
• Create a comprehensive study plan covering all the CISSP domains.
• Use a combination of study materials.
• Enrol in a CISSP exam prep course or join a study group.
• Practice regularly with full-length mock exams.
• Stay motivated and focused throughout your preparation journey.
• Get enough rest and manage stress levels leading up to the exam day.

8. How long should I study to pass the CISSP exam?

The study duration of CISSP differs based on your background, experience, and learning style. Most candidates invest 2 to 3 hours daily for a span of 3 to 6 months. However, this timeline can reduce or extend based on individual circumstances.

9. What makes CISSP stand out?

The CISSP certification stands out due to its coverage of broad security domains, global recognition, and rigorous exam pattern.

10. Why do you need CISSP certification?

Getting the CISSP certification provides several benefits, including:

1. Validated expertise in information security domains
2. Increased job opportunities and career advancement
3. Higher earning potential compared to non-certified professionals
4. Global recognition and credibility in the cybersecurity industry
5. Access to a network of like-minded professionals and resources

11. What makes studying for CISSP so difficult?

Studying for the CISSP exam can be challenging due to several factors:

• The CISSP exam covers eight complex domains of information security.
• Exam questions demand a profound understanding since they are designed to test your practical skills.
• A minimum of five years of cumulative paid work experience is required.
• Preparing for the CISSP exam demands a considerable amount of time investment.
• The exam duration is 6 hours and requires candidates to work through 250 multiple-choice questions.