CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional ® 2026

The CISSP exam is considered challenging. It has 100-150 (CAT) / 250 (linear) questions to complete in 180 minutes (CAT) / 360 minutes (linear), with a passing score of 700/1000. The industry pass rate is around 60%. Most candidates need 10-16 weeks of dedicated study to pass. Using practice questions and study guides significantly improves your chances.

Plan for 10-16 weeks of study time for the CISSP exam. This assumes studying 1-2 hours daily. If you already have 5 years security experience (or 4 with degree), you may need less time. Focus on weak areas identified through practice tests, and aim to consistently score 85%+ on mock exams before booking your test date.

The CISSP pass rate is around 60% based on industry data. The exam costs $749 USD and requires a score of 700/1000 to pass. Candidates who use structured practice tests and study guides have significantly higher pass rates. ExamCert users report a 98% first-attempt pass rate.

The CISSP exam costs $749 USD. The exam is 180 minutes (CAT) / 360 minutes (linear) long with 100-150 (CAT) / 250 (linear) questions administered by ISC2. You can retake the exam if you don't pass, though there may be a waiting period. Many employers reimburse certification exam fees.

Professionals with CISSP certification typically earn $145,000-$195,000 per year in the US in 2026. Salaries vary by location, experience, and additional certifications. The certification often leads to a 10-20% salary increase and opens doors to senior roles. It's one of the best ROI investments in IT career development.