How Difficult is CISSP Exam? The CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) exam is one of the most popular and highly regarded certifications in the security business. Administered by ISC2, the credential is targeted toward professionals who wish to establish their expertise in the areas of information security, risk management, security architecture, and organizational security practices. But a common question asked by those interested in a career in cybersecurity is: "is the CISSP difficult, and can you pass it?"
The CISSP exam is widely regarded as a difficult exam, but not necessarily a hard one to pass. The difficulty of the CISSP exam varies significantly based on factors such as your level of professional experience and knowledge of the CISSP domains, your approach to preparing for and taking the exam, and how you problem-solve during security-related situations.
However, for some, they will not be so sure about the exam as the syllabus is very long, and there are many different concepts covered. For others who have been working in IT and Cybersecurity for a long time, the CISSP exam will not be so difficult. Having an idea about why is CISSP exam so hard will help you.
What Makes the CISSP Exam Difficult?
CISSP exam difficulty is not only determined by the diverse range of CISSP subjects but also by how profound your knowledge of these subjects needs to be and also by the approach of how the exam questions are asked.
The test covers a wide variety of cybersecurity concepts such as technical controls of security, risk management, security governance, business continuity management, and security operations. Candidates should learn how these concepts are applied and how each individual concept fits into a comprehensive security framework.
Below are some of the most challenging aspects of the CISSP exam.
1. A Wide and Elaborate Curriculum
The biggest obstacle of these CISSP exam types is their huge syllabus. The CISSP certification mentions eight domains of CISSP's share of the body of knowledge (CBK).
These domains include:
- Security and Risk Management
- Asset Security
- Security Architecture and Engineering
- Communication and Network Security
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Security Assessment and Testing
- Security Operations
- Software Development Security
Within each domain are numerous concepts, frameworks, technologies, and security practices. Security and Risk Management Domain includes concepts such as governance, compliance, and information security risk management, security policies, and security professional ethics. Communication and Network Security Domain includes concepts such as network architecture, communication security, and network security.
Likewise, Security Architecture and Engineering needs knowledge of security models, cryptography, and the principles of system design and engineering.
The problem is that candidates are not able to study just one or two domains. They must be sufficiently familiar with all the eight domains. Even experienced subject matter experts in certain domain are bound to find unfamiliar topics difficult to deal with.
2. The Exam Tests Decision-Making, Not Just Memorization
The format of the questions is another reason why the CISSP is one of the hardest exams.
Most certification exams test a candidate's ability to recall definitions, identify tool names, and memorize technical procedures. The CISSP exam requires more than this.
It often pose situation-based questions that ask test-takers to assess a situation and choose the best answer.
For instance, a question might introduce a business that is experiencing a security threat and then test the candidate's knowledge by requesting that he or she select what the security practitioner should do first. There may be multiple answer options that would be technically correct but only one option that makes the best sense in terms of the business security goals and risk.
For a security control, this translates to candidates not just understanding what the control does, but when and why it should be used.
The exam can sometimes seem to be forcing you to consider it through the eyes of a security professional considering how best to keep the organisation as a whole secure. This involves balancing technical security, business considerations, compliance and operational needs.
The implication of this is that students may be reading their examination study guides in vain if they are unable to understand the concepts therein.
3. A Perspective From the Security Manager
If you're an experienced security professional, the CISSP exam questions are similar to what security decision-makers are doing in the real world. Some candidates may understand technical concepts such as configuring a firewall, monitoring security event, managing access control, or investigating an incident. But the CISSP exam has asked them to think of the organizational view.
For example, a Technical person might go to switch on a new security tool to patch a vulnerability, or A CISSP level thought process may be to consider the business risk, go back and check an organisation's policy, look up who owns the risk and decide whether or not the control makes sense to the security function. This may make it difficult for the candidates who are more used to just 'answering' questions by solving technical problem.It promotes a disciplined process for security decision making in which risk mitigation, business requirements, governance, and organizational responsibilities are assessed prior to identifying a solution.
4. Strong Conceptual Understanding Is Essential
The exam is loaded with many tightly packed concepts. One typically needs to know several related concepts before understanding another.For instance, it includes defining a target, cataloging the assets, assessing threats and vulnerabilities, estimating impact, and executing a risk management process. These practices are linked to security policy, business continuity, compliance and security administration.Likewise, the ideas of identity management, authentication, access control and organisational security policies are highly interconnected.Individuals who approach every subject in this manner may struggle to provide answers to questions that explore a couple of concepts.A good theoretical knowledge base allows the students to understand these relationships and apply their knowledge.
Is the CISSP Exam Difficult for Beginners?
For individuals who are just starting in the IT or cybersecurity industry, the CISSP exam may be a little overwhelming. The certification is designed for seasoned professionals and the principles and practices referenced in the syllabus will presume that candidates will be familiar with information security principles, IT systems and general organizational principles and processes and risk management. Those with less experience may have difficult understanding security architecture, network security, cryptography, identity, and governance.That is not to say that beginners can't begin CISSP preparation. For those who want to be certified, they can start by building their basic knowledge of networking, operating systems, cybersecurity basics, and risk management.
You should also be aware of the Experience required by certification ISC2 states candidates must possess a minimum of five years' cumulative paid work experience with a minimum of two years in three or more of the eight CISSP domains. Some qualifications may be eligible to waive one year of the required experience. Test takers who pass the exam without the required experience will be designated as an Associate of ISC2 and work towards the experience requirement. Thus, it is advisable for starters to view the CISSP as a final goal to be pursued in their career while increasing their knowledge and capacity over time.
How Difficult Is the CISSP Exam for Experienced IT Professionals?
For those who have gained some years of experience in IT, cyber security, networking and information security management, the CISSP exam may be less daunting.The advantage is that the applicant has prior experience in that they are familiar with some of the ideas and topics discussed in the exam.
For example:
- If you work in network security, you may be used to Communication and Network Security.
- Security analysts might have hands-on experience with Security Operations and Security Assessment and Testing.
- IT auditors might know Security and Risk Management, compliance and governance.
- Security architects might be interested in Security Architecture and Engineering.
- IAM professional may be to deal with the Identity and Access Management.
But only knowing the theoretical knowledge does not help you succeed in your practical life.
Deep expertise in one specialty sometimes means the absence of knowledge elsewhere. If you are a network security expert, perhaps you will need to make time to learn about software development security, asset security, and business continuity.
The trick is to pinpoint knowledge gaps and make systematic preparations in each of the eight areas.
How Long Do I Need to Study for the CISSP Exam?
The duration of preparation will vary for each candidate based on their prior knowledge and skills, professional experience, and study routine. Candidates with more years of cybersecurity experience might take a shorter time to go through known areas while less experienced candidates may need a bit of extra time.
Having a plan of preparation can help the candidates cover the syllabus systematically.
Some hands-on preparation practices could be:
First, understand the exam objectives. Review the official CISSP exam outline and become familiar with all eight domains. This will help you understand the scope of the examination and identify areas that require additional attention.
Secondly, develop a solid conceptual model. Learn the primary concepts in each domain – not just the definitions – and see how security concepts work in the real world of organizations.
Third, practice scenario-based questions. Practice questions can help you get used to the kind of thinking demanded by the exam. Notice the reasoning process of the correct answer and why the other answer choices are less suitable.
Based on practice results, determine the areas that you are still not confident with. Revisit the topics and solidify your ideas!
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Lastly, keep revising.** Practice regular revision to learn more information, to be able to recall the content you have learned during the exam. It is not simply rushing through the syllabus, but to give the confidence and understanding to make the right decision about security.
Tips to Simplify CISSP Exam Prep
While CISSP is a difficult exam, planning for the exam will help make the challenge more manageable.
Please find below some preparation tips from the certification administrator.
Focus on Understanding the Concepts
Don't solely memorize information. Grasp why security controls are needed and about the goals of risk management, as well as how the domains are related.
When doing a topic, question how it may apply to real organizational setting.
Learn to Analyze Scenario-Based Questions
Read the question carefully and understand the main question that it has raised.
Remember to be wary of words like "first", "best", "most appropriate", and "primary" as they can heavily skew the answer you are supposed to give.
Think about the business environment, security goals, and roles within the business before choosing an answer.
Study All Eight Domains
Do not dismiss any domains just because they are unfamiliar or less relevant to your current role.
Since the CISSP test assesses general cyber security know-how, evenly offer at the material is essential.
Use Practice Tests Judiciously
Sample tests help identify what areas you need to work on and how to analyze questions more effectively.
But also, don't fall into the habit of using practice questions as an answer bank to memorize. Instead, learn how the correct answer is the correct answer.
Create a Set Study Pattern
Sticking to a study schedule can ease a large syllabus.
As an alternative to trying to cram studying everything in a short amount of time, split the syllabus up into sections and regularly go over it.
If you learn persistently, conceptually and focus on practice.
Is the CISSP Certification Worth the Difficulty?
While it might be a bit daunting, going for the CISSP certification could be worth the effort for those aiming for a long term position in cybersecurity.
It shows a broad-based knowledge of information security and may enable career advancement in positions such as:
- Information Security Manager
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Security Architect
- Security Analyst
- Information Security Officer
- Risk & Compliance Professional
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
The certification is especially beneficial for those who wish to no longer be responsible for individual technical tasks but assume higher-level security leadership, governance, risk management, or architecture roles.
But how valuable the certification is will be determined by one's professional career aspirations, a professional's work history, and the demands of the position applied for.
CISSP study guides to improve your knowledge about information security before obtaining the certification.
Final Thoughts: Is the CISSP Exam Really Difficult?
The challenge with this module is that the enormous syllabus, the level of conceptual understanding needed to pass and the focus on professional decision-making rather than technical knowledge. Students should be able to assess security situations and organization's risks and design solutions.
For beginners, the certification may involve more preparation time with time to develop general knowledge of IT and relevant working experience. For IT and cybersecurity professionals with skills and knowledge in the eight domains of the certification, the exam may be easier to complete.
Candidates can opt for training and guided learning resources to streamline their preparation. Instructor-led training: CISSP candidates can take instructor-led Infosectrain
CISSP training to understand the CISSP exam domains, enhance conceptual knowledge, and get familiar with scenario-based questions. Guided learning resources: Candidates can access guided learning resources to identify the weak areas, acquire a comprehensive understanding of a complex security concept, and gain confidence for the exam.
However, at the end of the day your success in the CISSP exam will come down to how well you grasp the concepts, how well you answer questions and how you approach the scenarios questions.
The key takeaway to remember is that the CISSP isn't about being the best at your own knowledge of cybersecurity. It's about knowing how to make the right security decision in a business setting.
When candidates dedicate the necessary time, establish a solid study plan, and learn the features of each of the CISSP domains, they can take the test with a bit more certainty and reach their goal of earning their highly regarded cybersecurity certification.
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