DestCert vs Coursera: Understanding the Key Differences

The Easiest
Way to Get Your CISSP Certification


CISSP training that focuses on what you need to learn —
at a pace that works for you

Prepare to confidently pass
the CISSP exam

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Why choose the

DestCert MasterClass over Coursera


A CISSP MasterClass that provides everything you need. See why the DestCert MasterClass makes it as easy as possible to pass the exam, and is the #1 alternative to Coursera.

Key Features Comparison

Important Note: Coursera does not offer a specific CISSP online training course. However, it does provide various cybersecurity and IT courses covering concepts and topics found in the CISSP exam. Additionally, some bachelor's programs on Coursera can offset one year of the required work experience to qualify for the CISSP certification.

Feature

DestCert

Coursera

Course Structure

PAID

FREE and PAID

ALL of the study materials you need

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Varies by Course

Personalized Study Schedule

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Weekly Live Q&A Calls

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1-on-1 Mentoring Sessions*

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Flashcard App

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Practice Question App

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MindMap Review Videos

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Proven Exam Strategies

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Active Community Support
(Discord, Reddit)

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Varies by Course

Printed Guidebook and Workbook*

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Integrated Learning System

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Comprehensive Exam Preparation

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Varies by Course

Personalized Review Guide

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Certified and Experienced Instructors

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Video Lectures

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Downloadable Resources

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Lifetime Access

Available in Premier Plan

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Value for Money

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Varies by Course

Flexible, Self-Paced Learning

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Variety of Teaching Styles

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 *Included with Preferred & Premier MasterClasses

Maximize your CISSP exam preparation with DestCert.

Plans and Pricing Comparison

Plan

Price

Content

Access

Coursera Free

Free

Basic access to course materials including video lectures and readings

Lifetime Access

Coursera Individual

$39-$79 per month

Full access to individual courses including video lectures, quizzes, downloadable resources

Duration of course

Coursera Individual

$39-$79 per month per specialization

Series of related courses, includes video lectures, quizzes, projects

Duration of specialization

Coursera Plus

$399 annually

Unlimited access to 7,000+ courses, specializations, and professional certificates

1 year

Coursera Degree Programs

Variers by program

Comprehensive programs offering video lectures, assignments, projects, and peer interaction

Duration of degree
program

DestCert Essential
CISSP MasterClass

$1,497

Everything you need to confidently pass the exam:
In-depth study material, full access to the learning system, MasterClass videos, PDF workbook, CISSP Guidebook, personalized schedule, weekly group mentoring, flashcard app, practice question app, MindMap videos, exam strategies, and practice exam

1 year

DestCert Preferred
CISSP MasterClass

$1,997

Everything in Essential, plus 2 x one-hour 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, printed CISSP workbook and guidebook, unlimited email support

3 years

DestCert Premier
CISSP MasterClass

$4,997

Everything in Preferred, plus unlimited personal 1-on-1 mentoring, and an iPad

Lifetime

Success Rates and Outcomes

Destination Certification

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93.6% First-Time
Pass Rate

Insanely high pass rate for our CISSP MasterClass students!

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Rapid
Sucess

Many of our students pass the exam in 30 days or less.

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Personalized
Guidance

Through your personalized schedule and review guide you will know exactly what to study each day and what to focus on.

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Comprehensive
Support

Weekly live group Q&A calls where you can ask any question and get a direct answer from your instructors (Rob, John & Lou) + email support + discord community chat + personal 1-on-1 mentoring.

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These are just a few success stories

Student Image of Jason Miller - Destination Certification

Jason Miller

Exam pass date: November 13, 2024

The Destination Certification team is so good at what they do! As a student, it's simply a matter of trusting and following the MasterClass process. Note that simple doesn't necessarily mean easy. You still have to do the work—watch the videos, take notes, do the flashcards, answer the practice questions, take the sample test, and review your weak spots—but if you do, you should find the exam absolutely manageable. I can't thank the team enough for their incredible dedication to high quality education, and for helping me get through this tough exam efficiently and on my first attempt.

Student Image of Clay Cavanaugh - Destination Certification

Clay Cavanaugh

Exam pass date: November 7, 2024

The Destination Certification team is so good at what they do! As a student, it's simply a matter of trusting and following the MasterClass process. Note that simple doesn't necessarily mean easy. You still have to do the work—watch the videos, take notes, do the flashcards, answer the practice questions, take the sample test, and review your weak spots—but if you do, you should find the exam absolutely manageable. I can't thank the team enough for their incredible dedication to high quality education, and for helping me get through this tough exam efficiently and on my first attempt.

Student Image of Ryan Sawyer - Destination Certification

Ryan Sawyer

Exam pass date: November 2, 2024

Destination Certification provided me with the essential tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the CISSP exam. Their comprehensive course made all the difference in my preparation. Thank you once again for everything, and I look forward to continuing my journey in cybersecurity!

Student Image of Sonu Kumar - Destination Certification

Sonu Kumar

Exam pass date: November 1, 2024

Destination Certification's CISSP study materials are comprehensive and engaging, which makes complex concepts easy to understand. The phenomenal support from the instructors helps stay motivated and on track, and the Destination Certification community provides a welcoming space to ask questions and facilitates connections with other students from diverse backgrounds who are also on their journey toward certification. Thank you, Destination Certification, for the dedication and time that your team invests in the CISSP curriculum and community!

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Emil Sturzenegger

Exam pass date: October 31, 2024

After booking my CISSP exam with just four weeks to prepare, Destination Certification provided the perfect roadmap to success. Their solid onboarding process eliminated the stress, giving me clear daily goals and ensuring that every day was fully immersed in the CISSP domains. I trusted their process from start to finish. The Masterclass content was well-structured, engaging, and utilized diverse learning methods to ensure long-term retention. Thanks Destination Certification for making this a success story.

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Vaibhav Pandey

Exam pass date: October 24, 2024

Destination Certification was the best decision I made for my CISSP preparation. The masterclass and study material provided by DestCert cover exactly what is needed for the exam. Complex topics are explained with a lot of simplicity, making the preparation journey smoother. I could never feel connected to any material before signing up for the masterclass. I passed the exam at 100 questions on my first attempt. I felt prepared and was confident during the entire exam.

Student Image of Wuzhekai Zeng - Destination Certification

Kane Zeng

Exam pass date: October 21, 2024

As a recent graduate with no prior experience or systematic knowledge in security, I would never have conquered the formidable CISSP exam without the invaluable assistance of Destination Certification. The high-quality, engaging, and well-organised content, coupled with thoughtfully designed features that facilitate a systematic and well-paced study approach, significantly saved me time and effort in this challenging endeavour. I wholeheartedly believe that anyone aiming to pass the CISSP exam can place their trust in this process. Thank you, Destination Certification, for enabling me to achieve what once seemed an insurmountable goal.

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Emily Henze

Exam pass date: October 18, 2024

Highly recommend! I liked that the class was self paced so that I could study when it was convenient for me. It was worth the extra money to have Lou as my coach who was essential in providing clarity, guiding me and encouraging me. Having multiple ways to study to compliment the way I learn best was beneficial. Thanks Lou and DestCert!

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Gary Benware

Exam pass date: October 18, 2024

My experience with Destination Certification was incredible. They truly prepared me for my exam from the instructor's support to the provided resources. Best piece of advice; trust their process!  

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Abdul Mannan Mohammed

Exam pass date: October 16, 2024

Kudos to the Dest Cert team for the amazing content delivery format. Would have been very challenging for me to pass the CISSP and CCSP on my first attempt in such a short time frame.

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Daniel Crespo Aldana

Exam pass date: October 8, 2024

I recently completed the CISSP preparation program conducted by Destination Certification, and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. The comprehensive material, user-friendly online platform, and the exceptional guidance from coaches John and Rob were instrumental in helping me pass with flying colors. Highly recommend this program to anyone aiming for CISSP certification!

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Graham Case

Exam pass date: October 7, 2024

I spent a year preparing for the CISSP exam, conducting extensive research and testing various materials. However, with work commitments, I found it challenging to make significant progress. One day, I stumbled upon Destination and decided to give their free masterclass a try. I was pleasantly surprised by how John and Rob kept me engaged throughout the course. The material was presented clearly and in such a way I was able to understand it, and I couldn’t get enough. I was so impressed that I decided to purchase the full masterclass. To my delight, the content was delivered in a way that made it unnecessary to rely on additional materials. I passed the exam using only Destination Cert and the official ISC2 test questions app. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and will definitely be returning for the CCSP certification.

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Zachary Gray

Exam pass date: September 30, 2024

I wanted to buy a course that I knew would get me to pass the CISSP certification the first time. I spent 2-3 months studying and going through all the material and was able to take the test the first time and passed! Worth the investment.

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Ioselani

Exam pass date: September 13, 2024

I strongly recommend using Destination Certification. Rob and John are great instructors while Lou provided great mentorship through my 23-day journey. The cost may been a bit pricey for myself. However, I have thought about the price as an investment for the future. This is coming from someone who did a career change to IT (Information Technology) back in 2020. My advice to those who are deciding to go with Destination Certification is to stick to their plan and do not deviate. I would also advise to stick with Destination Certification and not use any other references to avoid conflicting information. Easy day!

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Daniel Coleman

Exam pass date: September 6, 2024

After completing the free masterclass, I enjoyed how they presented the different concepts and ended up purchasing the full course. I highly recommend Destination Certification for CISSP preparation and only wish I had discovered them sooner.

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Rusty King

Exam pass date: September 6, 2024

John Berti, Your strategy is amazing even when you don’t quite understand the question 100% (there were a few).
Rob Witcher, I could hear many of your pronounced words in the explanations guiding me to the right answer.
Lou Hablas, Thanks for the support, tips and encouragement. What a great team and setup, keep up the good work!!

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David Haddad

Exam pass date: September 4, 2024

Destination Certification sets the standard for CISSP preparation with top-tier, expertly crafted resources. As a cybersecurity professional and doctoral student, I needed a study solution aligned with my technical expertise and busy schedule. Their well-structured, in-depth materials provided the technical depth and clarity required to navigate the complexities of the CISSP domains. Having earned certifications like CISM, CISA, and CDPSE, I found Destination Certification's approach uniquely effective for breaking down advanced security concepts. This is the ultimate resource for any IT professional aiming to conquer the CISSP.

Student image of Arezoo Tajerzadeh - Destination Certification

Arezoo Tajerzadeh

Exam pass date: August 31, 2024

Destination Certification provided invaluable guidance and resources, helping me navigate the complexities of the CISSP exam. Their expert coaching and comprehensive study materials played a key role in my successful certification.

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David Barocas 

Exam pass date: August 30, 2024

Being able to hop into weekly calls and have a mentor helped me affirm that I CAN DO THIS. If you think this test is unbeatable, Destination Certification has your back and can make it achievable. Thank you, DestCert!

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Justin Yetton

Exam pass date: August 29, 2024

After trusting in the process, I was able to pass my CISSP exam on the first attempt. This is money that was well spent, as I came out with a pass as well as more knowledge. I feel like a more competent security professional, so I thank the DestCert staff for that! 

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Woodrow Dunbar

Exam pass date: August 28, 2024

I would recommend Destination Certification On-line class, Study Apps, and CISSP MindMaps as your main source to study for the CISSP exam. Take your time and enjoy learning the right way.

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Josh Whitley

Exam pass date: August 28, 2024

Destination Certification provided a multitude of ways to ingest and retain the overwhelming amount of information required to pass the exam, including videos, a workbook, study guide, flashcards/questions, practices exams, Discord channels, Mind Maps, and more. It is the only resource I used to pass, and I couldn’t be more thankful for all the hard work and effort the team put into creating this class.

Student Image of Jeyakumar Soundararaj - Destination Certification

Jeyakumar Soundararaj

Exam pass date: August 21, 2024

When I went through the mini-master class, straight away I knew I am in the right place so I signed up for the MasterClass without any further procrastination. Rob, John and Lou made my CISSP certification journey easier. Thanks John, Rob and Lou.

Coursera

Due to the lack of a dedicated CISSP course, specific success rate data is unavailable.

User Experience & Support

Destination Certification

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Engaging and Intuitive

Our MasterClass seamlessly aligns with your existing knowledge. Dive into a world of tailored learning, where every lesson is crafted to address the specific areas you need to master.

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Comprehensive Summaries

With Destination Certification, your learning journey is as flexible as your schedule demands. Whether you’re looking to fast-track your certification in weeks or spread it over several months, our MasterClass adapts to your pace and needs.

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Knowledge Assessments

Transform the arduous task of studying into an engaging and enjoyable group experience. Our commitment to making learning interesting is evident in every lesson. Check out sample lessons to see how we bring the content to life, making it as captivating as it is educational.

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Responsive Support

The key to conquering the CISSP exam and others lies not just in technical knowledge but in adopting a strategic, managerial mindset. Our training equips you with this perspective, preparing you for the nuanced decision-making the exam demands.

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Active Community

A robust Discord community and dedicated subreddit provide peer support and engagement with course developers.

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Personalized Mentoring

At every step, expert guidance is just a click away. Engage directly with our top instructors for personalized answers to your queries. With our weekly live calls, mentoring programs, and a plethora of resources, you’re supported by a team and a community that's deeply invested in your success.

Coursera

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General Cybersecurity Courses

Various cybersecurity courses cover related topics but lack focused CISSP preparation.

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User Experience

Varied based on individual courses and instructors; some courses may offer interactive elements and community support, but this is not standardized.

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Support

Limited to course-specific forums and general Coursera support, lacking personalized mentoring and structured Q&A sessions.

CISSP training FAQ

How long does it take to complete Destination Certification's CISSP MasterClass?

The duration varies based on your schedule and commitment. Some students complete it in as little as 30 days with intensive study, while others take 4-10 weeks, studying consistently after work and on weekends.

Does Coursera offer any specific CISSP preparation courses?

No, Coursera does not offer a specific CISSP preparation course. However, it provides various cybersecurity and IT courses that cover related concepts and topics found in the CISSP exam.

What kind of study materials are included in Destination Certification’s CISSP MasterClass?

Destination Certification is an all-in-one course, providing all the study materials you need to prepare for the test. This includes a workbook, a guidebook, a flashcard app, and a practice questions app. You won’t need any additional resources.

DestCert vs. Coursera: Which Is Best for You?

Choosing between Coursera and Destination Certification for your CISSP preparation depends on your specific needs and learning goals.

If you’re looking to explore a wide range of topics in IT and cybersecurity or considering pursuing a bachelor's degree, Coursera might be more suitable. While it doesn't offer a specific CISSP course, Coursera provides various cybersecurity courses that can give you foundational knowledge and skills relevant to the CISSP exam. Plus, Coursera’s flexibility and diverse course offerings are ideal for broad learning and career development.

On the other hand, if you need a straightforward, comprehensive course that covers the entire CISSP exam, Destination Certification CISSP MasterClass is your best bet. With its all-in-one course, you get everything you need in one package—workbooks, guidebooks, a flashcard app, and a practice questions app. The structured approach, high pass rates, and extensive support make it an excellent choice for focused CISSP preparation.

Ready to jump into your CISSP journey with comprehensive support and proven success? Join DestCert’s CISSP MasterClass today and get on the fast track to certification!

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