DestCert vs. SANS

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 SANS


A CISSP MasterClass that adapts to your learning journey. Discover how DestCert's innovative approach to exam preparation outshines SANS Institute's CISSP course, making it the premier choice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

Key Features Comparison

Note: SANS Institute provides CISSP training in three formats: OnDemand (self-paced), Live Online (virtual instructor-led), and In-Person classes (primarily in the US). Each format follows the same curriculum but offers different levels of flexibility and interaction. Students should consider their schedule, learning preferences, and location when choosing an option. The In-Person classes typically last six days, which may require careful planning for those with busy schedules.

Feature

DestCert

SANS

Course Structure

PAID

PAID

ALL of the study materials you need

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Personalized Study Schedule

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Depends on the course

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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Printed Guidebook and Workbook*

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Integrated Learning System

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Comprehensive Exam Preparation

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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

Value for Money

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Flexible, Self-Paced Learning

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Option available

Variety of Teaching Styles

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 *Included with Preferred & Premier MasterClasses (DestCert)

Transform your CISSP prep.

Plans and Pricing Comparison

Plan

Price

Content

Access

SANS Institute (On-demand, live online, and in-person)

$8,525 (excl. VAT)

Printed and electronic course books, 320 practice questions, MP3 audio files, and a digital index to all materials offered

Depends on the course

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

*amount converted to USD, approximate estimate

Success Rates and Outcomes

Destination Certification

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Exceptional First-Time

Pass Rate

Our CISSP MasterClass boasts an impressive 93.6% first-time pass rate, showcasing the effectiveness of our comprehensive preparation approach.

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Rapid Certification

Achievement

Many of our dedicated students successfully pass the CISSP exam in as little as 14 to 30 days, fast-tracking their cybersecurity career advancement.

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Diverse Learner 

Success

Our adaptive learning system ensures that students from various backgrounds—whether highly technical or new to cybersecurity—can excel, optimizing study time and boosting confidence.

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Real-World

Application

Graduates consistently report immediate improvements in their professional capabilities, applying course knowledge directly to workplace scenarios.

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These are just a few success stories

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Jason Miller

Exam pass date: November 13, 2024

I was struggling to finding a way to challenge my career growth and had been looking at self-paced CISSP training books. The material on its own was difficult to stay interested in and motivate to even set a certification goal. I was introduced to Destination Certification CISSP MasterClass by a colleague who also signed up and passed the first attempt. After watching the introduction video and discussing and encouragement form Lou, I felt this was the right approach for me. The content is engaging and made relatable by Rob and John. Thank you for all of the support, I will be recommending this as a security certification track for the rest of my team.

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.

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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!

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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.

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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 16, 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.

SANS Institute

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Limited Outcome

Data

While SANS Institute is recognized for cybersecurity training, specific pass rate data for their CISSP course is not publicly available, making it challenging to compare success rates directly.

User Experience & Support

Destination Certification

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Comprehensive All-in-One Package

Our CISSP MasterClass provides everything you need for exam success. No need to juggle multiple resources or spend extra on supplementary materials—it's all here, perfectly aligned and ready for your journey.

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Adaptive Learning Ecosystem

More than just a course, our platform is your personal CISSP command center. It evolves with your progress, guiding you through over 170 targeted video lessons and tailored written content, ensuring your study path is as efficient as it is thorough.

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Flexibility Meets Structure

Your CISSP prep adapts to your life, not vice versa. Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, our system helps you craft a study schedule that harmonizes with your unique rhythm while keeping you on track for success.

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Multi-Channel Support System

Navigate your CISSP journey with confidence, knowing assistance is always at hand. Leverage our responsive email support, engage in bi-weekly live Q&A sessions for real-time problem-solving, or tap into our active Discord and Reddit communities for diverse perspectives and peer support.

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Personalized Mentoring

For users of our Preferred and Premier plans, we offer valuable 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. These personalized meetings with CISSP experts provide tailored guidance, helping you navigate challenging concepts and develop effective study strategies aligned with your individual needs.

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Interactive Learning Arsenal

Transform your study sessions into an engaging adventure. Flip through our dynamic flashcard app, test your knowledge with our practice question engine, or visualize complex concepts with our exclusive MindMap videos. It's not just learning—it's an immersive CISSP experience.

SANS Institute

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Different Learning Format

SANS offers their CISSP training in three distinct modes: OnDemand for self-paced study, Live Online for real-time virtual instruction, and In-Person for traditional classroom experiences. This variety allows students to choose a learning method that best fits their schedule and preferred style of engagement.

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Comprehensive Course Materials

Students receive both printed and electronic course books covering all eight CISSP domains, along with MP3 audio files of complete course lectures. This multi-format approach caters to different learning preferences and allows for flexible review options.

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Limited Personalization

Unlike some adaptive learning platforms, SANS's CISSP course follows a standardized curriculum for all students. While this ensures consistency, it may not cater as directly to individual learning needs or knowledge gaps

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the courses require prerequisites?

Both Destination Certification and SANS Institute recommend that students have at least five years of work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP CBK domains to ensure they are adequately prepared for the advanced concepts covered in the CISSP training and to meet the requirements for the CISSP exam. However, neither course strictly enforces these prerequisites, allowing motivated individuals from various backgrounds to enroll.

Are the courses aligned with the current CISSP changes?

Yes, both Destination Certification and SANS Institute keep their course content updated to align with the latest CISSP exam changes, ensuring that students receive the most current and relevant information for effective exam preparation. DestCert's adaptive learning platform allows for rapid updates, while SANS regularly revises its course materials to reflect the most recent exam objectives.

What additional resources or benefits do these courses offer?

Both courses offer a variety of additional resources and benefits. Destination Certification includes tools like a flashcard app, practice question app, MindMap videos, a printed guidebook and workbook (for higher-tier plans), weekly group mentoring, personalized schedules, and access to an active community. SANS Institute provides MP3 audio files of lectures, printed and electronic course books, and practice questions for each domain.

DestCert vs. SANS Institute: Which Course Is for You?

Choosing the right CISSP training course depends on various factors, including your budget, learning style, schedule flexibility, and specific career goals. Both Destination Certification and SANS Institute offer high-quality CISSP preparation, but they cater to different needs and preferences.

If you prefer a variety of course formats and the option to pursue additional certifications, SANS Institute might be the better fit. They offer in-person, live online, and self-paced options, allowing you to choose the learning environment that suits you best.

However, if you're looking for a comprehensive, all-in-one solution that provides everything you need to pass the CISSP exam and enhance your cybersecurity skills, Destination Certification's CISSP MasterClass is the ideal choice.

We provide all the study materials you'll need, so there's no scrambling for extra resources. With interactive tools, flexible scheduling, and personalized support (including one-on-one mentoring in our higher-tier plans), DestCert equips you fully for the CISSP exam and beyond.

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