If you're looking to scale your cybersecurity career to new heights, becoming a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an excellent path. However, preparation for the certification isn't just about studying for the exam. You also need to consider where you plan on taking it, as the CISSP test can only be administered at accredited testing centers.
Unfortunately, not every aspiring cybersecurity professional resides near one. If this describes you, you might be wondering whether you can take the CISSP exam online—it’s a digitally formatted test, after all.
But is it really possible to do so? Let's find out.
Can you take the CISSP exam online?
The answer is not quite what you might expect. While the CISSP exam has indeed transitioned to a digital format, it's not as simple as logging in from your home office. You must take these examinations in accredited Pearson Vue testing centers. The reasoning behind this decision traces back to a fundamental concern: maintaining the integrity and security of the exam process and therefore the value of the CISSP certification.
ISC2, the body governing the CISSP certification, recognized the potential barriers for global certification candidates, such as travel time, resources, and pandemic-related health concerns. That's why in 2021 they explored online proctoring for their cybersecurity certifications, including the CISSP.
They rolled out two thorough pilot programs designed with strict security protocols. However, they found that the online proctored exams didn't meet their standards for security and integrity. The online exams came with a few wrinkles—unusual results, rule violations, and even some clear attempts at cheating. That was not exactly what the organization had in mind, as it hadn’t had to deal with these problems with traditional in-person exams.
After reviewing the results, the ISC2 team concluded that its approach to online proctoring wasn't up to par. Online exams posed unnecessary risks to the reputation and integrity of its certifications so they were discontinued.
This is good and bad news for aspiring CISSPs. The good news is ISC2 remains committed to maintaining the integrity, reputation and value of the CISSP certification. The bad news is it’s not as easy to take the CISSP exam as some other certification exams. ISC2 is still committed to exploring and monitoring online proctored exams. The organization states that it will be ready to test the waters again when technology and practices improve.
How to schedule the CISSP exam online
Although you can't take the CISSP exam at home, scheduling it is a breeze with the online registration process. Here's how you can register for the CISSP test in the comforts of your own home:
- Visit the ISC2 exam registration page.
- On the registration page, click the Register for Exam button.
- If you're already an ISC2 member or candidate, log into your account when prompted. If not, you'll need to create an account first.
- Then, complete the ISC2 Exam Account Information form. Make sure you fill in your details accurately. It's crucial that the information you enter exactly matches your identification (ID) document because you will be required to present an ID at the test center. If there are any mismatches, you won't be allowed to take the CISSP exam or be reimbursed for any fees paid.
- Once you've submitted your form, you'll be redirected to the Pearson VUE website. From there, you can schedule your CISSP certification exam at your nearest testing center.
CISSP Exam FAQs
The cost of the CISSP examination depends on where you are located. For aspirants in Asia Pacific, Africa, America, and the Middle East, you'll have to pay US $749 for the standard registration. If you're located in Europe, it will cost you EUR €665. For those in the UK, the CISSP exam costs GBP £585.
The number of questions on the CISSP exam depends on what language you're planning to take it in. If you're going to take the exam in English, the test will have between 125 to 175 questions through the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format. If you're taking it in either Chinese, Korean, German, Japanese, or Spanish, the exam has 250 multiple-choice questions.
Getting ready for the CISSP exam
Not only is the CISSP exam registration process done online, but you can also prepare for the exam from anywhere with an internet connection. One of the best CISSP online training options is the Destination Certification CISSP MasterClass.
Our CISSP MasterClass isn't like any other online training. It automatically adjusts to your level of knowledge, focusing on the areas in which you need to improve. On top of that, it adapts to your schedule so that you can study at your own pace. The best part? It was created by CISSP experts with years of experience teaching CISSP classes, during which they helped thousands of people achieve their CISSP certification.
With this online training, you're not just studying for the exam, you're getting a unique learning journey designed to match your needs.
