Are you looking to advance your career in cybersecurity and earn the globally recognized CISSP certification? With the ever-increasing demand for skilled professionals in this field, choosing the right training course can make all the difference.
In this comparison, we'll explore two prominent training options: Destination Certification's CISSP MasterClass and the array of CISSP courses offered on Udemy. Both platforms bring distinct approaches and resources to the table, catering to different learning styles and needs. By the end of this guide, you'll clearly understand what each provider offers and how they stack up against each other.
So, let's get started and explore the ins and outs of DestCert vs. Udemy's CISSP training courses, empowering you to take the next step toward becoming a Certified Information Systems Security Professional.
Overview of Destination Certification
Founded in 2019, Destination Certification has quickly established itself as a leader in cybersecurity training, thanks to our focus on delivering a comprehensive suite of CISSP training courses. Our founders, Rob Witcher, and John Berti, bring a wealth of experience and a unique teaching philosophy that sets our offerings apart in the crowded field of cybersecurity education.
Rob Witcher has over two decades of hands-on experience in security, privacy, and cloud assurance, and his innovative approach to developing our integrated learning system has made complex concepts more accessible to our students.
John Berti, with a 30-year career in cyber risk and security, not only co-authored the 'Official ISC2 Guide to the CISSP Exam' but has also been instrumental in shaping the materials that define CISSP standards in his 25 years of close relationship with ISC2.
At Destination Certification, we are committed to providing the highest quality education and support to cybersecurity professionals. Our courses cover all eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) and are continually updated to align with the latest CISSP exam requirements.
We pride ourselves on having trained security teams from major organizations, like Deloitte Global, Scotiabank, TD Bank, RBC, and Accenture, Target Corp, Canadian Tire, Optiv, Chevron, and others, as well as helping countless students achieve their CISSP certification, a testament to our role in shaping the careers of security professionals worldwide. We have literally helped thousands of professionals achieve their CISSP and CCSP certification and most importantly, as our mission states, helped them become better security professionals.
Overview of Udemy
Udemy is a global learning platform that offers a vast array of courses across multiple fields, including a comprehensive selection of cybersecurity training courses such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification prep. Founded in 2010, Udemy strives to democratize education by making knowledge accessible to anyone, anywhere. With its user-friendly interface, Udemy allows experts from around the world to create and share content, fostering a diverse learning environment.
For aspiring CISSP professionals, Udemy provides a variety of courses tailored to different learning styles and schedules. These courses are created and taught by certified instructors who bring real-world experience and technical expertise to their teaching. This platform is particularly appealing for those looking for flexibility and a self-paced learning model, as it allows students to engage with materials on their own timetable and revisit content as often as needed to reinforce learning.
Udemy’s commitment to keeping content up-to-date and relevant ensures that students are preparing for the CISSP exam with the most current standards and practices in the cybersecurity field. Additionally, Udemy frequently offers courses at competitive prices, often including discounts and promotions, making it an economical choice for professional certification preparation.
DestCert vs. Udemy: Key Differences
Both Destination Certification and Udemy are leading training providers in the cybersecurity field, yet the courses they offer have distinct characteristics that cater to different learning needs and preferences. Let's explore the key differences between these two top-tier options.
Plans Offered
Before we get into the key details, the first thing we will compare is the plans these two providers offer. Some training providers offer everything you need to pass the exam, while others require you to supplement their course with other resources. So what will you get when you enroll in these two courses?
Destination Certification CISSP MasterClass
At Destination Certification, we understand that different learners have different needs, which is why we offer three distinct plans, each designed to match your specific learning requirements:
Plan | Price | Key Features | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
Essential | $1,497 | 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, practice exam. | 1 year |
Preferred | $1,997 | Everything in Essential, 2 x one-hour 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, printed CISSP workbook and guidebook, unlimited email support. | 3 years |
Premier | $4,997 | Everything in Preferred, unlimited personal 1-on-1 mentoring. | Lifetime |
- Essential (US $1,497): This plan includes comprehensive study materials that cover the latest 2024 CISSP exam outline, strategies to ace the exam, weekly live group mentoring calls, personalized schedules, and a PDF version of our CISSP guidebook. Additionally, it features an iOS/Android flashcard app with over 1,000 flashcards, visual MindMaps for connecting key concepts, and a practice exam modeled on the real CISSP test. This plan grants 1-year access to all these resources.
- Preferred (US $1,997): Building on the Essential plan, Preferred adds exclusive 1-on-1 mentoring calls to develop and refine your study and exam strategies, a CISSP Welcome Box with printed guidebooks, unlimited email support, and extended access to 3 years.
- Premier ($4,997): The ultimate package includes everything from the Preferred plan plus unlimited personal 1-on-1 mentoring and lifetime access, ensuring you have continual support and resources as you progress in your cybersecurity career.
While the cost of our MasterClass might seem steep, it's important to note that it includes all the resources you will need for your CISSP journey. Unlike other courses, you won’t need to spend extra on essential materials like books, practice exams, or flashcards—all of these are comprehensively included, making it a complete, value-packed offering.
Udemy CISSP Training
Udemy does not offer predefined plans, but instead provides a wealth of choices with various courses to choose from. This gives you the freedom to select an instructor and course that best fits your learning style and needs.
Costs for Udemy’s CISSP courses vary significantly depending on the instructor and the depth of the course content. Prices can range from relatively low-cost introductory courses to more comprehensive packages. Udemy frequently offers discounts, which can make even the more detailed courses quite affordable.
However, given the variability in course quality and content, it's crucial to read through reviews and course descriptions to ensure the training meets your expectations.
Training Features
When choosing a CISSP training provider, one of the most crucial considerations is the features each course offers. These features not only determine the scope of the content but also influence whether the course aligns with your preferred learning style.
Destination Certification CISSP Training Features
DestCert’s CISSP training stands out with its dynamic course structure, specifically designed to adjust to your existing knowledge. This adaptive learning system enhances study efficiency by focusing on areas where you need the most improvement while skipping over concepts you're already familiar with. This tailored approach ensures you spend your study time most effectively, avoiding unnecessary repetition and accelerating your progress.
Included in the course are comprehensive study materials such as instructional videos, detailed study guides, workbooks, knowledge assessments, very representative sample exam question simulator and a proprietary flashcard app, all designed to reinforce learning and ensure retention.
Additionally, a practice questions app and 1-on-1 mentoring are readily available, providing further support and preparation. Our unique offering also includes a specialized exam strategy course, tailored to help you master the nuances of the CISSP’s Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) format, significantly boosting your confidence and exam readiness.
Udemy Training Features
Udemy provides a diverse array of CISSP courses, each created by different third-party instructors, allowing students to choose from a variety of teaching styles and learning materials. Each course features a mix of instructional methods, including video lectures, downloadable resources, and interactive components like live Q&A sessions.
However, the wide selection can be daunting, as students often rely on course ratings and reviews to guide their choices, which may not always accurately reflect the course's educational quality. Therefore, it's important for learners to carefully evaluate each course’s content, the instructor’s expertise, and overall feedback from other students to find a course that best suits their learning needs and professional aspirations
Costs
Another important factor to consider when selecting a CISSP training provider is the cost of the training. However, a higher price doesn't necessarily equate to better quality. At the same time, cheaper courses don’t always mean that they don’t offer any value at all. It’s essential to evaluate what each course offers and determine if the value justifies the expense.
Destination Certification CISSP Training Cost
At Destination Certification, we understand that different learners have different needs, which is why we offer three distinct plans, each designed to match your specific learning requirements:
- Essential (US $1,497): This plan includes comprehensive study materials that cover the latest 2024 CISSP exam outline, strategies to ace the exam, weekly live group mentoring calls, personalized schedules, and a PDF version of our CISSP guidebook. Additionally, it features an iOS/Android flashcard app with over 1,000 flashcards, visual MindMaps for connecting key concepts, and a practice exam modeled on the real CISSP test. This plan grants 1-year access to all these resources.
- Preferred (US $1,997): Building on the Essential plan, Preferred adds exclusive 1-on-1 mentoring calls to develop and refine your study and exam strategies, a CISSP Welcome Box with printed guidebook and workbook, unlimited email support, and extended access to 3 years.
- Premier ($4,997): The ultimate package includes everything from the Preferred plan plus unlimited personal 1-on-1 mentoring and lifetime access, ensuring you have continual support and resources as you progress in your cybersecurity career.
While the cost of our MasterClass might seem steep, it's important to note that it includes all the resources you will need for your CISSP journey. Unlike other courses, you won’t need to spend extra on essential materials like books, practice exams, or flashcards—all of these are comprehensively included, making it a complete, value-packed offering.
Udemy CISSP Training Cost
Costs for Udemy’s CISSP courses vary significantly depending on the instructor and the depth of the course content. Prices can range from relatively low-cost introductory courses to more comprehensive packages. Udemy frequently offers discounts, which can make even the more detailed courses quite affordable.
However, given the variability in course quality and content, it's crucial to read through reviews and course descriptions to ensure the training meets your expectations.
User Experience and Support
A smooth user experience and accessible support are crucial when navigating through any CISSP training course. It's essential that learners can easily interact with the course materials and receive help promptly when facing any difficulties during their studies.
Destination Certification CISSP MasterClass User Experience and Support
Our MasterClass is engineered to ensure that learners have an engaging and intuitive educational journey. The core of the MasterClass consists of over 170 video lessons, each focused on a clearly defined topic, ensuring that you can absorb the content in manageable, bite-sized pieces. These videos not only delve into the technical aspects but also connect these concepts with the bigger-picture considerations needed for the CISSP exam.
To complement the video content, we provide detailed written summaries for each critical concept. These summaries include comprehensive tables and diagrams used in the videos, allowing for a deeper understanding and easy reference.
Each section of our course features its own knowledge assessment to help you identify areas needing further study, complete with direct links to the necessary resources. This structured approach ensures that you spend time efficiently, focusing on areas where learning is needed the most.
Udemy CISSP Training User Experience and Support
User experience and support on Udemy can vary significantly between courses, as they are dependent on the individual instructor's approach. Most courses on Udemy are structured with video lectures and come with supplementary materials such as downloadable resources. The platform itself is user-friendly, allowing easy navigation through the course content.
However, the level of support also varies; while some instructors are very responsive to student queries, others may not be as accessible. The availability of direct support, such as Q&A sections or email help, often depends on the course and instructor. Therefore, it's important to read through the course reviews to gauge the quality of user experience and support before enrolling.
Support
Apart from user experience, accessible support is also crucial when navigating through any CISSP training course. It's essential that learners can easily interact with the course materials and receive help promptly when facing any difficulties during their studies.
Destination Certification CISSP MasterClass Support
Support is readily accessible with our responsive email support system, designed to assist you swiftly and effectively whenever you encounter challenges. For all students, we offer two weekly hour-long live Q&A calls where you are encouraged to ask any questions about the material, study tips, exam strategies, and more.
Additionally, we have a very active Discord community that allows students to help each other, with John, Rob, and Lou Hablas (our community champion and course developer) frequently engaging and answering questions. We also have a dedicated subreddit where you can interact with past students and gain invaluable insights from their experiences. This community-driven platform allows for the exchange of tips, study strategies, and encouragement, further enhancing your learning experience.
For those enrolled in the Preferred and Premier plans, we provide extensive personal support through 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. This personal touch ensures that you receive tailored guidance throughout your learning journey.
Udemy CISSP Training Support
Support on Udemy can vary significantly between courses. While some instructors offer excellent support through Q&A sections, direct messaging, and regular updates, others may not be as responsive. The level of support often depends on the individual instructor and the structure of the course.
To ensure you receive the necessary support, it’s crucial to read reviews and possibly reach out to instructors before enrolling in a course to gauge their responsiveness and willingness to assist.
Success and Outcomes
When choosing a CISSP training course, it's crucial to consider not just the content and structure, but also its effectiveness. Understanding the actual outcomes of the course can provide insight into whether it delivers on its promises and helps candidates achieve their certification goals.
Destination Certification CISSP MasterClass Success and Outcomes
Destination Certification takes pride in our high success rates, boasting a remarkable 93.6% first-time pass rate for our CISSP MasterClass participants. This impressive statistic highlights the efficacy of our training approach and the quality of our preparation materials. Some of our students have even managed to pass the CISSP exam in just 30 days or less.
However, it’s important to note that individual outcomes can vary significantly based on the learner's prior experience, knowledge, and the amount of time they can dedicate to studying. Our structured program and comprehensive resources are designed to maximize each learner’s potential for success, regardless of their starting point.
Udemy Success and Outcomes
The success and outcomes of CISSP courses on Udemy can vary widely and are highly dependent on the specific course and instructor. Unfortunately, comprehensive data on pass rates or the effectiveness of different courses is not readily available, making it challenging to gauge the overall success of their offerings.
Prospective students are encouraged to carefully review user feedback, instructor qualifications, and course details to infer the potential effectiveness of a course. This due diligence can help ensure that the chosen course will provide the necessary preparation to pass the CISSP exam.
DestCert vs. Udemy: Detailed Comparison
Feature | Destination Certification | Udemy |
|---|---|---|
Course Structure | Personalized, adaptive learning that adjusts to your knowledge and schedule. | Wide variety of courses and teaching styles. |
Study Materials | Comprehensive resources included: instructional videos, study guides, workbooks, flashcard app, practice questions app, MindMap videos, and a specialized exam strategy course. | Course materials vary by instructor, often including video lectures and downloadable resources. |
Support |
| Support varies by instructor; some offer Q&A sections and direct messaging. |
Access Duration |
| Access duration varies by course; usually, lifetime access once purchased. |
Mentoring | 1-on-1 mentoring for Preferred and Premier plans. | Depends on the course; some instructors offer live support or mentoring. |
Cost |
| Generally more affordable, with frequent discounts. Prices vary from low-cost to comprehensive packages. |
Success Rate | High first-time pass rate of 93.6%; some students pass within 30 days. | No comprehensive success data is available; outcomes vary widely by course. |
Additional Features |
|
|
Community and Interaction |
| Community interaction varies by course; some have active forums or groups. |
Overall Value | All-inclusive package with no additional costs for essential materials. | Additional costs for study materials may apply. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Destination Certification offers a tailored and comprehensive approach to CISSP training, which adjusts dynamically to your existing knowledge and learning pace. With a high first-time pass rate and all-inclusive resource access, it provides substantial value, particularly for those seeking a thorough and supportive preparation journey for the CISSP exam.
The CISSP exam is known to be challenging due to its broad scope and depth in the field of cybersecurity. However, with proper preparation through a structured training program like Destination Certification's MasterClass, which comprehensively covers all the domains and provides strategic exam insights, the difficulty can be significantly mitigated.
The cost of the CISSP exam is typically around US $749, but this can vary slightly depending on the region. It's important to factor in additional costs for preparation materials and possibly retaking the exam if needed. However, investing in a robust training program can reduce the likelihood of needing multiple attempts.
DestCert vs. Udemy: Which Course Is for You?
Choosing the right CISSP training course is a personal decision that hinges on what best fits your individual learning style, schedule, and professional goals. If you thrive on having a variety of choices and prefer to explore different teaching styles and course structures, Udemy offers a broad selection of courses that might appeal to you. Each course varies, allowing you to find one that meets your specific needs in terms of content and price.
On the other hand, if you're seeking a comprehensive, all-in-one course that equips you with every tool you need to succeed without any hidden costs, Destination Certification might be the perfect fit. Our CISSP MasterClass provides a dynamic, adaptive learning environment designed to maximize your preparation and boost your chances of passing the CISSP exam on your first try.
So, what are you waiting for? Join us at Destination Certification and let’s embark on your journey to CISSP certification together. With our proven track record and specialized approach, we're ready to help you achieve your cybersecurity certification goals.
John Berti
John is a major force behind the Destination Certification CISSP program's success, with over 25 years of global cybersecurity experience. He simplifies complex topics, and he utilizes innovative teaching methods that contribute to the program's industry-high exam success rates. As a leading Information Security professional in Canada, John co-authored a bestselling CISSP exam preparation guide and helped develop official CISSP curriculum materials. You can reach out to John on LinkedIn.
