How Hard is CISSP? CISSP Complexity & How to Pass

The CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) test has a reputation as one of the toughest cybersecurity certification exams. Aspiring CISSPs face the exam’s broad scope of knowledge and a demanding exam format, leading many to wonder how hard is CISSP.

In this article, we’ll break down the CISSP exam structure, explain five key factors that contribute to CISSP difficulty, and share expert tips for the best ways to pass the cybersecurity exam with the right preparation and mindset.

CAT Exam Format and Duration
As of 2025, the CISSP exam uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) in its Chinese, English, German, Japanese, and Spanish exams. Unlike traditional fixed tests, the CAT system dynamically adjusts CISSP difficulty based on your performance, making each exam experience unique to each candidate.

You’ll face 100 to 150 multiple-choice questions within a 3-hour time limit. Each CISSP exam candidate will start with a question that is below the passing standard. Following the response, the scoring and item selection algorithm determines the next question with the expectation that you should have a 50% chance of answering it correctly.

The intent is to gather as much information as possible about your true ability level by targeting weaker areas over a variety of questions. The CISSP exam’s adaptive format also enables you to answer fewer questions (closer to 100) and finish the test sooner, once the system is confident in your knowledge across the eight domains.

Question Types
CISSP exam questions are multiple-choice, but many are scenario-based questions with multiple “correct” answers that require advanced critical thinking rather than just recalling facts. A small percentage of questions may test memorization (e.g. acronyms or formula), but the majority test your judgement and understanding​, particularly from a managerial perspective.

Eight Domains
The CISSP test is often described as “a mile wide and an inch deep” due to its broad coverage of information security topics without being too technical. It covers eight diverse domains of cybersecurity with the following average examination weight:​

• Security and Risk Management: 16%

• Asset Security: 10%

• Security Architecture and Engineering: 13%

• Communication and Network Security: 13%

• Identity and Access Management (IAM): 13%

• Security Assessment and Testing: 12%

• Security Operations: 13%

• Software Development Security: 10%

Additionally, new topics (like cloud security, supply chain risk, Zero Trust, etc.) have been integrated into the CISSP exam content in 2025 to reflect recent cybersecurity trends. CISSP exam fee has also climbed over time (currently costing $749 in the U.S.), which adds financial motivation for candidates to pass on their first attempt.

Passing Score
You’ll need to score 700 out of 1000 points (70%) to pass the CISSP exam​. As you answer questions, the exam’s algorithm decides your results based on your responses. The exam ends when:

• The algorithm is 95% sure you’re consistently above the passing standard.
• The algorithm is 95% sure you’re consistently below the passing standard.
• You’ve answered the maximum number of 150 questions. At this point, your final score determines if you pass or fail.

However, because of the CAT format, not all questions carry equal weight and harder questions are worth more. If you consistently answer “medium-difficulty” questions correctly, the test will end once it’s statistically confident you’d score 700+ on a full exam.

While ISC2 doesn’t publish the official CISSP pass rate, industry estimates suggest only around 20-30% of candidates pass the exam on their first try.

In fact, the tailored difficulty of the CAT format can make the experience more intense, since the exam will keep challenging you in your weaker areas​. Even experienced professionals find the exam rigorous because it consistently tests judgment and decision-making rather than just straightforward knowledge.

Here are the five key CISSP difficulty factors:

The CISSP test covers eight domains, requiring you to understand not only each area individually but also how concepts interconnect at a high level. Mastering such extensive material can be challenging, often making it necessary to use multiple study resources—books, courses, and guides—to fully prepare.

It’s not just what you need to know, but how the exam tests you on it. CISSP exam questions are known for their complex nature. Scenario-based questions will ask what’s the “best” course of action or the “highest” priority from a security management perspective.

The wording of questions can also be nuanced and misleading. ISC2 often uses qualifiers like FIRST, BEST, MOST, LEAST, etc. in questions, and missing those details can lead you to a wrong answer even if you know the topic. Candidates have to read carefully, eliminate distractors, and apply best-practice principles. It’s a skill gained from practice and real-world experience, which is why preparing solely by doing study dumps or memorization isn’t enough for passing the CISSP exam.​

Example of a CISSP test scenario-based question:

Many who struggle with the CISSP exam say that managing the breadth of questions within the time limit was one of the hardest challenges, describing the test as a marathon. Candidates have up to three hours for the exam (which might sound like plenty) but considering that you could face 150 questions, that’s an average of 72 seconds per question. Additionally, you cannot skip questions. You must answer each question in order and move forward.

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CISSP is intended for experienced professionals with five years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains. The exam questions often reference scenarios that make much more sense if you’ve been in a security role, and without practical context, even memorizing all the technical concepts won’t be enough to ace the test.

This leads to a perception gap: professionals with broad experience in risk and governance might find the test less challenging, whereas less experienced candidates often find the content abstract and overwhelming. In any case, no one should underestimate the CISSP test – even seasoned security practitioners should approach it with the right preparation and mindset.

The CISSP exam is challenging precisely because it demands a careful balance between practical experience and textbook knowledge. Having relevant security experience is crucial, but you must also be willing to set aside your biases and think strictly in line with official ISC2 guidelines.

The CAT algorithm adapts to your performance – as you get questions right, it throws harder ones until it finds your competence threshold, which can be psychologically taxing. This means that everyone hits a point during the CISSP test where questions feel hard and you start to doubt yourself. If you suddenly start seeing easier questions, you might think you’re doing poorly (since the algorithm serves easier ones when you get some wrong). Many CISSP candidates find this uncertainty adds to their exam anxiety.

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ISC2 allows candidates to take the exam even if they don’t meet the minimum of five years experience. If you pass, you won’t get the full CISSP certification immediately; instead, you become an Associate of ISC2 and will have six years to earn the required experience, at which point you become a CISSP.

However, passing the CISSP test without experience won’t be easy. It’s designed with seasoned professionals in mind, so you would need to compensate for your lack of practical experience with extensive preparation.

That said, many candidates do pass the CISSP exam before they have the required experience – especially those who have dedicated significantly more effort to theory and scenario practice.

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Given the exam’s difficulty, what are the best ways to pass the cybersecurity exam and how can you prepare effectively in 2025? Here are some expert tips that address both the training and the test-taking strategy you’ll need to ace the CISSP test:

• Plan your study timeline and be consistent

  Don’t try to cram for the exam. The best way to pass CISSP is with at least 3-6 months of steady preparation. There’s an enormous amount of material, so give yourself time to absorb it. Plan a study schedule (many aim for about 10-15 hours per week over several months) and stick to it. This allows you to truly learn the concepts and avoid burnout right before the test.

• Understand, don’t just memorize

  Rote memorization of facts won’t be enough. A proven strategy to prepare for the CISSP test is to have a solid understanding of underlying concepts and principles in each domain. Focus on the “why” and “how” behind each correct answer and aim to be fluent in the language of security so you can apply your knowledge to novel scenarios.

• Apply a “manager’s filter”

  The CISSP is ultimately a management exam, not a hands-on technical test. CISSP test-takers should frame their thinking around risk and business impact. The “best” answer often involves risk reduction, policy and process, and cost/benefit – not just the most obvious technical solution. During your studies, practice translating technical details into big-picture implications that a manager would care about.

• Identify and focus on weak areas

  Early in your prep, take a diagnostic test or quiz yourself on each domain to see where your knowledge is weakest​. Spend extra time fortifying those weaker domains with additional readings or courses. Targeted study helps ensure you close those knowledge gaps before exam day. Keep tracking your progress – as you improve, your weak spots will change. You must also adapt your study plan accordingly so you’re well-rounded across all domains by the end.

• Leverage practice questions and exams

  Investing in quality practice exams that simulate the CAT format. Practice tests help gauge your readiness, giving you a sense of the type of questions you’ll face and the pace you’ll need to maintain for the real thing. Aim to consistently score above the 70-80% benchmark on practice exams before scheduling the real test. Over time, you’ll start seeing patterns in how CISSP test questions are written and the kind of answers ISC2 prefers.

• Join study groups

  Many candidates benefit from joining study groups or training sessions led by professionals. Collaborating with others can also keep you motivated and help clarify tough concepts (plus, someone might explain a topic in a way that sticks for you)​. Some learners find value in online training courses for structure, and some opt for bootcamps to sharpen their skills while benefiting from ongoing support and mentorship. Choose what fits your learning style and budget.

There’s no easy shortcut to CISSP. Successful candidates often combine structured training with self-study to tackle the comprehensive nature of the CISSP exam. For instance, Training Camp’s bootcamp participants who maintain a disciplined self-study routine achieve a 94% first-attempt CISSP pass rate – significantly higher than those who rely solely on either method alone.

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The CISSP exam in 2025 remains challenging due to its broad scope, adaptive questions, and the mental test of endurance. The silver lining is that with the right preparation strategies and mindset, many do succeed (sometimes on subsequent tries). The best way to pass the cybersecurity exam is to increase your odds of success by leveraging expert instruction, hands-on practice, and comprehensive resources. CISSP is also worth the difficulty since the certification remains highly sought-after by organizations worldwide and can increase your earning potential as a cybersecurity professional.

Ready to join the ranks of CISSP-certified professionals? Enroll now in our CISSP Certification Training Boot Camp and let’s get you certified. Backed by over 25 years of experience, our courses are designed to help you master the CISSP test – significantly boosting your confidence and exam readiness.

Christopher Porter CEO

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