Can You Get CISSP Training and Certification for Free?
Quick Answer: The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam isn’t free. The exam costs $749 in the US. However, many free study resources and programs can reduce the overall cost of obtaining this in-demand cybersecurity certification.
The International Information System Security Certification Consortium, Inc. ISC2 CISSP is an excellent resume booster for cybersecurity professionals who want to validate their skills. Part of its reputation stems from its ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation. It’s also approved by the US Department of Defense (DoD) 8570.1, which can make it useful if you want to land a job with the US government.
While we think the CISSP is worth it for many cybersecurity pros, the cert isn’t exactly cheap or easy to earn. In addition to the $749 exam fee (prices vary by region; you can view the latest prices here), keeping the cert active comes with a $135 ISC2 annual maintenance fee (AMF).
The cost of ISC2 training can also be expensive. For example, the official self-paced training has a $995 sticker price.
Fortunately, if you’re looking for tips on finding CISSP training online for free or reducing the price of CISSP training, you’re in the right place.
CISSP Training Online: Free Resources
There are plenty of CISSP certification online training resources available for free on the internet. The key is finding quality resources that don't waste your time. To get us started, let’s run through a few viable options:
FRSecure CISSP Mentor Program
FRSecure is an information security services company that offers a free CISSP mentor program that has been active for the last 14 years and has over 60,000 students. According to FRSecure, they run the program to help fill the security expert shortage in the industry.
YouTube Videos and Courses
There are plenty of results for “CISSP training online free” on YouTube. However, the quality and age of the information can be a concern. If you go this route, make sure you leverage reputable content creators and look for content based on the latest version of the CISSP exam. Check out CBT Nuggets' YouTube Playlist for the CISSP exam as well.
Free CBT Nuggets Training and Practice Exam
You can sign up for a week of CBT Nuggets training for free and use that to access Bob Salmans’ ISC2 CISSP Online Certification Training, which includes 12 hours of content, over 100 videos, a practice exam, and some very creative drawings:
Free CISSP Practice Quiz from ISC2
While it is limited to just ten questions, this free CISSP training resource is a nice quick reference to sanity check where you are with your understanding of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).
If you aren’t ready for the CISSP but want to gain some experience with cybersecurity and ISC2 for free, check out ISC2's free Entry-level Cybersecurity Training + Certification Exam.
CISSP Scholarships and Grants
Several scholarships and grants can reduce the cost of CISSP training or even make the process free. The table below lists resources that can help reduce the cost of a CISSP certification.
Scholarship/grant resource | Description | Link |
CISSP Training Scholarship from Tenable and Cyversity. | Cyversity is an organization focused on increasing diversity in cybersecurity. 28 scholarships were available in 2023 for CISSP online self-paced training. | |
Center for Cyber Safety and Education scholarships | In 2024, the program offered 54 scholarships. The scholarship is not strictly focused on the CISSP, but might be useful to aspiring CISSP candidates. | |
SCIPP International and Eastern Shore Community and Online Cyber Certification and Internship Program (OCCIP) | This scholarship can help cover the costs of seven certifications, including the CISSP. | |
Blacks United in Leading Technology International (BUILT) CISSP Bootcamp Scholarship. | Scholarship for a CISSP bootcamp and testing voucher. |
In addition to this list, nonprofits and community colleges can make the financial burden of many cybersecurity education-related expenses, including the CISSP, lighter.
So, if you’re looking to reduce the cost of your cybersecurity education in general, check with your local community college, explore cybersecurity nonprofits like the CNSP, and dig into government programs like the Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP).
Getting the CISSP Through Employer Sponsorship or Reimbursement
If you are an actively employed cybersecurity professional, earning the CISSP can be a win/win for you and your employer. The shortage of skilled cybersecurity pros is no secret; having sharper cybersecurity skills can benefit your employer and career.
That’s why many employers offer reimbursement or sponsorship to cover certification costs. If you are qualified for the cert and your employer provides the benefit, getting CISSP training free plus exam costs covered through your employer is a great way to go.
How to Ask Your Employer to Sponsor Your Certification
Not every employer offers official sponsorship or reimbursement programs. But that doesn’t mean they won’t pay for some or all of your certification costs if you can make a viable business case. Here are some tips for approaching your employer to request that they cover your costs:
Explain the benefits of the certification: CISSP-certified employees can improve an organization's security posture and, depending on your industry, might even help land some deals.
Make a specific ask: Go to your manager with a specific plan in mind that includes costs, what materials you’ll need, and when you plan to take the test.
Align your case with organizational goals: Security posture is typically a major priority for modern organizations. Add context to your pitch that aligns your earning the CISSP certification with specific objectives or projects in your organization.
Self-Study for the CISSP
Self-study is an excellent way to keep CISSP costs down for the right type of learner. With the right book, an internet connection, and some work ethic, you can self-study for your CISSP. If you go that route, consider checking with other IT pros who have studied for the cert on forums like r/cissp or Spiceworks.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve decided you should get your CISSP, don’t let the costs keep you from achieving your goal. If you have the relevant experience and can get your employer to pay for it, you can easily avoid CISSP costs.
For those who can’t get the certification covered by their employer, there are other ways to control costs. From using ISC2 discounts to self-studying with YouTube, there’s something for just about everyone who wants to reduce CISSP costs.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider signing up for a free week of CBT Nuggets training.
Want to learn more about becoming a CISSP-certified security professional? Check out our ISC2 CISSP Online Certification Training!
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