CISSP is the most globally recognised security certification, with over 165,000 holders worldwide. It is also a 3-hour computerised adaptive test of 100 to 150 multiple choice questions that rewards test preparation over demonstrated competency. The average CISSP candidate spends thousands on training, $749 for the exam, then $125 per year in Annual Maintenance Fees plus 120 CPE credits every three years to stay compliant. XCSP is built for security professionals who want to demonstrate the same comprehensive knowledge through actual governance, architecture, and risk management work.
Across eight instructor-led days, XCSP covers all eight CISSP domains in full depth, reflecting the April 2024 domain refresh including increased weighting for Domain 1 (Security and Risk Management at 16%) and updated AI security governance content integrated across multiple domains. Every domain is applied to real enterprise security scenarios. Participants build capability progressively, with cross-domain integration sessions on Days 6 and 7 before the capstone.
On Day 8, participants navigate a complex multi-domain security governance and architecture scenario requiring analysis and decision-making across all eight domains simultaneously. A senior practitioner assesses the quality of analysis, judgement, framework application, and communication. XCSP certificate and Practitioner Assessment Report issued. Aligned with ISC2 CBK all eight domains (2024 refresh), NIST CSF 2.0, ISO 27001:2022, NIST SP 800-53 Rev.5, COBIT 2019, NIST AI RMF, UK GDPR, and NCSC CAF.
