1-Day Instructor-Led Programme
The XCSP Certification Programme is the practitioner alternative to CISSP — covering all eight security domains across security and risk management, asset security, security architecture, network security, identity and access management, security assessment, security operations, and software development security. Assessed on Day 8 through a supervised governance, architecture, and security management scenario — no MCQs, no 3-hour adaptive exam, no annual membership fees.
Duration
1 Day
Price
$8,745
CISSP is the most globally recognised security certification. It is also a 3-hour computerised adaptive test of 100–150 multiple choice questions that rewards test preparation over demonstrated competency. The average CISSP candidate spends $5,000+ on training, the $749 exam, and 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, not through recall of CBK definitions.
Across eight instructor-led days, XCSP covers all eight CISSP domains in depth: Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communication and Network Security, Identity and Access Management, Security Assessment and Testing, Security Operations, and Software Development Security. Coverage reflects the April 2024 domain refresh including increased emphasis on AI security governance and supply chain risk. The programme applies each domain to real security professional scenarios, building a comprehensive practitioner capability rather than a memorised knowledge base.
On Day 8, participants navigate a complex multi-domain security governance and architecture scenario that requires applying knowledge across all eight domains simultaneously. A senior practitioner with CISSP-equivalent experience assesses the quality of analysis, judgement, and communication. XCSP certificate and Practitioner Assessment Report issued. Aligned with all eight CISSP domain frameworks including NIST CSF 2.0, ISO 27001:2022, NIST SP 800-53, COBIT 2019, ISC2 CBK (content, not exam), NCSC frameworks, and GDPR/UK GDPR.
Applied exercises every domain: risk register development, security architecture design, IAM policy construction, security assessment planning, incident response scenario, cryptography application, and cloud security architecture review.
Mentor-led sessions from experienced security professionals examining how each CBK domain applies in real enterprise, government, and regulated sector environments — not textbook theory.
Apply comprehensive security knowledge across all eight CBK domains to governance, architecture, risk management, and operational security challenges at senior practitioner level.
Apply security and risk management principles across all eight CISSP domains to enterprise security programme design and governance decisions
Design secure architectures using defence in depth, zero trust, and cryptographic control principles aligned to NIST and ISO standards
Govern identity and access management programmes applying least privilege, PAM, and federation standards across enterprise environments
Plan and execute security assessment and testing programmes including vulnerability management, penetration test scope, and audit review
Lead security operations covering incident management, forensics, disaster recovery, and configuration management governance
Integrate software development security including SDLC security gates, secure coding, supply chain security, and AI code security risks
Minimum 5 years of cumulative security experience across at least two of the eight security domains
Working knowledge of at least three major security frameworks: NIST CSF, ISO 27001, NIST 800-53, or equivalent
Senior security professional experience: Security Manager, Security Architect, or equivalent role
Organized by professional domains with comprehensive coverage
Master these in-demand skills through hands-on practice
A clear view of the roles this programme supports, what typically comes next, and where learners progress over time
Choose the learning format that works best for you and your team
Instructor-Led Training
Join live instructor-led sessions from anywhere. Interactive, engaging, and flexible.
Price per person
Group enrolments and early planning options available.
All prices are exclusive of VAT where applicable. Group enrolments and custom packages available on request.
Not everyone learns best in a group. If you want focused guidance, faster clarity, and confidence you can use on the job, our 1-to-1 Fast-Track Training gives you private, mentor-led support tailored to your experience and goals.
"Many learners choose 1-to-1 when they want understanding, not memorisation."
Credential
On successful completion of Xcademia Cyber Security Professional, learners receive an Xcademia Certificate of Completion. This standalone certificate is issued directly by Xcademia and recognised by employers across the UK defence and security sector.
Everything you need to know about the certification exams
You will receive an Xcademia certificate of completion based on participation and successful completion of labs and scenario simulations.
Everything you need to know about this course
CISSP is a 3-hour computerised adaptive test of 100–150 multiple choice questions. Beyond the exam, holders pay $749 to sit it, $125/year in Annual Maintenance Fees, and must earn 120 CPE credits every three years. XCSP is 8 instructor-led days covering all eight CISSP domains, assessed on Day 8 through a multi-domain governance and architecture scenario. One price, all in, no annual fees, no renewal anxiety. The Practitioner Assessment Report documents applied competency across all domains.
Take the next step in your professional development