---
url: "https://xcademia.com/courses/xcademia-cyber-security-professional"
title: Xcademia Cyber Security Professional
description: "Earn XCSP via an 8-day programme covering all CISSP domains. 2024 update included. No MCQs. No annual fees. UK alternative. Practitioner-assessed."
publishedAt: "2026-04-20T05:30:39.011478+00:00"
updatedAt: "2026-04-30T06:30:31.379474+00:00"
type: course
code: "CYB-0328"
level: Expert
duration_days: "8"
track: "Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)"
category: "Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking"
credential_tier: tier3
price_gbp: "6995"
---

# Xcademia Cyber Security Professional

> The XCSP Certification Programme is the practitioner alternative to CISSP, covering all eight CISSP CBK 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 multi-domain governance and architecture scenario. No 3-hour adaptive exam. No annual membership fees.

## Overview

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.

## Prerequisites

- Minimum 5 years of cumulative security experience across at least two of the eight CISSP CBK domains
- Working knowledge of at least three major security frameworks: NIST CSF, ISO 27001, NIST 800-53, or equivalent governance frameworks
- Senior security professional experience in a Security Manager, Security Architect, or equivalent role

## What you will learn

- Apply security and risk management principles across all eight CISSP CBK domains to enterprise security programme design and governance decisions
- Design secure architectures using defence in depth, zero trust, and cryptographic controls 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 across SDLC including secure coding, supply chain security, AI code risk, and DevSecOps pipeline governance

## Skills you will gain

- All 8 CISSP CBK domains (2024 refresh)
- Security and risk management
- Security architecture (SABSA)
- Network security architecture
- Identity and access management
- Security assessment and testing
- Security operations governance
- Software development security
- AI security governance
- Supply chain risk management
- NIST CSF 2.0 cross-domain mapping
- ISO 27001:2022 alignment

## Career progression

- Security Manager
- Security Architect
- CISO / Deputy CISO
- Senior Security Consultant
- Information Security Officer
- Security Programme Lead

## Framework alignment

- ISC2 CBK (CISSP 2024)
- NIST CSF 2.0
- ISO 27001:2022
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev.5
- NIST AI RMF
- COBIT 2019
- NCSC CAF
- UK GDPR

## Curriculum

1. **Module 1**
2. **Module 2**
3. **Module 3**

## Exam & certification

You will receive an Xcademia certificate of completion based on participation and successful completion of labs and scenario simulations.

## Delivery options

- **Live Online** — Join live instructor-led sessions from anywhere. Interactive, engaging, and flexible.
- **Onsite Training** — We come to you. Training delivered at your workplace for teams of 6 or more.
- **Venue-Based** — Classroom training at a professional venue. Ideal for focused, immersive learning.
- **Blended** — Combine online and in-person learning for maximum flexibility and impact.

## Frequently asked questions

**How does XCSP compare to ISC2 CISSP?**

CISSP is a 3-hour computerised adaptive test of 100 to 150 multiple choice questions. Beyond the $749 exam, holders pay $125 per year in Annual Maintenance Fees and must earn 120 CPE credits every three years. XCSP is 8 instructor-led days covering all eight CBK domains, assessed on Day 8 through a multi-domain governance and architecture scenario. One price, all in, no annual fees. The Practitioner Assessment Report documents applied competency across all domains.

** Does XCSP cover the 2024 CISSP domain refresh?**

Yes. XCSP reflects the April 2024 CISSP domain refresh including the increased weight of Domain 1 from 15% to 16%, the expanded AI security governance content woven across multiple domains, updated supply chain risk coverage, and the reduced weight of Domain 8 from 11% to 10%. Content is maintained to align with CBK evolution.

**Is XCSP recognised for the same roles as CISSP?**

XCSP provides the same comprehensive security knowledge base as CISSP with documented practitioner assessment. For roles where CISSP is listed as a requirement, XCSP can be presented alongside the Practitioner Assessment Report and framework alignment documentation to demonstrate equivalent capability. Xcademia provides a framework alignment document for procurement teams on request.

**What experience level is XCSP designed for?**

XCSP targets senior security professionals with 5 or more years of experience across at least two of the eight CBK domains. Candidates who have not yet reached senior security professional level should build experience through XSOC, XCIR, or XCISO first.

**What salary does XCSP support?**

CISSP holders in UK senior security roles earn £85,000 to £160,000. Security Architects earn £90,000 to £150,000. The Practitioner Assessment Report documents all-domain competency through applied scenario work rather than an MCQ pass rate.

## Course at a glance

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Code | CYB-0328 |
| Duration | 8 days |
| Level | Expert |
| Track | Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) |
| Category | Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking |
| Credential tier | tier3 |
| Price (GBP) | £6995 |

---

## About this content

This Markdown course profile is the citation-grade twin of [Xcademia Cyber Security Professional](https://xcademia.com/courses/xcademia-cyber-security-professional). It is published by **Xcademia** (UK Companies House 12322710) and is available for AI search engines and large language models to index, summarise, and cite.

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- Publisher: Xcademia — https://xcademia.com
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