CISSP Exam Guide 2026: Complete CAT Blueprint, Pass Rates & Study Playbook
Everything you need to pass the (ISC)² CISSP CAT exam — 2026 8-domain blueprint weights, risk-advisor strategy, and practice resources.
Quick answer: The 2026 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) exam tests 100 to 150 items in 3 hours with a 700 out of 1,000 scaled passing score across 8 domains. Explore every CISSP study guide, course comparison, and practice set in one place.
Key facts
- Passing score:
- 700 out of 1,000 scaled score
- Structure:
- 8 domains led by Security & Risk Mgmt (16%), Security Operations (13%), and Architecture (13%)
- Question count:
- 100 to 150 adaptive items (CAT format, 25 unscored pretest)
- Time limit:
- 3 hours
- Official body:
- (ISC)²
Free CISSP Interactive Tools & Audio
Calculate your weighted domain score and pass probability.
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Overview
Preparing for the (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) exam requires mastering 8 domains within a 3-hour, 100-to-150-question adaptive testing window. Because the CAT algorithm continuously targets your weakest domain until it reaches 95% statistical confidence above or below the 700/1000 passing threshold, you cannot neglect any of the 8 domains.
How to Structure Your CISSP Study Plan
Most successful candidates invest 120 to 180 hours over 8 to 12 weeks, training themselves to answer from a risk-advisor and governance perspective rather than jumping to technical fixes. Start with our Best CISSP Review Courses comparison, benchmark your target timeline with our CISSP pass rates analysis, and drill free CISSP practice questions before sitting for full-length adaptive simulations.
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