Exam guide · checked against isc2.org
How the CISSP CAT exam works
Since 15 April 2024 every CISSP exam, in every language, is a Computerized Adaptive Test. Understanding how it behaves removes a lot of exam-day anxiety.
The format
| Delivery | Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) only — the linear CISSP exam was retired. |
|---|---|
| Length | Variable. The exam ends when the engine is confident, between a published minimum and maximum (100–150 items). |
| Time | Up to 3 hours. |
| Unscored items | 25 pretest items are mixed in. You cannot tell which ones they are, so treat every question as scored. |
| Passing standard | Scaled score of 700 out of 1000. |
| Navigation | One question at a time. No going back, no skipping, no reviewing or changing answers. |
How adaptive selection works
After every answer the exam re-estimates your ability. The next item is picked to be close to that estimate while keeping the content balanced to the domain weights. Getting questions right tends to make the next ones harder; that is normal and expected — difficult questions usually mean you are doing well.
When does it stop?
- Once the minimum length is reached, the exam stops as soon as the engine is 95% confident you are above or below the passing standard.
- If it never becomes confident, it continues to the maximum length and decides on your final ability estimate.
- Time-out rule: if time expires before the minimum length, you fail. If you have passed the minimum, you pass only if your ability stayed above the standard across the last 75 scored items.
Results and domain feedback
Passing candidates see a provisional pass. Failing candidates receive a report ranking their proficiency in each domain — the best guide for what to study next.
How to practise for the CAT
- Practise without going back: commit to an answer and move on.
- Train your pacing: about 1 minute 10 seconds per item keeps you safe even at the maximum length.
- Use the Techclick CAT simulator — it applies the same rules and tracks your proficiency per domain across attempts.