The CAT format of the CISSP exam
The CISSP is a computerized adaptive test: 100 to 150 questions in 3 hours, scored out of 1000, with a variable stopping point. What candidates actually report.
Since 15 April 2024, the English-language CISSP exam has been a computerized adaptive test (CAT) of 100 to 150 questions to be answered in 3 hours — down from 125 to 175 questions in 4 hours. This theme explains how that format works, the scoring out of 1000 points that is nothing like a percentage, the question every candidate asks ("the exam stopped at 100, is that a good sign?") and how to handle the 3 hours. Reference points drawn from candidate reports — see our method and sources.
4 article(s) in this topic
-
The CAT format of the CISSP exam, explained question by question
The CISSP is a computerized adaptive test: 100 to 150 questions in 3 hours since April 2024, beta questions, variable stopping point, result on paper.
-
The 700/1000 score on the CISSP: what it measures, and what it does not
The 700/1000 threshold on the CISSP is not 70% correct answers: IRT scoring weights every question. What that changes for your practice exams.
-
The exam stopped at 100 questions: what does that mean?
Stopping at 100 questions on the CISSP means the algorithm has reached a verdict, either way. What candidate reports actually say.
-
Handling the 3 hours of the CISSP exam: the pace to hold
3 hours for 100 to 150 questions on the CISSP: pace yourself for 150, not 100. Documented timing benchmarks, timeout risk and breaks.
More in this stage
- Registration and exam day What the CISSP exam actually cost candidates, how a date is rescheduled at Pearson VUE, and how exam day really unfolds.
- Anxiety and mindset What CISSP candidates report about the stress before the exam, the sense of failing during it, and the wait for the result afterwards.