Free Cissp Training

Yes, free CISSP training is available—and while it won’t get you certified on its own, it can provide a solid foundation for passing the (ISC)² CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) exam. The CISSP is one of the most respected certifications in cybersecurity, often required for senior roles like security architect, chief information security officer (CISO), and IT security manager. Because official (ISC)² training courses typically cost $3,000+, many professionals seek free alternatives to build knowledge before investing in the exam. This article explores the best free CISSP training resources, how they compare to paid options, and how to strategically use them to advance your career without breaking the bank.

What Is CISSP and Why Does It Matter?

The CISSP certification, offered by (ISC)², validates expertise in designing, implementing, and managing top-tier cybersecurity programs. It covers eight domains, including 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. Holding a CISSP opens doors to high-paying roles such as Security Consultant ($110,000 average), Security Manager ($130,000), or CISO ($180,000+). According to (ISC)²’s 2023 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, CISSP holders earn 25% more than non-certified peers. The certification also requires five years of cumulative, paid work experience in at least two of the eight domains, making it a mark of both knowledge and real-world expertise. While free training won’t grant you the certification, it can help you build the foundational knowledge needed to pass the exam and meet the experience requirement more confidently.

Top Free CISSP Training Resources in 2024

Several reputable platforms offer free CISSP prep materials that cover the full Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). Here are the best options: 1. Cybrary’s Free CISSP Course
Cybrary offers a comprehensive free CISSP training course taught by industry expert Kelly Handerhan. This 30-hour on-demand video course covers all eight domains with clear explanations, real-world analogies, and visual diagrams. While Cybrary’s premium tier unlocks labs and practice exams, the free version includes full video access. Duration: ~30 hours. Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced. 2. (ISC)² Free Self-Paced CISSP Webinar Series
(ISC)² provides a series of free webinars that walk through key CISSP domains. While not a full course, these 60- to 90-minute sessions are led by certified instructors and offer official insights into exam structure and content. Access requires creating a free (ISC)² account. Duration: 6–8 hours total. Difficulty: Advanced. 3. Professor Messer’s CISSP Videos
A favorite among IT professionals, Professor Messer offers a complete CISSP video series on YouTube. His 100+ short, digestible videos cover every domain with clarity and precision. While not interactive, the content aligns closely with the exam outline. Duration: ~25 hours. Difficulty: Intermediate. 4. Coursera – “(ISC)² Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)” (Free Audit Option)
While not CISSP-specific, SSCP is a stepping stone certification also offered by (ISC)². Coursera offers a free audit version of the SSCP course from (ISC)², which shares 75% of the CISSP CBK. This is ideal for beginners building foundational knowledge. Duration: 30 hours. Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate. 5. YouTube Channels: IT Dojo and Cyber Mentor
IT Dojo’s CISSP playlist offers structured, domain-by-domain video lessons with whiteboard-style teaching. Cyber Mentor’s free CISSP overview videos focus on exam strategy and mindset. Both are excellent supplements to formal study. Duration: 15–20 hours combined. Difficulty: Intermediate. These free resources can collectively replace a $1,000+ paid course when used strategically.

How Free CISSP Training Compares to Paid Options

Paid CISSP training, such as the official (ISC)² Official CISSP Training Course ($3,180 for in-person, $2,899 online), includes instructor-led sessions, practice exams, labs, and exam vouchers. These are valuable but often unnecessary for self-motivated learners. Free training, while lacking official accreditation and hands-on labs, covers the same theoretical content. For example, Cybrary’s free course mirrors 90% of the paid version’s video lectures. The main trade-offs are: - No official exam voucher - Limited or no practice questions - No instructor support - No continuing professional education (CPE) credits However, combining free video courses with free practice tests (like those from CCCure.org) and community forums (such as Reddit’s r/CISSP) can close most gaps. Many professionals pass the CISSP using entirely free resources—especially when paired with relevant work experience.

How to Use Free Training to Pass the CISSP Exam

Passing the CISSP exam requires more than content knowledge—it demands strategic preparation. Here’s how to leverage free training effectively: Step 1: Audit Your Knowledge
Start with a free practice test (e.g., from Boson or CCCure) to identify weak domains. The CISSP exam is adaptive, so understanding your baseline is crucial. Step 2: Follow a Structured Plan
Use Cybrary or Professor Messer’s videos as your primary curriculum. Allocate 2–3 weeks per domain. For example: - Weeks 1–2: Security and Risk Management - Weeks 3–4: Asset Security - Weeks 5–6: Security Architecture and Engineering And so on. Step 3: Supplement with Free Practice Questions
Use platforms like CISSP Practice Exams by Pocket Prep (free tier available) or the free questions at CCCure.org. Aim for 1,500–2,000 practice questions before exam day. Step 4: Join Study Groups
Free communities like the r/CISSP subreddit or Discord groups offer peer support, study schedules, and motivation. Many share free flashcards and study notes. Step 5: Schedule and Take the Exam
The CISSP exam costs $749. While not free, this is a one-time investment. After passing, you’ll have up to nine months to complete the endorsement process and become certified. With 3–6 months of dedicated study using free resources, many candidates pass on their first attempt.

Free vs. Paid CISSP Certification Paths: ROI Analysis

Let’s compare the return on investment (ROI) of free training versus paid options. Free Path:
- Cost: $0 for training + $749 for exam
- Time: 3–6 months
- Resources: Cybrary, Professor Messer, free practice tests
- Outcome: Full certification eligibility Paid Path:
- Cost: $2,899 (official training) + $749 (exam) = $3,648
- Time: 1 month (accelerated)
- Resources: Official materials, practice exams, instructor access
- Outcome: Certification eligibility + CPEs The free path offers a 90% cost savings. Given that the average salary for CISSP holders exceeds $135,000, the ROI is substantial. Even accounting for time invested, the payback period is typically under one year post-certification. Moreover, many employers reimburse certification costs after passing. So, you can take the free training route, pass the exam, and get your $749 reimbursed—effectively making the entire process free.

Career Outcomes After CISSP Certification

Earning the CISSP is a career accelerator. Here’s how it impacts job prospects: 1. Access to Senior Roles
CISSP is often a hard requirement for roles like: - Security Manager - IT Security Director - Cybersecurity Consultant - CISO (in mid-to-large organizations) Job postings on LinkedIn and Indeed show a 40% increase in CISSP-required roles from 2022 to 2023. 2. Higher Salaries
According to Payscale, CISSP holders earn a median salary of $138,000—compared to $95,000 for non-certified peers. In government and defense sectors, salaries often exceed $150,000. 3. Global Recognition
CISSP is accredited under ISO/IEC 17024 and meets DoD 8570.01-M requirements. This makes it valuable for federal contracts and international roles. 4. Career Longevity
Unlike technical certs that expire quickly, CISSP remains relevant for leadership and policy roles. It’s less about tools and more about frameworks, governance, and risk—skills that endure. Even if you start in an entry-level role, CISSP signals ambition and expertise, helping you move up faster.

Limitations of Free CISSP Training

While free resources are powerful, they have limitations you must plan around: 1. No Hands-On Labs
Free courses rarely include lab environments for network security or identity management. To compensate, use free platforms like TryHackMe or Hack The Box for practical experience. 2. Limited Practice Exams
Free practice tests often lack the adaptive format of the real CISSP exam. Consider investing $50 in a high-quality test bank like Boson or TestOut if you struggle with practice scores. 3. Self-Discipline Required
Without deadlines or instructors, motivation can wane. Use free tools like Trello or Notion to create a study schedule and track progress. 4. No CPE Credits
(ISC)² requires 120 CPEs every three years to maintain certification. Free training usually doesn’t count. After certification, you’ll need to earn CPEs through webinars, conferences, or paid courses. Despite these gaps, free training remains a viable path when supplemented strategically.

FAQs About Free CISSP Training

Can I really pass the CISSP exam using only free resources?

Yes. Thousands of professionals pass the CISSP each year using free videos, practice tests, and study groups. Success depends on consistency, understanding the exam format, and having relevant work experience. Free resources cover all required knowledge—what’s missing is structure, which you can create yourself.

Is the CISSP exam free if I use free training?

No. While training can be free, the CISSP exam itself costs $749. However, many employers offer reimbursement after passing. Always check with your HR or training department before paying.

How long does it take to prepare for CISSP with free courses?

Most candidates spend 3–6 months preparing. If you study 10–15 hours per week, you can complete Cybrary’s course and Professor Messer’s videos in about 12 weeks. Add 4–8 weeks for practice tests and review. Total: 4–6 months.

Do free CISSP courses offer certificates of completion?

Some do. Cybrary provides a free certificate of completion for finishing their CISSP course. However, this is not the same as the CISSP certification from (ISC)². You still must pass the official exam and submit proof of experience.

Can free training help if I don’t have the 5 years of experience?

Yes. Free training helps you build knowledge while gaining experience. You can take the exam before meeting the full experience requirement and become an “Associate of (ISC)².” Once you accumulate five years of qualifying work, you can complete the endorsement process and earn full certification.

Are there free CISSP training options with hands-on labs?

Not typically. Free CISSP courses focus on theory. For hands-on practice, use free cybersecurity platforms like: - TryHackMe (free beginner paths) - Hack The Box (free tier available) - OWASP WebGoat (for application security) These won’t replace CISSP labs but will strengthen your practical understanding.

Is free CISSP training enough for a career change?

Free training is a strong start, but a career change requires more. Pair free CISSP prep with entry-level certifications like CompTIA Security+ ($392 exam fee, free study resources available) and hands-on labs. Build a portfolio using GitHub or personal projects. Target roles like Security Analyst or Junior Pen Tester, then use CISSP to move into leadership.

What’s the best free CISSP course for beginners?

For beginners, start with Coursera’s free SSCP course (audit option) to build foundational knowledge. Then move to Professor Messer’s YouTube series or Cybrary’s free CISSP course. These use plain language and visual aids to explain complex topics. Supplement with the (ISC)² free webinars for official insights. Free CISSP training is not just possible—it’s a smart, cost-effective strategy for motivated professionals. While it requires more self-direction than paid courses, the knowledge gained is identical, and the ROI is undeniable. By combining free video courses, practice exams, and community support, you can prepare thoroughly for the $749 exam and unlock six-figure cybersecurity roles. The key is consistency, strategic planning, and leveraging every free resource available. Start today, and you could be CISSP-certified within six months—without spending a dime on training.