Professor Messer CISSP is a trusted, free online resource for individuals preparing for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification exam administered by (ISC)². Created by cybersecurity educator Jason "Professor" Messer, this self-paced, video-based training series delivers comprehensive, high-quality instruction that mirrors the official CISSP exam domains, making it one of the most widely recommended study paths for aspiring information security leaders. While not a formal certification course with a credential upon completion, Professor Messer’s CISSP training is a cornerstone educational tool used by thousands of professionals aiming to pass the exam and advance their cybersecurity careers. This article provides a detailed analysis of the content, structure, effectiveness, and real-world value of Professor Messer’s CISSP course, including its role in certification prep, cost implications, time investment, and career return on investment (ROI).
Who Is Professor Messer and Why Is His CISSP Course So Popular?
Jason Messer, widely known as "Professor Messer," is a veteran IT instructor with over two decades of experience teaching networking, security, and certification preparation. He gained widespread recognition through his free YouTube channel and website, where he offers in-depth video tutorials for CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and advanced certifications like CISSP. His teaching style is clear, methodical, and accessible, avoiding unnecessary jargon while maintaining technical depth—making complex topics digestible for learners at all levels.
The popularity of Professor Messer’s CISSP course stems from its accessibility and alignment with the (ISC)² CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). Unlike many paid training platforms, his CISSP content is offered entirely for free via YouTube and his website, course.careers, making it an ideal starting point for budget-conscious learners. His 2024 CISSP video series covers all eight CISSP domains, including Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, and Security Architecture and Engineering, totaling over 25 hours of instruction. The absence of paywalls, combined with his proven track record of helping students pass the exam, has cemented his status as a go-to educator in the cybersecurity certification space.
What Does the Professor Messer CISSP Course Cover?
Professor Messer’s CISSP course is structured around the eight domains defined by (ISC)² in the current CISSP exam outline (as of 2024). The course is delivered through a series of free, high-definition video lectures, each focusing on a specific subdomain within the CISSP CBK. The full curriculum includes:
- Security and Risk Management (15% of exam) – Covers confidentiality, integrity, availability, security governance, compliance, and risk assessment frameworks.
- Asset Security (10%) – Explores data classification, ownership, handling requirements, and data retention policies.
- Security Architecture and Engineering (13%) – Focuses on secure design principles, cryptographic systems, and physical security controls.
- Communication and Network Security (13%) – Details secure network architectures, protocols, and wireless security.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM) (13%) – Explains authentication, authorization, and identity federation models.
- Security Assessment and Testing (12%) – Reviews vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and audit processes.
- Security Operations (13%) – Covers incident response, disaster recovery, and digital forensics.
- Software Development Security (11%) – Addresses secure coding practices, application testing, and DevSecOps.
Each domain is broken into digestible 10- to 20-minute videos, complete with on-screen diagrams, real-world examples, and exam-focused explanations. While the course does not include interactive labs or quizzes, it is often paired with third-party practice exams such as those from Boson, Pocket Prep, or the official (ISC)² practice tests to reinforce learning.
How to Use Professor Messer CISSP for Certification Prep
While Professor Messer’s CISSP videos are not a standalone certification program, they serve as a foundational study resource. Most successful learners integrate his content into a broader study plan that includes additional materials. A recommended approach includes:
- Start with the Videos: Watch all CISSP domain videos in order, taking notes and pausing to reflect on key concepts. The full playlist is available on YouTube and organized by domain on professor-messer.com.
- Supplement with Study Guides: Pair the videos with the official (ISC)² CISSP CBK or popular third-party books like "CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide" by Shon Harris or "CISSP for Dummies" by Lawrence Miller.
- Use Flashcards: Leverage Anki or Quizlet decks aligned with CISSP domains to reinforce memorization of acronyms and frameworks.
- Practice Exams: After completing the video series, take timed practice tests from platforms like Boson, Skillset, or the (ISC)² Official Practice Test to gauge readiness.
- Join Study Groups: Engage with communities on Reddit (r/cissp), Discord, or LinkedIn to discuss tough topics and share study tips.
Many learners report spending 80–120 hours in total preparation time. Professor Messer’s content typically forms the first 30–40 hours of that journey, providing the conceptual foundation needed to succeed on the exam.
Cost, Duration, and Difficulty of the CISSP Certification Path
One of Professor Messer’s greatest strengths is that his CISSP training is completely free. However, obtaining the actual CISSP certification involves several cost components:
- Exam Fee: $749 USD (as of 2024) to take the CISSP exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.
- Study Materials: While Messer’s videos are free, many learners invest in additional resources such as practice tests ($50–$150), study guides ($40–$80), and online courses like those from Cybrary, Pluralsight, or Infosec Institute (ranging from $500 to $2,000).
- ISC² Membership: Optional but recommended; costs $99/year and provides access to member forums, events, and discounted exam retakes.
- Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Required to maintain certification; 120 CPEs every three years at no cost if sourced from free webinars and training.
The total time investment to earn CISSP certification varies. Most candidates spend 3–6 months preparing, depending on prior experience. The exam itself is computer-adaptive, lasting up to 4 hours with 100–150 questions. It is widely regarded as one of the most difficult IT certifications due to its depth, breadth, and scenario-based questions that test applied knowledge rather than rote memorization.
Prerequisites are strict: candidates must have a minimum of five years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains. A four-year college degree can substitute for one year, reducing the requirement to four years. Candidates without full experience can still take the exam and earn the Associate of (ISC)² designation until they meet the full criteria.
Top Alternatives and Complementary Courses to Professor Messer CISSP
While Professor Messer’s CISSP content is highly effective, some learners benefit from structured, paid alternatives that offer labs, instructor support, and progress tracking. Key options include:
- Pluralsight CISSP Path: A subscription-based learning path ($45/month) with hands-on exercises and skill assessments. Ideal for visual and interactive learners.
- Cybrary CISSP Certification Training: Free and paid tiers available. Includes video lessons, practice questions, and lab simulations.
- Infosec Institute CISSP Boot Camp: An intensive 5-day live or virtual course priced at $2,999–$3,999. Offers exam pass guarantees and includes official training materials.
- Sans Institute SEC504 or MGT512: While not CISSP-specific, SANS courses provide deep technical and managerial training that aligns with CISSP domains. Tuition starts at $7,500, making it a premium option.
- (ISC)² Official Training: Authorized training from (ISC)² costs around $2,500 and includes official materials and exam voucher. Often used by employers sponsoring employee certification.
For most self-directed learners, the optimal strategy is to start with Professor Messer’s free videos, then supplement with targeted paid resources like practice exams or flashcards. This hybrid approach balances cost and effectiveness, especially for those managing full-time jobs while studying.
Career Outcomes and Return on Investment (ROI) of CISSP Certification
Earning the CISSP certification is a career-transforming achievement. According to (ISC)²’s 2023 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, CISSP holders earn an average salary of $125,000–$155,000 in the United States, with senior roles like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) exceeding $200,000. The certification is often a requirement or strong preference for mid- to senior-level security roles, including:
- Security Manager
- IT Director
- Security Consultant
- Risk Analyst
- Compliance Officer
- CISO
The ROI of CISSP certification is substantial. Considering the average exam and study costs of $900–$1,500, most professionals recoup their investment within one year of a post-certification salary increase. Employers frequently view CISSP as a benchmark of expertise, making certified professionals more competitive for promotions and leadership roles. Additionally, CISSP is compliant with DoD 8570/8140 standards, opening doors to government and defense contracting positions.
Professor Messer’s free course significantly improves ROI by reducing the largest barrier to entry: education cost. By using his content as a primary study tool, learners can allocate their budget toward exam fees and practice tests rather than expensive boot camps. This democratization of high-quality training has helped thousands of professionals—from help desk technicians to network administrators—transition into high-paying security roles.
How Professor Messer Compares to Other Free and Paid CISSP Resources
When evaluating CISSP prep resources, cost, quality, and completeness are critical factors. Professor Messer stands out for delivering all three at no charge. Here’s how he compares:
| Resource | Cost | Duration | Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Messer CISSP | Free | 25+ hours | Video lectures | Budget-conscious, self-paced learners |
| (ISC)² Official Training | $2,500+ | 5 days | Instructor-led | Employer-sponsored candidates |
| Cybrary Free CISSP | Free (basic) | 20 hours | Video + quizzes | Beginners needing structure |
| Pluralsight CISSP Path | $45/month | 30 hours | Interactive learning | Subscribers wanting depth |
| Boson CISSP Practice Exams | $149 | N/A | Practice tests | Exam readiness validation |
Professor Messer’s content is unmatched in its clarity and accessibility. While it lacks interactive elements, its comprehensive coverage and zero cost make it the most efficient starting point. Most top performers in the CISSP community cite Messer’s videos as a key component of their success, often calling them the "gold standard" of free cybersecurity education.
FAQ
Is Professor Messer CISSP enough to pass the exam?
No single resource guarantees exam success, but Professor Messer’s CISSP videos provide a complete conceptual foundation. Most successful candidates combine his lectures with practice exams, flashcards, and hands-on review. While the videos cover all domains, they do not include test-taking strategies or question simulations, so supplementing with practice tests from Boson or (ISC)² is strongly recommended.
How long does it take to go through Professor Messer’s CISSP course?
The full video series runs approximately 25–30 hours. Most learners complete it in 4–6 weeks by watching 1–2 hours per day. However, mastery requires pausing to take notes, rewatch difficult sections, and cross-reference with study guides. Plan for 40–50 hours of total engagement when including note-taking and review.
Is the Professor Messer CISSP course up to date for 2024?
Yes. Professor Messer regularly updates his CISSP content to reflect changes in the (ISC)² exam outline. The current 2024 version aligns with the eight-domain structure and includes updates to topics like cloud security, zero trust, and AI in cybersecurity. His website and YouTube channel are updated promptly when exam changes occur.
Do I need prior experience before using Professor Messer’s CISSP course?
Yes. The CISSP exam assumes foundational knowledge in IT and security. While Professor Messer explains concepts clearly, the pace is fast and assumes familiarity with terms like IAM, encryption, and risk frameworks. Candidates without experience should first complete CompTIA Security+ or pursue entry-level roles in IT support or network administration before starting CISSP prep.
Can I get certified just by watching Professor Messer’s videos?
No. Watching the videos does not confer certification. You must pass the official (ISC)² CISSP exam and meet the five-year experience requirement. However, the videos are one of the most effective tools for mastering the knowledge domains tested on the exam.
Are there any free practice tests that pair well with Professor Messer?
Yes. Websites like Pocket Prep and Test-King offer free CISSP practice questions, though quality varies. For better results, use the free 100-question (ISC)² Official Practice Test or free trials from platforms like Boson or Cybrary. These help transition from passive learning to active recall and exam simulation.
Is Professor Messer affiliated with (ISC)²?
No. Professor Messer is an independent educator and is not officially affiliated with (ISC)². However, his content is meticulously aligned with the official CISSP curriculum and is widely respected within the cybersecurity community. He does not sell exam dumps or unauthorized materials, maintaining a reputation for ethical, high-quality education.
What comes after CISSP for career advancement?
After earning CISSP, professionals often pursue advanced certifications like CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), or CISSP concentrations such as CISSP-ISSAP or CISSP-ISSEP. Others transition into leadership roles such as CISO or security architect. Continuing education through CPEs and staying current with trends in cloud security, AI, and regulatory compliance ensures long-term career growth.