ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) Exam Guide
At a glance
- Time limit
- 2h
- Passing score
- 700 out of 1000 points
- Exam fee
- $199
- Governing body
- ISC2
ISC² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) is an entry-level credential designed for professionals building a foundation in cybersecurity fundamentals. No prior work experience is required to sit for the exam, making it accessible to career changers and early-stage practitioners. This credential signals solid knowledge of core security principles and prepares you to contribute immediately in security roles.
The CC exam spans 5 foundational domains: Security Principles, Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery & Incident Response Concepts, Access Controls Concepts, Network Security, and Security Operations. Each domain is weighted differently—Security Principles dominates at 26%, while others range from 10% to 24%—ensuring a balanced survey of essential cybersecurity concepts.
The registration price for the CC exam is U.S. $199. ISC² also charges an Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) of U.S. $50 for members who hold CC, with a 90-day grace period from the due date to pay.
The CC exam contains 100–125 questions delivered via Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), which adjusts difficulty based on your performance. You have 2 hours to complete it, and the passing score is 700 out of 1000 points. The exam uses multiple choice and advanced item types, administered at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) exam cost?
The registration price for the CC exam is U.S. $199. If you need to change your appointment after booking, Pearson VUE charges a reschedule fee of U.S. $50, and a cancellation fee of U.S. $100 applies if you cancel. Budget for these separately from the exam fee so a scheduling change doesn't catch you off guard.
Do I need work experience to take the CC exam, and how is the test structured?
No prior work experience is required to sit for the CC exam, which makes it a genuine entry point into cybersecurity. The exam contains 100-125 questions and gives you 2 hours (120 minutes) to complete it. It uses multiple choice and advanced item types administered as Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), so the difficulty of your next question adapts to how you've answered so far. To pass, you need a score of 700 out of 1000 points.
Which domains does the CC exam cover, and how should I prioritize my study time?
The CC exam covers 5 domains of foundational cybersecurity knowledge: Security Principles; Business Continuity (BC), Disaster Recovery (DR) & Incident Response Concepts; Access Controls Concepts; Network Security; and Security Operations. They are not weighted equally — Security Principles is 26%, Access Controls Concepts is 22%, Network Security is 24%, Security Operations is 18%, and BC/DR & Incident Response Concepts is 10%. Because Security Principles, Network Security, and Access Controls together account for 72% of the exam, weighting your study time toward those three domains gives you the most return.
Where do I take the exam, and what ongoing costs come after I pass?
The CC exam is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide, so you schedule your seat through Pearson VUE. After you earn the certification, the Annual Maintenance Fee for members who only hold CC is U.S. $50, and members are given a 90-day period from the due date to pay their AMF. Mark that due date on your calendar and use the 90-day window as a buffer so your certification stays in good standing.