CISSP is the most respected credential in information security. It is also one of the hardest exams to pass, covering eight domains that span everything from security architecture to software development security. The exam was updated in April 2024 with a new Detailed Content Outline, so make sure your study materials match the current objectives.
Last reviewed: March 2026. All links and availability verified.
ISC2 CISSP Official Study Guide, 10th Edition
Mike Chapple, James Michael Stewart, and Darril Gibson’s Sybex guide is the industry standard. The 10th edition (June 2024) is completely updated for the 2024 CISSP exam outline and covers 100% of exam objectives across all 8 domains. Includes 900+ online practice test questions, flashcards, and over 2 hours of audio review. This is what most people who pass use as their primary study resource.
- Authors: Mike Chapple, James Michael Stewart, Darril Gibson
- Published: June 2024 (Sybex/Wiley, 10th Edition)
- Best for: Primary study guide, comprehensive coverage
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
ISC2 CISSP Official Practice Tests, 4th Edition
1,300 unique practice questions organized by domain (100 per domain) plus four full 125-question practice exams. Updated for the April 2024 exam weighting. The CISSP is a 6-hour, 175-question adaptive exam, and doing hundreds of practice questions is non-negotiable for passing.
- Authors: Mike Chapple, David Seidl
- Published: 2024 (Sybex/Wiley, 4th Edition)
- Best for: Maximum practice question exposure
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
ISC2 CISSP Official Study Guide & Practice Tests Bundle
Combines the Study Guide 10th Edition and Practice Tests 4th Edition into one package. If you plan to buy both (and you should), this bundle is the better deal.
- Authors: Chapple, Stewart, Gibson, Seidl
- Best for: Best value for complete preparation
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, 9th Edition
The classic “Shon Harris” CISSP guide, now maintained by Fernando Maymi. Some people prefer its explanatory style over the Sybex guide. It covers all CISSP domains with practice questions, exam tips, and in-depth explanations. Good as a second opinion alongside the Official Study Guide.
- Authors: Shon Harris, Fernando Maymi
- Publisher: McGraw Hill (9th Edition)
- Best for: Alternative perspective, in-depth explanations
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
Study strategy
| Approach | Recommended combo |
|---|---|
| Most popular path | Official Study Guide + Official Practice Tests (bundle) |
| Want two perspectives | Official Study Guide + All-in-One Exam Guide |
| Budget option | Official Study Guide alone + free practice questions online |
Most successful candidates study for 3-6 months using the Official Study Guide as their primary resource, supplemented with practice tests. The adaptive exam format means you need broad knowledge across all 8 domains. Weak domains will sink you even if your strong domains are excellent.
