Validates knowledge of building security into software, from requirements and design to testing, deployment and supply chain.
CSSLP covers the whole software lifecycle across eight domains, so a good course follows the current outline and prepares you for scenario questions. We compared the main options on format, support, practice and price.
Most people should start with ISC2's self-paced course: adaptive lessons, the official eTextbook and a free retake of the training if you fail your first exam attempt. Choose ISC2's live class for an instructor and schedule, or Jerod Brennen's LinkedIn Learning course if you already have access.
Jerod Brennen's video course of 13 hours 41 minutes, taught domain by domain with 30 quizzes. It follows the 2023 outline and was released in June 2024.
Great fit if you already have LinkedIn Learning and want a structured course
Poor fit if you want ISC2's official eTextbook and assessments; choose ISC2's self-paced course
ISC2's official course for the eight domains, which adapts its lessons to your assessment results. It includes the eTextbook, study questions and flashcards. If you fail your first exam attempt, you can retake the training free within a year.
Great fit if you want the official materials in one place
Poor fit if you want an instructor and a fixed schedule; choose ISC2's instructor-led class
ISC2's official live virtual class, taught by an ISC2 Authorized Instructor, in a full-time 5-day or a part-time 8-week schedule. It includes the eTextbook, study questions and session recordings, with materials available for 180 days.
Great fit if you want a fixed schedule, an instructor and peers, or your employer is paying
Poor fit if you want to study on your own time; choose ISC2's self-paced course
For most people, ISC2's official self-paced course. Choose ISC2's instructor-led class for a live schedule, or Jerod Brennen's LinkedIn Learning course if you already have access.
The 13-hour video course covers every domain with 30 quizzes. Most candidates add a practice question bank to learn how the exam asks questions.
Jerod Brennen's course runs about 13.5 hours, and ISC2's instructor-led class takes 5 days or 8 weeks. Plan for about 70 hours of preparation in total.
No. You can study and take the exam first. You need four years in the software lifecycle to become certified; otherwise you become an Associate of ISC2.