ISC2 Advances Exam Precision, Security and Experience for Three More In-demand Cybersecurity Certifications

As a more efficient evaluation of competency, Computerized Adaptive Testing streamlines and personalizes the exam experience for CC, SSCP and CCSP candidates

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ISC2 – the world's leading nonprofit member organization for cybersecurity professionals – announced the transition of three ISC2 certifications – the Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) and Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) – to a Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format. This move ensures ISC2 delivers its services using the latest technology, creating a more efficient, secure and precise exam experience for candidates.

Unlike traditional linear exams, the recognized and respected CAT format adjusts to each candidate's performance in real time without compromising on standards. CAT enhances exam security by creating a unique exam for each candidate, reduces test fatigue and offers a more precise measurement of their abilities. The exam concludes once the candidate's demonstrated ability meets or exceeds the passing threshold according to each exam's robust frameworks based on international standards. This dynamic approach results in a tailored exam experience that is more streamlined and secure, as the variations protect exam items from being exposed to other candidates.

"This transition to CAT supports ISC2's mission to build a safer cyber world by ensuring our exam administration meets the highest integrity and standards in evaluation of a candidate's knowledge, skills and abilities," said ISC2 Chief Operating Officer Casey Marks. "It ensures that candidates are evaluated based on their true skill level, not just their ability to endure a lengthy exam."

ISC2's adoption of the CAT format represents the organization's strategic commitment to the future of its certification programs. The implementation of Computerized Adaptive Testing helps meet the critical demand for cybersecurity professionals to experience a fair, valid, reliable and efficient exam administration process to validate their knowledge, skills and abilities to enter and advance throughout the cybersecurity workforce. It also gives employers both assurance in the integrity of the enhanced exam administration experience and confidence that those who pass an ISC2 certification exam have been held to rigorous global standards.

Expanding the CAT Exam Portfolio

In this latest round of technical updates, the CC, SSCP and CCSP join the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, which first adopted CAT across all languages in April 2024, in delivering a better real-time exam experience. 

Cybersecurity professionals preparing for CC, SSCP, or CCSP certifications can expect a better, data-driven testing experience that reflects the evolving demands of the industry. "Our exam candidates who take these new CAT-formatted exams can rest assured that the exam content covers the same material as the previous format, so those who are ready and confident to sit for the linear exam should feel just as confident about taking the exam in the new CAT format," said Marks.

For more information on CAT, explore: https://www.isc2.org/certifications/computerized-adaptive-testing

About ISC2

ISC2 is the world's leading member organization for cybersecurity professionals, driven by our vision of a safe and secure cyber world. Our more than 265,000 certified members, and associates, are a force for good, safeguarding the way we live. Our award-winning certifications – including cybersecurity's premier certification, the CISSP® – enable professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities at every stage of their careers. ISC2 strengthens the influence, diversity and vitality of the cybersecurity profession through advocacy, expertise and workforce empowerment that accelerates cyber safety and security in an interconnected world. Our charitable foundation, the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, helps create more access to cyber careers and educates those most vulnerable. Learn more, get involved or become an ISC2 Candidate to build your cyber career at ISC2.org. Connect with us on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

© 2025 ISC2 Inc., ISC2, CISSP, SSCP, CCSP, CGRC, CSSLP, HCISPP, ISSAP, ISSEP, ISSMP, CC, and CBK are registered marks of ISC2, Inc.

Media Contact:
Amanda Steinman
Senior Corporate Communications Manager
ISC2
[email protected]

SOURCE ISC2