The CISSP training market wants your money. Bootcamps charge $3,000 to $8,000 for a week of instruction. Online courses range from free to several thousand dollars. Self-study requires only book costs but demands months of disciplined effort. Each approach works for some candidates and fails for others.
I’ve been in this industry for over 30 years, and the names in training don’t change much. To put this together, I reached out to former students and colleagues, dug through Reddit feedback, and looked at what people actually say after they’ve spent the money. Here’s what I found about the major players and whether they’re worth your investment.
Understanding Training Formats
Before getting into specific companies, it helps to understand what you’re actually choosing between. Training formats fall into a few categories, each with trade-offs.
Bootcamps compress everything into one intensive week. You show up (in person or virtually) for eight or more hours daily, covering all eight domains at rapid pace. The appeal is obvious: one week of focused effort instead of months of self-discipline. But bootcamps assume you already have security knowledge. They’re review and exam strategy, not foundational learning. If you don’t already understand basic concepts, a bootcamp will overwhelm you.
Instructor-led courses spread over weeks give you time to absorb material between sessions. You might attend two-hour evening classes three times a week for six weeks. This format provides accountability without requiring vacation time, and concepts have time to sink in before you pile on more.
Self-paced online courses let you study whenever works for you. The flexibility is the selling point, but it’s also the weakness. Without external deadlines, many candidates let study slide. Weeks pass without progress. Be honest about whether you’ll actually complete something without scheduled sessions forcing you forward.
Self-study with books and free resources costs the least but demands the most discipline. You control everything: pace, schedule, materials. Success depends entirely on your ability to maintain consistent effort over months without anyone holding you accountable.
Instructor-Led Training: The Major Players
SANS Institute runs great courses. Nobody disputes that. Their instructors are typically active practitioners who bring real-world experience into the classroom, and the course materials are comprehensive. The problem is cost. You’re looking at around $8,000 for the training, and that doesn’t include the exam voucher which runs another $800. If your employer has deep pockets or you’re using government training funds, SANS delivers quality worth the price. For self-funded candidates, the math rarely works out unless you’re certain the certification will immediately boost your salary enough to recover the investment.
Learning Tree International is an official ISC2 partner. I taught a CompTIA class for them a long time ago, so I know how they operate internally. They run standard courses with decent feedback, and people speak highly of their pass rates. The organization is professional and well-structured. Nothing flashy, but they deliver what they promise without surprises. If you want a reliable, middle-of-the-road option with ISC2’s stamp of approval, Learning Tree is a safe choice.
ISC2 offers direct training that’s essentially the same course their partners teach, just without the add-ons different companies bundle in. You’re getting content straight from the organization that writes the exam, which has obvious appeal. The feedback is strong, and they offer flexibility with evening classes that work for people who can’t take a week off from their jobs. If you want the official source without middlemen marking up the price, this is the straightforward option. The instructors know exactly what the exam covers because they’re connected to the source.
Certification Camps gets good feedback, especially for their in-person events. I only knew them originally for Microsoft training, but their site is strong for learning across certifications. People seem to genuinely like the experience, and the community feel of their bootcamps gets mentioned positively. They’ve built a loyal following among people who prefer intensive in-person learning environments where you’re surrounded by other candidates working toward the same goal.
Training Camp has been around for a long time, and the feedback on Reddit is consistently strong. I took CEH training with them years ago when everyone wanted that certification, and the experience was solid. The instructors knew their material, the pace was manageable, and the support continued after the course ended. Most people who go through their CISSP program seem to have success. They offer both in-person and live online options, and their structure works well for people who need that intensive bootcamp format. If you’re spending employer money on a bootcamp, Training Camp is one of the safer bets based on track record.
Global Knowledge is a mixed bag. I’ve taken cybersecurity courses with them in the past, and they weren’t bad. The materials were decent and the structure made sense. But the feedback I gathered from others wasn’t great. Common complaints include trainers who don’t speak clearly and course materials that feel lacking compared to what you’re paying. Your experience may vary significantly depending on which instructor you get assigned. If you go this route, try to find out who’s teaching your specific session beforehand.
Infosec Institute has mixed reviews. When I was researching, I actually found a site called infosecinstitutesucks.com, which gave me a chuckle. The complaints there ranged from aggressive sales tactics to course quality issues. The ownership has apparently changed hands, so experiences from a few years ago may not reflect what they deliver now. The current operation might be completely different. Proceed with caution and look specifically for recent reviews before committing money.
SecureNinja received very negative feedback about trainer quality and their Zoom course delivery. Multiple people reported problems with instructors who seemed underprepared and technical issues that disrupted learning. The virtual classroom experience apparently fell well short of what you’d expect for the price. I’d look elsewhere unless you find recent reviews that show significant improvement in their delivery.
UMBC Training Centers came recommended by two friends from NSA who took classes there since they’re right on the campus. They spoke highly of the project manager who helped them through the course and said the instruction was solid. When I called for more information about current offerings, I found out that person had been laid off. Telling a prospective customer about internal layoffs isn’t exactly great social engineering on their part, and it made me wonder about their current operational state. The reviews from my contacts were good, but that phone call gave me pause.
New Horizons surprised me by still existing. I took NT courses with them back in the 90s when they were a legitimate training powerhouse. Turns out the name was purchased by someone else, so it’s not really the same company at all. Just a brand that lives on under different ownership. I can’t speak to what they deliver now because it’s essentially a different organization wearing old clothes. Do your due diligence if you’re considering them.
Destination Certification: A Special Mention
Destination Certification deserves separate discussion because they’ve built a strong reputation in the CISSP community. Their study guide is genuinely excellent, with a scenario-based approach that helps people understand how the exam actually tests concepts. Rob Witcher’s material clicks for candidates who struggled with other resources.
The hands-on direct training, however, seems a bit fractured and needs refinement. The study materials are the strength here. If you’re considering DestCert, the books and practice questions are where the value is. The live training may improve over time, but right now the self-study materials are the standout.
Self-Paced Online Options
Self-paced courses let you study on your own schedule, but quality varies dramatically. The convenience of studying at 11 PM or during lunch breaks comes with a trade-off: nobody is making you show up. Here’s what the feedback actually shows about the major platforms.
ISC2 Self-Paced is very dry. There’s no getting around that. But their new platform seems to be gaining popularity, and you’re getting the official content directly from the source. If you can handle the presentation style, the material is solid.
Cybrary isn’t bad, and Kelly Handerhan’s CISSP course remains the go-to free recommendation. Her emphasis on thinking like a manager rather than a technician helps people understand what the exam actually tests. The platform pushes her content heavily, and for good reason. It works.
Pluralsight gets mixed reviews for CISSP specifically. Many employers provide access, so it’s worth checking if you already have a subscription. But don’t expect it to carry your entire preparation.
Udemy hosts multiple CISSP courses, and prices drop to $15 to $30 during their constant sales. Never pay full price. A word of caution: Jason Dion’s CISSP course doesn’t match the quality of his CompTIA content. He should probably stick to what he knows best. Thor Pedersen’s courses get better feedback for CISSP specifically.
CBT Nuggets didn’t get good feedback for CISSP preparation. The platform works for other certifications, but this particular course falls short according to people who used it.
O’Reilly Learning provides access to books, video courses, and live training sessions through a single subscription. Many employers provide access. If you have it, use it as a supplement to other resources.
What Actually Matters When Choosing
Marketing claims don’t predict training quality. Every provider claims high pass rates and satisfied students. Here’s what actually indicates whether a program will help you pass.
Instructor credentials matter more than company reputation. A CISSP course taught by someone with ten years of security leadership experience differs dramatically from one taught by someone who reads slides. Check instructor backgrounds when possible. Look for working professionals who teach part-time rather than career trainers who’ve never done the actual work.
Recent reviews from verified students matter. Search Reddit, LinkedIn, and review sites for feedback from people who took the specific course you’re considering. Pay attention to reviews mentioning exam outcomes rather than just course enjoyment. An entertaining instructor who doesn’t prepare you to pass isn’t valuable.
Current content matters. The CISSP exam outline updates periodically. Ask when course materials were last revised and whether they cover current exam objectives. Outdated courses teach content that may not appear on today’s exam while missing new topics.
Practice questions matter. Quality training includes practice questions that mirror exam difficulty and format. Ask about question banks, practice exams, and whether explanations accompany answers. A course without substantial practice opportunities is incomplete.
The Real Cost Calculation
Training cost includes more than the price tag. Calculate the true investment before deciding.
Direct costs: Course fees, books, practice question subscriptions, and the exam fee ($749 as of 2024). Add these up for each option you’re considering. Remember that SANS doesn’t include the exam voucher in their $8,000 price.
Time costs: Hours spent studying have value. A bootcamp takes 40+ hours in one week plus travel time. Self-study might take 200+ hours spread over months. Consider what else you’d do with that time and whether faster certification has career value.
Opportunity costs: Will taking vacation for a bootcamp cost you in other ways? Will evening classes reduce family time? These costs don’t appear on invoices but are real.
Risk costs: What happens if you fail? The exam costs $749 to retake. Some training programs include retake guarantees or additional support. Factor in failure probability and recovery costs for each option.
Return on investment: CISSP certification typically increases salary by $15,000 to $30,000 annually according to ISC2 workforce research. A $5,000 bootcamp recovers its cost within months if it helps you pass and advance your career. A $200 self-study approach has better ROI if it works equally well for you.
Matching Training to Your Situation
The right training depends on factors specific to you. Consider these scenarios:
Employer Paying, Limited Time
If your organization funds training and you need certification quickly, Training Camp or Learning Tree make sense. The compressed timeline gets you to the exam faster, and the cost doesn’t come from your pocket. Request time off around the bootcamp for pre-study and post-course review. Don’t expect the bootcamp week alone to be sufficient.
Self-Funded, Flexible Timeline
If you’re paying yourself and have several months to prepare, self-study offers the best value. Invest in quality study guides and practice questions rather than expensive courses. Supplement with free resources like Cybrary and NIST publications. The money you save can cover multiple exam attempts if needed.
Need Structure but Can’t Take Time Off
ISC2’s direct training offers evening class flexibility that works around job schedules. The regular cadence keeps you progressing without the intensity of a bootcamp. The feedback is strong, and you’re getting content directly from the organization that writes the exam.
Experienced Professional, Just Need Review
If you’ve worked in security for years and understand most CISSP concepts already, you may not need formal training at all. A study guide to identify gaps, practice questions to test readiness, and perhaps Kelly Handerhan’s Cybrary course for specific weak domains might suffice. Don’t pay for instruction covering material you already know.
Failed Before and Need a Different Approach
If self-study didn’t work the first time, consider what was missing. Destination Certification’s study materials help people who struggle with the CISSP mindset. A live instructor can answer the specific questions holding you back. Sometimes a different perspective makes concepts finally click.
Combining Approaches for Best Results
The most effective preparation often combines multiple approaches rather than relying on any single method.
A common successful pattern: Start with self-study using a comprehensive guide to build foundational knowledge. Supplement with Kelly Handerhan’s videos for topics that don’t click from reading. Add a quality question bank for practice. Consider a shorter instructor-led course as exam day approaches for final review and question-answering.
Another pattern for employer-funded candidates: Attend a bootcamp for intensive instruction and exam strategy. Follow up with several weeks of self-study review before scheduling the exam. The bootcamp provides structure and expert guidance while self-study reinforces retention.
Whatever combination you choose, include these elements:
- Comprehensive content coverage through at least one thorough resource covering all eight domains. This might be a study guide, video course, or training program, but you need complete coverage somewhere.
- Practice questions from quality sources that explain wrong answers. The exam tests application, not just recall. Without practice, you won’t be ready for the question format.
- Active engagement through note-taking, discussion, or teaching others. Passive consumption of content doesn’t produce retention. Whatever training you choose, engage actively with the material.
- Gap identification through diagnostic tests and self-assessment. You need to know your weak areas to focus study time effectively. Training that doesn’t help you identify gaps wastes effort on topics you already know.
Red Flags in Training Marketing
Some training marketing should trigger skepticism.
“Guaranteed pass” without conditions is a lie. No legitimate program can guarantee you’ll pass because passing depends on your effort, not just their instruction. Legitimate guarantees come with conditions about completing coursework and practice exams.
“Pass in one week with no prior study” misleads candidates. Bootcamps work best as intensive review for people who already have security knowledge. Expecting to learn everything in a week sets you up for failure.
Extremely high claimed pass rates may be cherry-picked or fabricated. Ask how pass rates are calculated. Do they include all students or only those who complete certain requirements? Are they self-reported or verified?
Pressure to buy immediately suggests the sale matters more than your success. Legitimate training providers let you evaluate options without manufactured urgency. “Enroll today or lose this price forever” is marketing, not education.
No information about instructors before enrollment is concerning. You should know who will teach you before paying. Providers hiding instructor information may assign whoever is available rather than subject matter experts.
Making Your Decision
The training decision matters, but it’s not the only factor determining success. Candidates pass with expensive bootcamps and with free YouTube videos. Candidates fail with both too. Your effort, consistency, and honest assessment of weak areas matter more than which training you choose.
If employer funding is available, use it. Training Camp, Learning Tree, or ISC2 direct training provide value even if you could theoretically pass with self-study alone. The structure and instruction make preparation easier.
If you’re paying yourself, start with lower-cost options. Self-study with quality materials works for many candidates. Kelly Handerhan’s free course on Cybrary combined with a good study guide covers most of what you need. Add paid training only if self-study isn’t working or you identify specific needs that paid options address better.
Whatever you choose, commit fully. Half-hearted effort with excellent training produces worse results than focused effort with basic resources. The training gets you access to information and structure. What you do with it determines whether you pass.
After you’ve evaluated your options against your situation, make a decision and move forward. Analysis paralysis keeps some candidates comparing training options when they should be studying. Pick something reasonable, start preparing, and adjust if needed. The best training program is the one you actually complete.
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