ISC2 confirmed in April 2025 that its Exam Peace of Mind Protection — which provides a second exam sitting if a candidate doesn’t pass the first time — is now a permanent standard option when purchasing eligible exam vouchers directly from ISC2. The program was originally introduced in 2023 as a limited-time offer. The CISSP two-attempt voucher is priced at $998, compared to $749 for a single attempt — a difference of $249 for the backup attempt.
The program applies to the CISSP, CCSP, SSCP, CSSLP, CGRC, ISSAP, ISSEP, and ISSMP exams. It is not available for the Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) exam or the Chinese-language CISSP. To be eligible, candidates must not have attempted the same certification exam within the previous 12 months, and the voucher must be purchased directly from ISC2’s exam Peace of Mind page rather than through third-party channels.
What Candidates Said About It
ISC2 surveyed candidates who used Peace of Mind Protection when it was a limited offer and published key findings alongside the permanent program announcement. Seventy-seven percent said having two attempts encouraged them to schedule their first exam sooner. Eighty-eight percent said they would be likely or very likely to recommend it to a colleague. Candidate feedback in the survey pointed specifically to reduced pre-exam anxiety — knowing a second attempt was already paid for allowed candidates to focus on demonstrating their knowledge rather than managing fear of the cost of failure.
For CISSP candidates weighing the option: a 30-day test-free waiting period applies between the first and second attempt. The second attempt must be scheduled and completed within the window specified at purchase — it does not extend indefinitely. All purchases are final, and Peace of Mind Protection vouchers are not eligible for refunds regardless of outcome. Candidates who pass on the first attempt simply don’t use the second sitting.
The practical value of the program depends on a candidate’s individual risk tolerance and financial situation. At $249 for a backup attempt on a $749 exam, it’s a 33% premium for insurance against the full cost of a retake. For candidates whose employers are covering exam costs, the question is less pressing. For self-funded candidates — particularly those with families or financial constraints where a second full exam fee would require specific planning — having the backup already paid provides meaningful peace of mind that translates directly into better exam performance for many people. The program is available on an ongoing basis through ISC2’s direct exam purchasing channel.