topic Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025 in CCSP Study Group

CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

mariatirado — Thu, 01 May 2025 15:18:29 GMT

The CCSP Exam will be offered exclusively in Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format beginning on October 1, 2025. There are no changes to the domains or exam outline at this time.

For more information on CAT, please refer to www.isc2.org/certifications/computerized-adaptive-testing

Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

Spirnia — Thu, 01 May 2025 15:24:22 GMT

Very happy about this!

Thank you, ISC2!!

Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

Spirnia — Thu, 01 May 2025 15:59:02 GMT

How long will the CCSP exam be?

Looks like the maximum will be higher...

Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

Spirnia — Thu, 01 May 2025 15:59:26 GMT

Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

Spirnia — Thu, 01 May 2025 16:23:08 GMT

I found my answer!

CCSP will be 3 hrs.

Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

nkeaton — Thu, 01 May 2025 19:55:10 GMT

@mariatirado Thank you. I will make sure that our folks that are studying for it are aware. Will there be a complete cutover, or will people have an option of which format they prefer before that effective test date?

Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

nkeaton — Thu, 01 May 2025 20:13:30 GMT

@Spirnia I appreciate your enthusiasm. I definitely prefer linear to adaptive for myself, but others like adaptive more. I can only speak from having to go CAT for the CISSP. The time allotted was no different. The exam can stop at any time depending on how the algorithm determines how your answers count (Thor has a great theory if interested, but I respect that ISC2 will never tell us for the integrity of the exams) . So an exam can stop at 100, 150, or anywhere in between. What I have learned from helping our folks is that an exam can end at 100 if the algorithm has been satisfied and pass or if determines that have answered so many wrong that have no chance of passing. If it goes to 150, then you are on the fence and could be a pass or fail. The same is true if stops any number in between for passing or failing. The pre-test/beta questions are always in the first 100 questions. I will answer what I can for you. These are just things that I have noticed helping others.

Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

Spirnia — Thu, 01 May 2025 20:26:44 GMT

I like adaptive. Period.

I am a slow reader. So, I like that it determines status early.

My CISSP exam was adaptive and stopped at 100.

I would not have had much time left for more questions anyhow.

Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

elvis_moreland — Thu, 01 May 2025 23:16:49 GMT

Great news!

Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

nkeaton — Thu, 01 May 2025 23:33:17 GMT

@Spirnia Passing at 100 means that you made the algorithm very happy which is great. Reading thoroughly for the best answer is definitely a great strategy. I have had people tell me that they read the questions first. I tried and does not work for me. I prefer linear but have the most respect for the people that I know that did it with paper (test booklet and separate answer sheet) and pencil. I am pretty confident that you will do fine.

Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

akkem — Fri, 02 May 2025 18:53:07 GMT

Good to know. Thank you for the heads up!

Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

akkem — Fri, 02 May 2025 20:08:29 GMT

Found post on LinkedIn and explain in details how it works when move these exams to CAT format.
LinkedIn post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mikechapple_big-adaptive-testing-news-from-isc2-activity-7323734794851303424-wE41/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAS_ifYBc7TW_6Dq1G6bCZWSNIGVLRlbX08

✅Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), which will remain three hours long and now range from 100-150 questions (vs. 125 previously)
✅Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), which will remain two hours long and now range from 100-125 questions (vs. 100 previously)
✅Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), which will be shortened to two hours (vs. three previously) and will range from 100-125 questions (vs. 125 previously)

Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

nkeaton — Sat, 03 May 2025 00:44:17 GMT

@akkem The beta/pre-test questions will be on the first 100.

Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

SteveinRoy55 — Sat, 03 May 2025 07:26:07 GMT

Good to know. Thank you for the heads up Passcerthub

Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

mariatirado — Mon, 05 May 2025 21:02:33 GMT

Hey @nkeaton, once an exam is available in the CAT format, it is no longer offered in linear format. The linear format for the CCSP exam is available through September 30, 2025. Beginning October 1, 2025, this exam will no longer be available in the linear format.

Re: CCSP Exam Format Update – Effective October 1, 2025

nkeaton — Mon, 05 May 2025 22:53:47 GMT

@nariatirado Thank you. I knew that the linear format would not be available after that date. I was asking more about if there would be a choice before that. I deal with about a 1K cybersecurity workforce as part of my job. So I am pretty sure from your answer that is no crossover period when can select either.