topic Re: ISC2 CC free course in Exam Preparation

ISC2 CC free course

TomK — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:37:14 GMT

Well, I do this ISC2 should give more outlets for studying for this entry exam, as I have taken agricultural courses, Wset 3 for wine and spirits, and have been through a 4 year college, passing everything with honors. But be aware that this test is not easy, and requires more than ISC2's preparation course, and I thought I memorized everything necessary, but no! I failed. I am new to the cybersecurity world, but will now reach out to this community IF i decide to re-take this exam and pursue further. But a little dissapointed, in that with online learning and flashcards only, it was not enough to prep for the 100 questions

Re: ISC2 CC free course

nkeaton — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:35:04 GMT

@TomK ISC2 is giving away a year membership (if do nothing else), self-study training, and an exam voucher. So were given a few hundred dollars worth of things for no cost; it is the best deal have ever seen for entry level cybersecurity. I don't think that they need to give away more. A lot of this came out of our membership fees, and I fully support the program and that use of our fees. I know that a lot of people like the Mike Chappel book, and ISC2 does suggest resources for any knowledge gaps: isc2.org/certifications/references#Certified%20in%20Cybersecurity%20(CC). I always suggest that the people keep the exam objectives with them to remind themselves of what are expected to know and to identify any knowledge gaps. You are correct that is not an easy exam. When ISC2 asked for volunteers for the pilot (ELCC), I did mostly to be able to speak intelligently to people interested in this. I and a friend of mine both took the exam; we were both already long time CISSPs and agreed that is not an easy exam. It is the general knowledge that need for the CISSP (no analytical questions) making it a great stepping stone on the journey. Best wishes.

Re: ISC2 CC free course

Kaity — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:24:21 GMT

Hello!

Just to clarify - being an ISC2 Candidate is free for your first year. That provides you with access to the online self-paced CC course, as well as one free attempt at the exam. After one year as a Candidate, to remain one, you have to pay $50. Or, if you've taken and passed an ISC2 exam, you can pay your AMF to become a member instead. Members get 20% off online self-paced training and many other discounts on other products and services.

Once you pass the CC exam, it is $50 to become an ISC2 certified member holding the CC. If you pass the exam, but do not apply to become a member and pay the $50, you won't become certified. You may still say that you passed the exam, but you are not certified. I hope that makes sense!

LMK if there are any questions 🙂

Re: ISC2 CC free course

nkeaton — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 20:37:34 GMT

@Kaity What I end up explaining the most is that the $50 membership fee is not the same as the $50 AMF, almost all outside of this community. They do get a little passionate over the word free. Because of my acquisition background, I usually say no cost. It is honestly the best deal going for entry level certification in my 17 years in cybersecurity. Some get really upset that have to pay a $50 AMF to be certified. I am sure that you have dealt with those too. I was just glad was much lower than the $135 most of us pay. Appreciate all that you do and happy Thanksgiving eve.

Re: ISC2 CC free course

Kaity — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 20:41:54 GMT

Absolutely @nkeaton - thank you!

And fun fact, if you have paid the $50 for your second year of being a Candidate, depending on when you pass your CC exam, you can have those dues transferred to become your first AMF.

AMFs for CC holders and Associates are only $50 - vs. $135 for other certifications - as we understand that CC holders and Associates are likely in the early stages of their career, and so we want to provide lower fees to accomodate that.