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the_phatman
Viewer II

Reddit Discussion (CISSP: Do you need to reach 70% in ALL of the 8 domains)

Hi everyone,

I am preparing for the CISSP exam and I am seeing conflicting information regarding whether one needs to get 70% in all the domains to receive a pass mark on the exam. Could somebody from ISC2 please confirm for me as I have my test soon. I will be taking it in english (in Australia)

This URL says it does not: https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP/CISSP-Cat

Q: Does a candidate need to score “Above Proficiency” in all domains in order to pass the exam?
A: No. A candidate does not need to score above the proficiency level in each area of the test plan to pass the exam. A single pass/fail result is calculated on the total of all (please underline this word) operational items administered for the examination. (ISC)² exams are compensatory exams which allow for a higher number of items answered correctly in one domain to compensate for a lower performance in another domain. If a candidate performs very well in a more heavily weighted domain where a high number of items are included on the exam and only performs “near proficiency” or even “below proficiency,” in a lesser weighted domain where a fewer number of items are included, there is a possibility that a candidate may pass the exam, but there is no guarantee.



This URL says it does: https://www.isc2.org/register-for-exam/exam-scoring-faqs

Q: What is the passing proficiency level for adaptive testing?

A: The proficiency is defined here as “passing standard.” Candidates must score above the proficiency level in all Domains in order to pass the exam.

 

  • Below proficiency – below the passing standard
  • Near proficiency – close to the passing standard
  • Above proficiency – above the passing standard
4 Replies
dcontesti
Community Champion

This question is best answered by Member Services.

 

@tonyshiver Could you assist on this one?

 

With thanks

 

d

 

tonyshiver
Contributor II

@the_phatman I'm looking into this for you and should have a response soon.

 

Tony Shiver

Manager, Member Services

For questions or issues related to candidate/member services, please contact: https://www.isc2.org/Contact-Us.
tonyshiver
Contributor II

@the_phatman Does removing "in all Domains" from this answer clear up some of the confusion?

Q: What is the passing proficiency level for adaptive testing?

A: The proficiency is defined here as “passing standard.” Candidates must score above the proficiency level in all Domains in order to pass the exam.

 

 

For questions or issues related to candidate/member services, please contact: https://www.isc2.org/Contact-Us.
DarkHelmet
Newcomer II

Why the change?