ISSEP Certification – New Training Experience, New Exam Outline

[mariatirado]

ISSEP has officially been upgraded. The revised exam outline reflects the latest Job Task Analysis, and the new adaptive training is built to support systems security engineers with targeted, personalized instruction.

The platform adapts to your pace and confidence level, offering immediate feedback and dynamic content. Updated learning materials - including a revised eTextbook and study questions eBook - are now available to support your preparation.

If you specialize in systems security engineering, this is your opportunity to validate your expertise with a credential built for today’s challenges.

Learn more about the ISSEP updates: https://www.isc2.org/insights/2025/08/next-level-certifications-for-cissp 

[ervinfrenzel]

@nkeaton, I do understand trying to think like the ISSEP - and like you the ISSMP and ISSAP were very familiar to you.  The CGRC was almost relaxing to be completely honest, I actually enjoyed that exam.  I know that the documentation that I keep running into says the "stakeholders" but then very explicitly states "stakeholders are not end-users" and the two should not be confused.  This poses a problem for me - not the statement that stakeholders are not end-users but the underlying thought process of disregard the end-user.  The new IATF (3.1) (Information Assurance Technical Framework 3.1 by National Security Agency Information Assurance Solutions Technical Directors. (Sep, 2002)) is now part of the conversation and is part of the study materials but I am struggling with this one.  I am not sure I can get through this one as it seems the mindset is just a bridge too far.

Ervin

[nkeaton]

@ervinfrenzel   I honestly believe that with a CGRC that you would be fine with the ISSEP.  I definitely did not read it and is not listed in the additional resources even on this version of the exam.  I understand what you are saying about shareholders.  It does make it tough to work on the solution space without all of the input.  I suppose that they are just inferring high level involvement, but you are right that usually does not give what is needed.  

[ionbadan]

Hello, I'm trying to access the official ISSEP eBooks (Study and Questions) from the following link https://www.isc2.org/landing/issep-study-questions-ebook, but unfortunately they seem to be unavailable. Is it possible to access them without training?

[nkeaton]

@ionbadan Since ISC2’s site changes, you now have to go to My Account. Under the dropdown is Courses and Exams. If you have enrolled in the training, you will see it there. Depending on your account, you may want to filter on Trainings to better find it. I know can buy it separately as well and will also see it there. I used the recommended NIST documents for mine. Best wishes.,

[ionbadan]

Yes, thank you, I know that I can access there all my previous purchases, including books and training courses. But where can I find a valid link to buy the ISSEP Study eTextbook?

[nkeaton]

@ionbadan I talked to a couple of people and said to look under Resources as well. I did look all over the site and could not find the links to buy the online resources although have seen them before. I did see a note saying that some online resources were being updated January 5 but not sure if has anything to do with it either.

[ionbadan]

@mariatirado I would be grateful for any assistance, could you please provide a valid link to purchase the ISSEP Study eTextbook? There is some uncertainty here.

[CBMExamTeam]

@ionbadan @mariatirado @nkeaton  

The Official ISC2 ISSEP eTextbook is available with ISC2 Online Self-Paced Training. https://www.isc2.org/training/online-self-paced/issep-online-self-paced 

Unfortunately, I don't see it available currently as a stand-alone purchase option.

Hope this helps.

[nkeaton]

@CBMExamTeam   Thank you.  That was all that I could find as well.  There was a link a few months ago.  I had actually put them in my cart if anyone asked but had to do an acquisition for something else at work and took them out.