On this page, right at the top, you’ll find a button that provides full access to the Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) practice test. Directly below it, there’s a comprehensive practice test aimed at offering an in-depth review. Taking advantage of these tests is a fantastic way to demonstrate your skills, pinpoint areas for improvement, and refine your study strategy.
To enhance your preparation further, particularly in areas requiring extra attention, we’ve created specialized quizzes. These quizzes are carefully tailored to focus on particular aspects of the ISSAP exam, enabling a more focused and efficient study experience.
Information Systems Security Architecture Professional Domain Exams
The Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) certification, an advanced concentration in information security architecture, is offered by (ISC)² and is intended for those who already hold the CISSP certification. The ISSAP exam evaluates an individual’s expertise in specialized areas of information security architecture.
Here’s a breakdown of the exam domains:
Domain 1: Architect for Governance, Compliance and Risk Management
- Exam Percentage: 17%
- Focus: This domain focuses on ensuring that information security strategies align with business goals, legal and regulatory requirements, and risk management principles. It covers governance policies, compliance requirements, and risk management concepts to ensure that the security architecture is designed to protect the organization’s information assets effectively.
Domain 2: Security Architecture Modeling
- Exam Percentage: 15%
- Focus: This area deals with the creation of security architecture models that align with organizational objectives. It involves understanding and applying standards, methodologies, and frameworks to develop comprehensive security architectures. This domain emphasizes the importance of security models that can adapt to evolving threats and business needs.
Domain 3: Infrastructure Security Architecture
- Exam Percentage: 21%
- Focus: Focused on the design and implementation of network, system, and application infrastructure security controls. This domain addresses the need for robust security measures in physical and virtual environments, covering aspects like network segmentation, secure communication channels, and the protection of critical infrastructure components.
Domain 4: Identity and Access Management (IAM) Architecture
- Exam Percentage: 16%
- Focus: Concentrates on the structures and systems that manage digital identities and control access to resources. This domain covers the principles and technologies for identity management, authentication, authorization, and accounting. It aims to ensure that only authorized individuals can access the right resources at the right times for the right reasons.
Domain 5: Architect for Application Security
- Exam Percentage: 13%
- Focus: This domain focuses on integrating security into the development lifecycle of applications. It covers secure coding practices, application security testing techniques, and the implementation of security features within applications. The goal is to ensure that applications are designed and developed to be resilient against attacks.
Domain 6: Security Operations Architecture
- Exam Percentage: 18%
- Focus: Deals with the design and management of security operations centers (SOCs), incident response teams, and security monitoring tools. This domain covers the strategies and technologies for detecting, responding to, and recovering from security incidents. It emphasizes the importance of proactive monitoring, threat intelligence, and the continuous improvement of security operations.
| Exam Domain | % of Exam | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Architect for Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management | 17% | This domain focuses on ensuring that information security strategies align with business goals, legal and regulatory requirements, and risk management principles. |
| Security Architecture Modeling | 15% | This area deals with the creation of security architecture models that align with organizational objectives. |
| Infrastructure Security Architecture | 21% | Focused on the design and implementation of network, system, and application infrastructure security controls. |
| Identity and Access Management (IAM) Architecture | 16% | Concentrates on the structures and systems that manage digital identities and control access to resources. |
| Architect for Application Security | 13% | This domain focuses on integrating security into the development lifecycle of applications. |
| Security Operations Architecture | 18% | Deals with the design and management of security operations centers (SOCs), incident response teams, and security monitoring tools. |
Exam Format and Other Details:
- Number of Questions: The ISSAP exam consists of 125 questions.
- Exam Duration: Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam.
- Question Format: The questions are multiple-choice, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical applications.
- Passing Score: The passing score is 700 out of 1000 points.
- Language: The exam is offered in English.
- Pre-requisites: Candidates must hold a valid CISSP certification and have two years of cumulative paid work experience in one or more of the six domains of the ISSAP CBK.
Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) Exam Breakdown
The Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) is an advanced-level certification offered by (ISC)² that focuses on the architecture aspects of information security. It is designed for experienced security professionals, particularly those involved in the development, design, and analysis of information security solutions, and who wish to demonstrate their expertise in information security architecture.
Exam Breakdown
The ISSAP exam assesses the candidate’s knowledge and skills in the following domains:
- Identity and Access Management Architecture – Covers mechanisms and concepts used to design and implement identity and access management systems to ensure authorized and efficient access to an organization’s resources.
- Security Operations Architecture – Focuses on designing and implementing infrastructure that supports ongoing security operations, including incident detection, response, and recovery.
- Infrastructure Security – Involves securing network, telecommunications, and cloud environments, along with critical infrastructure.
- Architect for Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management – Ensures that information security strategies align with compliance requirements and manage risks appropriately.
- Security Architecture Modeling – Utilizes models to evaluate or predict the effectiveness of proposed security architectures.
- Architect for Application Security – Deals with integrating security into applications during their development lifecycle to mitigate vulnerabilities.
Exam Details
- Length: The ISSAP exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions.
- Duration: Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam.
- Passing Score: A passing score is 700 out of 1000 points.
- Prerequisite: Candidates must have a valid CISSP certification and two years cumulative paid work experience in one or more of the six domains of the ISSAP CBK.
Registration and Scheduling
Candidates can register for the ISSAP exam through the (ISC)² website. It is important to schedule the exam well in advance to secure a preferred date and location.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits
To maintain the ISSAP certification, holders must earn and submit 60 CPE credits every three years and pay an annual maintenance fee.
How to Become ISSAP Certified
To become an Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP), a certification offered by (ISC)² as a concentration area under the CISSP certification, you’ll need to follow several steps. The ISSAP certification is designed for CISSP credential holders who wish to demonstrate their expertise in the area of security architecture. Here are the general steps and resources you’ll need to consider:
- Ensure Eligibility: Before you can earn the ISSAP certification, you must first hold a valid CISSP certification. The CISSP itself requires a minimum of five years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP.
- Gain Relevant Experience: For the ISSAP, you should have experience in one or more of the six domains of the ISSAP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). The work experience should be within the architecture aspect of information security within the last five years.
- Study for the Exam: You’ll need to prepare for the ISSAP exam by studying the six domains covered in the ISSAP CBK. The domains are:
- Identity and Access Management Architecture
- Security Operations Architecture
- Infrastructure Security
- Architect for Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management
- Security Architecture Modeling
- Architect for Application Security
- Resources for study include the Official (ISC)² Guide to the ISSAP CBK, (ISC)² training courses, and various third-party books and study guides.
- Schedule and Pass the Exam: Once you’re prepared, schedule your exam through the (ISC)² website or Pearson VUE testing centers. You’ll need to pass the ISSAP examination, which is a 3-hour long test consisting of 125 questions.
- Endorsement Process: After passing the exam, you must complete the endorsement process. You’ll need to be endorsed by an (ISC)² certified professional who can attest to your professional experience and verify that you have the requisite background in information security.
- Maintain Your Certification: To maintain your ISSAP certification, you must earn and post Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits annually and pay your Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF). This ensures that your certification remains current and valid.
Remember, the journey to becoming ISSAP certified is challenging but rewarding, as it demonstrates a high level of expertise in information security architecture. Ensure you utilize all available resources and dedicate ample time to study and preparation.
Our Experience Teaching Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) Candidates To Pass The Exam
At Career Employer, creating our Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) practice tests has been an extraordinary journey, filled with both triumphs and obstacles. The development process was influenced by the wide range of topics encompassed by the exam and tailored to meet the specific needs of our learners.
Every facet of our approach has been meticulously designed to guarantee that each student is thoroughly prepared to succeed in the exam. Our dedication to delivering a complete educational experience shines through in the extensive and detailed nature of our practice materials, underscoring our commitment to the success of our students.
Teaching the Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) certification from a lecturer’s perspective involves a multifaceted approach, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. The ISSAP is an advanced-level certification offered by (ISC)², focusing on the design aspects of information security and security architecture. Here’s an in-depth look at teaching this certification, including resources that can be leveraged to enhance the learning experience.
Understanding the ISSAP Certification
Before diving into teaching strategies, it’s crucial to understand what the ISSAP certification entails. It’s designed for experienced security professionals, specifically those involved in the architecture aspect of information security. The certification covers six domains:
- Identity and Access Management (IAM) Architecture
- Security Operations Architecture
- Infrastructure Security
- Architect for Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management
- Security Architecture Modeling
- Architect for Application Security
Key Teaching Strategies
- Curriculum Development
- Align with (ISC)² Official Resources: Start by aligning your curriculum with the official (ISC)² ISSAP CBK (Common Body of Knowledge). This ensures that all the essential domains are covered comprehensively.
- Case Studies and Real-World Scenarios: Incorporate case studies to show how security architecture principles are applied in real-world scenarios. This helps bridge the gap between theory and practice.
- Engaging Delivery Methods
- Interactive Lectures: Use a mix of lectures and interactive discussions to keep students engaged. Encourage questions and debates on security architecture topics.
- Hands-On Labs: Set up labs where students can practice designing secure architectures. Use simulation software or sandbox environments for practical exercises.
- Assessment Techniques
- Quizzes and Exams: Regular quizzes can help reinforce learning and prepare students for the certification exam. Use a mix of multiple-choice questions and scenario-based questions.
- Project Work: Assign projects that require students to design a comprehensive security architecture for a hypothetical organization. This helps students apply what they’ve learned in a cohesive manner.
Additional Tips for Lecturers
- Continuous Learning: The field of information security is rapidly evolving. Stay abreast of the latest developments and incorporate them into your teaching.
- Certification Preparation: While the focus is on imparting knowledge, also prepare students for the certification exam. Discuss exam strategies and familiarize them with the format and types of questions.
Teaching the ISSAP certification is a rewarding challenge that requires a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. By leveraging official resources, engaging delivery methods, and continuous professional development, lecturers can provide a comprehensive learning experience that prepares students for both the certification exam and real-world challenges in information security architecture.
At Career Employer, our team of specialists, enriched with deep knowledge and broad experience in Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) exam preparation, has meticulously developed the ISSAP certification practice tests. Leveraging their extensive expertise, they have adeptly steered over 1000 system security technicians, with a focus on security management and troubleshooting, towards achieving their ISSAP certification.
Our team consists of experienced professionals, each with over ten years of dedicated experience in security technologies. This wealth of experience ensures that our practice materials are not only grounded in expert knowledge but also exceptionally effective in preparing candidates for success on their certification path.
Effective Study Strategies and Methods
For effectively studying for the Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) exam, a comprehensive approach that includes a mix of self-study, formal training, and community engagement is recommended. Here are some strategies to guide your preparation:
- Official ISC2 Training: ISC2 offers official training that is directly aligned with the ISSAP exam content. Opting for this training ensures you receive up-to-date materials that cover the latest exam domains. This can be an effective way to ensure a thorough understanding of the topics covered on the exam.
- Self-Study Tools: ISC2 provides various self-study resources designed to complement your exam preparation. These include the Official ISSAP Flash Cards, the Official ISC2 Guide to the ISSAP CBK (Common Body of Knowledge), and a self-paced training course. Utilizing these tools allows you to learn at your own pace and revisit complex topics as needed.
- Join an Online Study Group: Engaging with a community of peers who are also preparing for the ISSAP exam can be incredibly beneficial. ISC2 hosts an online study group where candidates can share insights, ask questions, and receive support from others who are going through the same process. Participating in these forums can provide you with additional perspectives and study tips.
- Understand the Exam Domains: Familiarize yourself with the six domains of the ISSAP exam, which include Governance, Compliance and Risk Management, Security Architecture Modeling, Infrastructure Security Architecture, Identity and Access Management (IAM) Architecture, Application Security Architecture, and Security Operations Architecture. A deep understanding of these areas will be critical for success on the exam.
- Practical Experience: The ISSAP certification is designed for individuals with a significant amount of experience in information security architecture. Applying theoretical knowledge in a practical setting can deepen your understanding and provide real-world insights that are invaluable for the exam.
- Schedule Regular Study Sessions: Consistency is key when preparing for a certification exam. Schedule regular study sessions, and try to stick to a routine. This can help ensure that you cover all necessary materials and retain the information you learn.
- Take Practice Tests: Practice tests can help you gauge your readiness for the actual exam. They can also familiarize you with the format of the questions and identify areas where you may need further study.
Anindita Kumar, a LinkedIn user highly recommends connecting with ISSAP professionals who have already passed the exam. Here is what they have to say:
Connect with professionals who have successfully obtained the CISSP-ISSAP certification. Their firsthand experiences and insights can provide invaluable tips and guidance. Networking with certified individuals also expands your professional connections within the cybersecurity community.
Anindita Kumar – LinkedIn user
Cost
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exam Fee | $599 |
| Rescheduling Fee | $50 |
| Cancellation Fee | $100 |
| Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) | $125 |
The Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) certification is a recognized credential for security professionals specializing in designing security solutions and providing risk-based guidance. To attain the ISSAP certification, you must first be a CISSP in good standing and possess at least two years of cumulative, paid, full-time work experience in one or more of the six domains of the CISSP-ISSAP CBK.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with obtaining the ISSAP certification:
- Exam Fee: The cost to take the ISSAP exam is approximately $599. This fee is payable when you schedule your exam through the Pearson VUE testing center.
- Rescheduling Fee: If you need to reschedule your exam, a fee of $50 is applicable.
- Cancellation Fee: Canceling your exam incurs a fee of $100.
- Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF): Once certified, members are required to pay an annual maintenance fee of $125. This fee supports the ongoing development of the certification program and is mandatory regardless of how many certifications you hold from (ISC)².
- Study Materials and Courses: Costs for study materials and preparatory courses vary. Self-paced online training options are available through ISC2, while other training providers offer various formats and pricing for ISSAP exam preparation. For instance, TestPrepTraining offers practice exams and possibly other preparatory materials, though specific prices for these services are not listed and would need to be checked directly with the provider.
It’s essential to consider these costs as part of your certification journey. Additionally, earning and maintaining the ISSAP certification involves continuous learning and professional development to meet the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements. This may involve additional expenses related to training courses, workshops, or conferences that qualify for CPE credits.
Reliable Study Materials and Resources
To prepare for the Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) certification exam, you have a variety of resources at your disposal. Here’s a comprehensive list of the best online resources, including websites, forums, training courses, and self-study materials that you might find helpful:
- (ISC)² Official Study Tools and Resources: (ISC)² offers a range of self-study resources for ISSAP exam preparation, including the Official (ISC)² Guide to the ISSAP CBK, official flashcards, and an ISSAP online study group. They also provide information on finding official training providers globally, which can be invaluable for those preferring structured training developed by (ISC)².
- Training Camp’s ISC2 Official ISSAP Certification Boot Camp: This course comes with a unique “Free-Retake Guarantee” and includes ISC2 ISSAP Courseware, an official authorized CISSP instructor, an ISSEP exam voucher & free retake, and practice test questions. Training Camp emphasizes a high pass rate for their students and provides comprehensive exam preparation.
- Infosec Institute’s CISSP-ISSAP Training Boot Camp: Infosec offers a four-day boot camp that covers the management of security programs and the technical aspects of security architecture. The camp includes 90-day extended access to boot camp components, a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, an Exam Pass Guarantee, an exam voucher, and unlimited practice exam attempts. This boot camp is suitable for those with 5+ years of experience and meets DoD information assurance requirements.
- ISC2 Community Forums: The ISC2 Community forums are a great place to connect with other professionals preparing for the ISSAP exam. Some participants in the forum recommend reading the CBK book and following up on the references at the end of each chapter for exam preparation. Others have found self-paced training sufficient for passing the exam, especially if it’s directly related to their work.
A Reddit user suggested going beyond summary notes if you want to pass the exam. This is what they had to say.
For ISSAP just reading summary notes is not good enough though it may work OK for CISSP. You need to dig a bit deeper into each exam objective listed in the ISSAP exam outline pdf.
security-learning – Reddit User
Another user shares a list of the books that helped them pass the exam. You might want to check them out.
I provisionally passed the ISSAP exam. Super hard and didn’t think I passed it. I wanted to share the materials I used to prepare for the exam in the hopes it’ll help others:
SeeingGreenDevils – Reddit User
For a comprehensive and structured approach to your ISSAP exam preparation, combining self-study resources with formal training, such as boot camps, can be highly effective. Make sure to engage with the ISC2 community forums for peer support and insights.
Tips for Exam Day
On the day of your ISSAP exam, ensuring you’re mentally and physically prepared is just as crucial as your study regimen leading up to the test. Here are some additional exam day tips, drawing from various expert advice and best practices for certification exams:
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Adequate rest the night before your exam cannot be overstated. Being well-rested helps improve concentration, memory recall, and stress management.
- Eat a Healthy Meal: Having a nutritious meal before the exam can help maintain your energy levels and concentration. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that might make you feel sluggish.
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the test center early to avoid any last-minute stress that can come from rushing. This will give you enough time to settle down and go through any security or check-in procedures.
- Bring Necessary Documentation: Ensure you have all required identification and authorization documents. Double-check the exam policies to know exactly what you need to bring.
- Manage Your Time Wisely: Be conscious of the time without letting it pressure you. If you’re unsure about a question, mark it for review and move on, then return to it if you have time at the end.
- Read Questions Carefully: Exam questions can be tricky. Read each question and all possible answers thoroughly before making your selection. Look out for qualifiers like “always,” “never,” “most,” and “least” which can significantly change the meaning of a question.
- Use Elimination Strategy: If you’re unsure about an answer, try to eliminate the clearly wrong options first. This can increase your chances of selecting the correct answer from the remaining options.
- Stay Calm: It’s natural to feel nervous, but staying calm can help you think more clearly. Take deep breaths, stay focused on the questions, and don’t panic if you come across something you’re unsure about.
- Review Your Answers: If time permits, review your answers, especially those you were unsure about or marked for review. Sometimes, a second look can help you catch mistakes or reconsider your answers with a fresh perspective.
- Post-Exam Review: After the exam, it’s beneficial to jot down topics you found challenging while they’re still fresh in your mind. This can be invaluable for future certifications or in the unlikely event that you need to retake the exam.
Each of these tips can help you approach your ISSAP exam day with confidence, ensuring you’re as prepared as possible not just in your knowledge and skills, but also in your exam-taking strategy. Remember, the right mindset and physical readiness can significantly impact your performance on exam day.
Post-Exam: Next Steps
After completing the ISSAP exam, here are the key post-exam strategies and next steps to consider, based on information from ISC2 and its community forums:
- Receive Unofficial and Official Results: Immediately after the exam, you’ll get an unofficial result from your Pearson VUE exam proctor. ISC2 will email the official results later. If passed, follow the instructions in the email to complete your certification process.
- Undergo Statistical and Psychometric Analysis: Your score will undergo a thorough analysis by ISC2, which could delay the release of official scores by six to eight weeks depending on the test taker volume.
- Address Exam Irregularities: Be aware that any suspected irregularities, fraud, or policy violations could lead to actions by ISC2, including revoking certifications or banning from future certifications.
- Retake Policy: If you don’t pass, retake intervals vary from 30 to 90 days based on the number of attempts, with a maximum of four attempts within a 12-month period.
- Endorsement Process: After passing, you must undergo the endorsement process to verify your work experience, which involves an application endorsed by an ISC2 certified professional or ISC2 itself if you don’t know one.
- Plan for Continuing Professional Education (CPE): Start planning your CPE efforts early to meet the required credits. Engage in activities that will count towards your CPE requirements, such as webinars or seminars.
- Special Accommodations and Exam Changes: If you require special accommodations, contact ISC2 before registering for the exam. Use the ISC2 portal for any exam rescheduling or cancellation.
- Resume and Professional Experience: If still working toward the professional experience requirement, display your “Associate of (ISC)2” status on your resume, indicating the field your exam covered without using the certification abbreviation.
- Digital Certificates and Badges: Access your digital certificate and claim your digital badge through your member account after full certification.
- Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF): Check your ISC2 account dashboard for any owed AMF and ensure it’s paid to maintain your certification.
For further details on each of these points, refer to the ISC2 official website and community forums.
References
- “Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP).” (ISC)², https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/ISSAP.
- “CISSP Concentrations.” (ISC)², https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP-Concentrations.
- “Pearson VUE.” Home, Pearson VUE, https://home.pearsonvue.com/isc2.
- “Training.” (ISC)², isc2.org/Training. https://www.isc2.org/Training.
- “ISSAP Self-Study Resources.” (ISC)², https://www.isc2.org/certifications/issap/issap-self-study-resources.
- “InfoSec Resources.” InfoSec Institute, https://resources.infosecinstitute.com/.
- “Test Prep Training.” TestPrepTraining, https://www.testpreptraining.com/.
- “ISSAP Certification Boot Camp.” Training Camp, https://trainingcamp.com/training/issap-certification-boot-camp/.
- “ISSAP Boot Camp.” InfoSec Institute, https://www.infosecinstitute.com/courses/issap-boot-camp/.
- “CISSP ISSAP Online Self-Paced Training.” (ISC)² Community, https://community.isc2.org/t5/Exam-Preparation/Cissp-ISSAP-online-self-paced-training/td-p/49451.
- “After Your Exam.” (ISC)², https://www.isc2.org/Exams/After-Your-Exam.
- “Understanding Associate of (ISC)² Status.” (ISC)² Community, https://community.isc2.org/t5/Career-Discussions/Understanding-Associate-of-ISC-2-Status/td-p/12539.
- “Frequently Asked Questions.” (ISC)², https://www.isc2.org/Frequently-Asked-Questions.
- “Provisionally Passed ISSAP – Here Are the Books I Used.” Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/cissp/comments/14zq2l9/provisionally_passed_issap_here_are_the_books_i/.
- “Provisionally Passed ISSAP.” Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/cissp/comments/15k6ipi/provisionally_passed_issap/.
- Kumar, Anindita. “Top 10 Tips to Ace the ISC² CISSP ISSAP Exam.” LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-10-tips-ace-isc2-cissp-issap-exam-anindita-kumar-8vmse/?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_more-articles_related-content-card.
