Pass Your ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Exam on the First Try

The ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) is an entry-level cybersecurity certification from ISC2, the same organization behind the CISSP. It covers five domains — Security Principles, Business Continuity and Incident Response, Access Controls, Network Security, and Security Operations — and requires no prior work experience. The CC is the standard launchpad credential for anyone starting a cybersecurity career.

Yes — the ISC2 CC is widely considered the strongest entry-level cybersecurity credential on the market. It’s ANAB-accredited under ISO/IEC 17024, approved for 20 work roles under DoD Directive 8140, and recognized globally by employers, government agencies, and DoD contractors. As ISC2’s official foundational credential, the CC also opens a clear progression path into the SSCP and CISSP.

No — the ISC2 CC requires zero work experience. It’s specifically built for career changers, students, IT professionals shifting into security, and complete newcomers to the field. After passing the exam, candidates earn the full certification by paying the annual maintenance fee and agreeing to the ISC2 Code of Ethics.

The ISC2 CC and CompTIA Security+ are both entry-level cybersecurity certifications, but they emphasize different angles. The CC focuses on foundational security concepts and managerial principles, while Security+ is more technical and hands-on. Security+ is required for many U.S. DoD technical roles, while the CC is approved for 20 DoD 8140 work roles and provides a direct pathway into the ISC2 family (SSCP, CISSP, CCSP). Many professionals earn both for maximum hiring flexibility.

The ISC2 CC is a moderate-difficulty entry-level exam — easier than the CISSP or SSCP, but still scenario-based and not pure memorization. Questions test how you’d apply foundational security concepts in real situations. Training Camp’s CC boot camp delivers a 94% first-time pass rate, well above typical national pass rates for self-study candidates.

The ISC2 CC exam is a 100-question, 120-minute Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. Candidates need a scaled score of 700 out of 1000 to pass. The exam covers five domains, weighted as follows: Security Principles (26%), Network Security (24%), Access Controls (22%), Security Operations (18%), and Business Continuity & Incident Response (10%). Effective September 1, 2026, the CC exam transitions to a new exam outline integrating AI security concepts across all five domains.

Yes — the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity is approved under DoD Directive 8140 and aligns to 20 work roles in the DoD Cyber Workforce Qualification Provider Marketplace. It satisfies foundational qualification requirements across IT (Cyberspace), Cybersecurity, and Cyberspace Enablers workforce elements, making it a valid credential for DoD civilian, military, and contractor positions.

The ISC2 CC opens entry-level cybersecurity roles including SOC analyst, junior cybersecurity analyst, security operations technician, IT support with security responsibilities, junior penetration tester, and entry-level GRC analyst. Thanks to DoD 8140 alignment across 20 work roles, the CC also qualifies candidates for federal and defense contractor positions for those pursuing government cyber careers.

Entry-level cybersecurity roles in the United States typically pay between $65,000 and $85,000 annually, with variation by region, security clearance, and employer. ISC2 reports that its certified members earn roughly 35% more on average than non-certified peers across the cybersecurity workforce, and the CC is the first step into that certified network.

Training Camp’s ISC2 CC boot camp includes a free retake guarantee — if you don’t pass on the first attempt, you return for another full boot camp at no additional cost. Most students never use it because our first-time pass rate is 94%. Per ISC2’s policy, candidates may retake the CC exam after a 30-day waiting period.

The Training Camp ISC2 CC boot camp is a one-day intensive program followed by on-site Pearson VUE testing available the same week. Most students walk into the testing room within days of finishing class — while the material is still fresh. The total path from enrollment to certified typically runs under a week, making it the fastest route to an ISC2 credential.

The natural ISC2 progression from the CC is the SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) for technical depth, followed by the CISSP once you have five years of qualifying experience. Many CC holders also stack CompTIA Security+ early in their careers, then specialize with credentials like CCSP (cloud security), CySA+ (cybersecurity analyst), or vendor-specific tracks such as Microsoft SC-200 or AWS Security Specialty.