The Best CISSP Study Guides and Books of 2024

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Are you a seasoned IT Security professional looking for a certification to aid in furthering your career? Are you at an organization that requires the CISSP for your career growth? The CISSP is the perfect certification to add to your arsenal, and this list will help you do just that with the CISSP study guides. The CISSP also is known as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification. It is not for the average entry-level cybersecurity professional. To qualify, you must have at least five years of work experience in two or more of the prerequisite domains. Obtaining your CISSP proves that you can do more than work in the field of cybersecurity. It shows that you can manage a cybersecurity program as well as designing and implementing it. This list will provide you with some of the best and most recommended resources for not just earning your CISSP but subsequently earning your membership into the (ISC)². Keep reading to see some of the best CISSP review books and learn how to really pass the CISSP exam.

If you want to just get back to studying, get our top pick for CISSP study guide here.
Our Top Favorite
CISSP Study Guide
Our Top Runner Up
CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition
Our Top Value Pick
(ISC)2 CISSP Official Practice Tests
Book Title
The CISSP Study Guide
CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition
CISSP Official (ISC)2 Practice Tests
Prime Eligible?
-
-
Amazon Prime
Our Top Favorite
CISSP Study Guide
Book Title
The CISSP Study Guide
Prime Eligible?
-
Our Top Runner Up
CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition
Book Title
CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition
Prime Eligible?
-
Our Top Value Pick
(ISC)2 CISSP Official Practice Tests
Book Title
CISSP Official (ISC)2 Practice Tests
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime

Last update: 2024-12-02

Our Favorites for the Best CISSP Study Guides

The CISSP Study Guide by Eric Conrad, Seth Misenar & Joshua Feldman

If you are looking for the best CISSP book, then you have found it in The CISSP Study Guide. This review book comes highly recommended and is extremely popular with CISSP test takers and cybersecurity professionals. The CISSP Study Guide is written by Eric Conrad, who, through the SANs organization of cybersecurity professionals, has prepared several students just like you to take and pass the CISSP exam.

What Makes It Unique?

  • The CISSP Study Guide is broken down by domain with a respective chapter for each. Each section provides definitions, terms you should know, exercises, exam warnings, and summation questions for each chapter.
  • Many readers who have used this book say that it is a SANs course for a fraction of the cost. The book is concise but still contains everything you will need to pass the exam without any added fillers.
  • The CISSP Study Guide is far more concise than most CISSP guides; however, it delivers information that is factual and on the exam.
  • Outside of providing an abundance of material, the CISSP book provides two exams for practice as well as a self-test appendix.

Why Choose this CISSP Prep Book?

  • The CISSP Study Guide is an excellent book for anyone who is a fan of the 11th Hour, also written by Conrad. They provide a similar format.
  • If you are looking for a book which aids to build on your current knowledge, this is it. The end of chapter questions aid students in gradually increasing their information retention.

On Sale
CISSP Study Guide
  • Feldman, Joshua (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 622 Pages - 12/17/2015 (Publication Date) - Syngress (Publisher)

Last update: 2024-12-02


CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional Study Guide (Sybex) by Mike Chapple, James Michael Stewart & Darril Gibson

The CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional Study Guide (Sybex) is another one of the best CISSP study guides. It is highly recommended and encouraged for use on the CISSP exam.

What Makes it Unique?

  • The CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional Study Guide (Sybex) encompassed everything you will need to pass the CISSP exam. This includes real-life examples and even advice by exam sections.
  • Aside from the textbook, you will also receive access to online course materials. These materials include practice exams, electronic flashcards, and even a searchable glossary of terms.
  • Outside of the text, a companion book is offered, which includes questions for each domain and several practice tests to study.

Why Choose this CISSP Prep Book?

  • Choose this book if you are looking for a great study guide or a reference guide in your professional security career.
  • If you are looking for a book which will present thorough information and supplemental information, this is a great option.

On Sale
CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official
  • Chapple, Mike (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 1050 Pages - 05/08/2018 (Publication Date) - Sybex Inc (Publisher)

Last update: 2024-12-02


CISSP Exam Cram by Michael Gregg 

CISSP Exam Cram (5th Edition) is one of the best CISSP study guides for covering the most critical exam information. The book is written by Michael Gregg, a seasoned security professional who heads security for corporations around the world.

What Makes it Unique?

  • CISSP Exam Cram comes filled with strategies, advice tips, and more to help you pass the CISSP exam.
  • It also comes equipped with a tearable cram sheet card which you can around with you anywhere you are. This sheet has information about tips, memory jogging information, and acronyms to aid you in remembering materials.
  • The CISSP Exam Cram book aids users in determining where they and helping them through it.
  • The first chapter of the CISSP Exam Cram provides advice and test-taking strategies that some may not be fully aware.

Why Chose this Book?

  • If you are looking for a book which has a separate companion book of exam prep questions, this is it. CISSP Practice Questions Exam Cram is designed to give you more than 1000 questions to practice.
  • If you’re looking for a reference guide on your road to the CISSP, this is a great option.
  • Many test-takers agree that this is an excellent supplement for your primary CISSP resource.

Cissp Exam Cram
  • Gregg, Michael (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 700 Pages - 07/09/2018 (Publication Date) - Pearson It Certification (Publisher)

Last update: 2024-12-02


The Runner-Ups for the Best CISSP Study Guides

CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition by Shon Harris & Fernando Maymí

The CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide is written by Shon Harris and is a highly coveted and respected text. With this latest edition information has been included regarding the new CISSP Common Body of Knowledge developed by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2.

What Makes it Unique?

  • The book’s format covers all eight domains which will be present on the CISSP exam as well as including digital study materials. These materials include flashcards and over 1400 practice questions, including the drag and drop style.
  • CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide is a long read, and it comes in at 1200 pages. Although many are turned off by the fluff or the added information, some readers found it helpful and highly informative.
  • This CISSP study guide also contains an air of humor which some readers say made the content easier to digest.
  • CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide uses common examples to explain concepts and information.

Why Choose this CISSP Prep Book?

  • If you are looking for a book to supplement your CISSP course, this would be a great option.
  • If you are looking for a text that will allow you to utilize the practice tests online and in the text, to gauge your understanding, and grow your knowledge, this is the book for you.

On Sale
CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition
  • Harris, Shon (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 1408 Pages - 10/19/2018 (Publication Date) - McGraw Hill (Publisher)

Last update: 2024-12-02


Eleventh Hour CISSP®: Study Guide by Eric Conrad, Seth Misenar & Joshua Feldman

Eleventh Hour CISSP: Study Guide is considered a must-have if you are in the market to take the CISSP exam. It is often the book that many professionals use, not as their primary text, but as the exam gets closer. It is a concise set of information that rooms all the fluff and gives the content to you straight. However, this book should not be used solely for exam preparation.

What Makes it Unique?

  • The information in Eleventh Hour CISSP®: Study Guide saves you from the burnout that can happen before an exam. It encompasses features like Exam Alerts and Crunch Time areas which highlight the information you will need to hone in on for the exam.
  • The Eleventh Hour CISSP Study Guide highlights core topics and information which are pertinent parts of the exam. It also answers tough questions which may present themselves on the CISSP exam
  • Each chapter concludes with the top 5 hardest questions from each domain as well as providing the answers to keep you on your toes.

Why Choose this CISSP Prep Book?

  • If you are looking for a compliment to your CISSP boot camp course, look no further.
  • If you are looking for the best CISSP book to take you to the finish line right before your exam, this is it. The text has been stripped of any unneeded information to keep you on track to your CISSP certification.

Eleventh Hour CISSP®: Study Guide
  • Feldman, Joshua (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 238 Pages - 10/07/2016 (Publication Date) - Syngress (Publisher)

Last update: 2024-12-02


The Value Picks for the Best CISSP Study Guides

CISSP Official (ISC)2 Practice Tests by Mike Chapple & David Seidl

CISSP Official (ISC)2 Practice Tests is a fantastic resource if you are looking to practice, practice, practice. This CISSP book allows you to practice all the things you have been learning in previous CISSP study guides and textbooks. This book contains the only practice tests which have been officially endorsed by the (ISC)2.

What Makes it Unique?

  • The information in this CISSP guide is designed to mimic the test you will see on test day. Use the exams to not only gage where you are but determine where you need to study more.
  • In the test, each domain comes equipped with 100 practice questions for you to answer and digest. Outside of this, the user also receives four practice exams to be completed as you see fit.

Why Choose this CISSP Prep Book?

  • If you need extra practice or looking for another set of questions to aid in retaining the material, this is perfect.
  • If you aren’t ready to take a practice test just yet, the book’s structure allows you to do domain questions before thinking about moving on to a full exam.

On Sale
(ISC)2 CISSP Official Practice Tests
  • Chapple, Mike (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 512 Pages - 06/13/2018 (Publication Date) - Sybex (Publisher)

Last update: 2024-12-02


CISSP For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech) 6th Edition by Lawrence Miller & Peter Gregory

The “For Dummies” series is known providing digestible and easy to understand the content on a variety of subjects and the CISSP edition is no different. The 6th version has been recently updated to encompass the changes made to the Body of Knowledge. Therefore, prepare to have a wealth of information at your fingertips.

What Makes it Unique?

  • CISSP For Dummies comes with access to a full online test bank to gauge your knowledge from start to finish.
  • Aside from covering all eight domains in-depth, the CISSP for Dummies book provides advice and guidance on creating a study plan and even provides tips for how to get through the exam day.
  • Readers have said that the book is more natural to read them some of the standard study guides. It is not as dry, and they can get through the content without feelings of boredom. The writers added humor and personality to a subject where it would typically be void. However, this is a matter of preference and may not be for all readers.
  • Before beginning to go into the meat and potatoes of the exam, the book starts by not only giving you information on the test like how to register and where to get CISSP training, it also goes into detail on how to make good of your certification.
  • The book is broken down into two parts. The original part covers all the logistical information surrounding the CISSP, whereas part 2 covers the domains. The book culminates with ten tips to have a great test day.

Why Choose this CISSP Prep Book?

  • If you are looking for a book that is simpler to read than most CISSP study guides, this is the book for you.
  • This is also a great option if you want a book that focuses on providing not just information but advice for passing the exam and what the options are for you after.

On Sale
CISSP For Dummies, 6th Edition (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
  • Miller, Lawrence C. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 560 Pages - 05/29/2018 (Publication Date) - For Dummies (Publisher)

Last update: 2024-12-02


Summary of the Best CISSP Study Guides and Books

We’ve gone over a lot today. Here’s a helpful table to consolidate every CISSP study guides and books we went over:

Our Top Favorite
CISSP Study Guide
Our Top Runner Up
CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition
Our Top Value Pick
(ISC)2 CISSP Official Practice Tests
Book Title
The CISSP Study Guide
CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition
CISSP Official (ISC)2 Practice Tests
Prime Eligible?
-
-
Amazon Prime
Our Top Favorite
CISSP Study Guide
Book Title
The CISSP Study Guide
Prime Eligible?
-
Our Top Runner Up
CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition
Book Title
CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition
Prime Eligible?
-
Our Top Value Pick
(ISC)2 CISSP Official Practice Tests
Book Title
CISSP Official (ISC)2 Practice Tests
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime

Last update: 2024-12-02

Finding the best CISSP study guide may be a daunting task; however, there are several options for you to choose. It is important to remember that no matter what book you want, how you utilize the material and take advantage of the resources is strictly up to you. This list contains some of the most recommended and sought after materials on the market for the CISSP exam.  In choosing The CISSP Study Guide, CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional Study Guide (Sybex) or Official (ISC)² Guide to the CISSP CBK, Fourth Edition, you can’t go wrong. These are all resources written and vetted by security professionals with a proven track record for aiding readers in passing the CISSP exam. If you’re looking for something that will still give you the information you need but on a smaller scale, CISSP For Dummies is a great book to pick up and read. Everyone can agree that the CISSP is not an easy exam and therefore, how to really pass the CISSP exam is by using more than one resource or study guide. It’s safe to say that any combination of books in this list, combined with ample study and review time, would aid you in passing your CISSP exam with flying colors.

Did you find this helpful? If so, check out our other professional exam resource reviews here.

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Professor Conquer

Professor Conquer started Conquer Your Exam in 2018 to help students feel more confident and better prepared for their tough tests. Prof excelled in high school, graduating top of his class and receiving admissions into several Ivy League and top 15 schools. He has helped many students through the years tutoring and mentoring K-12, consulting seniors through the college admissions process, and writing extensive how-to guides for school.

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