Preparing for the CISSP certification can be overwhelming, especially when faced with a plethora of study guides.
The sheer volume of available resources can make choosing the best one for your needs challenging. So, which CISSP books are effective for acing the latest exam?
Don't worry—we've got you covered! There's no need to stress about selecting the wrong materials.
In this article, we'll review the best CISSP study guides, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. We'll also provide links to the most current editions to ensure you have the latest information at your fingertips.
However, book prices can fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to check online for the most current pricing.
So, are you ready? Let's get started.

- ISC2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide & Practice Tests Bundle, Tenth Edition
- How to Think Like A Manager for the CISSP Exam
- CISSP For Dummies, 8th Edition
- CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Ninth Edition
- Destination CISSP: A Concise Guide
- CISSP Passport
- Best CISSP Study Guides Conclusion
ISC2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide & Practice Tests Bundle, Tenth Edition
Author
- Mike Chapple, CISSP, is the Chief Information Officer at Brand Institute and a leading expert on cyber security certifications.
Overview
The ISC2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide & Practice Tests Bundle (Sybex Study Guide) is an essential resource for candidates preparing for the CISSP certification exam.
This comprehensive bundle offers a detailed study guide and a robust set of practice tests to ensure thorough preparation and exam success. The accompanying online component includes:
- Thoroughly updated content: Updated for the latest 2024 CISSP Detailed Content Outline and covers 100% of all CISSP objectives.
- Comprehensive study guide: Helps you prepare for the exam smarter and faster with expert content, real-world examples, and access to the Sybex online interactive learning environment.
- Varied study materials: Includes key topic exam essentials, chapter review questions, over 1000 flashcards, an online glossary, and more than two hours of audio review by author Mike Chapple.
- Extensive practice tests: Includes revised practice tests with 100 questions for each of the eight domains, additional practice exams, and over 1300 questions.
- Interactive learning tools: Includes access to online tools such as digital flashcards, additional practice questions, and a customizable test engine for personalized quizzes.
The OSG is the ultimate preparation tool for anyone aiming to achieve the CISSP certification.
The combination of expert-authored material, real-world examples, interactive online resources, and practical study tools makes this bundle indispensable for exam success and ongoing professional development in information security.
How to Think Like A Manager for the CISSP Exam
Author
- Luke Ahmed, founder of “Study Notes and Theory,” is a CISSP instructor who provides a casual, effective approach to exam preparation, blending high-level concepts with technical terms to help others succeed in their CISSP journey and enhance their security skills.
Overview
His book, How To Think Like A Manager for the CISSP Exam, is a comprehensive guide aimed at helping candidates prepare for the CISSP exam with a managerial perspective. It emphasizes strategic thinking, critical decision-making, and real-world application of security principles.
Key features designed to help candidates prepare for the CISSP exam from a managerial perspective include:
- 25 CISSP practice questions: Offers detailed explanations for each question to help you understand the reasoning behind the correct answers and why other choices are incorrect.
- Managerial mindset: Focuses on thinking like a senior management team member, balancing risk, cost, and human life rather than purely technical perspectives.
- High-level security concepts: Correlates multiple high-level security concepts to encourage an organization's holistic understanding of security.
- Exam preparation: Includes practical insights and scenarios aligned with the CISSP exam objectives, aiding in exam readiness and professional development.
Ahmed provides practical insights, scenarios, and examples to help readers grasp and apply complex security concepts effectively. The book remains a popular choice among CISSP study guides for those looking to excel in their CISSP journey and develop as security professionals.
CISSP For Dummies, 8th Edition
Authors
- Lawrence C. Miller, CISSP, is an experienced information security professional and consultant for multinational corporations with numerous networking certifications.
- Peter H. Gregory, CISSP, is a seasoned security, risk, and technology director with expertise across various industries, including SaaS, retail, and healthcare.
Overview
CISSP For Dummies, 8th Edition is a comprehensive guide to acing the CISSP certification.
This book provides in-depth content review across all eight domains, ample practice questions, and valuable online study tools.
It offers more than just exam material, including a 60-day study plan, exam-day tips, and access to an extensive online test bank. The accompanying online materials include:
- Practice questions: Includes over 300 questions to test your knowledge.
- Online tools: Allows access to a test bank, digital flashcards, and additional resources.
- Study plan: Includes a 60-day study schedule to guide your preparation.
- Exam tips: Covers strategies for managing stress and time on exam day.
- Expert strategies: Shares insights from seasoned CISSP experts Lawrence C. Miller and Peter H. Gregory.
- Updated content: Updated and revised to reflect the 2024 ISC2 CISSP Exam Outline, ensuring you have the most current information.
With up-to-date content and valuable test prep features, "CISSP For Dummies, 8th Edition" is a one-and-done resource for any cyber security professional studying for the CISSP exam.
We recommend it because it offers a balanced mix of detailed content, practical advice, and user-friendly features, making it one of the most effective CISSP study guides.
CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Ninth Edition
Authors
- Fernando Maymi, Ph.D., CompTIA CySA+, CISSP, is a security expert with 25+ years of experience, author of over a dozen publications, and holder of three patents.
- Shon Harris, CISSP, is the founder and CEO of Logical Security, a computer security consultant, and a former Air Force Information Warfare engineer, instructor, and author.
Overview
CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Ninth Edition covers all objectives of the 2021 CISSP exam by ISC2.
This comprehensive resource includes learning objectives at the start of each chapter, exam tips, practice questions, and detailed explanations. It comprehensively covers all eight CISSP domains. Companion online resources include:
- Extensive question bank: Offers over 1400 questions designed to mirror the types and formats of questions you'll encounter on the exam.
- Graphical question quizzes: Test your ability to apply concepts in real-world situations, ensuring you’re well-prepared for all question types.
- Customizable full-length practice exams and quizzes: Simulate full-length practice exams under realistic conditions with a tailored test engine.
- Flashcards for study and review: Reinforce your knowledge and improve retention of key concepts for last minute test prep.
Although designed for the 2021 CISSP exam, this book remains valuable. It contains useful information, great examples, and relevant quizzes for the latest exam. This guide is also an excellent reference material for ongoing learning and review.
Destination CISSP: A Concise Guide
Authors
- Rob Witcher, CISSP, is the co-founder and Master Instructor at Destination Certification with over 20 years of experience in security architecture and risk management.
- John Berti, CISSP, is a co-founder of Destination Certification, specializing in network security and IAM, with a strong background in developing security solutions.
- Lou Hablas, CISSP, is an information security consultant known for his security operations and compliance expertise.
- Nick Mitropoulos, CISSP, is an author and course developer, a veteran in the field of cyber security, focusing on software development security and security assessments.
Overview
Destination CISSP: A Concise Guide is a streamlined and focused resource designed to help candidates efficiently prepare for the CISSP certification exam.
This guide distills the essential knowledge and concepts from all eight CISSP domains, providing a clear and accessible path to understanding and mastering the material. Some of its key features include:
- Comprehensive coverage: Thoroughly reviewed CISSP domains.
- Concise and focused content: Presents the most critical information clearly and concisely, with diagrams and summary tables, avoiding unnecessary details and helping candidates focus on what truly matters for the exam.
- Study strategies: Offers practical study tips, strategies for effective preparation, and advice on creating a personalized study schedule.
- Practice questions: Includes targeted practice questions to test your knowledge and reinforce key concepts.
This CISSP study guide is designed for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the field, making it an invaluable resource for anyone aiming to pass the CISSP exam and advance their career in cyber security.
CISSP Passport
Author
- Bobby Rogers, CISSP-ISSEP, CRISC, CySA+, CEH, MCSE, is a cyber security professional with over 30 years of experience, specializing in cyber security engineering, compliance, and risk management.
Overview
CISSP Passport is a streamlined and portable CISSP study guide designed to help candidates prepare effectively for their certification.
This quick review guide offers complete coverage of all of the exam topics in the latest CISSP certification, fully aligning with the exam objectives to ensure thorough preparation. Its key features include:
- Complete coverage: Covers all eight CISSP domains.
- Focused review: Provides an accelerated review of the essential topics needed to pass the CISSP exam, emphasizing key concepts and critical information.
- Expert guidance: Written by a cyber security instructor offering expert tips and sound advice throughout the guide.
- Portable and affordable: Designed as a compact and affordable study tool, it is convenient to study anytime and anywhere.
- Practice questions: Includes 300 realistic practice questions with in-depth explanations to test your knowledge and readiness for the exam.
- Customizable practice exam test engine: Features a customizable test engine to create practice exams tailored to your study needs.
With an intensive focus solely on the essential knowledge needed to pass the 2021 (ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional exam, this CISSP study guide is your ticket to success on exam day.
Best CISSP Study Guides Conclusion
Preparing for the CISSP certification exam involves navigating a wealth of information and resources. While taking excellent notes and actively engaging with the material is crucial, having the right study guide can significantly enhance your preparation process.
If you're working with a limited budget, consider CISSP For Dummies for its accessible and straightforward approach or ISC2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide & Practice Tests Bundle (Sybex Study Guide) for its comprehensive coverage and additional practice tools.
The Destination Certification channel on YouTube is also an excellent resource for visual learners. It offers detailed reviews of the CISSP domains, practice questions, and mind maps to help you understand and retain complex concepts.
For more insight into CISSP and other cyber security certifications, check out our detailed articles and course offerings in the StationX Master's Program.
Our program includes access to study groups, one-on-one mentorship, and over 30,000 courses and labs. These resources are designed to support your journey toward becoming a cyber security professional.