Taking a ISC2 exam: scheduling, proctoring, retakes & refunds

The exam itself is the one cost you can't avoid — so don't lose it to a missed reschedule window or a failed proctoring check. Here is how this vendor's exams actually work, every policy sourced and dated. Policies change; confirm the current terms before you schedule.

Testing provider: Pearson VUE (test centers)

See also: what these certifications cost · can you earn them · study for them free · ways to fund them.

How you take it

ISC2 exams are taken at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide — there is no take-at-home option. CISSP specifically is a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT): up to 3 hours and 100-150 items.

Scheduling & rescheduling

Reschedule online through Pearson VUE up to 48 hours before for a US$50 fee; between 24 and 48 hours you must phone Pearson VUE; you cannot reschedule within 24 hours. You must sit within 365 days of your initial scheduled date or forfeit the fee.

Refunds & cancellation

A US$100 cancellation fee applies through Pearson VUE; a no-show, or not sitting within 365 days, forfeits the full fee. You pay the full fee each attempt unless you bought a Peace of Mind Protection voucher.

Retakes

You pay the full fee each attempt. Per ISC2's published retake policy, you wait 30 days after a first failure, 60 days after a second, and 90 days after a third or later, with a maximum of 4 attempts per 12-month period per certification. (These specific waits and the attempt cap come from ISC2's published retake policy captured as an official-domain snippet rather than a clean page fetch — confirm them on isc2.org.)

Online proctoring: what to have ready

Because ISC2 exams are taken at Pearson VUE test centers (CISSP is a test-center CAT exam), home-proctoring setup does not apply — bring a valid government photo ID; the center provides the secured testing environment.

Getting your results

You get a preliminary pass/fail at the test center when you check out (no numeric score; a failing result includes a domain-proficiency list). The official result arrives by email after analysis, which can take up to 6-8 weeks at high volume.

Testing accommodations

Reasonable accommodations (extra time, breaks, reading equipment) are available for demonstrated need and must be submitted for review before you schedule.

Which exams this covers

• (ISC)2 CISSP — cost

Policies change — these are the terms as of the date shown; always confirm the current scheduling, reschedule, refund, and retake rules on the official page before you book or pay.

Sources

• Official exam-policy page: https://www.isc2.org/Exams/Schedule-Exam
• Official exam-policy page: https://www.isc2.org/exams/after-your-exam
• Official exam-policy page: https://www.isc2.org/frequently-asked-questions

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