Earlier this week, (ISC)² announced the opening of registration for a limited number of online examinations as part of a pilot test for online proctoring. Prior to this pilot test, (ISC)² exams have only been available at Pearson VUE test centers, but during the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic  forced test centers to close. While most test centers are now open, and health and safety measures are in place  for test-takers, we have taken the first step in exploring the possibility of future online exams for CISSP and other (ISC)² certifications. 

During select dates in February, we will be running a pilot test for online proctored exams. Only 2,000 exams will be available on a first–come, first–served basis during this time frame and the results of the pilot test will inform the possibility of future online proctoring. 

Offering online testing may sound like an easy decision, given how our entire lives have pivoted to be online during the pandemic, but it is not as simple as it sounds. (ISC)² places the utmost importance on the integrity of our exams and protecting that remains our priority. We understand the enormous uncertainty, restrictions and stress that many of you are facing during this pandemic – not just as it relates to preparing for an (ISC)² examination. However, our responsibility is to maintain the effectiveness and value of our certifications for all those members who have already earned it, as well as those who will be able to claim the value of the same certifications in the future.     

How Do I Register for the Online CISSP Exam? 
If you’re interested in participating in this pilot test and want to take your exam online, you can register now at https://home.pearsonvue.com/isc2/onvue . Please note that you must select a test with “OP” in the name. You’ll only be able to choose from exam times and dates in the pilot test time frame and at checkout you’ll need to enter ISC2ONLINE as a promotion/voucher code to be eligible for the pilot. 

Before registering, make sure your computer will meet the minimum requirements  to participate in the test, as any technical difficulties will result in your examination being closed and you’ll be rescheduled for an in-person exam at a Pearson VUE test center. You must be located in the United States to participate in the pilot test. We understand online proctoring is of interest to candidates all around the world, but our pilot test is based in the U.S. for security and candidate support purposes. 

The online proctored exams are the same, with regard to content, item types and difficulty as the test center–delivered exams, with the exception of the CISSP. The CISSP exam is linear with 250 items and has a time limit of six hours. The pilot test for CISSP will only include the linear exam and candidates will not be able to go back and change their answer to an item after choosing one. 

All results for examinations taken as part of this pilot test will be subject to statistical and psychometric analysis – as with test center-based exams – prior to releasing the official results and will be just as valid toward pursuing certification and (ISC)² membership as in-person exams. 

If you have questions, check out our online proctoring pilot test FAQ . If you need additional support, please contact MemberSupport@isc2.org or join the CISSP Study Group on the (ISC)² Community.