How to clear CC by ISC2

The ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification is a beginner-friendly credential designed to validate your foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles, best practices, and key concepts. Whether you're transitioning into cybersecurity or just starting out, this is an excellent entry point into the field.

Overview

The CC certification demonstrates that you have a solid grasp of essential cybersecurity concepts—even if you don't have prior work experience or technical background. It serves as a gateway to more advanced security roles and certifications in the future.

Exam Details

Number of Questions: 100 multiple-choice questions
Duration: 2 hours
Experience Requirement: None (open to all backgrounds)
Delivery: In-person at a Pearson VUE testing center
Cost: Currently free (subject to change)
Membership Fee: After passing, you'll receive a provisional certificate. To earn the official certification, you must pay the ISC2 annual membership fee of $50

Key Tips, Insights, and Recommendations

1. Focus on the Five Domains

The CC exam is structured around five core domains:

Security Principles
Business Continuity (BC), Disaster Recovery (DR), and Incident Response
Access Control Concepts
Network Security
Security Operations

From my experience and analysis of feedback from other candidates, Security Principles and Network Security tend to carry slightly more weight. Prioritize these while ensuring a good understanding of the rest.

2. Practice Scenario-Based Questions

Many of the exam questions are not just definitions, they test your ability to apply concepts in real-world scenarios. For example:

If a company experiences a ransomware attack, what is the most appropriate first step in an incident response plan?

Your goal is to choose the best option, not just the textbook answer. Practicing these will help you approach the exam with confidence.

3. Use Flashcards Effectively

ISC2 provides flashcards for every domain, and they’re a fantastic tool for reinforcement. Don’t just glance at them - go through them multiple times to reinforce core ideas and key terms.

Study Strategy and Preparation

Set a Realistic Study Plan

This is a beginner-level exam, so 2–3 weeks of focused study is usually sufficient. With only five domains to cover, dedicate 2–3 days per domain based on your learning pace and availability.

Focus on Understanding, Not Just Memorization

The CC exam is designed to test practical understanding, not rote learning. Don’t just remember what access control is - know why it’s implemented, and in what scenarios it would be used.

Leverage Official Resources

ISC2 provides a free Certified in Cybersecurity Study Guide and a self-paced training course. These are well-structured and aligned with the actual exam format.

Make sure to:

Read the guide thoroughly
Go through the course content at your own pace
Revisit difficult topics using flashcards

Take the Practice Exams Seriously

ISC2 offers three full-length practice exams. Treat these like the real thing:

Complete each practice test in a single sitting
Review every incorrect answer and understand why you got it wrong
Aim to get at least 90 out of 100 correct by your third attempt on each test

The more comfortable you are with these practice sets, the easier the real exam will feel.

Exam Day Tips

Stick to flashcards the night before. You don’t need to create extra notes—just go over the ISC2-provided flashcards once more.
Arrive early at the Pearson VUE testing center with valid ID.
Stay calm during the test. If you don’t know the answer, eliminate the wrong ones and choose the most logical remaining option.
You have two hours, which is more than enough for 100 questions.

Recommended Resources

Official ISC2 Resources

Self-paced online course
Certified in Cybersecurity study guide
Flashcards for each domain
Three official practice exams

These resources are more than sufficient for passing the exam - especially since they’re all free.

YouTube: Prabh Nair's Playlist

Search for “ISC2 CC Prabh Nair” on YouTube. His concise video explanations can be a great supplement to your reading and help reinforce what you’ve learned.

Final Thoughts

The ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity exam is one of the most accessible certifications in the industry. It’s thoughtfully designed for beginners and provides a clear, structured path to entering the cybersecurity workforce.

If you put in a focused 2–3 weeks of study, understand the core domains, and take practice exams seriously, you’ll be in a strong position to pass.

And if you ever feel stuck, unsure, or just want to ask a quick question, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. I’m happy to help others starting their cybersecurity journey.

Good luck - you’ve got this.

Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)