CISSP

ISC2 Commonly Funded DoD 8570/8140 Aligned

$749 Exam Cost Single CAT exam; $125/year AMF after certification

$130,000 Average Salary

$100,000–$170,000 Salary Range

12-20 Prep Weeks

3 years / $375 Renewal

About the CISSP

The gold standard in cybersecurity certifications. Covers eight domains including risk management, security architecture, identity management, and software development security.

Prerequisites

5 years experience in 2+ of 8 security domains (or Associate status)

Testing Format

In-person at Pearson VUE

How VR&E Funds the CISSP

Consistently approved in VR&E plans for veterans with IT experience targeting senior cybersecurity leadership. High-value certification that VRCs recognize as directly tied to career advancement and salary growth.

What VR&E Typically Covers:

Exam fee ($749) — funded through Purchase Orders
Preparation courses and training programs
Study materials, practice exams, and lab access
Exam vouchers and retake fees when approved
Initial renewal fees may be covered during your plan period

All funding is subject to individual VRC approval as part of your Individualized Written Rehabilitation Plan (IWRP).

Career Paths with the CISSP

Chief Information Security OfficerSecurity DirectorSenior Security ArchitectIT Security Manager

VR&E vs GI Bill® for the CISSP

VR&E Chapter 31

Exam fee covered in full ($749) — no per-test cap
Prep courses and materials funded separately
No upfront payment — funded through Purchase Orders
Part of your career rehabilitation plan

GI Bill®

$2,000 per-test reimbursement cap
Veteran pays upfront, gets reimbursed
This exam ($749) falls within the GI Bill® cap
Does not cover prep courses or study materials

Related Certifications

Ready to Get the CISSP Funded Through VR&E?

Get Your Free Eligibility Checklist VR&E Application Toolkit — $197

Need help preparing for your VRC meeting? Explore the Counselor Meeting Prep Session — $497