CSSLP
ISC2 CSSLP
The ISC2 Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) is the premier credential for software developers and architects who build security into every phase of the software development lifecycle. It covers secure design principles, threat modeling, requirements analysis, secure coding, testing for security, deployment, maintenance, and software supply chain security — essential for AppSec engineers and security architects.
CSSLP Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | ISC2 CSSLP |
| Governing Body | ISC2 |
| Number of Questions | 125 |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 700/1000 |
| Exam Fee | $599 USD |
| Category | IT Certifications |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | ISC2 official website ↗ |
CSSLP Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| Secure Software Concepts | 10% |
| Secure Software Requirements | 14% |
| Secure Software Architecture and Design | 14% |
| Secure Software Implementation | 14% |
| Secure Software Testing | 14% |
| Secure Software Lifecycle Management | 14% |
| Software Deployment, Operations and Maintenance | 12% |
| Supply Chain and Software Acquisition | 8% |
Domain weights are approximate and based on the ISC2 content outline. Always verify at the official source before your exam.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Secure Software Concepts — security design principles (defense in depth, least privilege, fail-safe defaults, economy of mechanism)
- ✓ Secure Software Requirements — security requirements elicitation, privacy requirements, compliance requirements
- ✓ Secure Software Architecture & Design — threat modeling (STRIDE, PASTA), security patterns, attack surface reduction
- ✓ Secure Software Implementation — secure coding practices, OWASP vulnerabilities, static analysis (SAST)
- ✓ Secure Software Testing — security testing types (SAST, DAST, IAST, penetration testing), fuzz testing
- ✓ Secure Software Lifecycle Management — DevSecOps, security gates, risk management in SDLC
- ✓ Secure Software Deployment, Operations & Maintenance — secure deployment pipelines, patch management, vulnerability management
- ✓ Secure Software Supply Chain — third-party component risk, SCA tools, SBOM, dependency management
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CSSLP
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CSSLP is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CSSLP format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
CSSLP Frequently Asked Questions
What does CSSLP stand for?
CSSLP stands for ISC2 CSSLP. It is administered by ISC2.
Who administers the CSSLP?
The ISC2 CSSLP (CSSLP) is administered by ISC2. For official information, visit the ISC2 website.
How many questions is the CSSLP?
The CSSLP consists of 125 questions. Candidates are given 3 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CSSLP?
The passing score for the CSSLP is 700/1000, as set by ISC2. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the CSSLP exam cost?
The CSSLP exam fee is $599 USD. This fee is set by ISC2 and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
Who is CSSLP designed for?
CSSLP targets software security professionals — application security engineers, secure software architects, security-focused developers, DevSecOps practitioners, and software quality assurance professionals with security responsibilities. It is not a management credential; it tests practical knowledge of securing software at each SDLC phase and requires 4 years of experience in software development lifecycle security.
What is threat modeling and why is it central to CSSLP?
Threat modeling is a structured process for identifying, quantifying, and addressing security threats during software design — before code is written. STRIDE (Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service, Elevation of Privilege) is the most common framework. CSSLP tests threat modeling because catching security design flaws early (in requirements and design) is exponentially cheaper than finding them in production.
What is a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM)?
An SBOM is a formal inventory of all software components, libraries, and dependencies in an application — including open-source packages and their versions. CSSLP covers SBOMs because software supply chain attacks (like the SolarWinds and Log4Shell incidents) have made component transparency a critical security practice. US executive orders now require SBOMs for software sold to the federal government.
How does CSSLP differ from CISSP Domain 8 (Software Development Security)?
CISSP Domain 8 covers software development security at an overview level — enough for a security manager to oversee it. CSSLP covers all 8 SDLC security phases in depth — enough for a practitioner to design and execute a secure SDLC program. CSSLP is the appropriate credential if software security is your primary job function; CISSP is better if it is one of many security management responsibilities.
How difficult is the ISC2 CSSLP exam?
The ISC2 CSSLP (Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional) is considered advanced in difficulty. It covers secure software development, testing, and deployment across the entire software development lifecycle. Pass rates are not published but the technical and governance breadth of the exam requires significant preparation from software engineering and security backgrounds alike.
What are the eligibility requirements for the ISC2 CSSLP?
You must have four years of paid, full-time work experience in one or more of the eight CSSLP domains. A four-year degree in a related field can substitute for one year of experience. If you pass without sufficient experience, you earn Associate of ISC2 status and have up to six years to meet the experience requirement.
How long should I study for the ISC2 CSSLP?
Most candidates need 3–5 months of structured study using the Official ISC2 CSSLP CBK Review Seminar materials and practice exams. Software developers transitioning into security roles and AppSec engineers are the primary audience, and those with strong software backgrounds typically find the technical domains more accessible.
What career value does the ISC2 CSSLP provide?
CSSLP is the recognized credential for application security and secure development lifecycle professionals. AppSec engineers, DevSecOps practitioners, and security architects with CSSLP credentials typically earn $100,000–$140,000+. It is particularly valuable in financial services, healthcare, and defense contractor environments with strict software security requirements.
What is the ISC2 CSSLP retake policy?
Standard ISC2 retake policies apply: 30-day wait after a first failure, 60-day wait after a second, 90-day wait after a third, with a maximum of three attempts per year.
How long is the ISC2 CSSLP credential valid?
The CSSLP is valid for three years. Renewal requires 90 CPE credits over three years and payment of the ISC2 Annual Maintenance Fee.
What continuing education is required for ISC2 CSSLP renewal?
Renewal requires 90 CPE credits over three years with a minimum of 30 CPE per year. At least 15 CPE annually must be in CSSLP domain-specific areas such as secure software design, AppSec testing, and software supply chain security.
How does ISC2 CSSLP compare to ISC2 CISSP for software security professionals?
CISSP is a broad security management credential covering all security domains; its software development security domain is one of eight. CSSLP goes much deeper into software security specifically — from requirements through testing and deployment. Software developers and AppSec engineers who want a specialized credential typically pursue CSSLP. Some professionals hold both CISSP for broad recognition and CSSLP for software security specialization.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the ISC2 CSSLP (CSSLP), a IT Certifications certification, administered by ISC2. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by ISC2. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the ISC2 official website ↗ .