After Passing: AMF and CPE

The Application and the AMF

The ISC2 FAQ says candidates have nine months from passing an exam to submit the certification application. After the application, the first Annual Maintenance Fee of U.S. $50 is paid through the ISC2 dashboard to become a CC holder. The FAQ also says the AMF is due each year on the certification anniversary.

Source: ISC2 FAQ, https://www.isc2.org/frequently-asked-questions, checked 2026-10-22.

CPE Credits

The FAQ states that CC holders need 45 CPE credits during the three-year certification cycle and recommends 15 credits per year. Keep evidence for each activity so that it can be reported when required. The FAQ states that candidates who are not yet credential holders do not need CPE credits.

What the Outline Lists for This Section

The outline names these items. Be able to explain each one in plain language and apply it to a short scenario:

• Length: 2 hours
• Items: 100-125; multiple choice and advanced item types
• Passing grade: 700 out of 1000
• Delivery: CAT, in person at Pearson testing centers (ISC2 FAQ)

Common Traps

A common trap is relying on rumored pass rates or unofficial claims. Use the outline and the ISC2 pages for format, length, and policy details, and treat the 700 out of 1000 passing grade as a scaled score.