Official 2026 CC Exam Facts and Timeline
Key Takeaways
The current CC outline is effective September 1, 2026 (v01/2026) and names five domains.
The exam is 2 hours with 100-125 items, multiple choice and advanced item types, and a passing grade of 700 out of 1000.
The CC exam is only available in person at ISC2-authorized Pearson testing centers, according to the ISC2 FAQ.
The exam fee is US$199 (ISC2 pricing page); the first Annual Maintenance Fee is US$50 (ISC2 FAQ).
Public 1MCC enrollment closed May 20, 2026; unexpired codes can be used to take the exam through December 31, 2026.
What the Credential Is
The ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) credential is ISC2's entry-level certification. The outline says it is for entry- or junior-level cybersecurity roles and that there are no specific prerequisites. ISC2 recommends basic IT knowledge.
Source: ISC2 CC Exam Outline effective September 1, 2026 (v01/2026), About and Prerequisites sections, https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cc/cc-certification-exam-outline, checked 2026-10-22.
Exam Facts
| Exam fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Outline effective | September 1, 2026 (v01/2026) | Outline |
| Domains | Five: Security Principles; Security Governance; Identity and Access Management (IAM) Concepts; Networking and Cloud Security Concepts; Security Operations and Incident Response | Outline |
| Length | 2 hours | Outline |
| Items | 100-125; multiple choice and advanced item types | Outline |
| Passing grade | 700 out of 1000 | Outline |
| Delivery | Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), in person at Pearson testing centers | Outline; FAQ |
| Exam fee | US$199 | Pricing page |
| Annual Maintenance Fee | US$50 for the first AMF after certification | FAQ |
| 1MCC | New enrollment closed May 20, 2026; unexpired codes usable through December 31, 2026 | 1MCC notice |
Sources checked 2026-10-22: outline PDF and page, https://www.isc2.org/frequently-asked-questions, https://www.isc2.org/register-for-exam/isc2-exam-pricing, https://www.isc2.org/insights/2026/04/one-million-certified-cyber-conclusion.
Reading the Passing Grade
The outline gives the passing grade as 700 out of 1000. That is a scaled score, not a count of correct answers, so do not convert it into a fixed number of items you must answer correctly.
Registration Details That Stop Candidates
The ISC2 FAQ says the name entered at registration must match the identification presented at the test center exactly. A mismatch can prevent the exam from being taken, and fees may not be reimbursed. Rescheduling is possible up to 48 hours before the appointment through Pearson.
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.
How does the CC outline describe the passing grade?
700 out of 1000 points
70 percent of the items answered correctly
A pass or fail decision with no scaled score
The passing grade changes with the testing language
Which statements match the 2026 CC exam facts on ISC2 pages? Select all that apply.
Select all that apply
The outline is effective September 1, 2026
The exam is 2 hours with 100-125 items
The CC exam can be taken fully online
The first AMF after certification is US$50
Public 1MCC enrollment closed May 20, 2026, and unexpired codes can be used to take the exam through December 31, ____.
Type your answer below
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.