Online self-assessment tool for information security professionals

(ISC)2 announced the launch of a new online self-assessment tool known as studISCope. The tool aims to enable security staffs and individuals to assess their knowledge of the (ISC)² CBK, a taxonomy of information security topics that serves as the foundation for all (ISC)2 certifications.

studISCope provides a simulation of the (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification exams.  Questions used in this self-assessment are comprised of retired questions from previous versions of the actual certification exams and newer questions developed by (ISC)²-certified subject matter experts.  At the conclusion of the simulation, the test taker receives his or her score based on the official algorithm used in the actual exam, helping them assess their overall exam readiness.

studISCope offers a personalised reporting system with learning progress indicators that provides insight into a candidate’s knowledge strengths and weaknesses, as well as a readiness gauge that pinpoints the candidate’s comprehension level of the specific areas of the CBK. These features allow candidates to efficiently identify their knowledge level in each of the CBK domains and focus their study efforts on areas that need the most attention. Candidates can take the assessment as many times as they wish.

The simulated exams can be purchased online in a variety of set combinations ranging in price from US$99 (around £50 or 68 euros)  to US$219 (£110 or 150 euros) for the CISSP and US$49 (£24.50 or  33.5 euros) to US$109 (74 euros or £55) for the SSCP, depending on the number of questions the candidate chooses.Â