DestCert vs Udemy: Understanding the Key Differences

The Easiest
Way to Get Your CISSP Certification


CISSP training that focuses on what you need to learn —
at a pace that works for you

Prepare to confidently pass
the CISSP exam

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Why choose the

DestCert MasterClass over Udemy


A CISSP MasterClass that delivers comprehensive preparation. Discover why the DestCert MasterClass is the most effective way to pass the exam and is the #1 alternative to Udemy.

Key Features Comparison

Important Note: Udemy is a marketplace where various experts create and offer their own CISSP courses. As a result, course content, structure, and features can vary significantly depending on the specific course and instructor you choose. When selecting a Udemy CISSP course, carefully review the course details, instructor credentials, and student reviews to ensure it meets your learning needs

Feature

DestCert

Udemy

Course Structure

PAID

FREE and PAID

ALL of the study materials you need

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Varies by Course

Personalized Study Schedule

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Weekly Live Q&A Calls

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1-on-1 Mentoring Sessions*

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Flashcard App

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Practice Question App

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MindMap Review Videos

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Proven Exam Strategies

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Active Community Support
(Discord, Reddit)

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Varies by Course

Printed Guidebook and Workbook*

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Integrated Learning System

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Comprehensive Exam Preparation

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Varies by Course

Personalized Review Guide

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Certified and Experienced Instructors

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Video Lectures

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Downloadable Resources

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Lifetime Access

Available in Premier Plan

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Value for Money

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Varies by Course

Flexible, Self-Paced Learning

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Variety of Teaching Styles

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 *Included with Preferred & Premier MasterClasses

Ready to Become CISSP-Certified?

Plans and Pricing Comparison

Plan

Price

Content

Access

Udemy

$10-$200 per month per specialization

Varies by instructor and course, includes video lectures, downloadable resources, and practice exams

-

DestCert Essential
CISSP MasterClass

$1,497

Everything you need to confidently pass the exam:
In-depth study material, full access to the learning system, MasterClass videos, PDF workbook, CISSP Guidebook, personalized schedule, weekly group mentoring, flashcard app, practice question app, MindMap videos, exam strategies, and practice exam

1 year

DestCert Preferred
CISSP MasterClass

$1,997

Everything in Essential, plus 2 x one-hour 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, printed CISSP workbook and guidebook, unlimited email support

3 years

DestCert Premier
CISSP MasterClass

$4,997

Everything in Preferred, plus unlimited personal 1-on-1 mentoring, and an iPad

Lifetime

Success Rates and Outcomes

Destination Certification

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93.6% First-Time
Pass Rate

Insanely high pass rate for our CISSP MasterClass students.

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Rapid Certification
Achievement

Many of our dedicated students successfully pass the CISSP exam in just 30 days or less, showcasing the efficiency of our tailored learning approach.

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Personalized Success
Paths

Individual outcomes can vary based on prior experience and study time invested. Our personalized schedules and review guides ensure each student focuses on their specific areas of need.

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Support - Destination Certification

Comprehensive
Support

Weekly live group Q&A calls where you can ask any question and get a direct answer from your instructors (Rob, John & Lou) + email support + discord community chat + personal 1-on-1 mentoring.

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These are just a few success stories

CCSP student Rodrigo Souza - Destination Certification

Rodrigo Souza

Exam pass date: April 1, 2025

CCSP Masterclass – What a masterpiece! Well done on this incredible work. In addition, the strategy worked out! Thinking like a CEO made all the difference to me in passing the exam. HUGE THANK YOU!

CISSP student Kumar S S S K - Destination Certification

Kumar S S S K

Exam pass date: March 27, 2025

The sheer experience and knowledge that DC instructors bring on to the table is impeccable. They provide a learning experience which propels the aspirants to completely immerse in the learning journey and when immersed with sincerity, one can say they are not only getting trained to attempt the CISSP examination but also become a responsible and sound Information Security professional of tomorrow who can serve our society to make an impact that truly matters.

CISSP student Sean Fleming - Destination Certification

Sean Fleming

Exam pass date: March 26, 2025

The Destination Certification team is fantastic! The material is well structured, engaging, and reassured me that the focus is on value. I found the way the service helped me focus on the weaker areas of my knowledge was a game changer in terms of effort/reward.

CISSP student Joe Koh - Destination Certification

Joe Koh

Exam pass date: March 25, 2025

I used DestCert to prepare for CISSP. The material was well-structured and engaging. Mindmaps helped me understand how different topics fit together. The personalized review helped me target my weaker areas of knowledge, making my study efficient. DestCert is a valuable resource in my exam preparation.

CISSP student Devin Tauber - Destination Certification

Devin Tauber

Exam pass date: March 24, 2025

Earning the CISSP felt like a daunting, almost impossible challenge. But I watched all the videos, read the book, reviewed flashcards and grew confident enough to sit it after three months. Though it is a really hard exam, the material was accurate and enough for me to pass at 100 questions on my first attempt. I highly recommend DestCert to anyone preparing for these exams.

CISSP student Daniel LeFevre - Destination Certification

Daniel LeFevre

Exam pass date: March 19, 2025

Preparing for and taking the CISSP exam can feel like a daunting task. DestCert's CISSP MasterClass helps plan out everything for you, and leads you through each of the many topics with engaging video content. I used their MasterClass (as well as Quantum Exams) to prepare for the exam and I passed the first time at 100 questions! I would 100% recommend DestCert in future to anyone looking to pass the CISSP exam. Their first time pass rate speaks for itself!

CISSP student Andrew Rinaldo - Destination Certification

Andrew Rinaldo

Exam pass date: March 17, 2025

I took DestCert Masterclass, did the videos, assessments per domain, practice questions on the apps and flashcard while commuting. I read the book a few days before the exam to review the materials again. I only used them and one extra practice test. Easy to follow and understand, if you have got enough experience in the field, using their Masterclass would be enough to pass. Highly recommended.

CISSP student Jesse Giambatista - Destination Certification

Jesse Giambatista

Exam pass date: March 14, 2025

I found the DestCert material and questions to be excellent preparation for the CISSP exam. In particular I found the mindmaps to be a great resource for identifying topics to revisit during the home stretch.  

In going through DestCert I feel like I might have finally found my calling. Going through this course made me realize I'd much rather teach people about Technology Security than try to push the security boulder up a hill while everything in the world is on the opposite side trying to roll it right over me. Listening to Rob and John made me realize that there's a lot of value in what they do, and they are able to touch and impact technologists and companies all over the world to help fight the good fight. 

CISSP student Jason Miller - Destination Certification

Jason Miller

Exam pass date: March 11, 2025

I successfully passed the CISSP exam in March 2025 using the DestCert student workbook, training videos, mind maps, practice questions and flashcards thru the website and mobile app. In my case, I purchased the CISSP MasterClass. While the training materials are first rate, the mindset of “think like a CEO” as well as John Berti’s video on test-taking tips was hugely helpful and directly contributed to helping me pass the exam after just 100 questions. Importantly, DestCert is the ONLY training material I used for CISSP exam preparation, and I absolutely recommend DestCert for anyone considering the CISSP exam.

CISSP student Kyle Petro - Destination Certification

Kyle Petro

Exam pass date: March 10, 2025

Rob and John played an instrumental role in my success with the CISSP. Their teaching style and ability to present complex material in an easily digestible and engaging manner were truly exceptional. They not only made the learning process enjoyable but also genuinely inspired confidence in their students. I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this outstanding team to both individuals and businesses seeking top-notch training for Cybersecurity/GRC!

CISSP student Jermaine Turnage - Destination Certification

Jermaine Turnage

Exam pass date: March 5, 2025

The Destination Certification CISSP course was the key to my success in passing the exam. Rob and John’s teaching style gets right to the point and makes it easy to focus on the most important parts of each domain. Their advice to “think like a CEO” was also extremely helpful and really made the difference in my approach to the exam questions. I can’t thank the team enough for their commitment and passion to teach and help others accomplish this important milestone. Trust the system! It works.

CISSP student Tyler Beels - Destination Certification

Tyler Beels

Exam pass date: February 27, 2025

Destination Certification is the key factor I attribute to my success in achieving the CISSP. The comprehensive suite of materials—including online videos, flashcards, practice questions, discord channel, weekly calls, and expert guidance—provided everything I needed to conquer the CISSP journey. A big thank you to the Destination Certification team!

CISSP student Jasmine Kang - Destination Certification

Jasmine Kang

Exam pass date: February 21, 2025

Destination Certification has proven to be a valuable investment, as it provided me with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully pass on my first attempt! John and Rob are very passionate about teaching, and I love that they lead AMAs every week with their students. I can't wait to try another Destination Certification program when I'm ready for my next certification 🙂

CISSP student Ryan Yagatich - Destination Certification

Ryan Yagatich

Exam pass date: January 23, 2025

I embarked on the Destination Certification program, as I was feeling overwhelmed and unprepared for the CISSP exam. Having been out of school for over 20 years, I had forgotten how to study or even how "the right way to learn". With their daily guidance, I conquered the exam after only 100 questions and in an astonishing 90 minutes! The system taught me well beyond the CISSP material as it even helped me understand the perspectives and goals of executives who I previously didn't. My success is a testament to the incredible Destination Certification program and team, and I am forever grateful and excited about the knowledge and skills I have gained through this journey.

CISSP student Mirza Gogic - Destination Certification

Mirza Gogic

Exam pass date: January 23, 2025

I highly recommend Destination Certification for anyone preparing for the CISSP exam. Their structured and well-organized course content, combined with easy-to-follow, pedagogical videos, provided me with a solid foundation for success. Unlike many other courses, their approach kept me motivated throughout my studies, thanks to practical tips and guidance from the entire team during our conversations. The quality of their materials and expert support truly made the difference in helping me pass the exam.

CISSP student Nomura, Makiko - Destination Certification

Makiko Nomura

Exam pass date: January 20, 2025

This course truly prepared me for the exam even though I took it in Japanese, plus it taught me lots of industry standard security-related English expressions that I can use in real work situations.

CCSP student Murthy Mantha - Destination Certification

Murthy Mantha

Exam pass date: January 8, 2025

I passed both the CISSP and CCSP exams using Destination Certification. With 90 days of focused study, their comprehensive materials and support helped me pass CISSP on April 9, 2024, and CCSP on January 8, 2025

CISSP student Steven Tiller - Destination Certification

Steven Tiller

Exam pass date: January 3, 2025

DestCert really helped give me a peace of mind on exam day, that test likes to play tricks on you and make you second guess yourself, but DestCert is structured to not only provide you with the knowledge but it also gives you a firm confidence in yourself.

CISSP student Todd Chapman - Destination Certification

Todd Chapman

Exam pass date: December 31, 2024

I appreciated the format of the Destination Certification program. The multiple modes served as an effective method for reinforcing the materials. The subject matter was focused allowing for efficient learning in a compressed timeframe. I passed the test with the minimum amount of questions because I heard John's voice incessantly in my head saying, "Think like a CEO."

CISSP student Peter Student - Destination Certification

Peter Student

Exam pass date: December 30, 2024

I solely used DestCert resources to prepare, but I used all of them to the full...videos, mindmaps, printed book, ebook, flashcards, sample questions, etc. Without getting lost in too many details, DestCert provided me with the central understanding needed for each concept, and this clearly enabled me to pass the CISSP. When I took the exam, there were many questions were challenging and appeared to be beyond my scope, yet I had enough knowledge to be successful. I was happy to not only pass the exam, but deepen my knowledge across the cybersecurity industry. A foundation I intend to further grow from.

CISSP student Wesley Barrier - Destination Certification

Wesley Barrier

Exam pass date: December 30, 2024

Destination Certification is an excellent resource if you can make the price work. Dest Cert videos are professional and engaging. Rob and John really draw you in and bring flavor to dry content.

Dest Cert Mindmaps (available outside of the class on youtube) are crucial for understanding how something fits into everything else. ESPECIALLY the mindmaps on the processes. I watched them all multiple times, and memorized a bunch of them.

CISSP student Alberto Afonso - Destination Certification

Alberto Afonso

Exam pass date: December 30, 2024

Regarding my experience with Destination Certification, I have to say that stunding for CISSP with you guys, was beyond all my expectations. This is the best training course material I ever studied for certification. It not only prepared me to pass this challenging exam, but above all it helped me to become a better cyber security professional.

CISSP student Baburaj Sadanandan - Destination Certification

Baburaj Sadanandan

Exam pass date: December 28, 2024

The CISSP Masterclass was outstanding—well-organized, easy to follow, and fully prepared me to pass. Rob, John, and Lou boosted my confidence with essential test-taking strategies, helping me conquer my toughest exam. Thank you, Destination Certification!

CISSP student Anwer Asad - Destination Certification

Anwer Asad

Exam pass date: December 27, 2024

The first thing that hit me in the very first video from Rob that I saw, was the desire to share and how much he seems to love sharing his knowledge of all things cybersecurity. Add to that the mellow wisdom of John and the tough love mentoring from Lou and you have yourself a winning combination. I absolutely loved the experience and I think DestCert took a great deal of the anxiety away by focusing on what matters and ignoring what does not. Thanks guys!

CISSP student Pavel Gusiv - Destination Certification

Pavel Gusiv

Exam pass date: December 23, 2024

As many in the industry know, the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (the material the exam is based on) is often described as an inch thick and a mile wide. With countless resources available online, finding the right study path can be a challenge in itself.

Before starting my CISSP journey, I wanted a focused, efficient, and structured approach a one-stop solution that would guide me through exactly what I needed to pass. Fortunately, I discovered DestCert early on, joined their Masterclass, and followed their strategy from A to Z. I didn’t use any external resources, and their method proved to be exactly what I needed.

A huge shoutout to Lou, John, and Rob for creating such a well-structured program!

For anyone considering the CISSP, finding the right strategy can be a game-changer. Happy to share insights from my experience!

 Udemy

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Variable Success 

Rates

Given the diverse range of CISSP courses and instructors on the platform, success rates can vary significantly, making it crucial to carefully select your course.

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Limited Performance 

Data

Udemy does not provide comprehensive data on CISSP exam pass rates across its various offerings, making it challenging to gauge overall effectiveness.

Course-Dependent

Outcomes

Your success on the CISSP exam largely depends on the specific course you choose and your level of engagement with the material.

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Instructor Quality

Variation

The expertise, teaching style, and industry experience of Udemy instructors can vary widely, potentially impacting the quality and depth of CISSP exam preparation.

User Experience & Support

Destination Certification

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Focused and Structured

Our training includes over 170 video lessons, each concentrating on clearly defined topics for effective learning, fully aligned with the CISSP curriculum.

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Comprehensive Summaries

We don't just leave you with videos. Each lesson comes with detailed written summaries, packed with tables and diagrams that mirror the video content. These summaries serve as your personal quick-reference guide, perfect for reinforcing key concepts and last-minute reviews.

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Targeted Assessments

Knowledge is power, but knowing where you stand is crucial. That's why we've integrated knowledge assessments into each section. These aren't just tests—they're roadmaps, pointing you directly to additional resources where you need them most, ensuring no stone is left unturned in your prep.

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Responsive Support

Hit a roadblock? We've got your back. Our responsive email support system is designed to tackle your queries head-on. Plus, with two weekly hour-long live Q&A sessions, you get real-time answers from our expert instructors. It's like having a personal CISSP coach on speed dial.

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Active Community

Learning doesn't happen in a vacuum. That's why we've cultivated a vibrant Discord community and a dedicated subreddit. Here, you can swap tips, share experiences, and find motivation from peers who are on the same journey. Our community champions, including course developers, are frequent visitors, adding an extra layer of expert insight.

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Personalized Mentoring

For those who crave that extra edge, our Preferred and Premier plans offer the gold standard: 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. These personalized guidance sessions are your opportunity to dig deep, clarify complex topics, and get tailored strategies for exam success.

 Udemy

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Diverse Course Offerings

With Udemy, you'll find a wide array of courses, each with its own flavor of video lectures and downloadable goodies. This variety can be a double-edged sword—great for choice, but it means you'll need to do your homework to find the right fit.

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Platform Accessibility

Udemy's platform is a breeze to navigate. Finding and accessing your chosen CISSP course content is straightforward, allowing you to focus on learning rather than wrestling with tech.

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Varied Instructor Engagement

When it comes to support, it's a bit of a lottery. Some CISSP instructors on Udemy offer robust Q&A sections, direct messaging, and keeping their content fresh. Others? Not so much. Your mileage may vary, so it pays to check instructor responsiveness before you commit.

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Requires Pre-Enrollment Review

With Udemy, you've got to be a bit of a detective. Before you hit that 'Enroll' button, it's crucial to dive into course ratings, scrutinize instructor profiles, and gauge their engagement levels. It's extra legwork, but it's your best bet for finding a CISSP course that won't leave you high and dry when you need support.

CISSP training FAQ

What is the typical duration to complete the CISSP course on each platform?

The completion time varies for each student. On DestCert, some have completed the course and passed the exam in less than 30 days. Udemy course durations differ, but most students take several weeks to months.

Do both platforms offer updated content that aligns with the latest CISSP exam requirements?

Destination Certification's CISSP MasterClass is updated to follow the current CISSP exam outline for 2024. For Udemy, content updates depend on individual course providers. Be sure to check each course's details for the most recent updated information.

Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in the CISSP courses on these platforms?

There are no specific prerequisites for enrolling in CISSP courses on either platform.

Is there any certification or proof of completion provided after finishing the course?

Yes, both platforms provide a certificate of completion after finishing the course.

DestCert vs. Udemy: Which Course Is for You?

Choosing the right CISSP training course is a personal decision that hinges on what best fits your individual learning style, schedule, and professional goals. If you thrive on having a variety of choices and prefer to explore different teaching styles and course structures, Udemy offers a broad selection of courses that might appeal to you. Each course varies, allowing you to find one that meets your specific needs in terms of content and price.

On the other hand, if you're seeking a comprehensive, all-in-one course that equips you with every tool you need to succeed without any hidden costs, Destination Certification might be the perfect fit. Our CISSP MasterClass provides a dynamic, adaptive learning environment designed to maximize your preparation and boost your chances of passing the CISSP exam on your first try

So, what are you waiting for? Join us at Destination Certification and let’s embark on your journey to CISSP certification together. With our proven track record and specialized approach, we're ready to help you achieve your cybersecurity certification goals.

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