Why choose the DestCert MasterClass over SANS
A CISSP MasterClass that adapts to your learning journey. Discover how DestCert's innovative approach to exam preparation outshines SANS Institute's CISSP course, making it the premier choice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
Key Features Comparison
Note: SANS Institute provides CISSP training in three formats: OnDemand (self-paced), Live Online (virtual instructor-led), and In-Person classes (primarily in the US). Each format follows the same curriculum but offers different levels of flexibility and interaction. Students should consider their schedule, learning preferences, and location when choosing an option. The In-Person classes typically last six days, which may require careful planning for those with busy schedules.
Feature | DestCert | SANS |
---|---|---|
Course Structure | PAID | PAID |
ALL of the study materials you need | ![]() | |
Personalized Study Schedule | ![]() | Depends on the course |
Weekly Live Q&A Calls | ![]() | |
1-on-1 Mentoring Sessions* | ![]() | |
Flashcard App | ![]() | |
Practice Question App | ![]() | |
MindMap Review Videos | ![]() | |
Proven Exam Strategies | ![]() | |
Active Community Support | ![]() | |
Printed Guidebook and Workbook* | ![]() | ![]() |
Integrated Learning System | ![]() | |
Comprehensive Exam Preparation | ![]() | |
Personalized Review Guide | ![]() | |
Certified and Experienced Instructors | ![]() | ![]() |
Video Lectures | ![]() | ![]() |
Downloadable Resources | ![]() | ![]() |
Lifetime Access | Available in Premier Plan | |
Value for Money | ![]() | ![]() |
Flexible, Self-Paced Learning | ![]() | Option available |
Variety of Teaching Styles | ![]() | ![]() |
*Included with Preferred & Premier MasterClasses (DestCert)
Transform your CISSP prep.
Plans and Pricing Comparison
Plan | Price | Content | Access |
---|---|---|---|
SANS Institute (On-demand, live online, and in-person) | $8,525 (excl. VAT) | Printed and electronic course books, 320 practice questions, MP3 audio files, and a digital index to all materials offered | Depends on the course |
DestCert Essential | $1,497 | Everything you need to confidently pass the exam: | 1 year |
DestCert Preferred | $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 | $4,997 | Everything in Preferred, plus unlimited personal 1-on-1 mentoring, and an iPad | Lifetime |
*amount converted to USD, approximate estimate
Success Rates and Outcomes
Destination Certification
Exceptional First-Time
Pass Rate
Our CISSP MasterClass boasts an impressive 93.6% first-time pass rate, showcasing the effectiveness of our comprehensive preparation approach.

Real-World
Application
Graduates consistently report immediate improvements in their professional capabilities, applying course knowledge directly to workplace scenarios.

These are just a few success stories

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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 🙂

Jamie Woodland
Exam pass date: January 31, 2025
I was extremely fortunate to find DestCert when I did, it made an incredible difference to my journey to CISSP. Your mentorship, guidance and encouragement were integral to achieving this result. By directing my focus to the concepts was important in the context of my exam which tested the practical implementation of what I had learnt over the past 8 or so weeks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.
SANS Institute
Limited Outcome
Data
While SANS Institute is recognized for cybersecurity training, specific pass rate data for their CISSP course is not publicly available, making it challenging to compare success rates directly.
User Experience & Support
Destination Certification
Comprehensive All-in-One Package
Our CISSP MasterClass provides everything you need for exam success. No need to juggle multiple resources or spend extra on supplementary materials—it's all here, perfectly aligned and ready for your journey.
Adaptive Learning Ecosystem
More than just a course, our platform is your personal CISSP command center. It evolves with your progress, guiding you through over 170 targeted video lessons and tailored written content, ensuring your study path is as efficient as it is thorough.
Flexibility Meets Structure
Your CISSP prep adapts to your life, not vice versa. Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, our system helps you craft a study schedule that harmonizes with your unique rhythm while keeping you on track for success.

Multi-Channel Support System
Navigate your CISSP journey with confidence, knowing assistance is always at hand. Leverage our responsive email support, engage in bi-weekly live Q&A sessions for real-time problem-solving, or tap into our active Discord and Reddit communities for diverse perspectives and peer support.
Personalized Mentoring
For users of our Preferred and Premier plans, we offer valuable 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. These personalized meetings with CISSP experts provide tailored guidance, helping you navigate challenging concepts and develop effective study strategies aligned with your individual needs.
Interactive Learning Arsenal
Transform your study sessions into an engaging adventure. Flip through our dynamic flashcard app, test your knowledge with our practice question engine, or visualize complex concepts with our exclusive MindMap videos. It's not just learning—it's an immersive CISSP experience.
SANS Institute

Different Learning Format
SANS offers their CISSP training in three distinct modes: OnDemand for self-paced study, Live Online for real-time virtual instruction, and In-Person for traditional classroom experiences. This variety allows students to choose a learning method that best fits their schedule and preferred style of engagement.
Comprehensive Course Materials
Students receive both printed and electronic course books covering all eight CISSP domains, along with MP3 audio files of complete course lectures. This multi-format approach caters to different learning preferences and allows for flexible review options.

Limited Personalization
Unlike some adaptive learning platforms, SANS's CISSP course follows a standardized curriculum for all students. While this ensures consistency, it may not cater as directly to individual learning needs or knowledge gaps
Frequently Asked Questions
Both Destination Certification and SANS Institute recommend that students have at least five years of work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP CBK domains to ensure they are adequately prepared for the advanced concepts covered in the CISSP training and to meet the requirements for the CISSP exam. However, neither course strictly enforces these prerequisites, allowing motivated individuals from various backgrounds to enroll.
Yes, both Destination Certification and SANS Institute keep their course content updated to align with the latest CISSP exam changes, ensuring that students receive the most current and relevant information for effective exam preparation. DestCert's adaptive learning platform allows for rapid updates, while SANS regularly revises its course materials to reflect the most recent exam objectives.
Both courses offer a variety of additional resources and benefits. Destination Certification includes tools like a flashcard app, practice question app, MindMap videos, a printed guidebook and workbook (for higher-tier plans), weekly group mentoring, personalized schedules, and access to an active community. SANS Institute provides MP3 audio files of lectures, printed and electronic course books, and practice questions for each domain.