What’s New in ISSAP 2025?
“Ask any Cybersecurity Architect what keeps them up at night, and the answer would not be firewalls; it is complexity. Cloud, hybrid, IAM, and compliance frameworks are all converging. The ISSAP 2025 update recognizes this reality and aligns the certification with the challenges professionals actually face. The Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) credential is the advanced cybersecurity architecture certification, and ISC2 has just released a major update for 2025. In fact, a recent ISC2 report found that “certification continues to deliver differentiation in the marketplace, outpacing education and nearly on par with experience”. This means that ISSAP remains a golden ticket for Security Architects, especially now that its exam and training have been revamped to reflect today’s threats.
Streamlined Exam Outline and Domains
What’s New in ISSAP 2025?
First up: the exam outline itself. ISSAP 2025 consolidates and updates the subject areas (domains) candidates must master. Previously, the ISSAP exam covered six domains (from governance and risk to application and operations security). The new 2025 outline has just four domains, refocused on today’s priorities. Here are the big changes:
Domain consolidation: ISC2 combined and trimmed content. Two legacy domains (Application Security Architecture and Security Operations Architecture) have been absorbed into the remaining areas or de-emphasized. The new four domains are:
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) – 21%
- Security Architecture Modeling – 22%.
- Infrastructure and System Security Architecture – 32%.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM) Architecture – 25%
Revised content focus: Each new domain name signals a modern emphasis. For example, Infrastructure and System Security now explicitly includes cloud and system topics (it even lists Application Security in its subdomains). The GRC domain covers updated risk and compliance standards. Overall, the new outline was “revisited and revised based on the latest Job Task Analysis (JTA)” to ensure relevance.
Domain weightage: With only four domains, the weight distribution has shifted. Infrastructure and System Security jumped to 32% (its content grew), while IAM Architecture and GRC also got a heavier weight compared to the old rules. Essentially, the new ISSAP exam puts more emphasis on architectural design and identity/security control domains that are vital in 2025.
Old vs. New ISSAP Domains
| Old Domains (2020) | Weighting (2020) | New Domains (2025) | Weighting (2025) | Key Topics Moved/Consolidated |
| Architect for Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management | 17% | Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) | 21% | Expanded focus on risk treatment and auditability. |
| Security Architecture Modeling | 15% | Security Architecture Modeling | 22% | Increased emphasis on security modeling frameworks and threat modeling. |
| Infrastructure Security Architecture | 21% | Infrastructure and System Security Architecture | 32% | Major expansion. Absorbed many topics from the old “Security Operations” domain. New focus on cloud, IoT, 5G, and ZTA. |
| Identity and Access Management (IAM) Architecture | 16% | Identity and Access Management (IAM) Architecture | 25% | Significant expansion. New focus on passwordless, biometrics, and contextual access. IAM is now a critical control plane. |
| Architect for Application Security | 13% | Consolidated | NA | Topics are now integrated into Infrastructure and System Security Architecture and Security Architecture Modeling, reflecting the shift to DevSecOps. |
| Security Operations Architecture | 18% | Consolidated | NA | The concepts of monitoring, incident response, and BCP/DRP are now integrated into the other four domains, particularly the new Infrastructure domain. |
The official ISC2 outline summary (effective Aug 1, 2025) confirms these domains and weights. Importantly, the exam length and format remain the same; it is still a 180-minute test with 125 questions (multiple choice and advanced items). What’s changing is what those questions cover.
Experience and Certification Pathways
Along with the exam content, the eligibility requirements have been updated. Previously, ISSAP was a CISSP concentration certification (meaning you had to already be a CISSP certified and have two years of experience in architecture). Now, ISSAP is a standalone advanced certification with two clear paths:
- CISSP holders: You must be a CISSP certified in good standing with at least two years of full-time experience in one or more of the ISSAP domains.
- Non-CISSP professionals: You need at least seven years of full-time experience in two or more of the domains. (Notably, each year of a qualifying college degree or an approved credential can count as one year of experience.)
Key Takeaways
- Four modern domains (not six): The ISSAP exam now focuses on Governance/Risk, Modeling, Infrastructure & System Security, and IAM. Old topics like Application Security and Security Ops are folded into these or de-emphasized.
- Unchanged exam length: It is still a 180-minute, 125-question test, but expect questions aligned to the updated outline.
- Experience paths: ISSAP still requires CISSP + 2 years in a relevant domain, or 7 years of deep architecture experience in lieu of CISSP.
- Industry alignment: These changes come from a rigorous ISA/CBK update process so you can trust that ISSAP 2025 reflects today’s best practices.
ISSAP Training with InfosecTrain
The ISSAP 2025 updates mark the biggest transformation in years, consolidating six domains into four, shifting the focus to cloud, zero trust, IAM, and compliance, and introducing adaptive AI-driven training tools. For candidates, the message is simple: stop memorizing outdated playbooks and start preparing the architectures shaping tomorrow’s security landscape.
Yes, change can feel daunting. But here is the truth: this revamp makes ISSAP more valuable than ever. Employers are not just looking for certifications on a resume; they are searching for architects who can design resilient, modern systems. By embracing the new exam outline, you are not just passing an exam; you are proving that you can operate at the frontlines of cybersecurity strategy.
And that’s where InfosecTrain’s ISSAP Training comes in. Our expert-led sessions break down the new domains, align your preparation with ISC2’s updated blueprint, and equip you with real-world insights to ace the exam. With personalized support and practical guidance, you will walk into exam day with confidence and walk out with a credential that puts you ahead in a competitive job market.
Future-proof your career. Train with InfosecTrain. Conquer ISSAP.
TRAINING CALENDAR of Upcoming Batches For
| Start Date | End Date | Start - End Time | Batch Type | Training Mode | Batch Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07-Feb-2026 | 21-Mar-2026 | 19:00 - 23:00 IST | Weekend | Online | [ Open ] |