ISC2 introduced Exam Peace of Mind Protection in 2023 as a limited-time program to support exam takers with a second sitting if they didn’t pass the first time. It is now back as a permanent feature of the ISC2 certification exam journey.

You’re finally ready to schedule your exam. You’ve spent countless hours studying, taking practice tests and reviewing the exam outline, but there may still be some lingering anxiety – “ What if I don’t pass?” This worry may leave you procrastinating and behind in scheduling your exam. Or worse, it could prevent you from bringing your best on exam day.

It was with these aspects in mind that ISC2 introduced Exam Peace of Mind Protection in 2023, as a limited program, to give exam takers a major confidence boost with a second sitting if they don’t pass the first time.

Now Peace of Mind Protection is here to stay as a standard option when purchasing an eligible exam from ISC2. It provides a 180-day window from the date of purchase to schedule your first and second exam attempts.

Why Peace of Mind Matters

The impact of Peace of Mind Protection on ISC2 candidates and members pursuing additional certifications is extensive. In a recent survey of exam takers who used Peace of Mind Protection:

  • 77% said having two tries at the exam encouraged them to sit for their first exam sooner
  • 88% said they are likely or very likely to recommend Peace of Mind to a friend
  • 81% said they would use Peace of Mind again

Respondents also said that knowing there was the second chance available helped with reducing pre-exam stress and bosting confidence:

“It helped me relax during the exam. If I had failed the first try, I would have at least seen the format and style of questions to know how to tailor my studies better.”

“Never get rid of Peace of Mind Protection. It helped me relax and be the best version of myself on game day.”

“Knowing I wouldn’t have to pay full price again if I didn’t pass eased a lot of stress and allowed me to focus on studying rather than worrying.”  

Turning Setbacks into Comebacks

Peace of Mind Protection gives exam takers an opportunity to regroup and try again if they are not successful at the first attempt. Knowing a second exam is already available to you can alleviate pressure. No matter how well-prepared you are, life doesn’t always go according to plan and your focus can be disrupted by a variety of factors, whether it’s a work emergency or just a bad day.

"I worked overnight to remediate a production issue before exam day, and I failed my first attempt. Peace of Mind really helped.”

“Leading up to my first attempt, I had a family emergency that ended up causing me to be distracted. Having the second attempt steeled me to try harder and I passed.”

“It would have taken me a long time to feel confident to sit the exam without the optional second attempt.”

Taking Finances Out of a Retake Decision

One of the most immediate benefits of Peace of Mind Protection is that it ensures there is no financial burden attached to trying the exam again if things don’t work out at the first attempt. If a retake is needed, it’s already covered if you have taken Peace of Mind Protection, which survey respondents called out as beneficial to their exam journey:

“Because of Peace of Mind Protection, I did not have to ask for funding twice from my organization. I also did not need a second conversation about exam costs with my spouse.”

“Without Peace of Mind, I would have had to postpone the exam a couple of months.”

If you’ve been thinking about pursuing an ISC2 certification, now is the time. For many candidates, Peace of Mind means moving forward with more confidence and less stress, so you can reap the benefits of ISC2 membership and certification sooner.

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