Free CISSP Practice Questions for Security Assessment and Testing - Domain 6 (2025 Edition)
Master Security Assessment and Testing for CISSP (domain 6) with our expert-crafted free practice questions and answers. Updated for the 2025 exam.
🔍 What is CISSP Domain 6: Security Assessment and Testing?
CISSP Domain 6 focuses on assessing the design and effectiveness of security controls through audits, testing, and continuous monitoring. This domain ensures that security frameworks are not just in place, but also effective and aligned with organizational goals. Topics include vulnerability assessments, security audits, log reviews, penetration testing, and incident response testing.
Free CISSP Practice Questions
Master the Security Assessment and Testing Domain (domain 6)
Test your knowledge in the Security Assessment and Testing domain (domain 6) with these 5 practice questions. Each question is designed to help you prepare for the CISSP certification exam with detailed explanations to reinforce your learning.
Question 1
During a routine security assessment, it is discovered that a critical server has not been receiving updates due to a configuration error. What should be the primary focus in addressing this issue?
✅ You got it! Here’s why:
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Reconfiguring the server to receive updates and applying all pending patches addresses the immediate security risk posed by missing updates. Option B (risk assessment) is useful but does not fix the vulnerability. Option C (notifying the administrator) is necessary but indirect. Option D (isolating the server) is only a temporary measure and does not resolve the configuration error.
Question 2
An organization is conducting a security assessment of its physical security controls. Which aspect should be prioritized to ensure security?
✅ Spot on:
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The effectiveness of access control mechanisms is the top priority for physical security, as it directly impacts the organization’s ability to prevent unauthorized access. Cost, ease of access, and aesthetics may influence design decisions, but they are secondary to ensuring strong access control.
Question 3
As a CISO at a multinational corporation, you're tasked with ensuring all security controls are effective and aligned with business objectives. During a quarterly review, you notice some discrepancies between expected outcomes and control effectiveness in the European division. What is the best course of action to address this issue?
✅ Correct reasoning:
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In a multinational context, controls must align with both corporate objectives and local regulatory requirements. Re-evaluating and adjusting controls in the European division to match local compliance ensures legal and operational alignment. Option A is too broad. Option B risks violating local laws. Option D is useful but does not directly address misaligned control effectiveness.
Question 4
An organization is conducting a security assessment of its third-party vendors. Which factor is most critical to evaluate during this process?
✅ Exactly:
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Vendor compliance with industry standards (such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS, etc.) is critical because it reflects the maturity of their security controls and their ability to meet your security requirements. While pricing, scalability, and location affect business decisions, they are secondary to validated security compliance when assessing third-party risk.
Question 5
An organization is preparing for a security audit and needs to ensure its incident response procedures are effective. Which of the following is the best method to evaluate the incident response plan?
✅ Best practice:
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A tabletop exercise simulates real incidents in a low-risk environment, allowing stakeholders to walk through roles, communication flows, and decision points. This validates whether the plan actually works in practice. Documentation review and interviews provide insight but not practical validation, while a vulnerability assessment focuses on finding weaknesses rather than testing incident response procedures.
🧠 CISSP Domain 6 Topics You Must Master
- Designing and executing security assessments
- Conducting internal and external audits
- Vulnerability and penetration testing
- Security control testing (manual and automated)
- Collecting and analyzing logs
- Using security assessment tools and techniques
- Monitoring and reporting assessment results
- Developing and maintaining test plans
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the focus of CISSP Domain 6?
It focuses on designing and performing security assessments, auditing practices, and ensuring the effectiveness of security controls.
How many questions come from Domain 6 in the CISSP exam?
Typically, Domain 6 accounts for about 12% of the CISSP exam. Expect 10–15 questions depending on the exam length.
What are some tools used in security assessment?
Popular tools include Nessus, Nmap, OpenVAS, Metasploit, and SIEM solutions like Splunk and ELK Stack.
What’s the best way to study for Domain 6?
Practice with real-world questions, use flashcards, simulate audits and testing workflows, and stay current with NIST and ISO standards.
🧠 CISSP Domain 6 Topics You Must Master
- Designing and executing security assessments
- Conducting internal and external audits
- Vulnerability and penetration testing
- Security control testing (manual and automated)
- Collecting and analyzing logs
- Using security assessment tools and techniques
- Monitoring and reporting assessment results
- Developing and maintaining test plans
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the focus of CISSP Domain 6?
It focuses on designing and performing security assessments, auditing practices, and ensuring the effectiveness of security controls.
How many questions come from Domain 6 in the CISSP exam?
Typically, Domain 6 accounts for about 12% of the CISSP exam. Expect 10–15 questions depending on the exam length.
What are some tools used in security assessment?
Popular tools include Nessus, Nmap, OpenVAS, Metasploit, and SIEM solutions like Splunk and ELK Stack.
What’s the best way to study for Domain 6?
Practice with real-world questions, use flashcards, simulate audits and testing workflows, and stay current with NIST and ISO standards.
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About CISSP Certification
The CISSP certification validates your expertise in security assessment and testing (domain 1) and other critical domains. Our comprehensive practice questions are carefully crafted to mirror the actual exam experience and help you identify knowledge gaps before test day.
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Looking to strengthen your CISSP prep? Check out our in-depth guide covering all domains, strategies, and key resources.
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