CISSP Security and Risk Management Practice Question
An organization's security team is drafting a document that defines the organization's intent to protect information assets and assigns responsibilities to the information security manager. The document must align with ISO/IEC 27001 requirements and be approved by executive management. Which type of document is being created?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse a policy with a standard or procedure, assuming that any security document approved by management qualifies as a policy.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
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Information security policy
The correct answer is the information security policy because it is the only document type that expresses management's intent, assigns security responsibilities, and requires executive approval to align with ISO/IEC 27001. Standards, procedures, and guidelines are more detailed or advisory and do not fulfill this strategic role.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Information security policy
Why this is correct
An information security policy is a high-level document that expresses management's intent to protect information assets, assigns roles and responsibilities, and aligns with frameworks like ISO/IEC 27001. It requires executive approval and sets the foundation for all other security documents. This scenario matches that definition exactly, making it the correct choice.
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Information security guideline
Why it's wrong here
A guideline offers recommendations or best practices that are not mandatory. It is advisory in nature and does not carry the weight of a policy that assigns responsibilities and requires executive approval. The scenario describes a mandatory, high-level directive, so a guideline is not the appropriate document type here.
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Information security procedure
Why it's wrong here
A procedure is a detailed, step-by-step instruction for performing a specific task, such as how to configure a firewall. It is operational and low-level, not a high-level statement of intent approved by executives. The scenario describes a foundational document that assigns responsibilities, which is characteristic of a policy, not a procedure.
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Information security standard
Why it's wrong here
A standard provides specific, mandatory requirements or rules that support a policy, such as encryption algorithms or password length. It is more prescriptive and technical than the broad statement of intent described. While standards are important, they do not assign overall responsibilities or require executive approval in the same way a policy does.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Key term
Policy
A policy is a set of rules or guidelines that defines how an organization manages, secures, and operates its IT systems and services.
Key term
Security policy
A security policy is a formal set of rules and guidelines that an organization establishes to protect its information assets and technology resources.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
This CISSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CISSP exam.