KEO1 WGU University… Certification Practice Questions (2026)

What topics are on the Western Governors University Secure Software Design exam?

The Western Governors University Secure Software Design exam is organized into 4 domains. The highest‑weight domains are Security Methods within SDLC and Software Requirements and Risk Assessment.

Use the official exam objectives and guides below to confirm the latest version and topic coverage:

Program Guidebook Url

Security Methods within SDLC 25%

1.1

Software Security Fundamentals

3 subtopics

1.1.1Software Security Principles and Concepts

1.1.2SDLC vs SDL Differences

1.1.3Threat and Vulnerability Taxonomies

Learning Objectives

Identify basic software security concepts and principles used throughout the SDLC
Determine the importance and types of functional and non-functional software security requirements
Explain threat and vulnerability taxonomies used throughout the software development community

1.2

Security Testing Methodologies

3 subtopics

1.2.1Static Analysis

1.2.2Dynamic Analysis

1.2.3Fuzzing Techniques

Learning Objectives

Apply different testing methodologies
Understand differences among Fuzzing, Static Analysis, and Dynamic Analysis
Select appropriate testing approach for security validation

Domain Hands-on Skills

Recognize security principles in the SDLCApply different testing methodologies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing SDLC with SDL
Mixing up static and dynamic analysis capabilities
Not understanding when to apply each testing type

Software Requirements and Risk Assessment 25%

Software Security Test Planning and Threat Modeling 25%

Software Testing, Deployment, and Post-Release 25%

How do I earn the Western Governors University Secure Software Design certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Track: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

Prerequisites

D481Security FoundationsRequired
D482Secure Network DesignRequired

Next Steps

Current Level

D487Secure Software DesignCore Course
D483Security OperationsCore Course
D485Cloud SecurityCore Course
D484Penetration TestingCore Course
D488Cybersecurity Architecture and EngineeringCore Course
D486Governance, Risk, and ComplianceCore Course
D489Cybersecurity ManagementCore Course
D490Cybersecurity Graduate CapstoneCapstone

Alternative Paths

Course included as elective option
CompTIA Security+
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

Certification Maintenance

What should I study for the Western Governors University Secure Software Design exam?

Use the official resources and study materials below to prepare for the Western Governors University Secure Software Design.

Practice the Secure Software Design with our Exam Simulator

Free practice questions, exam guides, and real exam‑style explanations in our Planet Cert simulator.

Official Resources

Free Resources

OWASP Top 10 OWASP SAMM (Software Assurance Maturity Model)OWASP ZAP Documentation OWASP Web Security Testing Guide Microsoft SDL (Security Development Lifecycle)Microsoft Threat Modeling Tool BSIMM (Building Security In Maturity Model)NIST Secure Software Development Framework

Community Resources

Quizlet - D487 Flashcard Sets StudoCu - D487 Study Materials WGU Reddit Community (r/WGU)

What's changed on the Western Governors University Secure Software Design exam in 2026?

This section summarizes what’s changed for the Western Governors University Secure Software Design and the current exam status (ACTIVE).

Official Links & References

WGU Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Master's Program — Official program page with curriculum details

WGU Assessment Services — Information about WGU's assessment process

NIST Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) — Federal guidance on secure software practices

ISC2 Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) — Professional certification aligned with D487 content

Technology Coverage

Threat Modeling ToolsMicrosoft Threat Modeling Tool 7.3

Current tool version for STRIDE practice

Released: 2024-05-01

Static Analysis ToolsSonarQube LTS 10.4

Mentioned in course videos, current version for practice

Released: 2024-10-15

Security FrameworksOWASP SAMM 2.1

OpenSAMM framework covered in Chapter 9

Released: 2023-08-01

Vulnerability ScoringCVSS 3.1

Current CVSS version for vulnerability assessment

Released: 2019-06-01

Industry Trends

DevSecOps adoption accelerating across enterprises
Shift-left security becoming standard practice
AI/ML security emerging as critical skill area
Software supply chain security gaining prominence
Cloud-native application security in high demand
API security increasingly important focus area
Automation in security testing expected and required
Security champions model spreading in development teams

Who should take the Western Governors University Secure Software Design exam?

The Western Governors University Secure Software Design is designed for Graduate students in cybersecurity programs and related roles.

Recommended Experience

Basic understanding of software development
Familiarity with programming concepts
Knowledge of networking fundamentals

Target Audience

Graduate students in cybersecurity programs
Software developers seeking security skills
Security professionals expanding into secure coding
IT professionals pursuing MSCSIA degree

Experience Level: Intermediate

How much does the Western Governors University Secure Software Design cost?

The official exam fee for the Western Governors University Secure Software Design is Included in tuition USD.

Exam Cost	$Included in tuition USD
Scheduling	Official exam scheduling page
Testing Centers	Online Proctored
Online Proctoring	Available

How long is the Western Governors University Secure Software Design certification valid?

The Western Governors University Secure Software Design certification is typically valid for Part of degree program - no separate certification expiration (see renewal options below).

Valid For	Part of degree program - no separate certification expiration
Recertification	Not applicable - academic course credit

Secure Software Design

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