Passed CISSP
I'm pleased to say I just passed my CISSP on my first try and after 3 months of intense studying. If you're like me and haven't taken the test yet you are a nervous wreck at times and your confidence level will fluctuate during your studying. My goal in this post is to share my entire experience with you, not as a guide per say, however; feel free to steal shamelessly. These are the steps I took to pass....
Step 1. Your entire household needs to be on board with your goal, wife, kids, pets. Candidly put someone not in IT has no idea what this test means, simply stating you're studying for a test probably won't cut it. Have a well thought out dinner conversation and set the expectations early on your availability.
Now that everyone is on board let's get to it...
Step 2. I purchased 3 things after reading though several suggested methods. 1 Shon Harris 6 , 2 Eric Conrad (most recent), and 3 membership (PAID) to cccure.org. I also purchased small items like flash cards (300), highlighters, coffee, energy drinks, snacks...
Step 3. I started off with the first domain in Shon Harris, my goal was to complete 1 domain a week. I was able to get a hold of her audio as well which assisted with the domains I read. In short I got about 40% through Shon Harris and felt overwhelmed. It's a great book, however; it's very granular. I then switched to Eric Conrad, it was like heaven reading this book vs Shon Harris for me, short, sweet, and to the point. You WILL NOT learn to appreciate this book until you are at least 40% into Shon Harris.
Step 4. So I read Eric Conrad, however; there wasn't a day that went by that I didn't refer to Shon Harris for a more granular explanation, thus the reason why you see so many people referencing 2 and 3 different reading resources. These two books were a perfect combination. I also want to share that completing a domain didn't consist of just reading it. Often times on rides to work, or when I just couldn't bare to read anymore I would listen to audio. They are great and keep you on course so find yourself some audio versions for each domain.
Step 5 and so on... QUIZ QUIZ QUIZ QUIZ, Flash cards.... Why did I use the flash cards? Well If I read it, hear it, and then write it, chances are I have a better understanding. I recommend this for all weak areas. So how many questions did I complete? In CCCure alone I was II completed 3000 questions, this does not count Shon Harris or other sources. In short do so many quizzes until you can consistently score in the 80th percentile.
Quizzes are important because you prepare your body to endure 250 questions within a 6 hour time frame. While you're quizzing take 50 at a time, ultimately you want to be able to learn from your mistakes. Closer to test time increase that number and eventually take 250.
I do want to add that 3 weeks prior to taking the test I did enroll in a 1 week boot camp, my only feedback is don't be fooled thinking these classes will make or break you. You will find out if you have been studying that the instructor has not covered many items you have read, simply because there is not enough time in the day nor is the class intended to cover everything.
Last thing, during my course of studying and quizzing sometimes I felt very discouraged after taking a quiz, hang in there study the questions you got wrong so that you understand, DO NOT try and remember stuff to get by try and understand this information. Also don't study for more then 4-5 hours per day and don't study for no less then 2-3 hours per day.
GOOD LUCK.....
