Did the CISSP exam today, a few comments and thanks...

Yanic

Hey everyone,

Just did the CISSP exam today and passed on the first try. I was really excited to see the "congratulations" on the result page they give you...

I have to say that I got a lot of interesting hints from here that helped me diversify my study scope. Many different ways work for the many different people coming here, so I won't pretend to give anyone a way to pass...

I'm a father of young twins, saying I had limited time to study would be an understatement. I made the most of it with the following (please note that I purchased the ISC2 package at 2500$ including live training, CBK, student handbook, and 3 assessment tests):

- Did a lot of the 3 assessment tests to identify my weaknesses first, that helped me figure out where I needed to invest my limited time (in my case, crypto, network, access control and architecture and design)
- Reviewed all the responses that I got wrong and I wasn't sure I understood WHY I was wrong and started creating a Brainscape deck with cue cards. Ended up with 165 cue cards that I went through over and over as soon as I had some free time (work breaks, time off, night, etc...)
- I structured study around formal texts in the student handbook (slightly shorter version of the CBK) to deepen my understanding of key concepts
- Used a bit of the Kilala CISSP summary (didn't find it amazingly helpful but every bit helps)

I would say that what people have said in general is entirely true. The exam is not so much about your understanding of what the key lengths for algorithm X is as much as it wants you to put your "manager" shoes on and say what a prudent person would do.

I'm not saying there's no technical question, there ARE But at the very least half of the exam for me was context related questions

I would lie if I told you that the exam is not brutal. Follow the recommendation of the person who said to take a good breakfast, a red bull or coffee or whatever, and make sure you had a good night sleep if at all possible. You need ALL your head for that exam.

So, that's my 2 cents.

Thanks to those who took the time to provide references, I know I appreciated it.

Don't hesitate if you have questions, whatever I can answer, I will

zxbane

Congrats! What is your real world experience like as far as years in the industry and positions held?

impelse

Congrats, good tips

EasyPeezy

Excellent.... congratulations.

CyberfiSecurity

Congratulations! What is next?

Yanic

zxbane wrote: »

Congrats! What is your real world experience like as far as years in the industry and positions held?

Hi zxbane,

Thanks!

I got about 6 years of experience working with security, both as an analyst and now as a manager for an international company. I'd say I got decent experience before doing the test, but the course and preparation definitely helped, I wouldn't have passed it just from my work experience.

Yanic

CyberfiSecurity wrote: »

Congratulations! What is next?

Thanks! basically getting the endorsement and experience review completed so I can actually get the official certification. Afterwards, will definitely review my job perspectives