If any of you remember my original thread you know I've been on this site a few months studying
http://www.techexams.net/forums/isc-sscp-cissp/102359-new-here-studying-cissp.html
After about a year studying, really buckling down the last 3 months, I decided to give it a go.
Brief history. I'm a computer support specialist, aka computer tech, with very little IS experience outside of the security+ and a few security things here and there at work. I knew I didn't want to be a tech forever so I decided to pursue the Cissp to try to advance my career.
What/How I studied: I knew I was behind the 8ball compared to a lot of people on here who had years of experience so I had to work extra hard to make up for that. When I say that CISSP became my life, I'm not exaggerating.
- I read Shon Harris' book cover to cover, some chapters more than once, taking notes in a composition book.
- Took all the end chapter tests and reviewed any questions I missed while making sure I made note of said missed question in my composite book.
- Listened to her videos, every one of them in about 3 days. I read a comment that someone watched her videos to the point that she became attractive. I can cosign on that lol. Also listened to the videos to and from work.
-Took the practice questions on the McGrawHill site multiple times. Took the 1st set of questions before I got deep into studying, then took those and part 2 the last few weeks to gauge my progress.
- bought practice questions from transcender and cisspexampractice. Transcender actually felt harder than the real thing.
Test day: had to drive to Atlanta, abut 90 min drive so I got a hotel room. Test was at 8 so I ate a little breakfast and read over my notes. The actual test seemed, easier if that's even possible, compared to everything I studied. I didn't get many cryptography or Telecommunications questions which were my weaker domains. I seemed to have gotten more BCP/DRP, access control, info gov questions with a few of the other domains sprinkled in. Overall I felt like the test was only about 20-30 percent of what I actually studied.
With all that said, it was still a fairly difficult test but not overwhelming. I felt like I over prepared but that's better than not being. For those in my position and don't have the experience, as long as you have the will, you can pass, on the first try. Stay dedicated and focused and don't let not having experience deter you. Thank you all for your threads. They help motivate me.
So I have to get endorsed now. That's the next step right?
