Failed 1st Attempt at CISSP
I came up a little short on the CISSP yesterday...680.
Here is my prep, which I can now accurately evaluate after taking the exam:
- Bootcamp:
-- Did a 40-hr bootcamp with New Horizons training center, which in my opinion was way more technical than managerial. Almost none of what was "foot-stomped" appeared on the exam in any form. I realize they can't teach the exam, but think they slightly missed the mark by not emphasizing "concepts" more.
- Bootcamp material:
-- Gibson/Sybex study guide 6th Ed. I don't think it went deep enough...not nearly as good as Shon Harris, ISC2 material and others mentioned here.
-- Boson test engine: Massive test bank, good questions and explanations, but Transcender is way better based on the trial version and this forum. I was required to pass 4 simulation exams scoring 90% or better before they would issue me the included test voucher, which I did. I think this gave me a false sense of security since it was more on the technical side as well.
- Towards the end I used McGraw-Hill Professional - Online book store and www.skillset.com (wish I had used more)
I'm a USAF Sys Admin by trade, have Security+, some older MS certs and UMUC MS in Cybersecurity (technical track). I can't blame the Bootcamp or it's materials because I did come close to passing. But, I found it hard at times to NOT think like a technician vs. a manager. I'll grab some extra tools and reengage in 30 days or so.
Here is my prep, which I can now accurately evaluate after taking the exam:
- Bootcamp:
-- Did a 40-hr bootcamp with New Horizons training center, which in my opinion was way more technical than managerial. Almost none of what was "foot-stomped" appeared on the exam in any form. I realize they can't teach the exam, but think they slightly missed the mark by not emphasizing "concepts" more.
- Bootcamp material:
-- Gibson/Sybex study guide 6th Ed. I don't think it went deep enough...not nearly as good as Shon Harris, ISC2 material and others mentioned here.
-- Boson test engine: Massive test bank, good questions and explanations, but Transcender is way better based on the trial version and this forum. I was required to pass 4 simulation exams scoring 90% or better before they would issue me the included test voucher, which I did. I think this gave me a false sense of security since it was more on the technical side as well.
- Towards the end I used McGraw-Hill Professional - Online book store and www.skillset.com (wish I had used more)
I'm a USAF Sys Admin by trade, have Security+, some older MS certs and UMUC MS in Cybersecurity (technical track). I can't blame the Bootcamp or it's materials because I did come close to passing. But, I found it hard at times to NOT think like a technician vs. a manager. I'll grab some extra tools and reengage in 30 days or so.
Comments
Currently Working On: Python, OSCP Prep
Next Up: OSCP
Studying: Code Academy (Python), Bash Scripting, Virtual Hacking Lab Coursework
I'd love to hear of your thoughts/experiences with the UMUC Master of Cyber Security program? I plan on enrolling in that program/school in the fall. I'm also interested in Air Force Reserves and would like to hear your thoughts on the Air Force as well:)....
The UMUC programs are pretty good depending on your current level of experience. There's a lot of writing, one team project per course and a couple labs per course via their VM setup. Everyone in the technical track really liked the labs and wished there were more. The other track is "policy". During the capstone project at the end the 2 tracks come together for a semester-long scenario, which I found challenging but fun. You really have to be self-motivated because the professors are very hands-off. Feel free to shoot me any specific questions.
I was active duty USAF, so don't know a lot about the Reserve side of the house. However, I currently work in the same building with Reservists and would be happy to get you some answers.
You read my mind...I have both on the way!
Good stuff, man. I would have loved to go active duty, but I make good money and there is no way I could sell the wife on taking such a big pay cut ( nor could I handle the pay cut myself) by leaving this job and going AD in the Air Force. So AF Reserve or Air Guard are my best options for serving my country and keeping my current job at the moment.
As for UMUC, not a whole lot of info about the programs out there from actual students/alumni that I could find. I'm interested in the MS in Cyber Security, but feel I will end of doing policy work down the road, though I'm not interested in the Cyber Security Policy degree. Though if I go Air Force Reserve or Air Guard, Cyber Surety will be my 1st choice. I'm studying for CISSP and am planning on taking the test before they change it on April 15, so I feel your pain when it comes to studying this stuff. I'm having trouble staying focused when reading Conrad's book, it's well written but I just feel like I know this stuff already. Need to jump to the chapters I'm not as familiar with I suppose.