CISSP Passing tips...

Worldstoughest

Managed to pass the CISSP on first attempt today.

Thought I'd share a few thoughts for others to consider:

• It's not as difficult as it could be. I expected a lot more technically challenging questions, there were few.

• Comments to it being an "inch deep, mile wide" exam are very true.

• Often the questions have two answers you can eliminate immediately. i.e. They are obviously out of context.

• I found myself stumped by about 10 questions in total. A further 40 or so I was not confident about, but remainder were pretty clear cut.

• A higher volume of questions on BCP/DR, Cloud and web security than I was expecting.

• Few questions on encryption.

Ultimately, it was not the complex monster I was fearing. Suffice to say, I over studied.

Key recommendations would be to utilise Eric Conrad's CISSP study guide - by far the best text I used. The official ISC2 book and Shon Harris's publication are too detailed.

Also, leverage the excellent practice tests at www.freepracticetests.org - well worth the small investment for access.

I do have the good fortune of working 18 years in IT. This allowed me a familiarity with most concepts the exam covered. I studied intensely (6-8 hours per week) for about 5 weeks prior. But in retrospect, I over did it.

To anyone reading this concerned if they are ready to sit:

• Read the glossary of your preferred text and if MOST terms are familiar to you you're in good standing

• I averaged about 70-80% on practice exams I sat, occasionally bombing badly (50-60%). If you're doing similar you're likely ready.

And finally, remember it is a management exam - the focus is breadth not depth.

Good luck!

protacticus

Congrats Worldstoughest ! Thanks for the preparation notes and tips.