First and foremost thanks to everyone who has contributed to this forum.
Background: BA in Computer Information System, CompTIA A+, Net+ and Sec+ around 6 years working in InfoSec; includes about 5 years as a Sysadmin for Cross Domain System and over 1 year as a Information Assurance Eng performing IAVM/STIG scan/analysis, patch management and maintenance of C&A documentation for a production environment. Also 4 years of regular IT (Computer Tech repair shop and small office networks)
Study: On and off for about 6 months+ serious the last month and half.
Eric Conrad 2nd Edition (almost cover to cover)
Shon Harris video (converted to audio)
Kelly Handerhan Cybrary videos
My approach was listen to Shon audio while working/commuting and read the Eric book after work.
Practice Test:
CCCure paid 1 month, did around 700+ question (surprisingly my overall average score (69%) aligns with my CISSP score) (Just an observation from my part)
Eric Conrad book questions
Also some provided questions from the Shon book
Exam Day:
Didn't knew what to expect after all the reading/research. This was true the day of the exam, it was scheduled for Saturday @ 8am. Woke-up around 3:30 then again 4:30, and finally 5:30 you can say I was nervous going in as reality sink knowing it's test day. Got to the Test Center, check-in and was provided a set of ear plugs, there was construction going on the building (Great). Started the test around 8:15 and felt comfortable as I read the first couple of questions. Around question 75-80 I had planned to take a break as I did 2 (100) CCCure test the week prior and felt this was a stopping point as I was getting mentally fatigue. Since I was concern with time I decided to push up to Q-125. I was told the timer continues when you're on break by a fellow tester, even after taking the test I'm not sure this is true. After the short break I push forward to the last question before taking another break a little over 4 hours with over 40+ questions marked. Rush thru the break and decided to review not just marked questions but all since had over an hour and half left. After going thru the first 50 questions changed 4 I was too exhausted and my mind started playing tricks of its own. I started to think what if I change something and then fail, after all this is a known fact. I decided to stop the review without completing it and around an hour left. I read the words Congratulations! there was still hope only to see the words for finishing the CISSP test right after
The lady had the printout and I saw the 2 sheets, I knew what this meant. I felt defeated! Had a late lunch with the gf and slept the remainder of the day.
Advise:
Make sure you're well rested, take the necessary breaks, do a couple of practice test preferable 250 questions a week or 2 prior. (Go to a library or somewhere you're not used to) and review ALL your flag question during test. Read the pass thread, even though I didn't pass I didn't felt the test was too difficult. I was more exhausted, uncomfortable and hungry than anything else.
Path forward:
I already got the Sybex (ISC)2 official study guide (7th edition)
Will purchase 3 months of the CCCure access
Try again in 2-3 months.
It has been an awesome experience!
-CG
