Passed CISSP
Passed on my second attempt today!
Firstly, I want to thank TE, the TE community who posted their experiences, reviews and tips on preparation and JD's blog post..wouldn't have passed without it!!!
So in order to give back, I'll share my own journey.
- Shon Harris AIO 5th - Read some of it, just seemed like to much detail/information - ended up being a good resource for topics that I needed additional reinforcement.
- Eric Conrad 2nd ed - great book and resource, however, I never completely read it cover to cover.
- Eric Conrad 11th hour - another great resource, but only skimmed it over the months.
- CISSP summary version 1.1 (2009) from cccure.org - while a bit dated, it provided the cleanest study resource.
- Info Sec Notes (FINAL) by Michael R Overly (CISSP) - not sure where I found this, but it was another very good resource (google it).
- CISSP review course - was good, but ended up not providing as much as others posted about how to approach and take the test.
- CCCure.org paid subscription was very good, although questions were more technical than actual exam; about 3500 questions.
- Transender - bought 60 day membership a week ago, used it for about 300 questions then went back to cccure.
- CBTNuggets (CISSP) - bought it a few days ago, was just ok IMO. Material covered in first 4 domains was opposite end of the spectrum compared to review course I took.
- Shon Harris MP3's - started out very good for drive to and from work, but I lost interest quick. Cryptology domain was the best of the 4 domains I actually completed.
- SANS video on CISSP exam taking strategy - can't remember the gentleman's name, but it was a fantastic resource. Highly recommend anyone sitting for the exam to watch it at least once, if not twice. Numerous folks on TE recommended it, thanks!!!
Total study time was about 8 months, my first attempt of exam was after 4 months. Failed the first attempt simply because I was not mentally prepared to sit for 6 hours, took many 250 question practice tests on cccure.org over the last couple of days as recommended by numerous members of the TE community.
I'll reiterate what anyone that has passed the exam stated, know the material in & out - memorizing it wont help you with the way the exam questions and scenarios are structured!
Beyond that...good luck to anyone sitting for the exam, hope my review helps someone else out!
Next up..not really sure, although a beer later this evening is my first stop!
-Datschmo
