Failed 1st attempt at CISSP...tried doing 2 certs in a week!
I took the security+ exam last Thursday and passed with a 814 score. I had scheduled my CISSP about 3 weeks ago before I knew I was gonna also do the security+. Anyhow, I took the CISSP exam this morning after pulling an all nighter for additional studying and failed! Got a 645......I was basically delirious in exam room from lack of sleep! The lesson I learned here is that I actually have to study and be true to it instead of taking breaks in between studying...likes I took a couple of days off. I have a serious condition of short term memory so I can't study for a month and then take the exam....I've always had the memory blur! Hope to take this test in 30 days!! $600 is just insane!

Comments
I tried taking a cert exam after pulling a mid shift, coming home, and staying up a few more hours until the testing center opened. That didn't work out too good...you can definitely feel the difference.
Currently Working On: Python, OSCP Prep
Next Up: OSCP
Studying: Code Academy (Python), Bash Scripting, Virtual Hacking Lab Coursework
For the tough stuff, say crypto and networking try studying the material for 20 minutes, take a short break, think about what you just read and absorb it. Short term memory is only 20 minutes and is hard to transfer to long term memory past 20 minutes. It sounds like a stupid trick but its actually human physiology working against us.
Otherwise the Security+ is a great start to the CISSP but not nearly as broad in practice. Scheduling them a week apart will give you a better breather between the two. Your mind simply needs the reset time to be effective in my personal experience.
Good luck and let us know how you do!
- Beads
Masters of Science in Digital Forensics (University of Central Florida)