When it comes to preparing for the CISSP exam, having a well-structured study plan is crucial. In this article, I will guide you through the various aspects of the exam, provide insights into effective study resources, and offer tips for managing your time during the exam. As someone who successfully passed the CISSP exam on my first attempt, I believe that with the right approach, anyone can achieve this milestone.
Let's start by understanding the format of the CISSP exam. There are two types of exams: the CAT (Computerized Adaptive Testing) and the linear exam. I highly recommend taking the CAT exam, as it is shorter, lasting only three hours compared to the six-hour linear exam. Additionally, the CAT exam features a lesser number of questions, ranging from 100 to 150, making it more manageable.
Now, let's delve into the study plan that helped me succeed in the CISSP exam. While I will share the pros and cons of various study resources, it's important to note that the official CISSP study guide may not be the most ideal choice for everyone. The guide is extensive, comprising around 1000 pages, and requires significant time and effort to comprehend the technical concepts. Unless you have ample time and dedication, exploring alternative resources might be more effective.
One invaluable resource to consider is the CISSP Exam Cram articles. These articles provide well-explained concepts, highlighting what you need to focus on and memorize for the exam. With approximately 19 articles, it may take around 13 hours to review them thoroughly. However, I managed to optimize my time by playing them at two times the speed, completing the resources in just six and a half hours. Additionally, the MyMad articles are highly recommended for their emphasis on the main concepts in each domain and their interconnectedness. Devoting approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes to these articles can greatly aid in organizing your thoughts.
The Official (ISC)² CISSP Practice Tests, particularly the third edition, proved to be an essential resource during my preparation. This resource features eight domains, each with 100 questions, and four additional practice test questions, each with 125 questions. It not only helps you gauge your understanding but also familiarizes you with the phrasing of questions and answers in the actual exam. During practice tests, focus on questions you answered incorrectly, review the correct answers, and aim for a score of around 70 to 75.
While there are additional practice exams available, such as those by Sean Harris and Boson ExSim Max, it's important to exercise discretion. The practice exam by Sean Harris is known to be challenging compared to the official CISSP exam, and some of the content may be outdated. If time is a constraint, this resource may not be essential, but it can serve as a means to test your understanding. As for Boson ExSim Max, I encourage you to research and evaluate its usefulness before making a purchase, as there are mixed reviews regarding its effectiveness.
To wrap up, the CISSP exam demands a well-structured study plan and the utilization of reliable resources. By focusing on essential materials like the CISSP Exam Cram articles, MyMad articles, and the official CISSP practice tests, you can optimize your learning process. Remember to manage your time effectively during the exam and review questions you answered incorrectly for further understanding. With dedication and the right approach, success in the CISSP exam is well within your reach.
Mastering the CISSP Exam: Essential Study Resources and Strategies (Part 2)
Continuing our exploration of valuable resources for the CISSP exam, let's delve into additional tools that can enhance your preparation. While maintaining a professional tone, I will provide insights into each resource's effectiveness and its role in helping you succeed. Remember, success in the CISSP exam requires thorough understanding and diligent study.
One resource that receives mixed reviews is the exam set by Sean Harris. While many commend the explanations provided in this particular set, it's important to note that the questions are significantly more difficult compared to the actual CISSP exam. Additionally, this resource can be quite expensive, costing around $99 USD. It's worth mentioning that compatibility issues may arise for those using a Macbook, as this set is designed for Windows machines. Therefore, it is advisable to consider alternatives unless you have ample resources and a specific interest in exploring concepts beyond the CISSP exam.
Moving on, we have three highly useful resources: the Memory Palace, Sunflower CISSP Notes, and the CISSP 11-hour. The Memory Palace offers concise bullet-point summaries of key concepts, making it an excellent resource to review before the exam. Similarly, the Sunflower CISSP Notes test your understanding of concepts thoroughly, despite their content-heavy nature. Reading through these notes can serve as a quick self-assessment of your comprehension. Lastly, the CISSP 11-hour provides a comprehensive summary of the official study guide, saving you time by condensing the material into a more digestible format. If you are looking to optimize your study process and avoid reading 1000 pages, this resource is a great alternative.
Now let's explore the Official (ISC)² CISSP Study and Practice Test app. This application is available for both iOS and Android platforms, offering varying subscription plans. To maximize my preparation, I opted for the weekly plan, which cost around $48 USD. Using the app, I extensively practiced the provided questions. The app's value stems from its official status and the inclusion of more questions per domain compared to the third edition book. Additionally, it offers four additional practice test sets that further refine your understanding. Aim to achieve a score of over 80% in each practice test set as an indicator of your preparedness.
Taking into account the impact and effort matrix, it's advisable to focus on resources that offer high impact with low effort. The Memory Palace, Sunflower CISSP Notes, Exam Cram articles, and Mind Map articles fall under this category and are highly recommended. For those willing to invest significant effort for high impact, consider the Official (ISC)² CISSP Study and Practice Test app, the practice test sets from the official book, and the CISSP 11-hour resource.
To summarize the essential study resources, let's outline a six-step approach:
Begin by reading the CISSP 11-hour guide to gain a comprehensive understanding of the content across all domains.
Move on to the Exam Cram articles and the Mind Map articles, which provide concise recaps and reviews of the essential concepts.
Complete the Official (ISC)² CISSP Practice Tests, aiming for a score of over 70% to gauge your progress.
Read through the Memory Palace and Sunflower CISSP Notes for a comprehensive review of key concepts.
Utilize the Official (ISC)² CISSP Study and Practice Test app, focusing on achieving scores over 80% in each practice test set.
Finally, use this opportunity to review and reinforce any weak areas before the exam.
Mastering the CISSP Exam: Essential Study Resources and Strategies (Part 3)
Continuing from where we left off, let's explore the final steps and exam tips to ensure your success in the CISSP exam. Remember, maintaining a calm and focused mindset is crucial during this stage of your preparation.
Before the exam, it's beneficial to revisit the CISSP Exam Cram articles, reading them at a faster pace. Use this opportunity to review questions that you previously answered incorrectly, understanding what went wrong and learning from your mistakes. Pay close attention to important concepts and review your flashcards to reinforce your understanding.
In addition to studying, it's essential to take care of your overall well-being. Prioritize sleep, maintain a healthy diet, and practice relaxation techniques like meditation. Furthermore, select your optimal exam time to ensure you are at your peak performance during the exam.
Now, let's delve into some exam tips that I have compiled based on my experience. Firstly, it's crucial to go into the exam with the assumption that you will face 150 questions. Don't panic if you initially see only 101 questions. Be prepared to answer all the questions and make use of the allocated time effectively. Pay attention to keywords in the questions and adopt a managerial mindset while reading and understanding each question. Identify the nature of the question—is it operational or process-oriented? Understanding the question's context is key.
The next important tip is to eliminate two obvious wrong choices when faced with close answer options. Many times, you will have to decide between two choices that appear similar. Take your time to reread the question and carefully consider your options before settling on the correct answer.
It's essential not to rush through all the questions. One incorrect answer can hinder your ability to maximize the scoring algorithm. Aim to answer more questions accurately and consecutively. When you answer a question correctly, you'll notice that the next question becomes more challenging or is related to a similar topic, sometimes even easier. This indicates that you are on the right track.
Considering that you have 180 minutes to answer 150 questions, it means that you have approximately 12 minutes per question. While time management is important, it's worth noting that some questions can be answered quickly, while others may require three to five minutes of analysis. My suggestion is to allocate more time to the first 100 questions. Even if it takes slightly longer than 120 minutes, it is perfectly acceptable. Keep calm, stay focused, and submit your best answers.
To conclude, I want to wish you the best of luck on your CISSP exam journey. Remember to take advantage of the resources and strategies discussed in this series. By utilizing the recommended study materials, understanding the exam structure, and following these exam tips, you will be well-prepared to pass the CISSP exam on your first attempt.
