Hello, everyone! I'm Jay, and I recently passed my CISSP exam. I wanted to share my exam experience with you, focusing solely on the exam itself and providing valuable insights that can benefit others. I won't discuss specific questions or resources in this article, but if you're interested in those aspects, I have separate articles available with more information. Let's dive into the exam experience!
In the 24 hours leading up to the exam, it's crucial not to overwhelm yourself with new information. Take this time to relax and reflect on the knowledge you have already acquired. While it's okay to review your notes or reference trusted sources, avoid trying to cram new material. Instead, prioritize a good night's sleep, aiming for a minimum of eight hours to ensure you're mentally fresh and alert for the exam.
The CISSP exam is known for its rigor and challenging nature, truly testing your patience, knowledge, and critical thinking skills. When it comes to the exam day, it's advisable to arrive at the test center as early as possible, preferably half an hour before the scheduled time. Be prepared for a check-in process that involves providing identification, fingerprints, and a photograph. Remember that you can only bring your ID and a notepad into the exam room—everything else must be securely stored in a locker.
Arriving early allows you to navigate through the check-in process smoothly, ensuring a stress-free experience. Keep in mind that the test center's location may influence your travel arrangements. If feasible, consider scheduling the exam in the morning, as many test-takers find their minds to be fresher during this time. However, choose a time that suits your personal preferences and circumstances best.
Once you are seated at your desk and ready to begin, one of the most crucial steps is to accept the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) immediately. It is essential to do this right away as the NDA will only be displayed on the screen for a limited time. Neglecting to accept the NDA within the designated time frame will result in exam cancellation, without the possibility of refund or appeal. It is a simple yet critical step to ensure a smooth start to your exam.
After accepting the NDA, the exam instructions and format will be presented to you. Familiarize yourself with the multiple-choice question format and prepare for the start of the exam. Remember, during your preparation, to always follow the guidance provided by authorized sources and instructors to maximize your chances of success.
In the upcoming articles, I will delve into additional aspects of the CISSP journey, providing further insights and guidance. Stay tuned for more valuable content and comprehensive resources to support your CISSP aspirations.
Remember, success in the CISSP exam is not solely about knowledge but also about your ability to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. So, embrace the challenge, stay focused, and prepare diligently. Best of luck on your CISSP journey!
Stay tuned for the next part of the series, where we will explore additional strategies and resources to enhance your CISSP exam preparation.
Mastering the CISSP Exam: Insights and Tips for Success (Part 2)
Welcome back, fellow CISSP aspirants! In this article, I will continue sharing my exam experience, focusing on the challenging moments and key strategies that helped me navigate through the test. Let's dive right in!
Once the exam began, I realized there was no tutorial to guide me. Without wasting any time, I clicked "next" and was immediately presented with the first question. The countdown timer started at 118 minutes. Initially, the first question seemed relatively manageable, and the following few questions appeared to be within my grasp as well. I began to feel confident, thinking that maybe I had studied enough or possessed the necessary knowledge.
However, as I progressed, the difficulty level escalated significantly. The questions became tougher and more demanding. After the first four questions, I couldn't recall a single moment during the exam where I felt 100% confident in my answers. The exam was undeniably tough, with only a few straightforward questions that I could answer within seconds. There were several questions that consumed four or five minutes of my time. By the end of the first hour, I had only completed 35 questions, falling short of my target of 50 questions per hour.
Upon accepting the NDA, I utilized my notepad to jot down key reminders to guide my approach. The notes emphasized trusting my judgment, thinking like a manager, and taking breaks. I wanted to maintain a manager's perspective throughout the exam, especially when encountering questions with multiple seemingly correct answers. It was crucial to select the best managerial response in such scenarios, as the CISSP exam primarily focuses on management principles.
Taking breaks during the exam is crucial but often underrated. Whether it's every hour or after completing a specific number of questions, find a rhythm that suits you. During breaks, you're allowed to leave the exam room briefly to visit the restroom or grab a drink. Although you can't access any study materials or leave the building, these short breaks provide an opportunity to rejuvenate yourself. Personally, I took a break after completing 50 questions, as I realized I needed to pick up the pace.
As I returned from my break, my exam time had decreased to 97 minutes, and I had only completed 50 questions. With approximately 70 minutes remaining, I had progressed to question 70. Throughout this stage, I constantly doubted my answers, creating scenarios in my mind where I had already failed the exam. It was mentally challenging, but I maintained a positive mindset and persevered, reminding myself that I was there to give it my best shot.
When answering the questions, allocate additional time to the first 20 questions or so. These initial questions may set the pace and difficulty level for the rest of the exam. While it's difficult to predict, insights from various sources suggest that out of the first 100 questions, 25 are not scored. These unscored questions are mixed within the exam, and you won't know which ones they are. Therefore, it's essential to approach every question with equal focus and effort.
Technically speaking, if you're answering 100 questions, only 75 of them are marked and contribute to your final score. To pass the exam, you need to answer approximately 70-80% of the marked questions correctly. Each question may carry a different weightage, adding another layer of complexity to the exam.
As I neared question 70 with 75 minutes remaining, I had already convinced myself that I had failed. Despite my initial doubts, I reminded myself to stay focused and give it my all. The CISSP exam is a challenging journey, and success is often born from perseverance and a resilient mindset.
Mastering the CISSP Exam: Insights and Tips for Success (Part 3)
Welcome back, CISSP aspirants! In this continuation of my exam experience, I will share the final moments leading up to the conclusion of the test and the immediate aftermath. Let's delve into the details.
As I approached question 80, I realized I had roughly 75 minutes left to tackle the remaining 80 questions. This meant I had less than a minute per question, and the pressure was on. I accelerated my pace, reading each question only once and swiftly clicking through to the next. Time was of the essence, and my primary focus was efficiency.
It's worth noting that the questions encountered in practice exams are often different from the ones you'll face in the actual CISSP exam. While practice questions may lean more towards technical aspects, the real exam tends to present a mix of technical and managerial inquiries. I had heard about practice exams like Sean Harris or Luke Hammett that supposedly align closely with the real exam, but I hadn't personally taken them. It's crucial to read each question carefully, trusting your judgment and taking into account the managerial perspective.
When selecting an answer, take the time to read it and try to fit it into the question. This approach helped me find the best fit and make more informed choices. Occasionally, I experienced moments of doubt immediately after clicking "next," feeling uncertain about my selected answer. Unfortunately, once you proceed to the next question, you cannot go back, so it's important to stay focused on the present and not dwell on past decisions.
Throughout the exam, breaks are highly recommended. I took only one break after completing 50 questions, which occurred around the 80-minute mark. Despite running out of time, I had initially planned to take another break after 100 questions. I quickly completed questions 80 to 98, rapidly clicking through to save precious minutes.
Surprisingly, after clicking "next" on the 100th question, the exam abruptly ended, informing me to collect my report. This unexpected conclusion left me taken aback, and I couldn't help but assume I had failed. Furthermore, the last 15 or so questions appeared relatively easier compared to the ones I had encountered earlier. I wondered if the algorithm had deemed my performance insufficient, thus presenting simpler questions.
Walking from my desk to the reception area felt like the longest walk. It's important to ensure that you follow the proper procedure and click all the way through to the end screen to receive your report. I complied with this requirement, aware that my heart rate was racing with anticipation. The receptionist instructed me to empty my locker before handing over my report, adhering to the test center's policy. I couldn't resist asking for a hint regarding the outcome, but, according to their rules, she couldn't reveal any details. With a mix of curiosity and anxiety, I emptied my locker, presented my ID, and received the folded report.
Mastering the CISSP Exam: Insights and Tips for Success (Part 4)
Welcome back to the final installment of my CISSP exam experience. In this section, I will share some last-minute advice and conclude my journey. Let's dive right in.
First and foremost, let me express my excitement and gratitude. Upon receiving my folded report, I unfolded it eagerly, hoping for positive news. As I read the words "Congratulations" on the page, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. It was a brilliant moment, and I hope that my insights and tips will help you in your own CISSP journey.
Now, let's focus on some key considerations for the hours leading up to the exam. Arrive early to the test center to avoid any unnecessary rushing and stress. Take it easy in the final few hours before the exam, allowing yourself to relax and mentally prepare. Make sure to have a good meal, neither too heavy nor too light, as the exam lasts for three hours and requires energy.
During the exam, remember that it will be challenging and may induce stress. This brings me to an essential point—think like a manager, not just an engineer. Rather than fixating on technical details and trying to solve every problem as an engineer would, adopt a managerial perspective. Focus on policies, regulations, and the bigger picture. This mindset shift will be instrumental in approaching the exam's questions effectively.
In closing, I want to emphasize that you can do this. If I have been successful in conquering the CISSP exam, then so can you. I have compiled a couple of articles detailing the resources I used throughout my preparation. If you're interested, I highly recommend reading them for further guidance.
If you have any questions or need clarification, please leave your comments below, and I'll do my best to respond. I wish you the best of luck on your CISSP journey. Stay focused, stay determined, and remember that the hard work and dedication you put into your preparation will pay off.
