How to Prepare for the CISSP Exam
Going after the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification is a wise decision for anyone looking to progress in the cybersecurity field. It's seen as the top credential in the industry, and a lot of mid to senior-level professionals set their sights on securing this certification at some point in their careers.
As the co-founder of Destination Certification, I've had the privilege to see the significant benefits this certification brings to our students' professional lives. Despite its clear benefits, I've also observed that many potential candidates hesitate, often due to uncertainty about what to expect from the exam process. This hesitation is something we aim to address.
That's exactly why I've put this guide together. It's aimed at those of you who are still deciding whether to go for the CISSP or those who are unsure about how to begin preparing. My hope is that this guide will answer some of your questions and help you feel more prepared to face the CISSP exam head-on.
Who Should Take the CISSP Exam?
Before committing to this significant step, the initial question is: Is CISSP the right certification for me? Like any prestigious cybersecurity certification, CISSP targets specific professionals. The requirements aren't overly stringent, but understanding whether this certification aligns with your career and where you stand will help you assess the level of preparation needed for the exam.
For instance, ISC2 mandates that candidates possess at least five years of experience in the domains covered by the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). This is one reason why the certification is often sought after by mid to senior-level cybersecurity professionals.
However, this prerequisite isn't inflexible. Those who still need to meet the experience criteria can still attempt the exam. The distinction is that you won't immediately be awarded the CISSP certification. Instead, you'll earn the title of Associate of ISC2 and have six years to acquire the requisite experience.
Pursuing this associate path can be an excellent opportunity for new professionals aiming to elevate their careers in cybersecurity. But it's fair to warn you: the preparation for the exam is substantial. Honestly, the CISSP exam can be quite challenging, particularly for those with limited or no practical experience in the field.
Preparing for the CISSP Exam
When getting ready for the CISSP exam, there's a lot you'll need to become familiar with. These factors are key in helping you figure out whether you're truly prepared to take the exam or if you need more time to study. Let me break them down.?
Exam Format
The CISSP exam is now exclusively offered in the Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) format for all candidates, regardless of the language in which they take the exam. In this setup, the difficulty of your next question is influenced by your answer to the current one. While this might initially sound daunting, there's no need to panic. With adequate preparation, navigating the CAT exam is entirely feasible.
For example, if you answer a question correctly, the next one might be a bit more challenging. This adaptive approach helps tailor the exam to your knowledge level, making it a fair assessment of your skills.
Regardless of the format, remember that the passing score for the CISSP exam is 700 out of a possible 1000 points. This standardized threshold ensures that all certified professionals have met the rigorous standards set by ISC2, affirming their expertise in the field of cybersecurity.
Exam Length
The CAT format offers a more concise testing experience than the previously used linear format.
Despite its reputation for being more challenging due to its adaptive nature, the CAT exam is shorter both in duration and in the number of questions. Candidates are given up to 3 hours to answer 100 to 150 questions.
Understanding the length and structure of the exam is crucial for your preparation strategy. It allows you to plan your breaks effectively and strategize on how to tackle the exam, ensuring that you remain focused and efficient throughout the testing period.
Exam Cost
Preparing for the CISSP exam isn't just about understanding the content; it's also about considering the financial investment needed for this journey. The primary expense you'll face is the exam fee, which is US$749, and it can vary depending on your location. However, the costs don't stop there.
Throughout your preparation, you'll likely invest in study materials, such as books and practice exams. And if you decide to enroll in a preparatory course, that's an additional expense to consider. I'm not going to lie—it can add up to a substantial investment for some.?
But trust me, the benefits of achieving CISSP certification can far outweigh these costs. Think of it as an investment that offers tremendous returns, not just financially but also in terms of career opportunities.
Time to Prepare
The time required to prepare for the CISSP exam depends largely on the amount of free time you can allocate to studying and your existing knowledge of the topics covered.
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I've observed students complete their preparation in just one week. However, achieving this feat demands intense focus and a significant dedication of time. If you can devote considerable hours to studying each day and have substantial experience in the field, it's possible to be ready for the exam in such a short period.
Students typically take about three months to prepare. This timeline is typical for many, as not everyone can afford to dedicate large blocks of their day to studying.
It's important to remember that the CISSP exam is often described as being a mile wide and an inch deep. This means it covers a broad range of topics but doesn't delve deeply into any single subject area. Understanding this can help you plan your study approach effectively, ensuring you allocate your time and efforts where they are most needed.
Preparation Resources
Choosing the right resources is a pivotal part of your CISSP preparation. While some may suggest piling up a mountain of books and materials, the reality is often much simpler. In many cases, one or two comprehensive resources are sufficient, especially if they cover all the exam essentials.
Take, for example, our CISSP MasterClass. It could very well be the only course you'll need throughout your preparation journey. Compared to other CISSP online classes, our course doesn't adhere to a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it's a dynamic course designed to adapt to your current knowledge level, concentrating on areas where you require the most support.?
Additionally, it's flexible in terms of scheduling, allowing you to maintain your current work or personal commitments without disruption.? And here’s the best part, we have a 93.6% first-time exam takers pass rate.
The CISSP CBK is also an invaluable asset. Although not specifically training material, it comprehensively covers the eight domains integral to the CISSP exam. Essentially, it serves as a guide to understand the scope of the exam thoroughly.? Ultimately, it will also make you a better security professional.
Lastly, Destination CISSP is an excellent book to consolidate your understanding of the concepts tested in the CISSP exam. Being a concise guide, it reinforces the knowledge you've already acquired, making it an ideal resource as you draw closer to your exam date.
Preparation Strategy and Tips
Understanding that what works for one candidate may not work for you is crucial in your CISSP preparation journey. It's not a reason to feel discouraged; rather, it's an opportunity to deeply understand your unique learning style.?
Once you've got a handle on that, you can more effectively determine which strategies will best complement your approach to studying. Besides this personalized strategy, I've compiled a list of general tips that can benefit all candidates:
I understand that the CISSP exam can seem intimidating, but with the right approach and mindset, passing the exam on your first try is absolutely achievable.
FAQs
Can I Pass CISSP in 3 Months?
Yes, you can pass the CISSP exam in 3 months with focused and dedicated study, tailoring your preparation to your knowledge and available time
Is the CISSP Exam Hard?
The CISSP exam is challenging due to its broad scope across various domains in information security, but with the right preparation strategy, it is manageable.
Preparing for the CISSP Exam
Preparing for the CISSP exam is definitely worth your time, effort, and preparation. Not only can it help increase your salary prospects, but it will also open many doors in your career. Moreover, the concepts you'll learn throughout the preparation process truly prepare you for more advanced positions in cybersecurity.
If you're ready to start your preparation, we at Destination Certification are here to assist. Our CISSP MasterClass is tailored to fit your knowledge and schedule. You don't have to worry about missing classes due to emergencies or other events; you set your own schedule. The best part? There's no need to study concepts you're already familiar with because we focus on the areas where you need the most help.
What's your biggest challenge or question when it comes to preparing for the CISSP exam? Share your thoughts and let's discuss how we can tackle it together.