My journey on CISSP exam day

I would like to make an article about the exam itself. This could be useful if you plan to take the exam, don't know what to expect, maybe CISSP will recognize them selves...Or just to read another CISSP story !

Before the exam

I took a solid breakfast before going to the test center. The test administrator asked me 2 ID, then took my picture and registered me in the system.

He asked me to empty my pockets, remove my watch, told me to put my stuff in the locker and showed me my assigned computer.??

During the exam

I was already familiar with ISC2 exams, so I knew I had 5 minutes to read and accept the NDA. I used 4 minutes to write mnemonics and formulas on the white board.??

I accepted the NDA, and started to answer the first question. I knew that the 20-25 questions were relevant for CAT system, so I decided to be careful about my anwser for those. Questions from 1 to 3 were pretty simple to answer. Then...The questions were worded in such a way that I had to read them 2 times, and sometimes 3 to understand "what are they really asking here?". And I started to understand why people say "it's brutal".

However, i always managed to not spend more than 2 minutes on a question. A friend (who is already CISSP) told me that the exam is about the knowledge (what i've learned during my prep) and how to apply it. This is absolutely true.

There were some tricky questions, but by reading them carefully, I was able to eliminate wrong answers.

From a question to another, I was in doubt all the time. ??But i kept staying positive and trust my studies.?? Question 100 came up and I needed to take a break. I could clear my head, grab some water, get some stretch. Then I went back in.

110 questions...I started to think "It's gonna be long if I have to go up to 175 questions". ?? Question 125 came in...I read it 3 times...Then the answers. I thought "Here we go!". I chose the answer...And the computer says "Your exam is over, please see the test administrator".

After the exam

When the test ended at question 125, I thought "Maybe I did it." then "Or I failed terribly, oh sh** !"?? . In fact, I was so much in doubt that I could not tell if I passed or failed. Here it comes...the walk of shame to the proctor. He gave me that sheet with my fate printed on it (without showing emotions) and said "Here's your result".

I took the paper and saw "Congratulations!" Wait, What ? I opened my eyes widely and re read 2 times "We are pleased to inform you that you have provisionally passed the Certified Information Systems Security Professional examination." WOOHOO !!?? I smiled and the proctor finally smiled at me.

I came back at home and just celebrated with my family. 5 months of studies to this special day.

If you're preparing for the CISSP, I really wish you all the best. It's hard but it worths it. Work hard, stay positive and you will make it.