topic Re: ISSMP Study Material or Suggestions. in ISSMP Study Group

ISSMP Study Material or Suggestions.

PatrickG78108 — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 01:19:04 GMT

Any hints on best references or study aids? I passed the ISSEP last summer after taking the ISC2 online self-paced training plus a month more or less of self-study (the references). The majority of information was very familiar and aligns with a lot of the work I've been doing with the DoD over the past couple of decades.

I've collected all the references from the posted list and will study / review the material as I did for the ISSEP, unless somebody makes a good recommendation for supplementary material. I'd like to take the exam in the next month or so.

My background: I certified CISSP about 20 years ago, the CAP (CGRC) and the ISACA CISM about 18 years ago. I've worked in Information Assurance/Cyber Security supporting the DoD since 2007 (not including my military career).

Re: ISSMP Study Material or Suggestions.

nkeaton — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 03:19:40 GMT

Oddly I earned the ISSEP first as well. Congratulations. I earned my ISSMP last year. I did read the latest study guide just for a historical perspective and a start. I read the suggested NIST documents. I thought that my knowledge from my CISSP and CISM was the most helpful. I have not had mine as long as you have though. It could not hurt to read Luke’s How to Think Like a Manager. I felt that it was important for my CISSP to better frame the mindset needed to answer the questions correctly. I believe that it helped me with the ISSMP as well. I am considering the ISSAP. It is definitely my weakest discipline of the three. Best wishes.

Re: ISSMP Study Material or Suggestions.

PatrickG78108 — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 18:20:59 GMT

Thanks for the reply. I'll definitely check out Luke's book.

Re: ISSMP Study Material or Suggestions.

PatrickG78108 — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 18:47:02 GMT

As final preparation, I completed the official ISC2 training and reviewed many of the recommended references, including Luke's book mentioned by nkeaton in a previous post. However, due to the unexpected timing of an upcoming work transfer, I had to reschedule my exam.

Fast forward. I relocated from San Antonio to El Paso, TX about 3 weeks ago. I started work and I'm still in a hotel looking for a place to call home.

I took the plunge. My exam was last Friday — it was different than I anticipated, but the outcome was positive!

Re: ISSMP Study Material or Suggestions.

nkeaton — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:53:44 GMT

@PatrickG78108 Congratulations. Your timing is good since the exam objectives for the former concentrations change August 1. I am sure that the CISM helps as well. I feel like did for mine.

Re: ISSMP Study Material or Suggestions.

PatrickG78108 — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 03:44:39 GMT

Exactly, @nkeaton, thinking like a manager was key.