topic Re: Considering forming a study group for March exam date in CISSP Study Group

Considering forming a study group for March exam date

George_G — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 03:31:47 GMT

Hello future CISSP's, I'm considering forming a study group to prepare for a March test date. The idea is to leave enough time to retake the exam (but we're not going to need that right?) before the new format goes live in mid-April 2024.

My goal is to form a group consisting of experienced IT professionals so that we can collectively contribute to the success of the group. I'd also like to meet virtually over MS Teams at least weekly but preferrable twice per week so that we can keep the momentum going. Right now I'm thinking of Sunday mornings around 8am CST but that is not set in stone.

I'll be using the Sybex CISSP Official Study Guide, 9th ed., If you get that book, it also comes with interactive flash cards and a test bank that we can incorporate into our studies. I also have practice questions from another source that we can use.

A little about me... I've been in IT for over 20 years starting out as a help desk tech and moved into server and network administration over the years. I've supported MS Exchange, Windows servers, a virtualization environment, Cisco networks including wireless and VoIP, Palo Alto firewalls, email and web security, etc. I also obtained my CCNA and CCNA Voice certs and hope to add the CISSP to my resume.

If you are interested in joining, send me a direct message with your email address and if you feel so inclined, tell me a little about your experience and I will get back with you. I intend to keep the group small, maybe around 10 participants to factor in any that may have to drop out due to work and life yet still leave enough participants to keep the group going.

Thanks and happy studying!

Re: Considering forming a study group for May exam date

Early_Adopter — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 23:51:14 GMT

“Direct message… with email address” 🙂

You’ve a better chance of passing after a study group with George than those asking for or posting email addresses to the thread.

Re: Considering forming a study group for May exam date

dcontesti — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 01:39:09 GMT

Please do not use personal emails on this Community. Publicly listing emails (even with throw away accounts) is poor practice.

May I suggest that should you wish to communicate with someone privately that you us the envelop icon at the top right corner of your screen.

This will allow you to communicate one on one and is PRIVATE.

mhoo

Good luck with the studying however I do have a question:

@George_G wrote:

I'm considering forming a study group to prepare for a May 1 test date. The idea is to leave enough time to retake the exam (but we're not going to need that right?) before the new format goes live in mid-April 2024.

When does the first exam in the new format take place?

Re: Considering forming a study group for May exam date

George_G — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 02:47:44 GMT

Thor Pedersen did a video explaining the changes, in it he mentioned mid-April sometime. IIRC, it rolls out like on April 15.

ah ha, found the vid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=nFd0TQ5oBT8

Re: Considering forming a study group for May exam date

dcontesti — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 03:10:48 GMT

Okay, your note confused me as you are looking for a May 1st test date prior to the change in mid-April.

Re: Considering forming a study group for May exam date

George_G — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 03:33:23 GMT

Corrected. Thanks for pointing that out.

Re: Considering forming a study group for May exam date

dcontesti — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 04:51:26 GMT

Thank you....

Re: Considering forming a study group for May exam date

Early_Adopter — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 06:00:11 GMT

I think trying to plan any retake to be on the same version as study makes good sense as a hedge, but I do also think that if you have the experience and prepare well you’ll be very likely to pass. I’m only calling on those I either studied with or mentored so it’s not a huge number - but of these groups the only people who didn’t pass were those who didn’t take. Deep dive a domain a week then do a general week and assuming you do the job and are all in I don’t think you’ll need the retake.

Re: Considering forming a study group for March exam date

denbesten — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 23:26:50 GMT

@George_G wrote:
...March test date. The idea is to leave enough time to retake the exam (but we're not going to need that right?) before the new format goes live in mid-April 2024....

The retake-rule is "If you don’t pass the exam on your first attempt, you may retest after 30 test-free days." [cite]. With your goal, the absolutely latest date for your first attempt would be March 15th -- and that presumes no scheduling contention.

That said, don't over-think this. Although avoiding change makes sense, it is not that big of a detail because the exam evolves slowly. I personally used outdated study materials, taking the exam shortly after a refresh and I could not detect any signs of change. Much more important is to schedule based on when you feel ready.

And if you do end up needing to retake, your primary take-away will not be knowing some questions (there is a large pool), but rather a deeper understanding of how the questions are formed, why we say "think like a manager", and what we mean by selecting the "best" answer as opposed to the "right" answer.

Re: Considering forming a study group for March exam date

Early_Adopter — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 23:41:41 GMT

“ That said, don't over-think this.”

Sage advice.

Turning up early so you know where the test centre is after a good night’s sleep and having a nice snack and beverage of your choice is going to help as much as gaming retake windows….

Re: Considering forming a study group for March exam date

George_G — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:35:35 GMT

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I do appreciate it. I'm really not overthinking it. I just plan to study from now till late Feb and assess where I'm at. If I'm not ready then I definitely won't take the exam and will set a new goal. I just want to keep the momentum going. A 6 month to 1yr goal might cause me to lose momentum in addition to having to deal with slightly new topics according to the video I posted.

It really goes back to my study habits. I have to keep the momentum going, or else I lose interest or other things start taking priority. I learned this when studying for various certs over the years.

Re: Considering forming a study group for March exam date

VBourgeois — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 01:03:50 GMT

Is this group still happening?

Re: Considering forming a study group for March exam date

VBourgeois — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 01:07:35 GMT

I am interested in joining if its available.

Re: Considering forming a study group for March exam date

George_G — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 16:51:05 GMT

Hi, yes, still working on pulling it together. See the first post and send me your info via DM. Thanks for your interest.

Re: Considering forming a study group for March exam date

VBourgeois — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 22:59:09 GMT

Thank you, I am interested.
Warmest Regards,
Dr. Vanessa Bourgeois cell: 719-237-2300

Re: Considering forming a study group for March exam date

VJS-Estyle — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 13:57:48 GMT

This is a great idea. I would be interested as well. I have been in tech for 30 years in a variety of positions. Currently I am a fractional CTO for several companies. I have taken and passed the Cyber Security Exam, I do want to take on the full CISSP again.

Thanks

Vinny

vincent.seeley@outlook.com

Re: Considering forming a study group for March exam date

blessing4real — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 12:21:40 GMT

I am interested.
My email is blessing4real17@gmail.com

Re: Considering forming a study group for March exam date

George_G — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 13:57:51 GMT

Hello everyone. I sent an email to those who expressed their interest—hoping to get this started ASAP.

Thanks.