topic Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018 in Exam Preparation

Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

kdbrookss — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 01:41:22 GMT

First, I want to give thanks for God for allowing me to see this day and to successfully pass the CISSP exam today October 29, 2018. I have been following these threads for a while and today I figured I’d join to share my approach to see if it helps someone else. I cleared the exam in just 100 questions! I truly thought I had failed it because I was uncertain about some of the answers, but I was able to narrow it down to the only two that made since. This has truly been mentally draining with the complete isolation from everything to study for this exam. I have been studying for the last 60 days non-stop for this exam ever since I passed the CISM which was a big help in getting me focused for the exam as many of you know CISM and CISSP has a lot of overlap. Now to the interesting stuff of how I passed this exam and the purchases;
1. Guide for Starting a Career in Information Security – I purchased this book first and read it cover to cover. It truly gave me a mind opening view of why I really should study and pass the CISSP exam. I highly recommend reading this book in your spare time it’s a small read but it helps with focus
2. Official CISSP Study Guide 8th Edition. I took my time reading this book cover to cover and highlighting key points along the way. It took me close to 2 weeks to complete the book at the pace I was reading plus I had to work during the day but on the weekend, I was all in every day for about 12-16 hours. I completed the end of chapter tests and started out with an average of 68%. I took them until I was averaging 80% on each test repeatedly. I then moved to the Bonus exams and took the same approach until I scored 80%. Keep in mind to not be focused on the score as you will not see any of these questions on the exam, but you will be able to identify the concepts when reading the questions. Trust me it helps and will pay off. So, don’t worry if you are only averaging 50-60 percent on quizzes just make sure you understand the concepts and make sure you analyze the questions with a management mindset and you will breeze through. Another tip is to practice taking a break after every 25-30 questions or when you feel your loosing focus. I used that strategy on the exam today.
3. Official CISSP Practice Test- I used these exam questions right after I completed all of the study guide questions. I started off on these questions averaging about 70% right out of the gate. I continued to take them until I improved to scores above 80% which wasn’t too far off. I realized that much of my problem at this point was I wasn’t reading the questions carefully enough or until I completely understand the ask. Once I slowed down and took my time my scores went up to abut 90%. So, to make sure I wasn’t memorizing the answers I stop taking these questions and went back to the Official study guide questions and my scores were still above 80% so then I felt I needed to look at additional questions.
4. Purchased CCCure exam questions. These questions are very technical and took a deeper dive then the practice questions I was reviewing plus I saw some concepts that I hadn’t seen in the book which helped to open my mind up more. I took all of those practice test and I averaged about 73%. The one thing here I noticed is I was still familiar with the concepts and could narrow the answers down to the top, but I noticed I needed to reference the chapters again as it hit areas that I had begun to forget because the other exams were not as technical.
5. Purchased Pocket Prep for phone- I didn’t complete all of the practice questions but I was averaging 70% right out the gate which was a good sign that I was retaining information. So, once I felt good on these questions I moved back to the Official Study Guide questions to make sure I was still understanding the concepts. This was done in the final week leading up to the exam.
6. 11th Hour 3rd Edition – The final three days consumed of reading this book cover to cover to make sure I refresh my mind on all the concepts. This book is only 200 pages compared to the official study guide which is more than 5x the size. This book is straight to the point with no fluff. I recommend reading this book only just before your exam to make sure have a refresher and do not tire yourself out taking practice questions. The night before the exam just relax and get a good night rest so that you can arrive to the testing center early and prepare your mind.
7. Watched some free YouTube videos on some areas I was weak in such as the Risk Calculations dealing with SLE, ARO, AV, EF & ALE and Database concepts.

Lastly Don’t get distracted by the thought that you maybe failing the exam because you’re not certain of the answers trust your judgement. You have studied hard and you will know the right answers when you see them just don’t second guess yourself. I hope this helps someone else. I’m off to celebrate.

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

dreastans — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 20:30:55 GMT

Congrats, I passed the exam on 10/24/2018. I agree with all your notes that you jotted down. Especially at the end, when you think you are failing the exam. I took 150 questions and used up the full 3 hours allotted minus 8 minutes of time. It was definitely tough and the exam changes for everyone that takes it.

I hope you had a good time celebrating, I know I did.

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

kdbrookss — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 20:58:20 GMT

Congrats on passing the exam. You are so right that the exam changes for everyone each time they take it. It was a tough exam but so worth it I learned a lot studying for this exam. It has prepared me for the concentration exam I'm planning to take in December. What material did you use to study for it?

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

dreastans — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 21:14:50 GMT

I actually took a class through Cybervista. Was a combination of 3 hour lectures for each domain, learning videos, question bank, simulated exam (that was nothing like the actual exam.)

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

kdbrookss — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 21:18:48 GMT

I'm glad to hear that paid off. Ive read so many comments about training classes not working but its good you passed it lol.. I'm still in celebrating mode.

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

dreastans — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 21:52:28 GMT

Me too! It was a tough exam and completely celebration-worthy for a while.

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

krisinmemphis — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 18:50:18 GMT

Congrats! I just passed mine on 11/4/18

I also did not know if I passed because I was give all 150 questions.

However, I can identify with the intensity of your study.

Taking in information from multiple resources and managing time to study is the key.

I have requested endorsement from a local CISSP that also gave me some study suggestions.

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

krisinmemphis — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 18:51:58 GMT

I did the same process.

but really studied harder for the Cert Exam

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

krisinmemphis — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 18:53:17 GMT

@dreastans wrote:
I actually took a class through Cybervista. Was a combination of 3 hour lectures for each domain, learning videos, question bank, simulated exam (that was nothing like the actual exam.)

I did the same process.

but really studied harder for the Cert Exam

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

kdbrookss — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 19:05:30 GMT

Congrats! Yes managing time to study is the key! you are so right. I've heard a lot of individuals reach the 150 question mark and wasn't successfully but you passed and now its all behind you. Congrats again.

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

kdbrookss — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 19:10:47 GMT

@dreastans I've heard so many individuals make the same statement of they took a training class or bootcamp that was nothing like the actual exam and it didn't help them. I am a firm believer of old fashion reading and highlighted key points in a book to pass an exam. Thats just my view but i understand everyone learns differently.

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

akutuan — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 04:37:51 GMT

Congratulations!!!

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

wnzmtc — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 14:41:44 GMT

Congrats! In the process of studying now and planning to take the exam early next year. I'm using some of the same materials such as CCCURE, Sybex 8th edition, PocketPrep, and 11th hour. Also using Skillsoft, LinkedIn Learning, and Cybrary videos. Also, Cybrary (Kelly Handerhan) and Shon Harris MP3's while commuting. Does seem like a marathon and not a sprint. Congrats again!

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

kdbrookss — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 18:58:14 GMT

Yes it is certainly a Marathon and not a sprint. This exam you truly have to respect it . You have all the appropriate tools to pass it and I doubt that want pass it. The good thing about it is you only have to pass it once and then it’s all behind you. Make sure you come back and update me on your success.

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

kdbrookss — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 18:59:29 GMT

Yes it is certainly a Marathon and not a sprint. This exam you truly have to respect it . You have all the appropriate tools to pass it and I don’t doubt that you want pass it. The good thing about it is you only have to pass it once and then it’s all behind you. Make sure you come back and update me on your success.

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

solhuebner — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 01:14:49 GMT

Congrats and thanks for sharing your notes.

It is a tough exam and any help is always appreciated!

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

KenBunce — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 13:14:49 GMT

Congratulations, I passed the CiSSP exam in June of 2005 and have been an active member since that time. Your choice of study materials was right inline with what I suggest to all up and coming CISSP's at my work location. Keep up your certification CPE's as you proceed through out the year and you will find staying certified and current are easy to accomplish.

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

krisinmemphis — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 13:28:46 GMT

Thank you for the validation of my study methods. I actually took the advice of several CISSPs

Sent from my iPhone

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

kdbrookss — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 14:31:40 GMT

Thank you KenBunce, congratulations on your achievement as I'm sure the exam was much harder back then. I plan to keep up with the CPE's as much as possible so that I don't have to go back down this path again. Any advice on some easy CPE's?

Re: Provisionally Passed CISSP Exam today 10/29/2018

kdbrookss — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 14:36:16 GMT

Your welcome. Just stay focused. Once you pass it you don't have to take it again and I promise you will feel the relief. I'm still in study mode as I m currently preparing for the CISSP-ISSAP, CAP, CISA CCSP, PMP and possibly the CRISC. Hope to be done by the Fall of next year. Got to do it while your in the study mode.