topic Re: CCSP Test Preperation in Exam Preparation

CCSP Test Preperation - Passed

Radioteacher — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 22:15:31 GMT

Tomorrow is my scheduled CCSP test, so I thought that this would be a good time to document my test preparation activities.

The beginning

I passed the CISSP last year and you can find my preparation information for that test at the link below.

https://community.isc2.org/t5/Certifications/I-earned-a-CISSP-and-much-more/m-p/2359

Of course, I was able to use the Contract, SDLC and Legal knowledge gained from the CISSP to support CCSP efforts. Since my job functions are engineering focused, these are my weakest areas of knowledge.

CCSP Prep

In late April 2017, I watched the free Kelly Handerhand, (ISC)2 CCSP video series from https://www.cybrary.it and found it very good.

In May of 2017, I started watching the video on demand course for CCSP On-demand video course from (ISC)2. The course was well done but for some reason, my mind would wander during the videos. I wanted to speed up the videos to 1.3 to 1.7 times speed like I do for podcasts but that control was not available.

I read the PDF book for the course and found it very useful.

I also purchased the following books:

CCSP Certified Cloud Security Professional All-in-One Exam Guide by Daniel Carter

CCSP (ISC)2 Certified Cloud Security Professional Official Study Guide by O'Hara

Before the (ICS)2 Congress (September 23-24), I took the two-day CCSP preparation class with instructor Dr. Lyron Andrews. This was a five-day class condensed into two days. Unlike the video class that I wanted to speed up, this one I almost wanted to slow down the delivery. To say the least I was fully engaged and scribbling notes as fast as I could. Dr. Andrews is a premier instructor and I wholeheartedly recommend any class he teaches.

This class provided me another book to use, the new CCSP Student Guide. This book has at least two issues, there is no index and it has a number of errors. Like on page 609 under ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Domains where it states "...ISMS Information Management Security System...". It should read "...ISMS Information Security Management System...". The book does use a very nice font for my old eyes.

On October 10, 2017, I took and passed the Cloud Security Alliance - Security Guidance for Critical Areas of Focus in Cloud Computing V3, (CSA CCSKv3).

In December, the Cloud Security Alliance will release the test for CCSKv4. Since it has been less than 12 months since I passed the CCSKv3, I will have the opportunity to take CCSKv4 for free!

The O'Hara book allowed me access to an online test engine to validate my ability to remember (or not) the unique vocabulary used in cloud computing and get into the right mindset for the test. I have been using this practice test engine during the past few weeks to probe my weak areas of knowledge.

Lastly, I have used a second test engine on my iPhone and iPad. I purchased it from "learnZapp" and it is called "CCSP Study - (ICS)2 Official App". A good test engine that does a fair job.

Neither test engine prepares the candidate for the critical thinking needed to answer the scenario questions that are used in these tests but experience and preparation helps.

One document that seems to stand out is "NIST Special Publication 800-146" while reading Chapter 4, I created scenario questions in my head and answered them. I will find out tomorrow if this helped me.

Either way, tomorrow I must comply with the CCSP NDA.

Paul

Re: CCSP Test Preperation

Gunner — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 13:49:11 GMT

Wish you the best of luck!

Re: CCSP Test Preperation

Retlaw — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 13:52:05 GMT

You do great Paul! No worries.

Re: CCSP Test Preperation

Radioteacher — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 22:15:58 GMT

I passed the CCSP today in about two hours.

Done is the engine of more.

Next will be the CSA CCSKv4 in December.

Paul

Re: CCSP Test Preperation

Retlaw — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 17:19:11 GMT

Congratulations Paul!!

Re: CCSP Test Preperation

John — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 20:29:57 GMT

Congrats!

Re: CCSP Test Preperation

Ajutp — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 06:51:23 GMT

Wonderful achievement Paul. Congrats. Would you mind to share your CCSP exam experience ?

Re: CCSP Test Preperation

Hanyibm — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 09:29:40 GMT

congratulation for this great Achievement

Re: CCSP Test Preperation

Radioteacher — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 22:55:20 GMT

@Ajutp wrote:
Wonderful achievement Paul. Congrats. Would you mind to share your CCSP exam experience ?

Ajutp,

This Pearson Vue facility was new to me so I made sure I was an hour early to find the location. By the time I found the building and third-floor suite, it was about 40 minutes until they opened (my test time was at 8:00 AM).

I went to the car and grabbed a book to review and a small bag with my two ID's, a snack bar and a bottle of water. The testing center had a waiting area outside the test center where I reviewed my notes until they opened.

Some other people showed up for their tests and before I knew it they opened the center. While I waited in line to check in, I read the terms and agreements from the test facility. I provided my ID's, and told them what test I was taking. They asked me to pronounce and spell my name, scanned my palm, and then took my photograph. I placed my belongings in a locker after demonstrating that my phone was off.

They sent me to the testing/Proctor area where I was palm scanned and re-verified my test. I had to do a full pat down, inverted my pockets, and my reading glasses were inspected.

I have been taking proctored tests since 1994 so I am familiar with these procedures. I asked for and inserted earplugs to limit distractions. I was escorted into the testing area.

About two hours later I had submitted the test for grading. I prefer to take the time I need to answer the question in front of me and move on to the next question. I do not review questions since I have proven to myself that I am more likely to change a correct answer to a wrong one.

After that, I raised my hand and was escorted out of the testing area and reverified my palm scan.

I went back to the entrance and was provided a printout of the test results. I saw the one word I was looking for "Congratulations" and knew I passed.

I picked up my stuff from the locker and left to see my wife.

My wife was happy to hear I passed!!

She handed me the CCSP lapel pins she picked up at the store at the 2017 (ISC)2 Congress in Austin, TX. With that and a kiss, I was off to work.

Paul

Re: CCSP Test Preperation

Ajutp — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 07:24:01 GMT

Thanks for the writeup Paul

Re: CCSP Test Preperation - Passed

fcerullo — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 14:12:41 GMT

Congratulations on passing the CCSP exam!!

Re: CCSP Test Preperation - Passed

sophia_cart — Thu, 31 May 2018 11:02:52 GMT

Congratulations on passing the CCSP exam!!!

Re: CCSP Test Preperation

PacificDynamics — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 04:15:42 GMT

I hope to visit here long before! 😥😥😥