topic Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018 in Exam Preparation

CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

ISCMAC802 — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 13:48:50 GMT

Just come out of my CISSP exam and found I had failed for a second time.

I have studied using multiple sources.

One Week Training Course.

ISC2 Offical Guide

ISC2 Offical Practice Tests

11th Hour

Cybrary

Does anyone else find the wording of questions ambiguous. The questions never appear to be constructed in the most articulate manner? They certainly do not follow the same style as the practice test questions in the official guide.

Additionally our test centre was evacuated mid exam so that didn't help the focus.

Any guidance would be great as I have another 90 days until resit.

Thanks

Mac

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

HardCorps88 — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 16:36:01 GMT

I failed two weeks ago. I used the same resources and I’m up in air as to how I can prepare going forward.

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

Aaronag — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 13:17:40 GMT

The CISSP All in One Exam Guide and a bootcamp through InfoSec Institute in the DC area were my main prep resources, though I still think my main preparation was getting a masters in cybersecurity, which led me to being very broadly read in the field. By the time I got to Shon Harris' book, I felt there wasn't anything new being thrown at me. That seems to be the common theme when I talk to people who didn't pass, that there were areas they just didn't feel conversant in, thought they may know other particular areas very in depth. It is a tough test, and no, there are no test preps that really duplicate the language (though I find that to be true of other certification exams). What the practice exams point to are whole areas where questions can come from. I think the test is nearly impossible to cram for, because it is just so broad. There isn't a single source I've seen that you can truly say "just memorize this cover to cover and you'll pass".

Just my 2 cents, but being evacuated mid exam, to me, should be grounds to retest. That testing center did not provide you a space conducive to the exam.

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

ISCMAC802 — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 14:53:53 GMT

Thanks for the feedback, I agree it is certainly not a crammable test. I have raised a case with the testing facility as I dont think it helped being away from the terminal for 20 mins, just when I was getting in the zone 😉

My plan now is to create my own storyboards to help me understand the content of every possible topic, how its integrated, why its integrated and what relations there are to other security controls.

I am a kinesthetic learner, learn by doing, so hopefully this will help.

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

j_M007 — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 16:24:38 GMT

Excellent points Mac. I also think looking at the table of contents of the study resources and practicing with plenty of questions (ABCD) and flashcards would help.

Keep at it. It's worth it.

Best!

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

tom_h — Sat, 17 Feb 2018 15:23:01 GMT

That sounds like a good plan. What I noted in my CISSP exam (2011, so a few changes have been made) and CCSP (passed this morning) is that while there are some areas where rote memorization are required, there are many more where synthesis of that information is required.

It sounds like you already have the most important element of success: tenacity. Keep at it and you will be successful.

Good Luck!

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

Admarnelson — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 12:11:29 GMT

I agree also, i never did this exam because i fear them, and i was preparing from the begin 2016 i stopped and return i stopped again and return, my real decision was end 2017. i'll do it for my family because they are waiting so much on me in this certification, now 2018 i'm writing small books from every books i recommended i will get this certification on first or second or no matter attempt. don't give up my friend

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

cissptaker — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:22:02 GMT

I took test this Saturday 2/24 and failed second time. I have solid knowledge of all 8 domains. But my English is not that strong. I was lost with all ambiguous questions and confusing answer choices. I felt pretty bad that I wasted my hard earned money. I am not sure why ISC2 has to use such language. In real time we do not come across this kind of ambiguous sentences. I have decided not to try anymore.

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

Aaronag — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:38:09 GMT

Sorry to hear you've had such a negative experience. I would imagine that this is a very tough test to take if one weren't a native speaker. The wording can definitely seem ambiguous at times. May I ask if you took any in person preparation classes prior to taking the exam?I can definitely see how expense would be a deterrent in going further in pursuing this particular credential. You would need to make the determination for yourself if trying again was worth it. In the end, it is about the knowledge gained.

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

sandronmj — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:40:01 GMT

Hi.. Don't worry. Things will be fine. My suggestion to you is read the questions at least three times and locate the key word, which will help you figure out what they are trying to ask. One exercise you can mentally visualize a scenario where if you are asked to set the questions for the exam, what all factors you will consider, what domains and areas you will pick... this will train your mind to see the other side of it which will complete the circle. My prayers will be with you next time to clear the exam. Goodwill, Sandron M J

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

cissptaker — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:49:20 GMT

I took ISC2 boot camp at work sometime back, I have been studying from ISC2 books, cybrary.it and multiple other books. As I mentioned I did very well in all the practice tests (from various sources). I am not sure if ISC2 is testing knowledge in these domains or it is a English test. I personally think if you have ability to interpret those question, study and knowledge in 8 domains does not matter that much.

@Aaronag wrote:
Sorry to hear you've had such a negative experience. I would imagine that this is a very tough test to take if one weren't a native speaker. The wording can definitely seem ambiguous at times. May I ask if you took any in person preparation classes prior to taking the exam?I can definitely see how expense would be a deterrent in going further in pursuing this particular credential. You would need to make the determination for yourself if trying again was worth it. In the end, it is about the knowledge gained.

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

cissptaker — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:52:01 GMT

Thank you so much. I guess I will have to work on my reading speed also. It is expensive exam. I am thinking it is really worth?

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

cissptaker — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 14:38:58 GMT

I understand don't give up. But the test fee is very high.

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

10sneONE — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 16:48:46 GMT

What are your results on the practice tests?

I was getting 65-70% correct and I took the CISSP and earned 577 points.

You should be getting 80% correct or better on the practice exams and then take the test. If you score less than 80% you need more studying.

Some questions are straight memorization and some are applying principles to solving problems.

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

e_u — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 17:58:30 GMT

Never ever give up. "To succeed, you have to increase your rate of failure" This might sound stupid, but it is a truism. Try again my friend.

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

j_M007 — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 20:06:25 GMT

I encourage you to keep at it and to consider it a worthwhile challenge. It's like looking for gold; you don't find it it under every stone. 😉

I have colleagues whose first language is not English, so I suggest an approach.that often works for them.

Firstly,drill yourself on as many practice questions as you can find, and try for accuracy first time through.

Then, try try for speed and accuracy on subsequent drills. Keep drilling until you are as comfortable as possible. I do not suggest rote memorization; rather, I do suggest complete understanding of the CBK matter.

Secondly, to make sure you have understanding of the matter, go through tables of contents and test yourself (or, better still, have others quiz you.) Make questions and study from them. Accuracy first; speed and accuracy second.

Read as much as you can on the 8 domains, and make notes on what you read. Make your own questions from your readings. Have others make questions, too.

To succeed, you must completely understand the terms and concepts. Many questions seem to hinge on comparsions and distracters, and this is meant to test your fundamental understanding of the matter.

When I see a question I look to see the most obvious howlers (the most untrue point there is) and immediately ignore it. Then I look for what I call "the truthiest" answer. If I am completely bewildered by the question, then I try to give the best guess.

As English is not your first language, I believe the test is provided in other languages. If you are fluent in another language in which the exam is offered, prepare for that.

Another suggestion is to form a study group with as many colleagues as you can. Try to include people whose mother tongue is English and ask them why they think one answer is better than another

Make a plan to succeed. Part of what makes a professional in any field is "finding a way." It takes time, and it's worth it.

Best wishes for success.

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

Sec007 — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 11:55:16 GMT

Don't give up!! I failed my first attempt by a few points and passed the 2nd time. Even though I've been in the security field for 7 plus years, I failed because I wore my technical cap. Think like a manager!! I can't emphasize that enough. For the 2nd time, I read CISSP Sybex 7th Edition (took notes) over a a period of 3 months. In addition, a read The 11th Hour a week before the test and Sunflower Domains 2017 the night before the test. Make sure you dedicate quality study time. I studied 2 - 3 hours a night, Monday - Friday. Mind Maps also helped. The test is a beast, but you can do it. Once you commit to an answer, don't change it. On a side not, make sure you get enough (at 7 hours) sleep the night before the test.

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

j_M007 — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 14:28:12 GMT

Thanks for the information Sec007.

I am particularly intrigued by your use of mind maps. Did you draw them out by hand? Or did you use any of the software solutions out there? (*If the latter, they discourage us from using product names, so I am sure a web search would come up with plenty from which to choose.)

How did you approach mind mapping the CBK?

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

Sec007 — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 08:26:52 GMT

I used Mind Maps from mindcert’s site. Some of the info is dated, but can easily be updated with the current info. I used it for Crypto. Don’t be intimidated by Crypto. As long as you understand the foundation, you’ll pass the questions with ease. Keep in mind Sec Risk & Management and Sec Ops account (carefully read the questions, but don’t take too long on questions) for 1/3 of the questions. If you’re technical, you won’t have any problems with Sec Eng and Communication & Network Sec. I’m fortunate I worked on security projects before transferring into the field. Even if you don’t currently work in the field, Security is present and required in any sector, department or aspects of business. Seek out mentors and read security related publications. Security Podcast are hidden gold minds. Stay at it and don’t give up!!

Re: CISSP Exam Failure Feb 2018

j_M007 — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 17:38:56 GMT

Cool. Thanks for the info. I have booked my "boot camp" and hope to write in mid May.