Took CISSP on December 6th, 2025 and did not pass! Will retake on May 16th, 2026!

[maidensphere]

I am using Destination Certification as my one source of truth and Quantum Exams for practice. Definitely the most difficult exam I have taken in my life, but I am confident I will pass on the retake 🙂

Looking for some accountability partners! Cheers!

[Aykar]

I passed on Tuesday, in session 150. And if it's possible, my recommendation if you come from a technical background is to change your mindset. Think like a manager. A book that worked for me might help you too: CISSP: The Last Mile by Pete Zerger.

It's also important to have the processes identified and know the steps. CISSP is an exam where you must apply what you know; that is, apply the concepts when and where they are needed.

You'll probably pass it on your next try. Don't give up, you can do it!

Best Regards.

[nkeaton]

@Aykar You are very correct. The book that helped me the most was Luke Ahmed’s How to Think Like a Manager. He won an award from ISC2 for it as well. I order them for our folks studying for the CISSP. Definitely need that mindset.

Congratulations on passing your exam.

[nkeaton]

@maidensphere It is definitely the hardest exam that I ever took as well. I am not familiar with that practice question engine. I did a few hundred questions from the official Sybex book. They were not getting it for me. I want hard questions to study. I ended up using Wentz Wu’s, very hard and great explanations. I work with people a lot on cybersecurity certifications and believe that people do equally well with Luke Ahmed’s, Thor Pedersen’s, or Boson’s. The mindset is definitely key on answering the questions correctly. Definitely invest in Luke’s How to Think Like a Manager. I do acquisitions of it for our folks studying for the exam. It was more important in my study than any other book. Best wishes on your next attempt. .