I PASSED CISSP First Attempt

[segunng]

I want to appreciate everyone who has made efforts to post/share topics, and experiences on this forum. They are quite helpful. With a background in Accounting, I made a switch of role from SAP Account Payable to Internal Audit in 2010. 

It was done on me that I had to add value to myself in the area of IT to be relevant. I picked up CISA study manual and I enjoyed my reading up until I started getting to the core IT related topics. As a Chartered Accountant, my problem was how to develop a mental picture of how those technologies work. Everything seemed to be a mirage. Thanks to YouTube and Google image.  Eventually, I wrote the CISA once and I made it.

With the experience and interest developed over the years, I embarked on a journey towards the CISSP.  I had read so many comments about CISSP exams and overall, I knew it may not be an easy exam.

So I got the following books:

1. CISSP by Shon Harries
2. Official Study Guide and practice question by Sybex
3. The CBK official guide and
4. CISSP 11th Hour

My preparation

I read the Sybex study guide domain-by-domain and not chapter by chapter. This gave me the opportunity to capture all the relevant chapters necessary for each of the domains. Some of the domains have some chapters in common. I used the Shon Harris as the second opinion where necessary. Shone Harris has some good diagrams that better explain domain 3, 4 and 5. It took me four months to finish reading the study guide by sybex and watching all CISSP related YouTube videos by IT Dojo, ThorTeaches and MFD LABS.

Practice Questions

Questions from Sybex Practice questions = 1,334

Questions from Sybex Study guide +Bonus exam=1,320

Questions from Shon Harris CD =1,629

Questions from SimpliLearn = 750

Questions from Boson Exam software =750

Total questions = 5,783

I answered 300 questions per day-150 in the morning before office hour and 150 questions after close of work. I used Saturdays and Sundays to revise stubborn questions encountered from Monday-Friday. I repeated the questions until I became very comfortable with the explanations. Finally, I used CISSP 11th hour and CISSP Sunflower as a final revision.

Overall, and in my opinion, it will be extremely hard to pass the CISSP without practicing loads of questions because it is very possible to keep missing questions from the very chapter that you have read again and again. Pay attention to details, read questions carefully and do not rush options especially in an environment where you have no capacity to undo your decisions.

 I think I must say that Boson Exam did a good job too. 

Once again, I thank you all.

[segunng]

@Flyslinger2, I see. Thank you so much. I really appreciate your comment.

[rslade]

> Flyslinger2 (Community Champion) posted a new reply in Career on
> 03-14-2019 08:52 AM in the (ISC)² Community :

> @segunng - my comment was about the recent scandals in Hollywood
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> your labors. You will reap great rewards for this accomplishment for
> many years to come!

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[j_M007]

Heartfelt felicitations and accolades! (since everyone says congrats I wanted to find suitable synonyms.) You have shared some very astute observations. Thanks for that,

I see you prepared assiduously and comprehensively; and I think it shows itself in your result. I am often dismayed to see people who slap dash this credential. To me, it shows disrespect to the profession and the professionals who are trying to increase learning and wisdom; on the contrary, you have shown dedication and attention to detail, which are highly respectable and worth of respect.

[segunng]

Thank you very much. I really appreciate your comments.

Cheers

[j_M007]

You're most welcome. Best regards.

[R-R]

Congrats! I also passed on 5/3/ and it seems we both followed similar paths in our study materials. Four grueling months of studying and perhaps 2hrs on average (at least) studying the material.

[j_M007]

First perspiration, then inspiration! Well done.

[segunng]

@R-R  Big Congratulation!!!

[R-R]

Thank You! Much appreciated, as it was a heck of a test and a majority of people (non-infosec) have NO IDEA how difficult it is, but on the flip side, what it says about your grasp on infosec.