CISSP Exam Experience

[Williamhudson01]

Hi Guys,

Has anyone taken the CISSP exam recently? I’m planning to sit for it next month and would love to hear some real exam experiences.

How was the adaptive format? Were the questions more technical or managerial?
Any advice on mindset, time management, or key domains to focus on would really help candidates like me. 

Thanks!

[nkeaton]

@Williamhudson01 People agree to a NDA when take the exam. So they cannot give many details. The exam is from a management perspective and is how need to answer questions. I found for me that Luke Ahmed’s How to Think Like a Manager was the best resource for framing the mindset to answer the questions correctly. I have been recommending the CC first for anyone studying for the CISSP for many reasons which can detail if interested. I personally prefer a linear exam format. I do not like the adaptive at all but did pass mine as adaptive. I personally would have preferred the long linear exam over it. As far as domain focus, go by the percents given on the website. Unfortunately the algorithm will beat on you for what you don’t know. Best wishes.

[dcontesti]

The adaptive test typically start with a question that is in the middle of the difficulty level.  It will then adapt by using the answer to the question and selects the next question based on the answer.  Based on the answer, it may increase (the answer was correct) or decrease the difficulty (the answer was wrong). 

When my staff are considering taking an exam, I or someone on my team sit with them and review the Domains, determining which are their strongest and weakest.  Based on this, they are able to focus their study on the areas that need improvement.  The process is based on a Psychometric model of Incident Response Theory (IRT)

Remember with adaptive, if you skip a question, you cannot go back.

Some basic advice:

1. Find a study partner

2. Understand your weak areas

3. Take quizzes (use flash cards, etc.)

4. Do not cram

5. Take breaks while studying 

As always the night/morning before the exam

1. Get sleep

2. Again do not cram - this could have the affect of confusion

 3. stay hydrated

During the exam,

1. Stay calm

2. Carefully read the question and choose the best answer.

OTHERS?

d

[ninjajay]

This is a highly personal and subjective question, so the answers will really vary based on your existing experience and how you study.  Personally I liked the official practice exams and I took one of the big name masterclass courses.  I would recommend taking one or more online practice tests that will tell you which domains you are stronger/weaker in to tailor your studying.