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Top 10 Best Ways to Prepare for the CISSP

How Difficult is the CISSP?

The CISSP is not easy. I’ve heard MCSE’s with 10-20 years have say it was the hardest test they’ve ever taken and was exhausting. Then again I’ve heard others say it wasn’t that bad. The certification isn’t to be taken lightly. What is critical so you don’t waste your time is that you MUST pass it the first time!

So be sure you’re ABSOLUTELY COMMITTED in advance and stay committed. Realize the seriousness of this commitment, this is not just another ticket punching cert, it is THE cert if any are to be had with as much breadth and depth for info systems security and it integrates so much useful knowledge for any IT professional.

To prepare for the CISSP, these are in ranked order as I see it…

1. First understand the material and concepts not just definitions.

• You can’t do this in a week or two.

• Plan for at least 1 month and ideally 2-3 if you have some background.

• Most ideal is 6 months (trust me the volumes of material to learn can take this long, especially if you have zero background)

• Read My article CISSP Test Questions Learning strategy (coming soon)

• Read CISSP Exam Questions and How To Approach Them” by Doug Landoll…a very informative article about the more difficult types of CISSP exam questions and what to do when you have questions like this (both in practice and in the real test).

2. Understand CISSP test taking strategies best practices
- Read My article about CISSP Test Taking strategy (coming soon)

3. Understand other important details about the CISSP test questions themselves

- Read this article with some great CISSP preparation and exam taking strategies

4. Watch the FREE CISSP Shon Harris security videos and use the other resources I talked about in my previous post

5. Shon Harris All In One Guide

• Read it cover to cover, don;t skim or skip, you HAVE TO read the details

• Review all quick tips twice and understand the concepts if you can

• Take all quizzes in the back twice (at different times) and be sure to review answers both times, fully understanding why you got it right or wrong

• Take the CD Quizzes twice (at different times) and be sure to review answers both times

6. Do the free practice tests 1-2 times found at cccure.org once you register

7. Don’t worry, just do all of the above, and you should pass…

8. Get a good night’s rest FOR SURE!

9. Eat breakfast/meal beforehand but not overfull, just enough to prevent getting starved

10 Join a study group if necessary

How to Cram for the CISSP

If all else fails and you have to cram for the CISSP (not recommended) and/or you need the BEST RESOURCES to prepare for this:

• Shon Harris All-In-One Guide

• CCcure questions (free online after registering)

I’ve repeatedly heard these 2 praised the most for CISSP preparation. But you have to study long and hard and understand the concepts and material. This is not just rote memorization, it’s a concept level understanding that’s tested. It will probably make the SATs and other tests look like a cake walk. Good luck!

Wisdom and Common Sense is only a click away!

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