my CISSP prep strategy

It is said that test taking is a skill that can be learned. This is something that I feel is true. But you need a certain amount of preparation to ensure a successful exam. I think the knowledge of the material will get you a certain number of points but test taking skills may net you a few more points. This can make the difference between a pass and a fail. I think lots of practice exams helps build this mind set.

Materials used
 cccure.org
Shon Harris CISSP All in One book+CD

Comments
 I skimmed through the CISSP book. After going through the ginormous book, I used the CD's practice problems. I found these questions to be much deeper in detail than the exam itself so it wasn't very representative. Also I felt that there wasn't enough detail around explaining why the question wasn't correct. After that, I spent a lot of time on cccure.org's questions. I found the explanations to be very helpful. Also there are lots of questions in their question bank.

CISSP results and reward

I got my CISSP results yesterday.....drumroll please....And I passed! I promised myself that I'd reward myself with an iPad that I'd use as an e-book for me to study for the CISA this winter and for all the other stuff that people use the iPad for.

CISSP results....still waiting

I'm still waiting on my results for my CISSP exam. It's been just more than 4 weeks and I should be getting them any day now. Hopefully I will have something to celebrate.

Exam certs are like marathons

With my CISSP exam coming up this weekend, I was thinking about the exam. I realized that preparing for the exam itself is very similar to training for a marathon. Granted I've only done one marathon but the experience has stayed with me (for better or for worse)

• A marathon training plan is typically 18 weeks ~4.5 months with a decent amount of conditioning.
  Exam prep takes 18+ weeks of consistent studying.
• With a marathon, never ever ignore your long run. It is what helps you get ready for the full race distance.
  With the exam, taking multiple full length exams will help you get a feel for the types of questions and the amount of questions and help you ration your time.
• Most marathon training plans have the last 2 weeks as taper weeks with low mileage. My last two weeks before the exam have been relatively light so as to not stress myself out too much.
• Commitment-Both obviously take lots of commitment to do well with.
• Relief-once you're done you feel so relieved.

If I go any further, I'll just be stretching the analogy.

39 Days left till CISSP

There are 38 days left till I take the CISSP. Its not that the material is hard that has me worried, but that there's so much of it. And between life, work, and studying it's hard to make sure I don't take a detour and get lost in between the various large chunks of important things.

If you're studying for the CISSP I'd recommend using the website cccure.org. Its a great resource for practice questions.