Is the CISSP Exam difficult to crack in the first attempt?
Taking the CISSP Exam and clearing it, proves that an individual has got the concepts right. Given the advantageous position of a CISSP Certification , one may feel that one has to go sky-high to obtain it. To break this preconceived notion, one needs to learn the secrets of studying tactically for the exam. Clearing it on the very first attempt won’t remain impossible if one closely follows the given tips.
Learn the know-hows of passing the CISSP Exam
Treating CISSP as a language - CISSP knowledge is less of a discipline and more of a language that the worldwide cybersecurity industries can connect to. An aspirant needs to be as familiar with this discipline as one is with one’s mother tongue. After all, the questions asked in the CISSP Exam demand answers that are mere interpretations. One can answer correctly simply by interpreting the cybersecurity issue stated in a question.
Fast recollection - The easiest thing about this exam is that it asks multi-response questions. Examinees have only four options to choose the one that matches the answer. In-depth knowledge of the course curriculum is necessary but mere studying isn’t the key to it. It is during preparation that a candidate should learn and memorize a concept in varying possible contexts. This would help in faster recollection of the answer that best fits a particular question.
Concrete concepts - Among the several benefits of taking mock tests, one is very important but ignored due to lack of time. Candidates should have enough time in practicing question banks so that they can read through the explanations for the right answers provided there. These explanations help candidates identify if they have approached the question in the way it should be. The greater the amount of practice, the clearer one’s cybersecurity concepts and risk mitigation methodologies.
Extensive practice - A candidate’s target should be to practice 6000 and above questions before appearing for the CISSP Exam. There is no shortcut other than extensive practice to transform the thought process into that of a Certified CISSP. A certification simply validates one’s ability but the real power to strategize and execute comes from the mind. It is the implementation of theoretical concepts that a professional would be dealing with rather than just becoming familiar with them.
Avoid time wastage - A common mistake of most aspirants is that they dedicate a lot of their time to mug up without understanding. This is why they are in fervent need of professional training in CISSP whether in the classroom or online. Candidates must aim at grasping the fundamentals while covering the vast syllabus. It is not just about scoring high in the CISSP Exam but imbibing techniques and solutions. So, that they can apply the same to identify and resolve cybersecurity threats, effortlessly.
Risk management - The terms ‘security’ and ‘risk’ are both sides of a coin. A Certified Information Systems Security Professional has to tackle risks day in and day out. CISSP Exam prepares one for the same. Questions asked here are all situation-based that need appropriate solutions to risk management as their answers. One should attend to each question from a managerial perspective. Understanding the question and interpreting the risk it talks about is the key to selecting the right answer.
Domain expertise - Studying each domain to the core is very effective in scoring high on the CISSP Exam. This practice also enriches one’s expertise and knowledge for a future career in information security. One should plan one’s study routine in a way that there is the required time to solve 250 questions each day. It not only enhances time management capacity but also ensures that the score is 80% or above in each domain. Besides, several questions test an examinee’s inter-domain knowledge.
Real decision - The decision to become CISSP-certified should be taken with determination. Without it, one may easily deviate from the path and slacken one’s exam preparation. Candidates are advised to book the exam appointment first and then start preparing. This will keep them under the pressure required to focus more and timely complete the syllabus along with practice tests.
Real experience - CISSP Training, self-learning, book reading, and mock tests account for only half of the exam preparation. The other half is attained through one’s work experience in IT security departments. It is essential to develop logical thinking. Without practical experience that is impossible. An aspirant needs to make his/her mind active in terms of relating data security concepts with real-life risk possibilities.
Intense reading - It is not how many books one reads but how attentively one reads. Not a single term or definition should be unknown to a candidate. Making notes is the easiest way to stay abreast of every single piece of information one gathers while reading.
Moral support - Whether parent or life partner, the moral support of one or the other makes the journey far easier. It keeps a candidate going without losing self-confidence. So, it is better to discuss the CISSP Exam-taking decision with the family. The preparation calls for undivided attention regularly. Thus, one has to manage time properly given the time spent at the workplace and household duties.
Proper rest - Individuals should discard the idea of taking a mock test within 48 hours of the actual exam time. This period is only meant for glancing through the concepts to retain them as pictures in the mind. Individuals must complete their preparation before those 48 hours.
The CISSP Exam underwent minor changes in 2021 and continues to be challenging. Having followed the aforementioned suggestions one can easily overcome this challenge. Especially, one should devote equal time to each of the eight domains of the CISSP Exam syllabus. The exam emphasizes all of them with tricky questions that even connect one domain to another.
Candidates shouldn’t treat the CISSP Exam as a hurdle to attain certification but as the basic learning phase for their career. This is the time to strengthen one’s foundation for an easy understanding of the changing information security requirements from time to time through CISSP Training.
Certification enables individuals to shield sensitive IT assets against data theft, password theft, and unauthorized data encryption. They ensure that an organization is using the most recent versions of email clients and web browsers. Content filtering techniques are used by them to block harmful inbound emails. Training enables them to install host-based cyber attack prevention systems. Their maintenance and analyses of event logs makes it easier for companies to deal with cyber security incidents.
The certification empowers individuals to prepare a document containing procedures for removable media usage. Such professionals are responsible for appointing owners for the respective IT assets in the inventory. They ensure accountability and responsibility throughout the IT asset life cycle. Besides, training educates them in regularly performing secure configuration of IT systems. Such professionals make sure that non-vendor supported applications, operating systems, and devices are removed.