Succeed in the CISSP exam with these 4 tips

CISSPis a global standard, widely recognized as theinformation and cybersecurity benchmark certification. It’s an advanced cert that demonstrates a wealth of IT security knowledge and experience.  As a result, typical salaries have risen to upwards of £55,000in the UK.

Cybersecurity professionals have never been in greater demand. What’s more, Sebastien Cobut, vice president of IT recruitment specialist Volt states that, ‘internal statistics suggest a continuing increase in both demand and pay rates for IT security professionals, across both UK and continental operations.’

'A day in the life of a CISSP certified professional'

Whilst the CISSP-certified are in demand, as you might imagine, it’s not an easy qualification to achieve.  You’ll need 5 years of paid information security experience (or 4 years with a degree) to take the mammoth 6 hour exam.  For an information security professional, preparation for the CISSP exam has been likened to that of a runner preparing for his first marathon.

Like any advanced qualification, it can be achieved if you’re committed - here are 4 tips to help those preparing or thinking about going for a CISSP cert.

1. Prepare to pass

Before you embark on your training course, it will be worth your time to evaluate your existing knowledge in line with the CISSP CBK (common body of knowledge). You might find that your idea of the domains differs to their actual definitions and this could seriously misinform what you study.

Sort and rank domains according to your knowledge level and from there, assign a hierarchy based upon how familiar you are with them. This will allow you to allocate your time smartly and ensure you don’t neglect any of the domains. 

Commitment is the key to passing your CISSP
Image courtesy of imelechon / morgueFile

2. Don’t waste time; start studying now

Yes, it’s an obvious one, but it can’t be stressed enough. The CISSP cert demonstrates you have a wealth of knowledge across a lot of different information security topics. Even if you’re already an expert in the majority of the domains, there will likely be some you will have to learn from scratch.

3. Choose good study materials

CISSP’s All-in-one Exam Guide 6^thEdition comes highly recommended. It’s a great preparation tool that covers all 10 CISSP exam domains.  Familiarise yourself with these domains before the commencement of your training course and you’ll be well positioned to pass the exam.

The official study guidecomes courtesy of (ISC)2 and is recognised as one of the best tools for studying the CISSP exam. Try to select a variety of study materials and make sure they are up-to-date. Don’t just settle on one guide either, try to experience a few different guide and handbooks.  

Study forums can be a great asset to anyone studying the CISSP, especially if you don’t personally know anyone else studying for the CISSP exam. If you ever need to ask a very specific question, or simply want to speak to people revising for the same exam as you, these forums can prove invaluable. Try and regularly browse these IT forums, the more involved you can get, the more you’ll learn. It’ll help you stay motivated to be metaphorically around people in the same position as you.

4. Minimise stress

Completing an important exam is stressful, especially if its 6 hours long. It’s important not to get flustered. Don’t let your hard work be hindered by any stress you feel. If you studied well and have some good experience, it should all come naturally.

Concluding thoughts

If you’re not the kind of learner that can shut themselves away for hours on end, there is a better alternative. Study CISSP at Firebrandand you’ll get certified in just 7 days on an all-inclusive course. You could begin looking for a senior role in IT security within a week with our unique accelerated training.