To advance your cybersecurity career, obtaining certifications is necessary. Becoming CISSP certified is the goal of many IT experts. Joining the ranks of the best of the best isn’t easy, and the challenges of passing the CISSP exam are many. The best-prepared candidates for this globally recognized and respected certification seek out
CISSP training. In this article, we’ll discuss 6 tips and tricks for passing the CISSP exam with flying colors.
7 Tips and Tricks for Passing the CISSP Exam
Each individual learns and retains information in different ways. Suppose you’re ready to attempt the challenging CISSP exam. In that case, you’ve already been employed as a cybersecurity professional for five years and have experience in at least 2 of the 8 domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge, a prerequisite for the certification. By this stage of your career, you’re probably already aware of how you learn in the fastest way. Understanding how you learn can help you to increase your knowledge. Use this to
boost your competitive advantage, and along with the following tips and tricks, you’ll increase your odds of passing the CISSP exam. If you learn best by reading, devote more time to it. Others do better by watching instructional videos. Do what works best for you.
Stay Dedicated to a Study Routine
Most CISSP candidates devote at least 3 months of study time before taking the exam. Schedule time each week that’s devoted to uninterrupted study. Once you have a study routine in place, stay dedicated to it. Consistent study time is key to passing the exam. Plan a combined time of at least 40 to 50 hours of preparing for the exam. Some successful candidates put in many more hours of devoted study time.
Utilize Practice Tests
Taking CISSP practice exams serve two purposes. First, they’ll help you identify where your knowledge limited, and second, they’ll give you a good idea of how the exam administered. Most online CISSP practice exams mimic the actual test. By utilizing practice exams, you’ll know what to expect, which can help to ease test anxiety.
Take a CISSP Masterclass Course
Savvy certification candidates attend online masterclass CISSP courses to prepare themselves for the exam best. The best ones offer several methods to ensure candidates understand all 8 CISSP domains. This is achiev through flashcards, video explanations, study guides, and online one-on-one mentoring.
Understand the 8 Domains
The CISSP exam will determine the candidate’s understanding of the 8 CISSP Common Body of Knowledge domains. Although candidates must have experience in at least two of the eight domains, the exam will test the limits of their knowledge in
each of the eight domains. The more well-rounded your knowledge is, the better your test performance will be. Ensure that you have a good understanding of all the domains.
Work on Your Weaknesses
The CISSP exam isn’t linear, it’s algorithm-based, so each candidate’s questions will differ completely. ISC2 utilizes a Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) method, a more precise way to measure a candidate’s skills. Based on how you’ve answered the questions in the exam, the algorithm will decide which direction your exam will take. It determines your weaknesses and will present you with more questions within that domain. Since the test will lean toward your weaknesses, ensuring you’re prepared and know all the domains well is crucial.
Ask the Experts
Engaging with those who are already CISSP-certifi can provide a wealth of information. There’s no shame in asking for help and learning beneficial study methods. Seek out online communities that are CISSP based, either for those who have passed the exam or candidates. Ask questions or perhaps get involv with online study groups.
Take Mock Exams
Taking mock exams is a crucial step in preparing for the CISSP exam. Mock exams simulate the actual exam environment and provide a valuable opportunity to assess your knowledge and readiness. You can familiarize yourself with the exam format, time constraints, and question types by attempting multiple practice tests. Mock exams help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus your study efforts accordingly. Analyzing your performance in practice exams enables you to understand the areas where you need improvement and helps you refine your test-taking strategies. Moreover, mock exams build your confidence and reduce exam anxiety by providing a realistic preview of the CISSP exam, ensuring you enter the test with a higher level of preparedness.
Tips and Tricks for Passing the CISSP Exam: Final Words
There’s no such thing as being overprepared when taking the CISSP exam. Becoming certified can open up new career opportunities that would be unattainable without certification. Therefore, being prepared should be your number one priority. Learning your weaknesses and taking a CISSP masterclass are two of the best ways to ensure that you pass this difficult but valuable exam.