Currently, millennials’ overuse of digital platforms has resulted in a continuous increase in cyber threats across various age groups. Hackers use different methods to breach security and execute phishing attacks by exploiting cryptography and network security vulnerabilities. As a result, this is an opportune time to pursue a career in cybersecurity by taking relevant courses. The field has gained popularity, increasing the number of courses offered in cyber forensics and cyber law. One of the certification courses available is the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). One can obtain this certification by passing the CISSP exam with appropriate study materials and the CISSP practice exam.
What is CISSP Certification?
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification was established by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, commonly referred to as (ISC)2. It is a universal and impartial standard that acknowledges IT security professionals’ technical expertise and practical experience in implementing and managing security programs. This certification is recognized worldwide.
CISSP Exam Details
To acquire the esteemed CISSP certification, the examination is one vital step. Qualifying for this examination with flying colors can make you achieve your career aspirations. The CISSP exam lasts six hours and includes 250 multiple-choice and advanced innovative questions that assess the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the eight domains of the (ISC)2 Common Body of Knowledge. The results are based on a scaled score, with 700 or higher out of a maximum of 1,000 points required to qualify for the credential.
CISSP Exam Domains
- Security and Risk Management (15%)
- Asset Security (10%)
- Security Architecture and Engineering (13%)
- 4. Communication and Network Security (13%)
- Identity and Access Management (IAM) (13%)
- Security Assessment and Testing (12%)
- Security Operations (13%)
- Software Development Security (11%)
The CISSP exam is available in English, Japanese, German, Chinese, Korean and Spanish. Pearson VUE administers the certification exam, which is held at Pearson VUE test centers.
Study Resources to Crack the CISSP Exam
The CISSP certification is recognized globally and is highly respected in the cybersecurity industry. However, passing the exam can be a daunting task without proper preparation.
Here are some of the top CISSP exam preparation resources to help you increase your chances of passing:
- Official CISSP Study Guide: This comprehensive guide is developed by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)², which offers the CISSP certification. It covers all eight CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) domains and provides practice questions and quizzes to test your knowledge.
- CISSP Practice Exams: Practice exams are essential to any exam preparation. They help you identify your knowledge gaps and familiarize yourself with the exam format. Several websites offer CISSP practice exams; one such trusted website is edusum.
- CISSP Training Course: Training courses that provide in-depth knowledge of the CBK and help you develop exam-taking strategies. These programs are usually conducted over a few days and offer hands-on experience and practice exams.
- Study Groups and Forums: Joining a study group or forum can be a great way to learn from other candidates and get valuable insights into the exam. You can join the (ISC)² Community, the CISSP Study Group on LinkedIn, or the Reddit CISSP Study Group to connect with other candidates.
- Mobile Apps: Several mobile apps offer flashcards, practice questions, and quizzes to help you prepare for the exam. Some popular CISSP mobile apps include Pocket Prep and CISSP Exam Prep from Allen Keele.
Passing the CISSP exam requires hard work, dedication, and proper preparation. Using these resources increases your chances of passing the exam and advancing your cybersecurity career.
10 Tips to Pass the CISSP Exam on Your First Try
1. Understand the Exam Format and Content
Before you start studying for the CISSP exam, it’s crucial to understand the exam format and content. The exam has 125 – 175 multiple-choice questions; you have four hours to complete them. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the exam format and the topics covered in each domain.
2. Create a Study Plan
Creating a study plan is essential for passing the CISSP exam. Start by identifying your strengths and weaknesses, then allocate time to study each domain. Set realistic goals and create a study schedule that works for you.
3. Utilize Study Materials
Many study materials are available for the CISSP exam, including books, online courses, and practice exams. Utilize these resources to enhance your knowledge and prepare for the exam.
4. Join a Study Group
Joining a study group can be an effective way to prepare for the CISSP exam. You can exchange ideas and knowledge with other professionals, ask questions, and get feedback on your progress.
5. Practice Time Management
Time management is crucial during the CISSP exam. You have six hours to answer 250 questions, which means you have less than 90 seconds per question—practice time management techniques during your study sessions to improve your speed and accuracy.
6. Take CISSP Practice Exam
Taking practice exams is an excellent way to prepare for the CISSP exam. Practice exams can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, improve your time management skills, and boost your confidence.
7. Focus on Key Concepts
The CISSP exam covers a vast amount of information, and it’s essential to focus on critical concepts. Make sure you understand the fundamental principles and concepts in each domain.
8. Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Developments
The cybersecurity industry is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest developments is essential. Follow industry news and attend conferences and workshops to enhance your knowledge and skills.
9. Get Plenty of Rest Before the Exam
Getting enough rest before the CISSP exam is essential. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before the exam, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at the testing center with plenty of time to spare.
10. Stay Calm and Confident
Finally, stay calm and confident during the exam. Trust in your preparation and knowledge, and don’t let stress and anxiety get the best of you.
Why Take CISSP Practice Exam?
These simulated exams can prepare you for the real deal and help you ace the test on your first try. Let’s dive into the ten benefits of CISSP practice exams that will make your certification journey a breeze.
1. Boosts Confidence and Reduces Anxiety:
Let’s face it; the CISSP exam is intimidating. But taking practice exams can help reduce your anxiety and boost your confidence. By mimicking the exam, practice tests can help you become familiar with the format and types of questions you’ll see on test day.
2. Identifies Knowledge Gaps
Practice exams help you identify areas where you need to improve your knowledge. By reviewing the questions you got wrong, you can focus your study efforts on the topics that need attention.
3. CISSP Practice Exam Familiarizes You with the Exam Format
The CISSP exam format can be overwhelming, but practice exams can help familiarize you with the structure and pacing of the test, and this can help you feel more comfortable and confident on exam day.
4. Increases Test-Taking Speed and Accuracy
Practicing exams can help you develop the skills to answer questions quickly and accurately. This can be especially helpful on the CISSP exam, where time is limited, and the questions can be complex.
5. CISSP Practice Exam Enhances Time Management Skills
The CISSP exam is a marathon, not a sprint. Managing your time effectively is essential to ensure you have enough time to answer all the questions. Practice exams can help you develop time management skills and learn to pace yourself.
6. Provides Instant Feedback
One of the most significant benefits of practice exams is the instant feedback they provide. You’ll know immediately whether you got a question right or wrong and can review the correct answer and explanations immediately.
7. Helps You Retain Information Better
Repetition is vital to retaining information, and practice exams provide just that. By taking multiple practice exams, you can reinforce your knowledge and increase your chances of passing the CISSP exam on your first try.
8. Expands Your Vocabulary
The CISSP exam is notorious for its use of technical jargon and acronyms. Practice exams can help expand your vocabulary and improve your understanding of cybersecurity concepts.
9. Saves You Money and Time
Failing the CISSP exam can be a costly and time-consuming experience. By taking practice exams, you can increase your chances of passing on your first attempt, saving you both time and money.
10. Improves Your Employability
Becoming a CISSP-certified professional can improve your employability and earning potential. By taking practice exams and passing the CISSP exam, you can demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.
Conclusion
Preparing for the CISSP exam can be daunting, but taking practice exams can make it much more manageable. CISSP practice exams and other study materials can help you prepare for the actual exam and increase your chances of passing on your first try. So, if you want to become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional and save yourself from dying trying, practice exams are the way to go!
