Passing the CISSP exam is no easy feat, but it is necessary to advance your career in the field of cybersecurity. IT experts with CISSP certification have proven they are the go-to gurus in today’s vicious battlefield of hackers and malicious threats. Their knowledge and experience are by far the best in the industry.
To ensure that they pass this challenging exam on the first try, CISSP candidates must do everything possible to know what’s on the exam and their weaknesses. CISSP certification requires being proactive far before test day.
6 Tips for Passing the CISSP Certification Exam
Luck has nothing to do with passing the CISSP certification exam, although there are several things that you can do to help push you toward victory. If you are truly committed to becoming CISSP certified, you’ll need time and effort. Although it’s a challenging test, ensuring you’re well-prepared will make it much easier.
1) Have a Study Plan
It’s not advisable to show up on test day without effort beforehand. The range of topics and questions on the CISSP exam is vast and complex, so being committed to studying is essential for obtaining certification.
Set aside several hours per week devoted to studying for the exam. A set study schedule can help keep you focused and on track. Most CISSP candidates allow themselves a minimum of 3 months of study time before test day, and you’ll want at least 40 to 50 hours devoted to undisturbed study.
2) Understand the 8 Domains
The CISSP exam will test your knowledge and expertise of the 8 domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge. A prerequisite for taking the exam is 5 years of paid employment experience in at least 2 of the 8 domains.
Since a candidate is unlikely to have vast knowledge in all 8 domains, it’s pertinent to work on those you know the least about. The algorithm-based exam will learn your weak points and prompt questions relating to these areas, so it’s key to educate yourself on the topics you know the least about.
3) Take a CISSP Masterclass
Plenty of CISSP course materials are available, and you should take advantage of them. One of the best prep resources is taking a CISSP masterclass. Many of them will help guide you through the 8 domains and determine your weaknesses. Once known, they can help to improve your knowledge. Some masterclasses also provide online mentoring and one-on-one video calls.
4) Identify and Improve Upon Your Weaknesses
You may already know which domains you know little about, and this is where you should spend some time improving your knowledge. Masterclasses can help pinpoint where you’re lacking if you’re unsure. The CISSP exam will focus on these areas, so balancing your skills and knowledge is crucial. Although all 8 domains are important, ensure that you’re prepared by digging a bit deeper into the ones you don’t have much experience with.
5) Join Online Peer Groups
Engaging with others looking to obtain CISSP certification in the cybersecurity world can help you know you’re not alone. Online study and discussion groups can be as beneficial as books and other course materials.
Along with online groups, consider talking with others in your community that are also looking to achieve certification or, better yet, those that have already passed the exam. You can learn a lot from their experience.
6) Relax and Do Your Best
Although you should take the entire process seriously, from study to test day, don’t overthink it. Placing too much pressure on yourself can slow your progress and be incredibly damaging when taking the exam.
End your studies a day or so before the big day, and allow yourself to relax. Ensure you get a few nights of quality sleep before test day to be as well-rested as possible. Lack of sleep due to test anxiety isn’t beneficial in any way.
Tips for Passing the CISSP Certification Solved
To advance your cybersecurity career, becoming CISSP certified is crucial. Schedule your exam three months later and have a set study plan. Do your best not to be distracted or overwhelmed by the process and focus on all aspects of the 8 domains, especially those where your knowledge is thin.
Consider enrolling in a CISSP masterclass, as this is one of the best ways to identify your weakness and increase your overall knowledge.
