In this article, we talk about CISSP exam preparation. Our aim is to help you pass the exam on your first try.
The demand for Information Security Analysts is seen to grow 33% until 2033. However, cybersecurity is a very demanding field. The complexity of cybersecurity challenges requires a deep understanding of technology, systems, networks, and human behavior.
If you want to be recognized, you need to become certified. One of the best choices to consider is the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). If you already have experience under your belt—perhaps you work in network security, risk management, or managing security for an organization—then CISSP is an excellent means of taking your career to the next level.
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The CISSP exam is tough and requires focus, a solid study plan, and consistent effort to pass. While many have failed to earn the credential, many continue to reapply, determined to succeed. But why exactly bother putting in so much effort? Easy—because passing it has some major benefits.
- Improved career opportunities: CISSP is perhaps the most renowned certification in the field of cybersecurity. Having it in your resume gets you noticed.
- Increased salary: Certified CISSPs earn higher salaries than non-certified professionals. CISSP professionals, as reported by industry publications, can expect to make at least $100,000 a year (subject to location and experience).
- Career growth: It can lead to positions such as Security Architect, CISO (Chief Information Security Officer), and similar top-level jobs in cybersecurity.
Passing the exam is hard. But do not fret! In this post, we’re going to teach you how to pass the CISSP exam. We will keep it simple and real.
What is the CISSP Certification?
Alright, so that we can get to practice questions and CISSP exam preparation study advice, let’s take a little overview and see what CISSP actually is.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional—CISSP for short—is a certification that you obtain from the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)². The ISC² is a name that every household in cybersecurity knows. It’s for those who already have some experience with IT security and wish to establish that they have enough knowledge of it.
Essentially, CISSP is for those who are managing security for a business, reducing risk, putting safe systems in place, and making sure everything is cyber-attack-proof. If you’re already in cybersecurity and you want to rise through the ranks, it’s definitely something to consider.
CISSP is ideal for someone who has about 5 years of experience in at least two of the eight areas of cybersecurity (we’ll cover those in a moment). If you’re just starting in the world of cybersecurity, this might not be the ideal place to begin.
CISSP Exam Format & Key Domains
Part of the CISSP exam preparation is knowing the nitty-gritty of the exam itself.
The CISSP exam is taken on a computer, and it consists of 250 multiple-choice questions. Don’t freak out—it’s not as intimidating as it seems! You have 6 hours total to complete the exam.
You’ll have to achieve a minimum of 700 out of 1000 to pass the test. That’s a 70% passing grade. But be warned, it’s not all about memorizing facts; you must grasp concepts, how the concepts work in practice, and learn how to think critically about security issues.
The CISSP test is split into eight domains. As a whole, it encompasses the entire scope of cybersecurity information. Here are CISSP domains explained:
- Security and Risk Management: All the way from security governance, compliance, risk management, and business continuity.
- Asset Security: How to find and safeguard assets, physical and digital.
- Security Architecture and Engineering: Principles for securing IT infrastructure.
- Communication and Network Security: Securing networks and communications channels.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM): Only giving the right individuals access to the correct resources.
- Security Assessment and Testing: Methods of assessing and testing security controls.
- Security Operations: Overseeing everyday security activities and responding to incidents.
- Software Development Security: Implementing secure coding techniques and shielding software against threats.
How to Prepare for the CISSP Exam: Study Tips & Strategies
Let’s start discussing an effective CISSP study guide. Here are a few important tips on how to start your CISSP exam preparation:
Step 1: Create a study plan.
One of the most crucial things you can do is make a study plan. Let’s be honest—the CISSP exam isn’t something that can be done by cramming. This is something that you’re going to be doing for the long haul, so you need to chunk it out.
Begin by going through the domains and setting a schedule. For instance, you may allocate a few months for preparation, allocating some weeks to certain domains. Include time for practice tests and a little buffer for revision.
Step 2: Use the best study materials.
When it comes to study guides, there are plenty of them available. You need to ensure that you are using the most effective resources to prepare.
- Books: One of the best study guides is the (ISC)² CISSP Official Study Guide. It addresses all the exam domains and has practice questions, so it’s a good resource. Another excellent book is the CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide by Shon Harris.
- Online Courses: In case you learn better in video lessons, you can also opt for good-quality online courses. Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Pluralsight websites have some of the best CISSP study materials. These classes will be useful for breaking hard concepts into chew-sized, straightforward lessons.
- Practice Exams: Practice exams are essential in establishing your confidence and familiarizing yourself with the test format. There are numerous practice exams available online (both free and paid) that simulate the real CISSP test.
Step 3: Acquire hands-on experience and labs.
The CISSP is not all about theory. The real world is not run on theory—you must also get hands-on experience.
Create a laboratory environment where you can experiment with things such as network security settings, risk analysis, and vulnerability scanning. The more hands-on experience you get, the more you will grasp the material.
Step 4: Participate in CISSP study groups and bootcamps.
Sometimes, studying on your own isn’t enough. That’s where study groups and bootcamps come in. You’ll find plenty of online forums, such as Reddit and LinkedIn groups, where CISSP candidates share CISSP exam tips and resources.
You might also go to a few CISSP bootcamps and study groups. These are fast-paced, live or online courses that pack all the material into a few days. They frequently include access to instructors who will answer your questions in real-time, which can be very valuable in your CISSP exam preparation.
Affordable CISSP Study Resources
CISSP exam preparation can get expensive if you’re not careful. But don’t panic! There are affordable and free study materials out there.
Here are a few examples of free/affordable CISSP certification resources:
- (ISC)² website: The official (ISC)² site offers a wealth of free resources, including a CISSP Candidate Information Bulletin that provides a detailed breakdown of the exam.
- Cybrary: This is an excellent site for free (and paid) online courses, including ones tailored for CISSP exam prep.
- YouTube: There are a number of channels providing CISSP exam tips and free tutorials. Look for channels focused on cybersecurity.
You should also look into employer sponsorships and scholarships.
If your organization believes that CISSP certification is a high priority for you, then they might be willing to sponsor your exam. Even organizations offer reimbursement for training or donate books to study. Give it a try!
You should also look for (ISC)² scholarship initiatives, which give funds to those who need help to cover the CISSP exam cost and financial aid.
Common CISSP Exam Challenges and How to Overcome Them
You’ve perfected your CISSP certification study plan, but there are a few obstacles you may encounter when you finally sit for the exam:
Reason #1: Misaligned Perspective
Many candidates focus too much on technical skills and neglect the management perspective. The CISSP exam tests your ability to think like a security manager, not just a technical expert. The exam covers eight domains, and many questions focus on business impact, risk management, and communication rather than just technical solutions.
Solution: Balance your technical knowledge with management insights. Understand the “why” behind security practices, not just the “how,” and consider business implications when studying.
Reason #2: Overconfidence and Knowledge Gap
Experienced professionals often have knowledge gaps because they focus too narrowly on their specialty, leading to blind spots in other areas. CISSP covers a wide range of domains, so overconfidence can lead to missed opportunities for learning.
Solution: Approach preparation with humility. Study all domains, take practice tests across the board, and actively seek to learn in unfamiliar areas.
Reason #3: Improper Preparation Method
Relying on memorization, outdated study materials, or unrepresentative practice questions can hinder your progress. CISSP tests your ability to apply knowledge, not just recall facts.
Solution: Focus on understanding concepts and their application. Use the right CISSP practice questions and exams. You must choose CISSP-aligned study materials and practice with challenging, scenario-based questions.
Reason #4: Poor Exam-Taking Skills
Even well-prepared candidates may struggle with time management, question misinterpretation, and anxiety during the exam.
Solution: Practice full-length, timed exams, focus on keywords in questions and develop stress management strategies to stay calm under pressure.
Reason #5: Language Barriers for Non-Native English Speakers
For non-native English speakers, complex terminology and nuanced questions can make the exam more challenging.
Solution: Immerse yourself in English-language online CISSP courses and materials and practice with English-language sample questions to become familiar with the exam’s style.
What to Expect on Exam Day
The day finally arrives. Here’s the inside scoop on how to become CISSP certified.
- Exam Sign-up: You must sign up for the exam in advance on the Pearson VUE website. Double-check the location of the exam, whether it’s in person or virtual.
- Relax: The CISSP exam format and difficulty can vary between test takers. But the majority become stressed easily but try to remain calm and in control. You’ve prepared long enough! Take it one question at a time.
- Post-Exam: After completing the exam, you’ll receive a preliminary result. But the official results come in about 3-5 business days.
After Passing: Next Steps in Your Cybersecurity Career
Congratulations! You’ve passed the CISSP exam. But your journey isn’t over yet. Here are a few things you can do next:
Maintaining Your Certification
To maintain your CISSP, you’ll need to earn Continuous Professional Education (CPE) credits and renew your certification every three years. It keeps you current in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.
Career Opportunities
The CISSP leads to a broad array of cybersecurity career paths, including being a Security Architect, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), or IT Security Consultant. The sky’s the limit!
Additional Certifications
After you’ve obtained your CISSP, you might wish to pursue specialized cybersecurity certification for professionals that add to your skill set. Examples like Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can set you apart in specific areas of cybersecurity.
Final Tips: Your Career Starts Now
To wrap it up, here are some final tips:
- Stay committed. Consistency is your best friend when studying for the CISSP.
- Keep up with industry trends. Cybersecurity is always evolving, and so should your knowledge.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help or collaborate with others in the field. Cybersecurity is a community.
Good luck! Your path to CISSP is just the start of a great career in cybersecurity. Get that certificate and use it to apply for more advanced certifications.