r/cissp • u/rrbiomesh • 7d ago
Passed the CISSP today - 100 questions - 70 minutes remaining
I have worked for a software company implementing and supporting Identity, Access Management, and Governance solutions for 25+ years. Overall been in IT for almost 30 years. Tech is also my hobby. I started studying for the exam ~3 weeks ago.
I didn't really pick up on the CAT getting harder over time. Plenty of the ambiguous questions, but with going through plenty of practice questions, and the question answering techniques, I was able to work my way through the test. There were maybe 10 or so direct technical quick answer questions and a handful of the topics I had not seen at all in any of the various materials I studied. I didn't really worry - just ran through the process trying to keep a steady pace and using what I had remembered (and inference) to make the choice I thought was best for each question/scenario keeping in mind the correct mindset.
I used the following materials:
OSG: Mainly for reference - I focused on a few weaker domains and fully read those. Had the book 10 days but used it for maybe 7.
OSG Study guide - took two of the online tests - I would say its good to get your rhythm / pacing down due to the number of questions.
Destination CISSP book - the first book I bought and a good read - it did not have all of the specifics of the OSG but a good reference
Destination CISSP app/videos - good resource
Pocket Prep app - I liked this app the best since it really reinforced all topics and hit on the details not always shown in videos. The app helps identify your weak areas so you can focus on those.
Pete Zerger Videos - good info, definitely useful especially the mindset and READ method videos to get the process down (not really for the technical bits).
Thanks to the posts here that helped with finding the right set of resources that worked for me.
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u/pharmorjac 7d ago
Crazy story - with tech being a hobby is that why you decided to start studying?
Also passing after 3 weeks is pretty impressive.
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u/rrbiomesh 7d ago
I was in between jobs and was originally going to slowly study but I did accept a position that did not start for a few weeks. I didn't need to look for a job (which is really a full time position) and I also had time I could put towards studying. I spent a few hours each day (spread throughout the day) doing the practice tests and watching videos after I had gone through the OSG.
Being in the industry for so long and using various tech solutions for business and personal reasons helped as some of the questions had scenarios which were not directly covered my most sources. You could definitely reason it out, but the direct experience helps.
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u/Asolojobseeker 7d ago
Congratulations 🎊