Exam completed, I am free now :)

Hello friends,

I have passed my CISSP exam on October 31st.

I was doing intensive preparation during July – October. I made schedule and appointed time at each day. Obviously that I was not following all days due to family/job/personal circumstances, but in 90% it was possible to follow. I have 10 years dedicated experience in industrial cyber security and most of the technical domains was less or more easier for me, but Risk Management, Information Security Governance, Software development and especially CISSP mindset was really “terra incognito” for me.

I did not acquire any bootcamps or in class trainings. I was using below resources in the following sequence:

1. Kelly Handerhan videos dated by 2017

2. ICS2 2021 book (reading respective chapter after completion watching video from step#1)

3. Doing Learnzapp test (Do not take Learnzapp questions as the real or similar to the CISSP exam, it is not true. The questions good to learn ICS2 book only)

4. Watching videos on the @PrabhNair1 and Andrew Ramdayal channel

5. Reading success stories in Skool CISSP Study Group (thanks to all folks in Skool community and to

@M B

for your time to answer on my questions)

The exam was really not easy (before I was passed GICSP and CISM exams). I had the following challenges:

1. Domain#8 Software Development questions (I had a lot in my exam)

2. Could security questions

3. Language barrier – some questions I really was not able to understand due to specific English write up, despite I am living and working in English speaking environment.

4. Time, time, time. I have completed 150 questions in 171 min. I used only 2 minute break during the exam. Sometimes I was giving myself only 10-15 seconds on the question, to accumulate time for more challenging questions.

The below picture is my Learnzapp balance on the last day of the exam. The progress bar was very subjective for me, but it was helping to track weakness and strength in the domains. As well it was good to quickly learn particular information by reviewing the test results (I suggest to review both - wrongly and correctly answered questions), it directs in dedicated ICS2 book chapter where you can read enhanced information.

I have attached excel file which is simple schedule that was developed by me, to track how much time I am contributing in to my exam preparation and progress of the domain coverage. I will be happy if it will be helpful to someone else.

I wish all the best to all who still on this challenging path. Trust in your knowledge and you will pass.

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