The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2 is a globally recognized standard for measuring IT security expertise. Aspiring professionals often find the road to certification daunting due to the vastness of the syllabus and the depth of knowledge required. However, with the right approach and resources, preparing for the CISSP exam can be a manageable and rewarding journey. This article outlines a comprehensive strategy using selected study materials and practice questions to ensure a thorough preparation for the CISSP examination.
Study Material
- CISSP Official Study Guide by (ISC)2: Begin your journey with the CISSP Official Study Guide by ISC2. This book provides a thorough overview of all the domains covered in the CISSP exam. It’s advisable to read through the guide once, supplementing your study with the audible audio version to reinforce learning. Make notes on new concepts or those that require further review. The audible audio is particularly useful for auditory learners and for reinforcing material during commutes or downtime.
- 11th Hour CISSP by Eric Conrad: This concise book is an excellent resource for last-minute revisions. Its brevity makes it perfect for solidifying your understanding of key concepts as the exam approaches. Similar to the official study guide, pair your reading with the audible audio version to enhance retention.
- Peter Zerger’s CISSP Video: Peter Zerger’s comprehensive CISSP video is a valuable visual and auditory resource. Watch this video multiple times until you’re confident with every concept presented. Three viewings are recommended, accompanied by extensive note-taking to solidify your understanding.
- Peter Zerger’s CISSP Playlist: This playlist, consisting of 20 videos, covers a wide range of topics pertinent to the CISSP exam. Watch each video at least once, making detailed notes to ensure you’ve captured the essence of the teachings.
- Prabh Nair’s Coffee Shot Series: This series of 80 videos is designed to teach you how to approach CISSP questions effectively. Watch all the videos at least once, taking comprehensive notes on areas that require further attention. Prabh Nair’s insights into tackling CISSP questions can be particularly enlightening.
- Destination Certification Mindmap Series by Rob Witcher and Jon Berti: These mindmap videos focus on crucial CISSP examination topics. They are instrumental in visualizing connections between concepts, aiding in memory retention and recall during the exam.
Practice Questions
- IT & Security CISSP App: Available on both the Apple and Android stores, this app features 850 questions. Go through all the questions at least twice to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types. This app is among the best resources for CISSP practice questions.
- LearnzApp CISSP App: Also available on both the Apple and Android stores, this app offers around 800 questions. Solve all of them to get a feel for the real CISSP exam’s wording and complexity. Since this is the official app from (ISC)², it holds significant importance for your preparation.
Preparing for the CISSP exam requires dedication, a strategic approach, and the right resources. The materials and practices outlined above provide a robust framework for understanding the breadth and depth of the CISSP domains. By integrating these resources into your study plan, engaging actively with the content, and consistently practicing with exam-like questions, you can build a solid foundation for success in the CISSP examination. Remember, consistency is key, and understanding concepts is more critical than rote memorization. Approach your preparation with confidence, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving CISSP certification.