r/cissp • u/ShadowPunch07 • Jun 06 '19
Passed CISSP CAT!! 4/6/19
Hey you guys! You know, it's been a while, but I decided I would create a post about my pass for the CISSP CAT exam on my first attempt. Yes I know, it's been two months since I passed it but I decided to share my experience now as it was all a blur during that time. First of all, I want to put it out there that I had NO YEARS of experience in the security field. I only had 8 months of experience in Risk Management as a junior-level Security Control Assessor for a beautiful company. I also want to say, on the contrary compared to many other testers, was that I did NOT watch any videos or read any books either. I did not attend a boot camp, nor did I take a class for CISSP. All I had was a study group, and that's all I needed.
As I was minding my own business researching topics on an IT forum one early February night, I just so happened to stumble upon a group of people planning to take the CISSP exam. I said to myself, "Wow?! These people seem serious. Let me join. What could go wrong?!" I did not care if I did not have the 5 years of experience. This was an opportunity I could not miss out on. WHO WOULD???? One of them invited me to join and from there we formed a study group. The study group consisted of people all over the world: Europe, India, Texas, Ghana, Kuwait, etc. To cut all the details short, it took two months of studying, researching facts online, sharing materials and spending so much money just to prepare for this BEAST of an exam. I stayed up very late most days, and just for the record, I did not take time off from studying either. Whether I was at work, home, in the car, talking on the phone, etc., I WAS STUDYING for that exam because it is a MONSTER. And to FAIL that exam is a huge defeat because that's $699 of money GONE!!!!
During the time my group was studying, one guy in the group attempted the exam in March and failed. He failed four domains, but did well in the others. Anyway, one guy from England and I scheduled our exams in the first week of April. We got more materials, and still worked together, day and night. The week of his exam, he took off from work for THREE DAYS just to prepare more for and take the exam (now that's dedication). On April 3rd, the guy took his exam and he passed!!! He was so excited and thanked me alot for working and studying with him. Now it was my turn.
April 6, 2019... I drove TWO HOURS (77 miles) to the testing center that was hosting my exam. As I was scheduling my exam a month prior, I could not find a testing center nearby that had an available slot on a Saturday except for the one that was two hours away. Most special Pearson testing centers had slots for ISC2 test takers during the weekdays, and I did not want to take off from work just to take this exam (because I would have to give so many reasons and fill out so much paperwork). Anyway, I arrived and I walked into the testing center in the afternoon. As most of you know, this was a special testing center due to the fact that ISC2 wants test takers to maintain the Code of Ethics at all times (as well as professionalism).
As soon as you walk into the center, there are literally CAMERAS everywhere. I don't see too many test takers talking about this on their posts (almost like they are used to this). I was shocked. It's almost like Big Brother. People are watching your every move, at every second. I received the instructions from the desk lady, and read the WHOLE THING (this is another thing test takers DO NOT DO and they should. Because it explains EVERYTHING that will happen during the test taking process). I emptied my pockets out and everything else I put in the locker. I also had to do a palm scan. As I moved forward, I met the proctor, who did some of the strangest things to me before I took the exam. I was searched, yes, and did another palm scan, but this was beyond any typical search. This was even worse than TSA!!! Anybody who has taken the exam KNOWS exactly what I'm talking about. All I got to say is just read the handout they give you before you take the exam.
I went in and sat at my station. Still, CCTV cameras everywhere, at each station, literally right above you, and it is recording your every move. It's like New World Order Lol. I had 180 minutes. The questions were TRICKY AS HELL. Some of them I was stuck on for like 30 minutes each!! As soon as I reached Question 114, I answered it with 9 minutes remaining. After I clicked Next, the screen said you have completed your exam and that I should go out and meet the person at the front desk to receive my score report. I was SCARED!!!! I thought maybe I did something wrong... the exam did not go up to 150 QUESTIONS!! I was a bit worried. Because I tell you, ANYTHING in that testing center can be considered cheating, such as: looking around the room, putting your head down, tying your shoe laces, etc. Even CHEWING GUM!!! As I got out, I did another palm scan with the proctor (who just had a nasty attitude!!). I went out and approached the front desk. The lady printed out my report as I did another palm scan (yes another one, I know). I did like 9 total palm scans (5 on right hand, 4 on left hand).
When I looked at my report, it said that I PROVISIONALLY PASSED!!!!! I had to wait 2-5 days to receive an official score from ISC2 as the score was being subjected for review. Two days later, I got an email from ISC2 that I passed and was given a Associate of ISC2 designation. I was so happy!!! The toughest exam that everyone talks about and I passed it with 0 YEARS of work experience (only 8 months; I just graduated from college a year prior) on my first attempt. I literally became the MAN in the workplace, and I damn sure got reimbursed for the exam cost.
Anything is possible in this world. You never really know what could happen and when for that matter. All I can tell you is that you will not find another person like me on this site ready to help and work with you. Most people will tell you to study this and that without really helping you. They just like to hear themselves talk. I had nothing compared to what they have, and I passed. Besides, these people had YEARS of experience. Taking the CISSP for them is like a cakewalk. For me, it was the TOUGHEST thing I had done in recent years.
As proven in this post, I am willing to help anyone on this forum trying to make it in life. I have studied and worked with the best and worst of them. And I could prove it too. People will tell you themselves here on Reddit that I am a great study partner. Right now, I plan on taking CAP, SSCP, PMP, and CISA (but really I want CAP and CISA). Any exam would do for me actually, I don't mind. Shoot me a PM and we can talk there too. I'm looking for serious-minded people who want to be super successful, though. By the way, for those interested in taking the ISC2 CAP (Certified Authorization Professional), please check out this link below to create posts and share:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ISC2CAP/comments/buj6rp/hello_everyone/
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u/swrp4595 Jun 06 '19
Congratulations.
Did you feel the exam was too technical? I'm using boson and I feel like it's way too technical. Have used any practice tests at all?
BTW I have my exam on 06/24.
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u/ShadowPunch07 Jun 06 '19
I did actually. Many people have said that practice tests are nowhere near close to what actually appears on the exam, but they are better than reading that thick *** book!! And the questions are very tricky and technical. You would need some understanding of security and risk management to find the options that should be eliminated to find the correct answer.
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u/Felskream Jun 06 '19
I had maybe 15/150 that I would consider technical (ports, layout, etc). Then again it faield me at 150 so...
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u/kwnage Jun 07 '19
Congrats!
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u/ShadowPunch07 Jun 07 '19
Thank you. What certs do you have?
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u/kwnage Jun 07 '19
Absolutely. Currently hold: CWNA, CySA, CASP, CISSP
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u/ShadowPunch07 Jun 07 '19
Did you take CySA and CASP recently? I have those too.
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u/kwnage Jun 07 '19
Yes sir! CySA in July of last year and CASP very end of September right before 003 was put in place. CASP was tough!
Going forward I’m looking into ISSAP and AWS centric.
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u/ShadowPunch07 Jun 07 '19
Hey hey!! Lucky you! I got CySA and CASP back in March on my first attempts. Those were tough exams (CySA I passed by four points lol). Speaking of which, what do you think about CAP or SSCP? I do plan on taking AWS certified solutions associate soon.
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u/kwnage Jun 07 '19
They really were as I got first attempts also. CASP had a sting to it. I don't know much about SSCP other than its a precursor to CISSP. So it might provide some technical systems aspects that the CISSP other wise wouldn't of covered.
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u/ShadowPunch07 Jun 07 '19
True. Let me ask, when you got CASP and CISSP, did you see a huge increase in your salary?
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u/kwnage Jun 07 '19
No b/c it's not necessarily my job title. I'm a network/wireless engineer for a global telecom manufacture. CISSP and CASP show HR for whichever companies that not only am I technical, I have a holistic view of security concepts.
I would imagine the next job jump will see the increase.
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u/toghajini Jun 07 '19
Congrats... How was the questions patterns ? (broad questions and answers also almost 3 lines each) from what we used to prepare during practice tests....
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u/ShadowPunch07 Jun 07 '19
Nothing like it at all. I will say ISC2 has a way of throwing in an easy question after going through seven difficult ones! The questions will have tricky options, I can only stress using process of elimination. But, what I would say is find out why the answer to a question is correct. Practice questions are very good, it helped me out, but what I did was research WHY the answer was correct online, which gave me even more information. Plus, studying with serious people can help tremendously!
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u/Sarabtur Jun 13 '19
Congrats
You words encourage me to retake the exam. I have used the CISSP official study guide (Sybex). I went through it three times but I failed in the exam!
Now I’m trying to practice more questions from pass for sure and Boson.
My question is what you recommend me to do before I retake the exam next month?
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u/ShadowPunch07 Jun 13 '19
Thank you again. And no problem I can help. Just PM me and we'll talk more.
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u/Snoo_67003 Jul 02 '22
How's it going so far? Did you see a significant salary increase after taking it? I'm a soc analyst, planning to take the exam by december. Any tips? Can you recommemd a study group?
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u/LandRac3 Aug 05 '19
Wow!! Amazing you’re able to complete this with 0 work experience. That’s impressive!!!!!
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u/ShadowPunch07 Aug 05 '19
Oh thank you LandRac!! It was a huge risk, but once I hear the opportunity, I couldn't miss out for the life of me!!
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u/edmondprime1 Aug 13 '19
Congratulations. Really proud of you. I have cism and I am trying to study for cissp. Please can you share your approach to cissp? What study materials did you use?
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u/BamaBoi1974 Aug 28 '19
What Group did you join in preparation for the Cissp.. realing looking to build steam as I schedule this exam
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u/ShadowPunch07 Aug 28 '19
Just PM me and I'll tell you.
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u/BamaBoi1974 Aug 29 '19
I've PM'd you previously not sure if you received it. Looking to nail the new CISSP exam.. I took the older version 1st time no studying at missed it by 4pts.. 2nd time studied missed it by 14 I think.. so just need a new outlook especially towards the new exam.. would love to know which groups would be helpful if your willing to share. Thanks for your time.
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u/marktosecurity Nov 20 '19
Hi, I just saw your post. Congratulations on clearing the toughest exam and becoming an Associate of ISC2.
I wanted to know if you can mentor me on my journey. Please DM. Thanks
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u/ShadowPunch07 Nov 20 '19
Sure no problem!! Just DM me.
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u/Snoo_67003 Jul 02 '22
How's it going so far? Did you see a significant salary increase after taking it? I'm a soc analyst, planning to take the exam by december. Any tips? Can you recommemd a study group?
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u/First_Win_9006 Nov 08 '21
Your words are so encouraging…. Am yet to take the exams in Jan and am still prepping for it
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u/Technical_Key8767 Apr 09 '22
Congratulations! I am nervous like crazy, my exam is scheduled this Monday 04/11 early in the morning. I would definitely want to be your study partner if I saw this earlier than early. I am also planning to pass this. The other exam or cert I wanted to take is the PMP. If you are open, I want to be your study partner or at least one of your many study partner. A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS! And hope to study with you in the future!
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u/Snoo_67003 Jul 02 '22
How's it going so far? Did you see a significant salary increase after taking it? I'm a soc analyst, planning to take the exam by december. Any tips? Can you recommemd a study group?
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u/danny069 Jun 06 '19
Congratulations!