Best CISSP exam preparation tips for 2023

Certified Information Systems Security Professional is a globally-recognized certificate that can benefit all cyber security professionals.

A CISSP training course is usually aligned with the latest version of ISC(2). A CISSP training course offers in-depth technical and managerial knowledge about designing, developing, and managing the overall security posture of your organization.

A CISSP training course is extremely beneficial for passing the exam with flying colors and receiving your certification. Keeping some smart tips down your sleeves will enable you to get through the exam easily. But before you become familiar with the best tips for the CISSP exam, learn more about the CISSP exam.

Learning more about the CISSP exam

Getting the CISSP certification will enable you to earn some globally prestigious credentials in IT and information security. It validates your knowledge and experience in cyber security. The certification was introduced in the year 1994. It is one of the most frequently requested certifications by LinkedIn. 

The CISSP exam is held in 882 locations across 114 nations in eight languages. Individuals willing to earn this certification must possess at least five years of professional information security experience. Recommendation from another CISSP-certified expert is necessary for you to receive the CISSP certification. 

Did you know you are eligible for a one-year waiver for the exam? But you must possess a four-year degree or obtain (ISC)2 certified credentials to enjoy the waiver. A minimum of 70% is required for you to pass the exam.

Candidates must score at least 700 out of 1000 to pass the CISSP exam. The exam lasts 6 hours and includes 250 questions from eight different modules. The exam includes MCQs as well as advanced innovative questions. The passing rate of CISSP is 20%.

Smart tips to ace CISSP exam preparation

Some tips that learners can follow during CISSP exam preparation are as follows:

• Develop a structured plan

It is one of the basic strategies you must follow while preparing for the CISSP exam. When you are 100% sure about certain questions, you must answer them. After that, you can focus on the questions that confuse you. When it comes to confounding questions, give them adequate thought to arrive at a proper solution. 

In the end, you need to answer questions you are unsure about. When you have already finished answering other questions, you will have more time to think about questions that you don’t know how to answer. If you focus on these questions in the beginning, you might end up skipping the ones that you know for sure. 

• Concentrate on all domains

Before preparing for the CISSP exam, you must collect study materials for all 8 domains. Sometimes candidates focus on choosing the top 5 domains they think are significant. However, it makes them unprepared for questions from domains that they ignore. Acquiring proficiency in all the modules will make you better prepared. 

• Skip rote learning

Several candidates choose memory learning to prepare for the CISSP exam. But rote learning is the worst strategy for you to ace the CISSP exam. A majority of the questions are focused on irrelevant details rather than knowledge-based questions. 

You can gather knowledge about the questions from practice tests. As long as you are not familiar with the concepts required to answer these questions, you won’t be able to pass the test. You must ensure you can apply all your acquired skills in the CISSP exam. 

• Appear for mock exams

Learners always need to sit for mock exams to enhance their preparations for the CISSP exam. The practice tests are perfect for gauging how well-prepared you are for the exams. You can locate your strengths and weaknesses and develop your study plans accordingly. The mock tests will also prepare you to sit for the 6-hour-long exam.

• Stay connected with online communities

You will find several online communities where you can enhance your CISSP exam preparations. The online communities include people who are either preparing for the exam or have passed it successfully. You will be able to gain valuable insights from all the people engaged in the communities. If you have queries, you can post them on the communities and expect valuable answers. When you see others preparing for the CISSP exam, you will feel more encouraged to put in your best efforts. 

• Don’t panic and schedule breaks

The CISSP exam is quite daunting, but panicking too much won’t take you any further. You need to put in your best efforts to stay as prepared as possible. However, studying too much without taking breaks can mess up your mind. 

Putting more pressure on your mind than it can handle will hamper your preparation. Don’t set unrealistic study goals because, in the end, you won’t be able to fulfill them, and it will affect your morale. You might also fall sick by studying day and night without concentrating on anything else.

Study for a few hours at a stretch and take short breaks to rejuvenate your mind. You can focus better on your preparations when you refresh your mind at specific intervals during your study period.

Time required to prepare for the CISSP exam

The time you will need to prepare for the CISSP exam might not be the same as another candidate. It depends on your professional background and a variety of other factors. But the time usually required by individuals is as follows:

• Individuals involved in risk management need 60 to 70 hours.
• IT specialists need around 40 to 50 hours.

But all professionals, irrespective of their backgrounds, must have proper ISC2 course materials.

Summing up

To ace the CISSP exam, you should also try enrolling in a training program. Remember that the CISSP certification can make you highly desirable among employers and help you become eligible for higher salaries.