I laid out from AntiOnline for a while. I forgot that MsMittens had taken the exam. We had discussed it and the pros and cons of CISSP and other security certs. Congrats, BTW!

I took an ISC2 seminar in August. It is interesting that this business is still so small that I knew or associated with several of the attendees in the class. Then took the test on August 28, many of my classmates were there. I passed! I am waiting for the rest of my paperwork to process so that I can join the ranks of those who pay $85US per year and complete all those continuing ed hours.

Just a hint for those looking to take it, make sure you have the most current version of the texts mentioned by MsMittens, and get the latest ISC2 Study Guide. I also used a CISSP for Dummies (it is clear and concise). If you can, attend a seminar. Check the current information on the cert. CISSP is now an international ISO-stamped cert, so this changed the emphasis on certain parts of the subject matter. Law and Ethics is now more general and international in scope, rather that specific to the US.

I have to hand my seminar instructor much of the praise, though. He was great, interesting and fun. He brought a lot of experience and real examples to the sessions.

Test strategy: You have six hours. Make the most of them. Read the entire exam once through and make pencil marks on the way through. Then go back over the exam and mark the bubble sheet. This does two things. 1 - it gives you a chance to see all the questions and move around in the exam. 2 - It gives you a chance to ask "what was I thinking?" about the first time through.

No matter how well you really do, you leave the exam area thinking you blew it. You will be exhausted and hungry. Go eat. You will feel fear, uncertainty and doubt for all the days until you get the magic email that says "you passed!"