Studying to pass the CISSP exam can be a daunting task. But with the right approach, you’ll be able to ace the test and advance your career in information security.
As we prepare to kick off our 2023 CISSP mentor program, we’ve gathered some valuable advice from this year’s instructors, moderators, and key FRSecure staff who have earned their certification to help you pass the exam!
Here you’ll find a wide variety of valuable stories and advice from information security industry veterans with decades of combined experience. It is our hope that their tips will help you set yourself up for success in our course and the test itself.
Understand How YOU Learn
Everyone learns differently, so trying to follow any one person’s advice to the letter may or may not suit your unique learning style. Part of the reason we asked several people for their advice on passing the CISSP exam is to give you an array of ideas from people of all different backgrounds.
Take what resonates with you and leave behind what doesn’t quite match your style!
“Find what works best for you. Everyone is different. Some learn by reading, some by listening, some by studying with others, and so on. There’s no wrong approach. I took a lot of practice tests. I focused on testing areas I struggled with.”
- Chad Spoden – Solutions Architect, FRSecure
“Know your strengths and weaknesses. Determine subject areas you know well and those you don’t. Prioritize those weaker areas.”
- Ron Woerner – CEO/President, Cyber-AAA
Take Practice CISSP Exams
Ask anyone with the CISSP certification what helped them pass, and you can usually count on practice tests being brought up. There are few better ways to prepare than to take tests designed to mimic the actual CISSP exam!
“Knowing the material is one thing. Knowing how to take/survive/pass standardized tests is another.
Take as many sample tests as you can and try to replicate the testing environment as much as possible. That means no phone, internet, or distractions. Take an entire test exam in one sitting without looking up answers. Give your best guess and move on.”
- Ron Woerner – CEO/President, Cyber-AAA
Consistency & Commitment
Another common theme among our respondents was consistency. Many of our instructors and experts at FRSecure with the certification cited commitment and dedication as key components to success.
“I made a commitment to spend several hours a week to prep. I took the FRSecure CISSP Mentor Program twice and took many notes both times.”
- Melissa Kjendle – Information Security Consultant, FRSecure
“Determine your CISSP exam date and stick to it. I did this and made the commitment to test (and pass) by that date. It was sort of like burning the ship to ensure you take the leap and swim! I also had to travel about an hour from home to get to a testing site, so I booked a hotel room a block away and stayed overnight. You might consider doing the same if you’re in a similar situation.
I took the test and almost all the allotted time. I passed much to my amazement, and I was soooooo relieved.”
- Chad Spoden – Solutions Architect, FRSecure
“Even if you think you are not ready to take the exam set up your appointment. This will give you a goal to work toward instead of pushing off the exam thinking you are not ready.”
- Brian Kelley – Information Security Assessor, FRSecure
Mental Preparations
Studying for hours to pass the test and memorizing the material is one thing, but preparing for the mental challenge of actually making it through the testing process is a different conversation entirely. The CISSP exam can take up to four hours to take. Coming into it rested, fueled, confident, and energized is almost as important as knowing how to answer the questions.
“Eating good healthy brain food before the test is helpful to promote clarity of mind and processing information. Especially if you start a week before the test.
When you sit down to take the test make sure to take a few deep breaths before starting. The test is not short or easy.”
- Brian Kelley – Information Security Assessor, FRSecure
“Use positive self-talk. Remember, great can be the enemy of good enough.”
- Ron Woerner – CEO/President, Cyber-AAA
“I had a terrible testing experience, there were testing center issues where my PC crashed and I had to switch seven times. It was very stressful. But the key is to keep your cool, stay calm, breathe, and remember you CAN DO IT!”
- April Meyer – Information Security Team Lead, FRSecure
Community & Support
As with many other challenges in life, it’s easier not to go at it alone. Having a community around you, support at home, or a study buddy can help you feel more prepared throughout the preparation and test-taking process.
Incidentally, if you decide to register for our CISSP Mentor Program, you’ll have access to a community filled with fellow students undergoing the same challenge together. Last year, we celebrated with students who posted about their testing experiences long after the conclusion of the course!
“It’s all about commitment! My wife was taking some courses in pursuit of another certification, so I piggybacked on that opportunity, and it worked well for simple things like coordinating meals and time for study.”
- Chad Spoden – Solutions Architect, FRSecure
“Leverage the community to build your knowledge and help others along the way.”
- Ron Woerner – CEO/President, Cyber-AAA
Understand How the Test Works
Learn from the experiences of others who have taken the test to get a better idea of what to expect when you walk into the exam room. The fewer surprises, the better!
“Understand the principles and the why. It’s not about knowing the correct answer—but understanding why that is the best answer.”
- April Meyer – Information Security Team Lead, FRSecure
“Remember that there are questions on the exam that are not graded. If you have no idea where some questions came from, this could be why.”
- Brian Kelley – Information Security Assessor, FRSecure
“The CISSP exam isn’t a simple memorization test. It’s designed to determine whether you know how to apply the information.
An analogy: Studying for the exam is like learning how a plane works—its engines, wings, electronics, landing gear, etc. Taking the exam is like showing you know how to fly a plane. You must know how it works, but what are you going to do if you hit turbulence, the landing gear fails, or you lose an engine?”
- Dave Tuckman – Information Security Consultant, FRSecure
Other CISSP Exam Prep Suggestions
Practice tests and our annual CISSP Mentor Program aren’t the only ways to prepare! Thanks to the internet, there are so many resources at your fingertips. No matter your learning style, there’s sure to be something out there that will help you pass your CISSP exam.
“In addition to the FRSecure course, I read the text, noted areas to focus on, and read it again. I used the sunflower study guide and two applications (ISC2 CISSP and Pocket Prep practice questions/tests) on my phone for the last stretch just before taking the test.”
- Melissa Kjendle – Information Security Consultant, FRSecure
“YouTube can be a wealth of information for studying. There are courses that will help with getting in the proper mindset for taking the exam.”
- Brian Kelley – Information Security Assessor, FRSecure
Resources for Passing the CISSP Exam
All the resources mentioned here, plus some extras we recommend.
- Ultimate guide to the CISSP (Free ISC2 PDF)
- CISSP Exam outline 2021 (Free ISC2 PDF)
- Sunflower study guide (Free PDF)
- Official ISC2 Study App – Apple, Android
- CISSP Pocket Prep App – Apple, Android
- Last year’s (2022) FRSecure CISSP Mentor Program session recordings
- Official ISC2 flashcards (Free gated resource)
- Official ISC2 practice tests (Purchase via Amazon)
Conclusion
Learning is hyper-individualized, and you should find things that work for you and your needs. It is our hope that this blog provides some effective suggestions and resources you can tailor to your own learning style to help you get started. As a reminder:
- Understand how you learn.
- Commit to a goal or timeline and be consistent with your prep.
- Be sure to appropriately balance rest and fuel with your studies.
- Find a community and/or supportive people to lean on.
- Understand the nuances of the exam.
And don’t forget, we offer a free CISSP training program each year starting in April that is taught by six highly qualified volunteers. Registration is now open!
We wish you the best of luck as you work toward passing your CISSP exam and obtaining the certification!
