(ISC)2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide & Practice Tests Bundle

I passed the CISSP back in October after making this book a part of my daily routine for a good five months. It won't fully prepare you for the test--nothing will--but it's a great book to build your foundation. The practice questions in the main book and the companion book of test questions will help you lock in what you've learned, but they are not representative of the real questions on the test. While researching the test before I took it, I encountered someone who said that the practice questions in this book are like a cuddly kitten compared to the real test, which is a ferocious lion, and I would say that's accurate.Here's what I did to prepare for the test. Hopefully it will help you pass it too!1) Study this book. Do it daily. I devoted 1 hour every day during the week and ~4 hours on the weekend. I started in May 2022 and passed the test in October 2022, first try. You can definitely do it in less time than that, but I think aiming for 3 - 6 months is the sweet spot. If you can't commit to doing it in under 6 months, now is probably not the right time for you to pursue the CISSP.2) After reading each chapter in the book, I would go back and re-read it looking for the highlighted key concepts, which I turned into flashcards. I made the flashcards myself on index cards. The process of reformulating a statement into a question and answer, and then writing that down on paper, helps you learn the material. It also pays off later when you're ready to review everything.3) Do the practice questions at the end of each chapter!4) When you finish the book, go through all the practice tests in the companion book. That will help cement what you've learned and reveal where you need to review the most.5) Drill your flash cards! You should be doing that while you're still going through the book, but step it up after you're done with the book. Go through them all at least once. I recommend keeping them grouped by subject/domain, but also come up with a system for weeding out the easy ones so you spend more time on the hard ones. The flash cards took over my coffee table for five months, but it was worth it.6) I highly recommend watching CISSP videos while studying for the exam, and especially towards the end when you're within a few weeks of taking the test. You can find good content on YouTube, and definitely take a look at everything Mike Chapple puts out. Mike Chapple is one of the coauthors of this book and he puts out some high-quality video content on YouTube. His LinkedIn Learning CISSP video series is pure gold and explains some of the concepts in this book better than the book explains it. He also runs a website you should check out. I didn't use his practice exam or his last-minute review sheet, but they're affordable and I'm willing to bet they're helpful.7) >>> THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE <<< You need to get your hands on a practice test suite that actually mimics the style of the questions on the real test. I highly recommend the Boson test suite. They deserve the reputation they have. Their questions are easier than the real test, but they closely mimic the real thing, and that's invaluable.8) Find and watch YouTube videos that delve into the "think like a manager" aspect of the CISSP. People say that for a reason. There is plenty of technical subject matter that's fair game for the exam, so you need to know it, but it's not a technical exam. The CISSP is aimed at future CISOs. You will be setting policy, making decisions that balance business needs with security, and constantly dealing with constraints and considerations that make always doing the most secure thing in all circumstances an untenable rule of thumb. The test will hammer you with questions that try to trick you into doing the most secure thing when it's not warranted or that try to trick you into tackling a problem with a technical solution when a policy/procedure solution is the better option.9) Read up on the adaptive nature of the CISSP test. Make sure you know what to expect. Basically, the test starts out easy and ramps up in difficulty based on how you're doing. By the end of the test, they intend for you to get about half the questions wrong, so don't freak out. The end of the test will be brutal, and that's by design. Also, the adaptive nature of the test makes it so you can't go back to previous questions.10) I recommend scheduling the test in the morning. I took it in the afternoon and made that work, but do it in the morning if you can. Don't put off scheduling the exam! I would schedule it as soon as you're done with the book, 2-4 weeks out depending on how much time you can devote to review. You can easily reschedule if something comes up, but give yourself that deadline.11) On the night before the test and the day of the test, clear you mind, find your happy place, and just try to relax. Feed and water yourself. You know your stuff. You've got this.12) Expect to freak out at least once during the test. It deserves its reputation. Stay calm and remember your fundamentals. Think like a manager. Choose the answer that is even just slightly better than the others. Eliminate the bad answers first.Pace yourself and budget your time. Since you can't skip questions or go back, you can't just leave the difficult questions for the end. You need to answer the question before you can move on, but you can't afford to burn too much time on it. Keep in mind that many of the questions are experimental and won't be graded and also remember that the test designers want you to get about half the questions wrong towards the end of the test.No other test has shaken my confidence in the moment as much as the CISSP did. I passed at the minimum number of questions, but when the test ends, it doesn't tell you on the screen whether you passed or failed. In that moment, I really thought I had bombed it, even though I had actually done quite well. So yeah, it's that kind of test. It will beat you up, but you can do it!If you don't pass the CISSP your first time, don't worry about it. I think the first-time pass rate is something like 50-60%. It's a really hard test, but you'll feel great when you pass it!Good luck.

The CISSP Official Study Guide and Practical Test Bundle by Mike Chapple is a comprehensive resource that adeptly guides both aspiring and seasoned cybersecurity professionals through the intricate landscape of information security. Chapple's expertise shines through as he meticulously covers the eight domains of the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) exam.The study guide provides a clear and organized structure, ensuring that readers can grasp complex concepts with ease. Chapple's lucid explanations are complemented by real-world examples, enhancing the reader's understanding and practical application of key principles.The inclusion of a practical test bundle adds significant value to this resource. Aspiring CISSP candidates can put their knowledge to the test, simulating exam conditions and honing their skills in a diverse array of scenarios. This hands-on approach not only reinforces theoretical knowledge but also prepares individuals for the dynamic challenges they may encounter in the field.One notable strength of this bundle is its attention to the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Chapple incorporates the latest industry trends and best practices, ensuring that readers are well-equipped to tackle contemporary security challenges. The inclusion of practical exercises and case studies further enhances the applicability of the material.While the book's depth may be intimidating for beginners, the gradual progression of topics and the inclusion of practice tests cater to a broad audience, from novice learners to seasoned professionals seeking certification.In conclusion, Mike Chapple's CISSP Official Study Guide and Practical Test Bundle stands out as a comprehensive and practical resource for anyone preparing for the CISSP exam or seeking to deepen their understanding of information security. The combination of theoretical knowledge, real-world examples, and hands-on exercises makes this bundle a valuable asset for those navigating the complex landscape of cybersecurity.Great job done team!!!

This book/practice test combo is fantastic and all you need to pass if you study it appropriately. I have limited IT experience outside of school yet it was easy to understand and comprehend. It may annoyingly be a lot of review for experienced security professionals but it also goes into great detail of the nuances of the CISSP exam. It has great tips for exam day and the questions are well-worded to get you into the practice of deciphering and answering CISSP-style questions. If you can't concentrate on a book, maybe go the video learning route, but this is a fantastic option if you are willing to give it the time.

This book comes as close as it comes to preparing you for the CISSP exam. I say that having passed the exam, and I don’t think that ANYTHING could fully prepare you for that exam, but this book and study guide is as close as it comes. The test is more about HOW you think about specific InfoSec challenges and this book and study guide certainly set that stage.As you read and use this book for your preparations for the exam, take the tests and quizzes and try to think about WHY the right answers are correct, because the test is sufficiently vague that it will test your rationalization process more than your ability to memorize facts. Mike has certainly captured that in this text and test exams.Also recommend Mikes Patreon site. For $10 bucks a month, you can find a wealth of knowledge that supplements these texts and have access to the master, himself and ask questions about the material. Mike is a genuinely approachable and knowledgeable teacher with a wealth of knowledge to share.From zero formal knowledge, to passing the test in six weeks, I couldn’t have done it without these books.