[OT?] CISSP training guidance requested

[Bill Tangren]

> Bill Tangren wrote:
>> I have a Linux background, but I am now the Information Assurance
>> Manager
>> here, and I have been "requested" to obtain CISSP certification. What
>> I'd
>> like to know is,
> I am. I work in the health care industry and I was also "encouraged" to
> pursue the CISSP. I attended a week long bootcamp at the local
> university and spent another two weeks making flash cards covering all
> ten CBK domains. I then flew up to Chicago and took the test and
> passed...barely I presume since they never tell you your score.
>>
>> 1) anyone out there been certified, and willing to give pointers?
> The test is not a true test of knowledge, it's a test of tests.  It's
> not one of those tests you walk away knowing if you passed or failed.
> For me, it was six hours of head scratching and second guessing.
>>
>> If so,
>>
>> 2) what prerequisites will I need? What should I study?
> https://www.isc2.org/cgi-bin/content.cgi?category=539
>>
>> 3) are "boot camps" the way to go to get the certification?
> The boot camp I attended covered only about 50% of the test material.
> Do not expect to pass with a boot camp alone.
>>
>> 4) how long before should I prepare for the exam?
> I did it in three weeks, but that was with ten years of experience
> behind me.  If you have IT experience it will be a review of things you
> should already know....and more.
>>
>> 5) Any study materials available on the web, or elsewhere?
> The "Yellow Book" is the official CISSP review book.  I would get a copy
> and make flash cards over each of the main topics.
>>
>> Any advice is appreciated.
> Overall all, like any cert, it is what you make it.  I'm certified, buy
> I only feel competent in about 4-5 of the 10 CBK domains. I'm also a
> tech guy and many of the CISSP positions tend to me management ($$$).
> As such, I find it very hard to maintain my required CPE credits simply
> because my normal job functions make it very hard to participate in CPE
> qualifying activities.  I stand to lose my cert if I don't get with the
> "program". I must also add, administration gave me a very healthy raise
> when I passed so that was an added benefit.
>
> Hope this helps,
>
> Jim


Thanks, Jim. It does.