[OT?] CISSP training guidance requested

[Jim Canfield]

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