8 CISSP Domains Explained + Tips to Crack CISSP Exam

The CISSP exam is a certification exam for information security professionals who want to establish their expertise and credibility in the field. The CISSP stands for Certified Information Systems Security Professional, and it is offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)², is a global non-profit organization that sets the standards and best practices for the industry.

CISSP exam covers 8 domains of information security, which are:

1.  Security & Risk Management
2.  Asset Security
3.  Security Architecture & Engineering
4.  Communication & Network Security
5.  Identity & Access Management
6.  Security Assessment & Testing
7.  Security Operations
8.  Software Development Security

Each of the domains has a set of objectives and subgroups that the candidates need to master in order to pass the exam. The exam consists of 100 to 150 MCQs and advanced innovative questions, and the candidates have 3 hours to complete it. The passing score is 700 out of 1000 points.

The CISSP exam is not easy to pass, as it requires a lot of preparation and experience. The candidates need to have at least 5 years of full-time work experience in two or more of the eight domains, or 4 years of experience plus a 4-year college degree or an approved credential. The candidates also need to agree to the (ISC)² Code of Ethics and pass a background check.

The CISSP exam is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge & understanding of the concepts, principles, or practices of information security, as well as their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios & competitions. The exam is not based on memorization but on critical thinking and analysis. The candidates need to have a broad, & deep knowledge of the domains, as well as the current trends and issues in the field.

What is the CISSP exam, is CISSP very hard?

The CISSP exam is a valuable certification for information security professionals who want to advance their careers and gain recognition in the industry. The certification is widely respected and accepted by employers, clients, and peers, as it proves the candidates’ competence and commitment to the profession. The CISSP certification also provides access to a global network of (ISC)² members and resources, as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities.

It is a challenging but rewarding exam for information security professionals who want to prove their skills and knowledge in the field. The exam requires a lot of preparation and experience, but it also offers a lot of benefits and opportunities for the candidates who pass it. The CISSP exam is a certification exam that can help candidates achieve their career goals and enhance their professional credibility.

The CISSP exam is not only a test of knowledge, but also a test of Skills & time management. Depending on the difficulty level. The questions are randomly selected from a pool of thousands, and they can vary in format, length, and complexity. The candidates need to pace themselves and allocate enough time for each question, as well as review their answers before submitting them.

Earn the CISSP – The World’s Premier Cybersecurity Certification

The exam is adaptive, meaning the difficulty level of the questions changes based on the candidates’ performance. The candidates need to answer each question correctly to move on to the next one, and they cannot go back and change their answers once they submit them. The exam is designed to measure the candidates’ ability to handle pressure and uncertainty, as well as their knowledge and skills.

The CISSP exam is not a one-time effort, but a continuous process of learning and improvement. The candidates need to maintain their certification by earning 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits every three years, and paying an annual maintenance fee. The CPE credits can be earned by attending webinars, seminars, conferences, courses, or other educational activities related to information security. The candidates also need to keep up with the latest developments and trends in the field and update their knowledge and skills accordingly. The CISSP exam is a certification exam that can help candidates stay relevant and competitive in the industry.

How long does it take to get CISSP certification after passing the exam?

• According to the CISSP certification guide, after passing the exam, you need to complete the following steps to get the CISSP certification:

• Subscribe to the (ISC)² Code of Ethics and pay the first Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF).

• Get endorsed by an (ISC-certified) professional who can attest to your professional experience. You can also request (ISC)² to endorse you if you do not know anyone who is certified.

• Wait for the endorsement review process, which can take up to six weeks. You will receive an email notification with your certificate and ID card if your endorsement is approved.

• Maintain your certification by earning 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every three years and paying the AMF every year.

Therefore, the time it takes to get the CISSP certification after passing the exam depends on how quickly you complete the endorsement process and how long it takes for (ISC)² to review and approve your application. It can range from a few weeks to a few months.

How can I prepare for the CISSP exam?

The CISSP exam is a certification exam for information security professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise and credibility in the field. The exam covers eight domains of information security and requires a lot of preparation and experience. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the CISSP exam:

 Get to know the exam format, topics, and objectives. You can find the official exam outline on the (ISC)² website, or check out our CISSP certification hub² for more information.

 Choose the study materials that suit your learning style and needs. There are many books, courses, videos, and online resources available for CISSP exam preparation. Some of the popular ones are the Sybex book “CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide”³, the CISSP Official (ISC)² Practice Tests book, the Official ISC2 Online Self Paced CISSP Training⁵, and the CISSP Study Tools and Resources from (ISC)². You can also use our CISSP exam training study guide online study material for realistic practice questions and explanations.

Make a study plan and stick to it. Set a realistic timeline and goals for your study, and allocate enough time for each domain. Review the concepts and principles regularly, and focus on your weak areas. You can use flashcards, study apps, or online study groups to reinforce your learning.

Set Yourself Up for Exam Success

Take practice tests and mock exams. Practice tests are a great way to assess your readiness, identify your gaps, and improve your test-taking skills. You can find many practice tests online, such as the ones from (ISC)², Knowledge Hut, and Infosec Resources. You can also use the CISSP exam training study guide online study material for 19 condensed CISSP exams and detailed score reports. Try to simulate the exam environment and time yourself when taking the practice tests.

 Review and revise. Before the exam day, review the key concepts and topics, and revise the areas you are not confident about. You can use the summary and review questions at the end of each chapter in the Sybex book, or the Official CISSP Flash Cards from (ISC)². You can also use the CISSP Online Study Group to discuss and clarify your doubts with other candidates.

Relax and be confident. On the exam day, make sure you have to take rest. Arrive early at the test center, and bring your identification and confirmation documents. Read the questions carefully, and eliminate the wrong answers. Use your time and don’t get stuck & panic while facing difficult questions. Trust your knowledge and experience, and believe in yourself.

FAQs: Understanding the CISSP Exam

Q1: What is the CISSP exam?

A : The CISSP exam, Certified Information Systems Security Professional exam, is a globally recognized certification in the field of cybersecurity. Offered by (ISC)², it validates expertise in designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive cybersecurity program.

Q2: Is CISSP very hard?

A2: The difficulty of the CISSP exam varies from individual to individual. It is a challenging exam that assesses a wide range of cybersecurity domains. However, with proper preparation, including hands-on experience and dedicated study, many professionals find success. (ISC)² recommends practical experience in the industry and utilizing study resources to enhance your chances of passing. Remember, it’s a rewarding journey toward becoming a certified cybersecurity professional!