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Why you fail the CISSP exam and how to make sure you pass on the next try!

In the cybersecurity field, there are only four types of people, according to those who work in the field:

  • Individuals who have passed the CISSP exam
  • Candidates preparing for the CISSP certification exam
  • Those who did not pass the CISSP exam
  • Those who are apprehensive about taking the examination
  • Being a certified information security specialist (CISSP) is essential if you want to work in a high-paying and highly rewarding environment. The CISSP exam serves as a gateway. Those who have made it through that gate are frequently regarded as the pinnacle of achievement in the field of cybersecurity.
  • Even if you passed the CISSP exam on your first attempt, likely, you did not do so on your second or third attempt. However, while the statistics are not publicly available, it is widely acknowledged that only about 50% of candidates pass the exam on the first attempt. I work with people who have passed their exams on their third and fourth attempts.
  • There are hundreds of thousands of people who have failed the exam as a result of this.
    The purpose of this article is to look into the possible reasons why you may have failed the exam in the first place. Additionally, this article is intended to assist you in addressing the issues that contributed to your failure and to instil confidence in you to try again and succeed!

#1. Despite your best efforts, you were unable to pass the exam due to your frame of mind.

I know dozens of highly technical cybersecurity professionals who failed the exam solely as a result of their attitude toward the process. These individuals are or have previously worked as system administrators, penetration testers, policy writers, coders, and other highly technical experts in their fields of expertise. Many of these individuals are cyber experts who are considered to be among the best in the industry. They, on the other hand, are unable to pass the CISSP exam.
These individuals have a difficult time passing the test because they rely heavily on their technical expertise but struggle to transition into a management mindset.
To be crystal clear, you do not have to be a technical wizard to receive perfect marks on every technical question on the test. However, unless you have a thorough understanding of the management of security processes and personnel, you will not pass the exam.
The reason for this is that many of the questions will test your ability to manage people, processes, and incidents in a variety of situations.

So, what should you do in this situation?
Don’t let this get you down! It is your technical knowledge that gives you such an advantage on the CISSP examination. You must change your perspective on technology to see it from the perspective of a manager, CIO, or CSO. This transition is not as difficult as you might think!
Everything is clear to you as to what is wrong and how to fix it. Alternatively, you may be aware of the most effective way to resolve a problem. It is necessary to dig a little deeper to comprehend best practices from the perspective of a business. More specifically, you must comprehend the point of view that ISC2 considers being correct in this situation.
The most effective way to gain this understanding without attending business school is to take more practise tests that are specifically focused on management topics. The following is a link to my recommendation for practise tests: How to Pass the CISSP Exam Without Using Books

#2. You relied on a CISSP boot camp to obtain your certification.

Boot camps for the CISSP exam are not my favourite thing, but they are extremely beneficial for many people. Boot camp classes are frequently misunderstood, in my opinion, as a means of attempting to pass the test without having the in-depth knowledge that is required to pass the test successfully.
In many cases, boot camp providers will include the cost of the test in their tuition, and if you do not pass on your first attempt, they will reimburse you for the cost of the second attempt.
This promise may give you the impression that you are well prepared. Although you may not be ready, it encourages you to take the test regardless of your current state of readiness. Given the fact that you are getting a free “do,” you might as well give it a shot.
Nobody can expect to pass the CISSP exam after cramming for it for a week straight. Even multiple weeks of intensive study are unlikely to be sufficient for the majority of people.

So, what should you do in this situation?
First and foremost, you should understand that a boot camp is a tool, not a panacea, for passing the exam. Although a boot camp can be incorporated into your study plan, you should not rely on it as the only or even the primary study tool for your exam preparation.
To prepare for the CISSP exam, I spent nearly three months studying. Many of the people I know have been studying for six months or longer. It is not possible to become CISSP certified in a short period. There are no shortcuts in this process.
The most effective course of action is to devise a daily study schedule and adhere to it. Don’t stray from your plan even for a single day. The greater your dedication to your study plan, the more likely it is that you will pass the CISSP exam on your second attempt.
Schedule the test for a date that is 30, 60, or 90 days in the future. Then use the upcoming test date as motivation to stay on track with your preparation. In 90 days, if you study only 2 hours a day, you will have 180 hours of study time under your belt. When compared to cramming into an instructor-led boot camp for a week, you will be far more prepared.

3 You’ve been duped too many times, according to number three.

The test questions on the CISSP exam are extremely difficult to answer correctly. You only have one chance to answer each question. The opportunity to go back and double-check your answers will be lost as soon as your answer is submitted and you move on to the next question.
On the CISSP exam, it is very easy to be deceived by the wording or the content of the test questions that are presented. If you fall prey to these tricks too many times, you will find yourself on the road to ruin and ruin your career.

So, what should you do in this situation?
You must be familiar with the types of questions that will be asked as well as the typical wording of the questions. Knowing what to look for and how to identify the correct answers will become second nature once you have gained an understanding of these concepts.
Only by taking practise questions from a reputable source can you truly prepare for the questions. I practised with thousands of questions on and off for a year. I looked into the questions and looked into the possible answers. Almost to the point of being ridiculous, I took a tonne of practice test questions. This is something you can do as well. This is something I believe you should do.
Practice questions will help you become a more confident test taker and will help you avoid being deceived by the tricks that you will encounter on the CISSP exam.
CCCURE.com is a fantastic resource for CISSP practise questions, and it can be found here: CCCURE.com.

#4. You’ve been depleted.

A six-hour, 250-question exam is no longer required for the CISSP certification. If you are taking the test in an adaptive format, you may expect it to have between 100 and 150 questions.
However, there comes a point when you may feel as though you have hit a brick wall and given up. Not because of the length of the exam, but rather because of the questions that required critical thinking.
The questions are frequently difficult, and they can rapidly lead you to the verge of tiredness due to your mental exertion. Some students reach that point as early as 15 questions into the exam. Others may begin to lose their composure later in the test.
If you experienced mental tiredness during the test, you are not alone in feeling this way.

So, what should you do in this situation?
If you’ve already failed the test, you’ll know what to expect when you take it the following time. You’ve gained a significant advantage now!
Working through actual exam simulations at home is the most effective technique to psychologically prepare so that you do not become fatigued during the test itself. Close the door and eliminate any sources of distraction. Then pretend that you’re taking the real test by taking a practice test. Continue to set the timer. Maintain your concentration and don’t stop until your practice test is completed.
This will give you the confidence and mental stamina to avoid hitting a wall during the actual CISSP exam once you have done it several times.
To prepare for your next attempt, you should completely stop studying for the exam 24 hours before it takes place. Make an effort to get some exercise by taking a walk or jogging. Listen to some calming music and make a point of getting a good night’s sleep thereafter.