CISSP exam and training

[crazynoodle]

Is the CISSP exam administrated in the same manner as a Cisco or Microsoft exam - computer based?

Has anyone experience with the training vendor "The Training Camp" ? They have a 7 Day CISSP BootCamp that I am considering but I am looking for some feedback on peoples experience with them.

 

[jbaugh]

Crazynoodle,

Nope, the CISSP is the old fashioned, "fill-in-the bubble with a #2 pencil" paper exam. Be prepared both mentally and physically as taking the exam can be quite an ordeal, particularly if you take the entire 6 hours to complete it. You can take bio-breaks, although you will be escorted to and from the restroom by one of the exam proctors.

When I took my exam, I took a couple of breaks to unload some excess caffeine. From start to finish I completed my exam in 2 hours and 20 minutes, which included the two trips to the restroom. I felt that I was prepared for the exam before sitting down for it, so I didn't take anything to snack on, although I did see a few people bringing power bars, fruit, and the like. Ice water was provided, but not coffee or anything else of a consumable nature. I ate a good breakfast beforehand and got to the hotel early so I wasn't stressed out on arrival. Like any good test-taking strategy recommends, it is a good idea to at least do a drive-by the testing site the day before to make sure you know where it is and how much traffic might delay your arrival. Test taking can be stressful enough without any extraneous interference.

IMHO, the best test taking strategy, regardless of method of delivery, is to be prepared, be relaxed, and be ready to give it your best.

Good luck,

Joe

Joseph B. Baugh,
PMP, CISSP, CISM, CBM, IAM, CCFS,
CCSE, CCAI, CCNP, CCDP, CUE
Network Services Manager, Sierra Southwest Cooperative

"The road goes on forever and the party never ends." -- Joe Ely: Love And Danger, 1993

 

[RolandCowan]

For the most part I agree with Joe however the sites vary as to what is allowed in and the latrine breaks.
I took the exam on the 10th of August in Scottsdale AZ and
the hotel provided coffee, water,fruit, and pasteries.
Some folks had snacks that were kept in the back of the room and we could even have drinks on our table. The latrine breaks were monitored in that only one person could be out at time and you had to sign out on a sheet.

I did 50 questions at a pop and took a short break.

5 hours
passed
I am a happy camper!!
Be prepared and be relaxed and be prepared to feel like you were beat with a stick along about question 200 :-(

Roland

 

[crazynoodle]

Thank you both for your posts - I will be giving a shot in about month or so.

Regards,

~CN~