Issue 33  May 4th 2023

Interview with Jose Rodriguez and his journey to CISSP by Bryon Singh

Bryon: What was your motive or inspiration for considering taking the CISSP?
Jose: It really stemmed from the people around me who had the CISSP which encouraged me to pursue the CISSP and to give it a shot. I also was inspired by people from the (ISC)² New Jersey Chapter event. I spoke with Ken, the chapter president, and he said straight up to me “GO FOR THE BIG ONE!” Then, I spoke with David Garibaldi, a chapter member, who was also at the meeting and gave me the confidence to pursue my goal. One thing that added fuel to the fire was when I would introduce myself and I would say all these great things of my background, but then someone would come and introduce themselves to me and say they have the CISSP. That also motivated me to get my CISSP, so that I can say that about myself as well.

Bryon: What was the CISSP exam like?
Jose: It’s a marathon for sure. Some people finished the exam at the 125th question, but I was one of those people who finished at 175. This test is geared toward throwing questions at you consecutively against your weaknesses. Some of my weaknesses were application security, software and cryptography. I wouldn’t say the test is nerve racking, but it’s a test you need to be well prepped for. Another thing is I believe they give you about 50 questions that aren’t scored, but you should take every question as if it was being scored.

Bryon: How was the prep for this exam and how long did it take you?
Jose: It took me exactly 31 days. I was in the military and I pulled a military approach on studying. I was fit for the stress like being thrown into the deep end of the waters and trying to get out. I took a practice exam without studying to see how I would do during the (ISC)² promotion last year. I did the math for a 31-day timeframe and studied 20 pages a day from the official guide and “Destination CISSP: A Concise Guide.” What I didn’t understand from the books, I followed up with mind maps on YouTube. Each day I would do the same thing and I would go back to review the previous day items on what I didn’t understand. This I called my “Rinse and Repeat” method for 31 days. I also used the official (ISC)² practice exam book.

Bryon: After completing and passing the CISSP exam, what are some things you would have done differently?
Jose: For starters, I do not recommend my military “Rinse and Repeat” approach and feeling pressured in a short time. I would recommend 2-3 months at least to study and prep for the CISSP and rest the day before the exam. I recommend studying the official guide and “Destination CISSP: A Concise Guide” in a 1:1 ratio by reading a domain from the official guide then reading the same domain from the “The Destination CISSP” the next day. The Destination CISSP: A Concise Guide is a graphical and simpler version of the official guide and will break down the complex reading. Afterwards, I would recommend you use the “Rinse and Repeat” method with the 1:1 ratio that I mentioned above and you should have a better understanding of the exam material that is needed for the exam.

Click here to read Jose’s CISSP journey in more detail.

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