I Passed the CISSP Exam
Today, I finally conquered the CISSP exam—a milestone I’ve been working toward recently. It’s been a long journey filled with lots of late-night study, some anxiety near the end, and a whole lot of coffee along the way.
The Exam Day Nerves
Waking up this morning, I felt “typical” exam day jitters, amplified by the significance of what was at stake. The CISSP certification isn’t just any exam; it’s a test of not only knowledge but also a bit of mental endurance with picking the “best” answer. After months of preparation, the moment was here. I arrived at the testing center thirty minutes earlier than the recommended thirty minutes, went in and went through their security checks, and found myself seated in front of the computer, ready to go.
The First 90 Questions
As I progressed through the first 90 questions, I found myself in a fairly slow rhythm. The questions were just as tough as I had anticipated—each one a complex puzzle that tested not just what I knew but how well I could apply that knowledge under pressure. By the time I reached question 90, I needed a break. I raised my hand and proceeded with stepping away from the screen for a moment.
The Final Stretch
After my break, I checked back in, ready for another 90 questions. Little did I know, I was much closer to the end. I sat down, resumed the exam, and after just 10 more questions, the test stopped. It was over. I stared at the screen, not sure what to make of it. Did I pass? Did I fail? Was all my preparation enough? Lots of questions swirled in my mind as I gathered myself and stood up.
The Moment of Truth
A couple of minutes after leaving the testing room, the test administrator motioned me over and handed me a folded piece of paper. He offered a polite “Thanks and goodbye,” leaving me to my own thoughts as I walked out of the testing center. The suspense was killing me. As I walked down the hall, I could feel my heart racing. I got into the elevator, waited for the doors to close, and finally, with a deep breath, unfolded the paper.
Relief and Reflection
And there it was—I had passed! A wave of relief washed over me. All the stress of the last few weeks, the endless cramming, and the countless nights of pre-testing and knowledge gap-filling had finally paid off. I couldn’t help but smile as the reality of it sank in.
The CISSP exam is one of the hardest tests I’ve ever taken. The questions were so tricky! So many correct answers to choose from!
Now that it’s over, I’m beyond glad to be done with it. The stress is gone, and I can finally relax a little.
Advice for Future Test-Takers
For anyone preparing to take the CISSP, my advice is simple: be prepared to pick the answer that often includes other correct answers. There seemed to almost always be one obviously wrong answer along with three correct answers and you have to pick the one that is the most correct. It was a tough exam, not gonna lie!