Develop a Test-Taking Strategy


The CISSP certification exam is unique in many regards. One obvious difference from other certification exams is that it isn’t computer based. Written exams require a different approach, and you should consider factors such as completing your answer sheet, writing in the exam booklet, and allotting time for figuring out the correct answer to each question.

  • Reading through: One strategy is to go through the entire exam, answering only the questions that you’re immediately sure of, and then going back to the remaining questions. An advantage of this strategy is that often a later question provides the answer, or at least some insight, to an earlier question.

  • Answering questions and filling in circles: You’re allowed to write in the exam booklet, so you might try answering 50 questions at a time, writing your answers in the exam booklet, crossing out any obviously wrong answers, and then going back to fill in the circles on the answer sheet. By using this method, you’ll be sure that you don’t complete the exam and find that you have only 10 minutes to fill in 250 circles! Answers in your exam booklet aren’t scored, so be sure to fill in the answer sheet neatly and completely. Another advantage to this method is that it helps you keep your place on the answer sheet. (Everyone has probably had the same nightmare; not the one about showing up without any clothes, but the one about losing your place on the answer sheet, filling in the wrong circles, and then having to erase your entire answer sheet and start over.) You might also factor in a short break every 50 questions and then getting a fresh start on the next 50.

  • Guessing (as a last resort): Guessing is a desperate but effective method when all else fails. An unanswered question is definitely wrong, so don’t leave any questions unanswered. If you can eliminate two possible choices, you have a 50/50 chance of getting the answer right. Another strategy for guessing is to count up the total number of A, B, C, and D answers. You should have a fairly even distribution of answers (although not always). Also, be sure to leave sufficient time for guessing and filling in answer circles. Instead of 5 minutes, consider reserving the final15 minutes for guessing: It takes a lot longer to fill in answer circles than to point and click.

  • Pacing: Pace yourself. The test isn’t a contest to see who can finish first. Take the entire six hours if needed. Be mindful of the time; be sure that you can get through the entire test in six hours. Including breaks, you have about 11/2 minutes per question. But rather than be concerned about the time after each question, we suggest you not look at the time until you’ve answered 50–75 questions.

The exam supervisor will remind you of the time, several times through the exam. You don’t need to worry that she’ll suddenly call “time!” at the very end; she’ll issue several warnings and reminders.




CISSP For Dummies
CISSP For Dummies
ISBN: 0470537914
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2004
Pages: 242

flylib.com © 2008-2017.
If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net