Real Life: Earning the CISSP

Summary

While these tips are based on my pursuit of becoming a CISSP, they have applicability to other certifications as well.

• Match certifications with your goals and skills.
• Study, study, study. Whether that means books, classes or both, studying can't be overemphasized.
• Cramming rarely works. Rather, relax the night before, and get a good night's sleep.
• Certifications should be part of an overall success strategy, not the singular focus.
• The further up the ladder, the more important degrees become. If CISO is a goal, look into pursuing an advanced degree.
• Realize it's just an exam. Everyone has bad days, and failing is not the end of the world.
• If you do fail, plan to retest sooner than later. Don't give up the pursuit.

Finally, don't look at obtaining certifications as the primary goal but as part of an overall strategy for achieving your career aspirations. "No single accreditation will guarantee career success," summarizes Robert Half Technology's Estes. "But a mix of relevant, broad-based certifications can help support an IT professional who has experience in the field as well as a strong set of appropriate skills."

Greg Schaffer is a freelance writer based in Tennessee. He has over 15 years of experience in networking, primarily in higher education. He can be reached at newtnoise@comcast.net.