Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP Exam ((ISC)2 Press) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Guys,
I finally took the CISSP exam, and passed *not* using this book alone. I ordered this book 1 month before taking the CISSP exam, since someone recommended me to buy it, saying that it's an advantage to go through the material in the book prior to the real exam. While that is generally true, some of the sad facts are not :).
The book was written by 3 authors, and reviewed by Hal Tipton (a very well respected and knowledgeable security professional); therefore, the content in the book is superior. And since it was written by 3 authors, it also means you will experience 3 different writing styles throughout the whole book. The format of the book is consistent, but tough luck, the writing style is so inconsistent--making it very unpleasant to digest the presented material.
I found some chapters are easy to digest with, and some are not (because of the 3 different writing styles from 3 authors). The book doesn't present the CBK material in a good way for you to memorize, it acts more like a reference book. I have read All-in-One and Prep Guide Gold Edition, and those 2 books are GREAT to start with. I do like the Official (ISC)2 Guide because it covers material that the other books DON'T. Especially the Physcial Security and Operations Security domain. After reading the Physical Security domain I had a feeling like "Great, I know how to pick a lock now ;)". This book also tells you what you need for the CISSP exam and what you don't, which is a really good thing. It clearly states that "this information is not needed for the CISSP exam... it's being included here for your reference" and I find that's very helpful, saving me from memorizing superfluous information.
The Physcial Security domain also covers the CCTV camera, very nice material indeed. You should expect to see some CCTV questions on the exam. If you don't really want to buy the book, you can easily search for the material on the net. But yeah the included material is worth it folks.
The book also comes with a CD that includes 204 CISSP sample questions, but beware, those questions ain't something that you might be able to see on the exam. I haven't found any practice tests useful, if at all (not even cccure.org). Don't buy practice tests, just concentrate on the CBK and you'll be fine. Don't expect similar or "exact" questions or anything like that popping up in the real CISSP exam. That just won't happen and CISSP practice tests are only of little use.
All in all, the material in the book is great for reference but not for memorizing. If you really want something to start with, please start with All-in-one, I wouldn't go for Krutz book as he has included tons of SUPERFLUOUS information (you do Krutz) in his book. So, before, the CISSP's choice was All-in-One + Prep Guide, but now it should be All-in-One + Official (ISC)2 Guide. You guys should never start preparing for the CISSP exam without All-in-One, the CBK material is presented to you in a very CONCISE and UNDERSTANDABLE manner. Although Shon Harris does love chatting, but I believe it's the only enjoyable way there is to learn and tackle the CISSP exam. Keep in mind this bottom line, All-in-one is a great book to start with and Official (ISC)2 Guide is a great "reference" book to keep.
Sorry, I'm too tired to go back and review what I have typed earlier so I end here ;). I don't give this book 5 stars because of the inconsistency in writing; otherwise, this book is great. You guys should buy it.

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Candidates for the CISSP exam can now go directly to the source for study materials that are indispensable in achieving certification. The Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP Exam is derived from the actual CBK review course created and administered by the non-profit security consortium (ISC)2.In addition to being an invaluable study guide, this book is detailed enough to serve as an authoritative information security resource. Both of the guide's co-authors are CISSPs, and the entire text has been reviewed and approved by Hal Tipton, Co-Founder and Past President of ISSA and Co-Founder of (ISC)2. The ten subject areas included, each a section from the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), have been reviewed by multiple CISSPs, all of whom are recognized leaders in their fields.A CISSP certification garners significant respect, signifying that the recipient has demonstrated a higher standard of knowledge, proficiency, and ethics. This book ensures that a student is fully prepared to face the exam's rigorous criteria. It is crafted to match the overall theme of the exam, which emphasizes a general, solutions-oriented knowledge of security that organizations want.

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