Schedule it. That doesn’t mean to mentally pick a date that you plan on taking it. It means you go to ISC2′s website, pick a date, location, and pay for the exam. When you’re done with that, go tell everyone you know that you scheduled the CISSP.
Doing this creates stress. In the post “How I failed the CISSP“, I talked about how stress is a great motivation. If you don’t have a healthy amount of anxiety then you will be less likely to put in the hard work.
First, if you fail the test you will loose the money you spent on it. ISC2 doesn’t give refunds for failed test. I know this from personal experience. Second, its very embarrassing to admit to your friends and coworkers that you failed the test. Especially if they have already have the CISSP certification. I also know this from personal experience.
What if I’m not ready to take it?
Doesn’t matter. In fact, its even better to schedule the exam before you are ready. This is a sure fire way to stay on track with your study plan. You have two choices.
- Work your butt off and follow your study plan
- Look like an idiot to your coworkers and loose out on $450
Scheduling the exam helps you stick with a study plan. Whether you’re taking the exam in 8 weeks or 6 months you can plan out a solid study schedule to make sure you cover all of the material in time. If you get ahead or behind in your schedule you can make adjustments and get back on track.
If you haven’t scheduled the exam then you aren’t going to make adjustments to your study plan, instead you’ll make adjustment to the date you “plan on” taking the exam. This is a trap that many people fall into. They plan on taking the exam in 6 months, but “something” comes up.
This something may be new responsibilities at work, joining a softball team, or getting a new pet. You name it, and the excuse has been used. The excuses are the result not deciding to take the test. If you plan on taking the test, then you are still just thinking about it. Any excuse will cause you to adjust these plans. After you exam is scheduled and you’ve told all you’re friends, you’re commited.
The CISSP exam is like a wall that seems too high to climb over. At first glance, its not worth the effort to even attempt. Throw your hat over the wall. Then you won’t have a choice but to succeed.
Image courtesy At Home in Scottsdale
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This post really struck accord with me. I’ve been planning on taking the CISSP for probably at least three years. I always have plans to start studying but never seem to get around to it. I’ve been hesitant to schedule it because I’m simply not ready. Sounds like I need to get off the fence and actually do it.
Wow! This post was certainly a good challenge. Sounds like I better get my butt to the ISC2 site and spend some money.
YES! Schedule the exam and give yourself a deadline to work to. I also told my wife, some friends and some co-workers about the deadline. All that motivated me to put the time and effort into studying and taking practice tests. I passed on the first attempt.