New Year, New CISSP Exam

Just in time for 2018, the CISSP exam from ISC2 has converted from standard multiple-choice format to a Computerized Adaptive Testing model for exams delivered in English (foreign-language versions of the test currently remain in the traditional format). This means that instead of the grueling 6-hour, 250-question test, CISSP candidates now face only 100 to 150 questions, in a maximum of three hours.

Depending on your success with multiple-choice tests, and your personal technique, the new experience could be either a massive boon or a ridiculous hurdle to get the certification.

I got my CISSP back when the test was in the traditional format...and done with pencil and paper. I have no clue how I'd do on the current version.

I have, however, received feedback from the first of my students to take the new version of the test: they passed! Their exam was also only 100 questions long (meaning the student demonstrated sufficient command of the material so that the testing engine didn't have to throw more questions at the student), and it took the student an hour to complete. Perhaps most interesting, this particular student is not an IT practitioner, but is familiar with the industry in other roles. Main impression? The student repeated what I always try to stress to anyone taking one of the certification tests: READ. THE. FULL. QUESTION. Make sure you read it completely, and understand what's being asked, and that you read all of the possible responses.

The exam is still being administered by PearsonVUE, and you can download the outline from ISC2's website.

Have you taken the exam in the new format? Please add some feedback about your experience in the Comments!