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Considering pursuing the globally recognized and pass the ISC2 CC Exam (Certified in CyberSecurity) certification but aren’t sure where to start prepping? As infosec’s pioneering certification body, (ISC)2 sets a high bar for validating the skills to architect, engineer and manage enterprise cybersecurity programs.
Their rigorous CC exam goes beyond technical trivia to assess true applicability of concepts across a comprehensive information security knowledge base. While certainly challenging, with the right preparation strategy and persistence any committed candidate can pass the CC exam. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare:
Exam Logistics: What’s Tested?
As opposed to niche cyber certs like PenTesting+ or CISSP concentrating on specific domains, the CC exam takes a broad sweeping view. Key knowledge areas covered include:
- IT Security Fundamentals: Data, software and infrastructure protection
- Access Management: Identity, authentication and authorization
- Risk Management: Policy, frameworks, controls, audits and training
- Cryptography: Encryption, PKI, algorithms, key management
- Networks & Telecomms: Topologies, devices, wireless/mobile/VoIP security
- BCP/DR & Physical Security: Facilities, resilience and recovery
CC’s 125 question multiple choice exam draws from a pool of over 1000 possible items across these topics to emphasize breadth over depth. Time allowed is 3 hours with a score of 700 out of 1000 points constituting passing.
Getting Started: Training to Pass the ISC2 CC Exam
While experience waivers exist for holders of CISSP or certain cybersecurity degrees, most candidates pursue CC through training. Required instruction totals at least 140 hours covering the CC knowledge domains above.
Options include traditional offline college courses, online self-paced courses, or more intensive virtual instructor-led training (VILT). Whichever format best fits your learning style, ensure accredited training covers all areas enumerated on the exam.
CyberKook has a Udemy Course for the ISC2 CC Exam. It is a great addition to preparing you for this exam!
Studying & Practicing Effectively
Supplementing formal training, many CC hopefuls overlook two prime opportunities to hone knowledge and prime exam readiness:
- Utilizing Practice Tests: Measure grasp of concepts via timed practice exams sampling possible CC questions. Review missed items focusing not just on the right response but why alternatives were ineffective.
- Joining Online Study Groups: Reinforce and retain through discussion and peer explanations of concepts and test items. Debate areas lacking clarity.
Regardless your prep path, expect studying to demand 10-25 hours per week over 2-6 months for most certification pursuers balancing existing work and life demands. Schedule study periods when you are at peak energy and focus.
Taking and Passing The Exam
ISC2 administers the CC exam digitally via protected proctored environments at their network of global testing centers. Schedule your date allowing a full morning or afternoon to complete the 3 hour all-multiple choice exam. Arrive early, well-fed and rested for peak brain performance!
During testing, carefully read all options before answering as multiple decoys may seem plausible. Eliminate clearly wrong choices first, then confirm your response matches the question fully. Avoid overanalyzing or second guessing initial selections.
If unfamiliar terms or scenarios arise, deductions may offer clues. Skip and return to tricky questions later to preserve your momentum. Pace your progress to allow time to review marked items at the end.
With scores available on-screen upon completion, a passing mark opens doors to exclusive (ISC)2 member resources, exciting cybersecurity career options and your hard-earned CC certification credentials.
Advancing Your Certification Journey
Gaining CC serves as either first step into cybersecurity or validation of existing expertise. Post-exam, required continuing education ensures practitioners keep skills current as threats evolve. Additional (ISC)2 specializations like CISSP, SSCP, HCISPP or CSSLP offer potential next milestones down the certification journey.
Ready to prove your cybersecurity bonafides? With diligent training, practice and focused exam strategies, ISC2’s rigorous CC certification lies within reach. Earning those three coveted letters signals technical credibility and commitment to staying ahead of threats in this perpetually evolving field.