So you’ve decided to pursue the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity credential. Awesome! This certification can open up new career opportunities and boost your earning potential. The only catch is that to earn this credential, you have to pass the CCSP exam. Don’t panic yet, the exam is challenging but totally doable if you prepare properly. The good news is that you can find many free resources to help you study and practice for the CCSP exam.
In this article, I’ll share several no-cost ways to get ready for the CCSP exam. I’ll provide details on free online courses, practice tests, study guides, podcasts, and more that you can use to strengthen your cybersecurity knowledge and skills. With the right preparation and resources, you’ll go into the CCSP exam with confidence and come out the other side as an official (ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity professional. So keep reading to find out how you can prepare for and pass the CCSP exam without paying a dime. Time to get your study on!
An Introduction to the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Certification
The ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification, also known as CISSP, is considered the gold standard in the field of cybersecurity. To obtain this certification, you must have at least 5 years of paid work experience in two or more of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) domains. The exam covers 8 domains:
- Security and Risk Management
- Asset Security
- Security Architecture and Engineering
- Communication and Network Security
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Security Assessment and Testing
- Security Operations
- Software Development Security
While the CISSP certification does require several years of work experience, that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing now. Here are some no-cost ways to prepare for the exam:
- Review the Official CISSP Certification Guide. You can find free PDF versions online or check one out from your local library. Read through all 8 domains to build a strong foundation.
- Watch online video courses. Websites like Cybrary, Skillset, and LinkedIn Learning offer free CISSP video training. Follow along to strengthen your understanding of concepts and topics.
- Study flashcards. Free flashcard apps like Quizlet, Cram, and Flashcards Deluxe have thousands of CISSP flashcards to help you memorize terms, definitions, and acronyms.
- Take practice exams. Websites like CCCure, Skillset, and ExamTopics offer free CISSP practice questions and mock exams. Take them repeatedly to prepare for the actual exam format and experience.
- Join online forums or groups. Connecting with others who are also studying for the CISSP exam is a great way to ask questions, share knowledge, and stay on track. Look for groups on LinkedIn, Facebook, Reddit, or Discord.
With diligent studying and the wealth of free resources available, you’ll be on your way to becoming ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity in no time. The key is to start preparing now, establish a regular study schedule, and stick with it. You’ve got this!
Why Earn the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Certification for Free?
Why earn the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification for free? There are several benefits to preparing for this credential on your own time and dime.
Valuable Knowledge
Studying the domains and topics covered in the exam will give you a solid foundation in cybersecurity. You’ll learn essential concepts like access control, risk management, and cryptography. This knowledge is useful whether or not you end up taking the exam.
Career Opportunities
The certification can open up more job prospects and higher salaries. Many employers prefer or even require the credential. Obtaining it for free in your spare time shows your dedication and motivation.
Flexibility
Self-study allows you to learn at your own pace. You can spend more time on topics you find challenging and speed through those you already know well. You choose when and where to study to suit your own schedule.
Affordability
The exam fee for the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification is $199. Studying on your own eliminates this cost. Free resources like online courses, books, bootcamps, and practice exams can prepare you thoroughly for the test.
Confidence Booster
Passing the exam after self-study feels like a major accomplishment and boosts your confidence in your skills and knowledge. You overcame obstacles through self-discipline and hard work. That sense of achievement will fuel your ongoing career success.
Preparing for the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam on your own is challenging but rewarding. With motivation and persistence, you can achieve this credential for free and advance your cybersecurity career. The benefits to both your knowledge and your wallet make it worth the effort.
Free Resources to Prepare for the CC Exam
To prepare for the CCSP exam without spending a dime, take advantage of free resources. The internet offers a wealth of information to help you study for free.
Official ISC2 Guide to the CCSP CBK
ISC2 offers an official study guide for the CCSP exam that covers all exam domains. You can download the guide for free on their website to get an overview of all topics. Read through and take notes on areas you need to focus on.
Cybrary CCSP Course
Cybrary offers a free CCSP course with video lectures covering each exam domain. The course provides a high-level review of the concepts and topics you’ll be tested on. Watch the video lectures and take the practice quizzes to gage your understanding of the materials.
IT Dojo Practice Exams
IT Dojo offers free practice exams for the CCSP. Take the exams under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam experience. Review the explanations for any questions you get wrong. Repeat the practice exams as needed to strengthen your knowledge.
Online Study Groups
Connect with other CCSP candidates on LinkedIn, Reddit, or Discord. Start or join a free online study group to discuss concepts and questions. Studying with others is a great way to gain new insights and share knowledge.
Vendor Websites
Visit the websites of vendors whose technologies are covered on the exam like Microsoft, Cisco, AWS, etc. Review documentation on their cloud security tools and solutions. While the sites focus on how to use their products, you’ll gain valuable context around concepts, features, and best practices.
Podcasts
Listen to free podcasts on cybersecurity and cloud security topics. Podcasts are an easy way to brush up on concepts while on the go. Some recommended shows include The CyberWire, Security Now!, and the Cloud Security Podcast.
Utilizing free resources, you can thoroughly prepare yourself for the CCSP exam. Combine reading, video lectures, practice questions, discussion groups, and podcasts for the most comprehensive preparation experience. With diligent studying of these materials, you’ll be ready to confidently sit for the exam.
Tips for Passing the CC Exam Without Formal Training
To pass the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity exam without formal training, here are some helpful tips:
Study the Exam Outline
The exam outline details the domains and topics the exam will cover. Focus your studying on the areas you need the most work in. The outline is available on the (ISC)2 website.
Use Free Resources
The Internet has a wealth of free resources to help you prepare. Watch video courses on cybersecurity fundamentals and concepts. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Cybrary offer free courses and video tutorials. You can also find free exam practice questions and flashcards on Quizlet and Cram.com.
Join Online Communities
Connect with other cybersecurity professionals in online communities like Reddit, Discord, and LinkedIn. Ask questions, read discussions, and learn from more experienced members. These communities are a great way to fill in knowledge gaps.
Practice Hands-On Skills
While studying concepts and taking practice exams is helpful, you need hands-on experience. Set up a virtual lab to practice things like configuring firewalls, detecting vulnerabilities, and responding to security events. Free resources like Cisco Packet Tracer, AWS Educate, and Microsoft Learn offer ways to build technical skills.
Consider Alternate Study Options
Some people find that alternate study methods work better for them. You might try:
• Teaching the material to someone else. This reinforces your own understanding.
•Drawing diagrams, charts, or mind maps to visualize concepts.
• Recording yourself reading notes or flashcards and listening to the recordings.
• Practicing meditation or mindfulness techniques to stay focused while studying.
With diligent studying and practicing of the exam domains, you can gain the knowledge and experience to pass the CC exam, even without formal education or training programs. Staying determined and making use of available resources will help you achieve your goal of becoming ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity.
Next Steps After Earning Your Free ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Certification
Congratulations on earning your ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification! This is a major accomplishment and proves your knowledge and skills in this critical field. But you can’t stop now. Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving domain, so continuous learning and improving your skills is key.
Keep Your Certification Current
ISC2 certifications must be renewed every 3 years to maintain an active status. This involves paying an annual maintenance fee and earning continuing professional education (CPE) credits. You’ll need 120 CPE credits over 3 years for the CC certification. These can be earned by attending conferences, webinars, writing research papers, or taking additional coursework. Start planning now how you’ll maintain your certification.
Consider Other Certifications
The CC is a great start, but stack up other credentials to strengthen your resume. Popular options include the CompTIA Security+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cyber Ops, and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Obtaining multiple, complementary certifications proves your dedication to the field and gives you a well-rounded skill set.
Stay Up-To-Date with Technology
Cybersecurity tools and tactics are always changing. Make it a habit to follow industry leaders, read blog posts, listen to podcasts, and take online courses in areas like cloud security, risk management, and data privacy. Pay attention to trends in areas like artificial intelligence, Internet of Things security, and blockchain. The more you know about the latest cyber threats and defense strategies, the better equipped you’ll be to protect your organization.
Look for Job Opportunities
With the CC certification and relevant experience, you’re well positioned for a career as an information security analyst, cybersecurity engineer, or related role. Search sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor for opportunities. With the ongoing talent shortage in cybersecurity, now is an excellent time to explore new jobs or career paths. Polish your resume, build your online profiles, and start networking. Your certification and dedication to continuous learning show your passion for the field.
The journey doesn’t end here. Take these next steps to advance your cybersecurity career and keep your skills and knowledge sharp. You’ve earned this certification, now leverage it to open up new opportunities. The hard work will pay off!
Conclusion
So there you have it, several ways to prepare for the ISC2 CISSP exam at no cost. You can leverage free resources like online practice tests, video courses, study guides, and podcasts. You can also tap into your network to find a study buddy or mentor to quiz you. The key is to start preparing early, focus on understanding the concepts, and practice as many sample questions as possible. If you put in the work, you’ll be ready to pass the exam and join the ranks of CISSP certified professionals. Good luck! You’ve got this.
