Sonoran Desert Security User Group (SDSUG)
CISSP Boot Camp Details
SDSUG’s CISSP Boot Camp
Time and Place
What is a CISSP boot camp?
Why should YOU attend?
Participants will receive
Participants will NOT receive
Expansion into other areas
To register or for questions
Our instructor
What our own Phoenix colleagues have said
How to select CISSP training
To register or for questions
Payment Policies
Special SDSUG price
Payment
Cancellation/Substitution
Retake boot camp
Receipts
Rescheduling boot camp
To register or for questions
The CISSP
What is the CISSP?
What is required for CISSP certification?
To register or for questions
The CISSP Exam
Exam Fees
Scheduling, rescheduling and cancelling an exam with Pearson VUE
Pearson VUE exam locations in Arizona
Pearson VUE admission policy
Pearson VUE testing tutorial and practice exam
Exam duration and scoring
Will you pass the exam?
Failing and repeating the exam
To register or for questions
Sonoran Desert Security User Group (SDSUG) CISSP BOOT CAMP DETAILS, v1
1
SDSUG’s CISSP Boot Camp
The Sonoran Desert Security User Group (SDSUG) is sponsoring a 5-day CISSP boot camp from
Monday, November 18th through Friday, November 22nd, at ITT Tech’s beautiful facility in Tempe,
Arizona at a highly-discounted SDSUG special early-bird price of $795. Don’t miss out – space is
limited, sign up today.
Time and Place
Monday, November 18th, through Friday, November 22nd, 8:15 AM through 5:15 PM.
At ITT Technical Institute, 5005 S. Wendler Drive, Tempe, AZ. School: http://itttech.edu/campus/school.cfm?lloc_num=53. Map: http://mapq.st/18Vaoj8.
ITT Tech will introduce their high-tech campus to us on Monday morning and provide a door prize
Friday afternoon.
What is a CISSP boot camp?
For those aiming to take the 6-hour certification exam, this boot camp is outstanding preparation. For
anyone interested in the information security field, it offers a fast-paced overview. Either way, all
professionals are welcome to attend. It can be mind-numbingly intensive, often likened to “drinking from
a fire hose”; certainly not your typical training course.
Why should YOU attend?
Some are able to prepare for the exam entirely on their own, but most of us distinctly benefit from an
on-site boot camp to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Provide dedicated focus time
Clarify and tie together concepts
Refresh and expand information security concepts and vocabulary
Learn to optimize study time
Hone testing strategy and confidence (our instructor is convinced he can increase your exam
score more in this way than with the vast amount of technical content he’ll share)
Assess exam preparedness and identify areas of strength and weakness
Interact face-to-face with professional peers with a common goal but diverse strengths
Invest in your career
Earn affordable CPE renewal hours for various certifications (will not count for CISSP hours
unless the participant is already CISSP-certified)
Save cost with special pricing for home town colleagues -- easily the best CISSP boot camp
available for less than $3,500 (the instructor just completed 3 out-of-state boot camps with less
content at much higher cost) – in an easy location with freeway and airport access
Aren’t you and your career worth it?
Participants will receive
Hardcopy of all slides on which to take notes; which are dense slides with full definitions of
terms optimized for follow-on study
• An electronic copy on DVD of:
o All slides
o An information security library including glossary
Sonoran Desert Security User Group (SDSUG) CISSP BOOT CAMP DETAILS, v1
2
•
A copy of the book “CISSP Practice Questions with Answers, Explanation, References &
Objectives”
Formal Certificate of Completion and CPE renewal hours for various certifications (will not count
for CISSP hours unless the participant is already CISSP-certified)
Morning and afternoon refreshments, and a Friday door prize
For professional networking, the names and contact information for every participant to the
extent they wish to share will be collected and provided to all participants
Possibly, if sufficient interest, a webinar or face-to-face for how to start and study ahead of the
boot camp
Follow-on reinforcement webinars are being considered, and might be included for a period of
time at no additional cost for those willing to help in a trial to bring this together
o
•
•
•
•
•
Participants will NOT receive:
•
•
•
A prep’ book. From past experience, most participants already have at least one prep book.
Guidance will be provided as to the pros and cons of popular prep’ material for those wishing to
buy one or more. (The boot camp will be oriented toward the slides and practice questions, not
toward any particular prep’ book)
A voucher for the (ISC)2 exam, as many don't know if or when they intend to actually sit for an
exam. Some attend the boot camp for an intense overview of the field or for very affordable
renewal hours
Lunch; you’ll value the mental break at nearby restaurants (or Fry’s Electronics)
Expansion into other areas
We’re hoping to offer CISSP boot camps in North Phoenix, Tucson, Sedona-Flagstaff, and outside of
Arizona; as well as to offer other certification boot camps such as Network+. Please let us know if you
have connections with other professional organizations and possible venues or other ideas.
To register or for questions? Email SDSUG@SynesysGroup.com
Our Instructor
Our own Dr. Bill Curd, a pioneer in the field, will be conducting the boot camp. Dozens of SDSUG
members have attended his past boot camps. Bill has
•
•
•
•
Worked extensively in all 10 CISSP domains
Conducted 14 highly-regarded on-site CISSP boot camps across the US
Conducted 100+ live, online, multi-national CISSP exam prep’ webinars
Authored “CISSP Practice Questions with Answers, Explanations, References and Objectives”
and Co-authored “SANS Security Essentials with CISSP CBK” 2 volumes
He has numerous professional certifications including CISSP (#468), ISSMP, ISSAP, CRISC, CISA,
C|CISO, CGEIT, CIPP, SMSP and CISM; and affiliations including SDSUG, ISACA, IEEE, ISSA, US
Secret Service Electronic Crime Force, FBI InfraGard and the FBI Citizens’ Academy. He attended 8
universities-colleges, with 4 majors, earning 4 degrees including a PhD in electrical engineering. He
has taught at several universities.
How to select CISSP training
Sonoran Desert Security User Group (SDSUG) CISSP BOOT CAMP DETAILS, v1
3
Read the best guidance for finding quality CISSP training -- written by Allen Keele of TechRepublic at
http://www.techrepublic.com/article/six-tips-for-finding-quality-cissp-training/. Our instructor has been a
pioneer in the field actually working in all 10 domains, is well-credentialed, provides the best aftercourse study materials, and excels at equipping participants to prepare for and take the actual exam.
As each group is unique, daily written evaluations will be used to optimize the experience -- no cookie
cutter here.
What our own Phoenix colleagues have said
•
•
•
•
Jerry Crow: “My attendance at your boot camp in 2011 was integral to my achieving the
certification.”
Stephen Mintz in 2012: “Bill is one of the most knowledgeable people in the field of security I have
ever met. Incredible depth on security, cyber law enforcement, standards and regulations. Bill's
knowledge is only matched by his mentor-ship and willingness to share is vast knowledge. Truly
meriting the title of Security guru!”
Trinidad Figueroa in 2012: “Bill has a wealth of knowledge and experience which he is able to
impart in an easily digestible manner.”
Sai Honig in 2012: “Bill presented at a 5 day boot camp for the CISSP. He covered all 10 domains
in depth and provided insights and memory tools for preparing for this difficult exam. In addition, Bill
also had us thinking about our careers beyond the test by providing additional material for our
review. During the 5 days, Bill displayed an amazing breadth of knowledge that he was very willing
to share. He took difficult concepts, found ways to break them down into simpler terms and used
graphics to show connections. I walked away from the boot camp more confident than when I
walked in and learned where I need to focus my personal preparations.”
To register or for questions? Email SDSUG@SynesysGroup.com
Payment Policies
Special SDSUG price: $845, discounted to $795 when payment is received by November 1st. CISSP
boot camps of this caliber typically cost 50% to 400% more.
Payment
The preferred method of payment is via PayPal, payable to SDSUG@SynesysGroup.com, which allows
you to use a credit card, bank transfer, or other forms of payment. You do not have to have a PayPal
account and there are no fees for using it to pay for the boot camp. You can initiate payment at
PayPal.com or SDSUG can initiate an invoice for you to pay via PayPal if you prefer. Although
discouraged, payment may also be made by company check, cashier’s check, or money order, payable
to Synesys Group and either hand carried to the boot camp or in advance to the instructor. But
remember: the first to register AND pay will be accepted and others will be placed on a waiting list. If
your company requires other arrangements please discuss with us – we don’t want it to be roadblock.
Cancellation/Substitution
Substitutions of someone else for a registered participant may be made at any time at no cost. A full
refund will be made for cancellations received at least 30 days before the boot camp. A full refund
minus a cancellation fee of $50 will be made for cancellations received at least 10 days before the boot
camp, or the participant may request full credit for any subsequent boot camp offered by the Synesys
Group. “No shows” may request either full credit for any subsequent boot camp offered by the Synesys
Group or a full refund minus a cancellation fee of $100.
Sonoran Desert Security User Group (SDSUG) CISSP BOOT CAMP DETAILS, v1
4
Retake boot camp
Any previous participant may retake this boot camp with new materials, on a space-available basis, for
a fee of $80.
Receipts
A Certificate of Completion will be provided to every participant at the end of the boot camp as receipt
of payment, participation and completion. The method of payment, e.g. PayPal, will provide receipt of
payment. Generally, no receipts will otherwise be provided. Speak with the instructor if you have a
special need for a receipt.
Rescheduling boot camp
In the unlikely event of insufficient signups, unavailability of venue, or illness of the instructor everyone
will be offered their choice of a full refund or full credit for a rescheduled boot camp in the Phoenix area.
To register or for questions? Email SDSUG@SynesysGroup.com
The CISSP
What is the CISSP?
(ISC)2’s Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is the gold standard, senior-level
certification for experienced information security and related professionals worldwide. Increasingly it is
expected. It covers a vast range of knowledge, described as a “mile wide and an inch deep” spanning
the 10 domains of (ISC)2’s Common Body of Knowledge:
1. Access Control
2. Telecommunications and Network
Security
3. Information Security Governance & Risk
Management
4. Software Development Security
5. Cryptography
6. Security Architecture & Design
7. Security Operations
8. Business Continuity & Disaster
Recovery Planning
9. Legal, Regulations, Investigations and
Compliance
10. Physical (Environmental) Security
What is required for CISSP certification?
Please refer to http://www.ISC2.org for current details. Generally, certification requires 4 or 5 years of
relevant experience, passing of the exam, application, endorsement by a current CISSP, subscription to
the Code of Ethics, and continuing education. You may take and pass the exam before your years of
experience have accrued in which case you may be an “Associate of (ISC)2 toward CISSP” for up to six
years.
To register or for questions? Email SDSUG@SynesysGroup.com
Sonoran Desert Security User Group (SDSUG) CISSP BOOT CAMP DETAILS, v1
5
The CISSP Exam
The CISSP exam
Please refer to https://www8.Pearson VUE.com/isc2/ and http://isc2.org for current details. The actual
(ISC)2 certification exam is computer-based, administered independently at any Pearson VUE testing
facility; they exist in Phoenix, Chandler, and Tucson. That cost is NOT included as part of the boot
camp and the timing is entirely between you and them.
Exam fees
$599
$50
$100
(ISC)2 exam fee, for both the first time and each of up to a maximum of 3 retakes
Pearson VUE fee to reschedule a scheduled exam (see the deadlines below)
Pearson VUE fee to cancel a scheduled exam (see the deadlines below)
Scheduling, rescheduling and cancelling an exam with Pearson VUE
Plan ahead: Pearson VUE locations have a limited number of test stations, used for a wide diversity of
professional exams, and schedule exams on a first-come-first-serve basis. That the CISSP exam is 6
hours long exacerbates scheduling. You would be well advised to plan ahead and schedule your exam
a few weeks in advance if you can – even if it means a $50 rescheduling fee if you don’t feel ready
when scheduled.
As an example, which may not be representative, open test appointments at the Chandler facility were
checked on September 22nd. At least one slot was open each day on Oct. 2nd, 4th through 10th, 15th
through 18th, etc. On Oct. 2nd, 8:00 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:00 PM were open.
To schedule the exam online, go to https://www8.Pearson VUE.com/isc2/schedule/.
To schedule the exam by phone, refer to https://www8.Pearson VUE.com/isc2/contact/.
To reschedule or cancel an exam, you must contact Pearson VUE at least 48 hours before the exam
date online at https://www8.Pearson VUE.com/isc2/ OR at least 24 hours in advance by phone as
described at https://www8.Pearson VUE.com/isc2/contact/. Exam fees are forfeited for no-shows.
Pearson VUE exam locations in Arizona
2121 W. Chandler Boulevard
Suite 209
Portico Place-2121 Building
Chandler, Arizona 85224
(480) 821-0964
2501 West Dunlap Avenue
Suite 260
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
602-944-4425
5210 East Williams Circle
Merrill Lynch Building
Suite 722
Tucson, Arizona 85711
520-790-2207
Pearson VUE admission policy
Plan to arrive at the test center 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete the
necessary sign-in procedures. Be prepared to show two (2) valid, unexpired forms of personal ID
(examples include: government issued IDs, passports, etc.). Both must have your signature, and one of
the two must have your photo. For more information about acceptable IDs please visit: www.isc2.org/cbtidentification.aspx. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, you may be refused
admission and exam fees may be forfeited.
Expect to be photographed and to have a biometric scan taken (probably a palm vein scan), and to sign
documentation including a Non-Disclosure Agreement (http://www.pearsonvue.com/isc2/isc2_nda.pdf).
Sonoran Desert Security User Group (SDSUG) CISSP BOOT CAMP DETAILS, v1
6
The first and last name on the presented identification must exactly match the name on the registration
with Pearson VUE. If there is a mistake with the name made during the application process, please
contact (ISC)² to correct the information well in advance of the actual test. Name changes cannot be
made at the test center.
No personal items may be taken into the testing room. This includes all bags, books, notes, phones,
pagers, watches, wallets, food and drink.
Pearson VUE testing tutorial and practice exam
Although we do not feel it is necessary, Pearson VUE offers a testing tutorial and practice exam:
•
•
Download Pearson VUE Tutorial and Practice Exam (44.7 MB msi)
View system requirements and download instructions
The first part of the tutorial illustrates how to answer questions, change answers, and review questions.
You may also view this portion of the tutorial without downloading the software to your computer. Refer
to http://www.pearsonvue.com/athena/HTML/. The second part allows you to practice use of the
computer-based test tool. There is no CISSP-specific content in this “practice exam”.
Exam duration and scoring
The (ISC)2 exam consists of 250 questions over 6 hours. Only 225 of these questions are scored. 1000
points are distributed across these questions and 700 is the passing score.
Generally you will be informed immediately at the conclusion of the exam if you have passed or not. If
you have not, you will be provided guidance as to strong and weak areas for further development toward
retesting. No numerical score is provided to those who pass the exam.
Will you pass the exam?
Virtually all past participants with several years of experience and 2-4 months of intense part-time study
before and/or after the boot camp have passed on their first try. Several passed it the next day, although
that is not recommended due to the mental fatigue of a boot camp. For some, the boot camp showed
areas requiring further study and they pushed out their exam a few weeks and then passed. Some
wanted exposure to the information and didn’t intend to take the exam for several months if ever -- they
were welcome to attend. Passing the exam cannot be guaranteed. The CISSP requires years of
experience and extensive study which this boot camp will wonderfully complement but cannot substitute.
Failing and repeating the exam
If you fail to pass the exam in your first attempt you are allowed 3 more attempts. You must wait 30 days
before attempting the second time. You must wait 90 days before attempting the third time. You must
wait 180 days before attempting the fourth and final time.
To register or for questions? Email SDSUG@SynesysGroup.com
Sonoran Desert Security User Group (SDSUG) CISSP BOOT CAMP DETAILS, v1
7