(ISC)2 Exam Centers in Cape Town

TheRedBar0n

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Apr 10, 2012
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Hi all

Does anyone know of a registered exam center at which I can write my SSCP \ CISSP exam around Cape Town CBD? The closer to Northern Suburbs the better. Usually go to Torque IT across Tygervalley for MS and CompTIA certs but they only offer the CISSP courses for now, not the exams.

If anyone has written any of the two exams mentioned above, what was the exam cost more or less? I'm only seeing the dollar amounts on the official (ISC)2 website.

Appreciate the feedback.
 

TheRedBar0n

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TheRedBar0n

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Out of curiosity sake, is anyone here SSCP and CISSP certified, or SSCP certified and planning for CISSP?
 

PPLdude

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Hi all

Does anyone know of a registered exam center at which I can write my SSCP \ CISSP exam around Cape Town CBD? The closer to Northern Suburbs the better. Usually go to Torque IT across Tygervalley for MS and CompTIA certs but they only offer the CISSP courses for now, not the exams.

If anyone has written any of the two exams mentioned above, what was the exam cost more or less? I'm only seeing the dollar amounts on the official (ISC)2 website.

Appreciate the feedback.

Is CISSP more theory behind security? Or is there practicality in there as well?
 

TheRedBar0n

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Is CISSP more theory behind security? Or is there practicality in there as well?

Haven't really gone that deep into studies as of yet but from the research that I did both-ish (leaning more towards theory than practical). Techexams' forum discussions always seem to point CISSP as more managerial than technical as SSCP.

Maybe @infscrtyrisk can answer more accurately on this one for us.
 

infscrtyrisk

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Haven't really gone that deep into studies as of yet but from the research that I did both-ish (leaning more towards theory than practical). Techexams' forum discussions always seem to point CISSP as more managerial than technical as SSCP.

Maybe @infscrtyrisk can answer more accurately on this one for us.

One of the main criticisms of the CISSP exam is that it is not "hands-on", like for example Cisco's CCIE, or the many of the SANS certs. Then again, it is a written exam with scenario questions that cannot easily be answered if one does not have a solid practical background. Also, you don't automagically certify if you pass the exam -- you apply for it, and need to get your CV endorsed in order to satisfy the experience component -- 5 years cumulative, paid, full-time work experience in 2 or more of the 8 domains of the CISSP CBK.

To answer the managerial vs technical question, take a look at page 64, table AP3.T1 of US DoD directive 8570.1. http://www.prim.osd.mil/Documents/DoDD_85701M_IA_Workforce Improvement Program.pdf
The table separates managerial (IAM) and technical (IAT) streams of many security certs. An updated, abridged version here: https://www.isc2.org/dod-8570/default.aspx?terms=US dod

You will note that the CISSP is rated on both the IAT and IAM streams as level III, and compares very favourably with some of the SANS certs. The CISSP, even today, is still seen as the "gold standard" entry level certification for a security practitioner. I have also noted that the majority of its critics haven't earned it :).
 

TheRedBar0n

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One of the main criticisms of the CISSP exam is that it is not "hands-on", like for example Cisco's CCIE, or the many of the SANS certs. Then again, it is a written exam with scenario questions that cannot easily be answered if one does not have a solid practical background. Also, you don't automagically certify if you pass the exam -- you apply for it, and need to get your CV endorsed in order to satisfy the experience component -- 5 years cumulative, paid, full-time work experience in 2 or more of the 8 domains of the CISSP CBK.

To answer the managerial vs technical question, take a look at page 64, table AP3.T1 of US DoD directive 8570.1. http://www.prim.osd.mil/Documents/DoDD_85701M_IA_Workforce Improvement Program.pdf
The table separates managerial (IAM) and technical (IAT) streams of many security certs. An updated, abridged version here: https://www.isc2.org/dod-8570/default.aspx?terms=US dod

You will note that the CISSP is rated on both the IAT and IAM streams as level III, and compares very favourably with some of the SANS certs. The CISSP, even today, is still seen as the "gold standard" entry level certification for a security practitioner. I have also noted that the majority of its critics haven't earned it :).

Nicely summarized thanks :)

Will probably write in the next 6-7 months. I am lacking on the total 5 years experience, but if I understood correctly, I can write the CISSP and when passed will have to make up the requirements to be officially certified, even if it takes another 1-2 years correct?

EDIT: Just spotted this on official requirements:
"If you do not have the required experience, you may still sit for the exam and become an Associate of (ISC)² until you have gained the required experience. "
https://www.isc2.org/cissp-how-to-certify.aspx
 
Last edited:

infscrtyrisk

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Cool, yes, if you pass the exam only then you will be an "Associate" of (ISC)2, and you can apply for CISSP certification once you have the required experience.

Best of luck to you with the prep, and the exam.
 

TheRedBar0n

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Cool, yes, if you pass the exam only then you will be an "Associate" of (ISC)2, and you can apply for CISSP certification once you have the required experience.

Best of luck to you with the prep, and the exam.

Thank you my good sir! :cool:
 
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