I Passed the CISSP... and It Was a Test in More Ways Than One

Today is a day I'll never forget—I officially passed the ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam!

Even better, my exam ended at 100 questions, which was an incredible feeling after months of studying and preparation. I relied on several resources throughout my journey, including the Official ISC2 Training, the Official Study Guide, Official Practice Tests, the CISSP Destination Certification book, and Quantum Exams. Every hour invested was worth it.

But the exam itself turned into an experience I never could have planned for.

About halfway through the test, the power suddenly went out.

The testing center lost power, and the exam came to an abrupt stop. For about an hour, all we could do was wait and hope everything would recover. When the systems finally came back online, I was able to resume my exam and finish.

It wasn't until after I walked out of the testing center that I learned a tornado had passed about a mile away. Suddenly the power outage made perfect sense.

So today's CISSP exam wasn't just a test of cybersecurity knowledge—it was also a test of patience, focus, and staying calm under unexpected circumstances.

Looking back, there are a few lessons that stand out:

  • Preparation builds confidence. When you've put in the work, unexpected events don't shake you as much.
  • Stay focused on what you can control. I couldn't control the weather or the power outage, but I could control my mindset when the exam resumed.
  • Persistence pays off. Whether it's studying for months or sitting through an unexpected interruption, don't let temporary setbacks define the outcome.

I'd like to thank my family for their support throughout this journey and everyone who encouraged me along the way. Earning the CISSP has been one of my professional goals for a long time, and I'm excited to continue growing in the cybersecurity field while applying this knowledge to healthcare technology and project management.

Now that the exam is behind me, the next step is completing the endorsement process and officially becoming an ISC2 CISSP.

Today was definitely one for the books.

Passed the CISSP at 100 questions... survived a power outage... and unknowingly took the exam with a tornado passing nearby.

That's a story I'll be telling for years.

#CISSP #ISC2 #CyberSecurity #InformationSecurity #HealthcareIT #ProjectManagement #ProfessionalDevelopment #NeverStopLearning


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