Book review: The Official (ISC)² Guide to the CISSP CBK Reference

This is not my first review of a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) test preparation guide, and it certainly won’t be the last. With the growing demand for information security professionals, and the often hiring requirement for certification, the CISSP is considered the gold-standard of certification in the information security space. As test takers desperately need study guides, there will never be a shortage of books to assist them.

The CISSP certification is administered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)².  And the test is based on 8 areas called the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). In The Official (ISC)² Guide to the CISSP CBK Reference (Wiley 978-1119423348), the 11 contributing authors have written a most helpful  authorized guide to help the candidate prepare for the test.

The CISSP exam has often been called an inch deep and a mile-wide.  At over 850 pages and a few pounds, the book covers every element of eight domains and myriad sub-topics of the CBK.  As the official guide, the test taker can have the confidence that they are studying the correct material to help in their test preparation activities.

There’s no shortage of CISSP prep guides. For those looking for not just the authorized one, but a well-written, organized and helpful guide, The Official (ISC)² Guide to the CISSP CBK Reference may be the text that will help them getting the passing score on this most important professional certification examination.