Are you a busy professional looking to earn your CISSP certification in 2026? You're in the right place. This comprehensive study guide checklist will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for and pass the Certified Information Systems Security Professional exam on your first attempt. Whether you're balancing a full-time job, family commitments, or both, I've designed this resource specifically for people like you who need an efficient, practical approach to CISSP preparation without the fluff or overwhelm.
The CISSP certification has become one of the most sought-after credentials in cybersecurity, and for good reason. It opens doors to senior-level positions, commands higher salaries (often $100,000+), and proves you have the expertise that organizations desperately need. But let's be honest – the exam is tough. With a pass rate estimated around 25-30%, you can't just wing it. You need a solid plan, the right resources, and a realistic timeline.
In this guide, I'm going to give you exactly that. We'll cover what the CISSP exam actually tests, how to create a study schedule that fits your busy life, which resources are worth your money, and common mistakes that trip up even experienced security professionals. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap to certification success without sacrificing your sanity or your weekends.
Understanding the CISSP Certification
Before we dive into study strategies, let's make sure we're on the same page about what CISSP actually is. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification is offered by ISC2, a nonprofit organization dedicated to information security education and certification. It's designed for experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives who want to prove their knowledge across a broad range of security topics.
What Makes CISSP Different
Unlike technical certifications that focus on specific tools or technologies, CISSP takes a managerial approach. You won't be asked to configure firewalls or write code during the exam. Instead, you'll need to think like a security leader who makes strategic decisions, understands business risks, and can recommend appropriate security controls.
This mindset shift trips up many candidates. If you're coming from a purely technical background, you might find yourself overthinking questions or looking for trick answers when the exam simply wants you to choose the "best" option from a business and risk management perspective.
The Eight CISSP Domains Explained
The CISSP exam covers eight domains, and you need to understand all of them. Here's what each domain covers and approximately how much of the exam it represents:
This domain covers security governance, compliance, legal issues, professional ethics, and security policies. You'll need to understand concepts like due diligence, risk assessment methodologies, and how security fits into an organization's overall business strategy. This is where many candidates struggle because it's less technical and more focused on management principles.
Here you'll learn about information classification, ownership, privacy protection, and data lifecycle management. This includes understanding how to properly handle sensitive data from creation through destruction, meeting various regulatory requirements, and implementing appropriate controls at each stage.
This technical domain covers security models, security capabilities of information systems, cryptography, and secure design principles. You'll need to understand concepts like defense in depth, fail-secure systems, and how different security models (like Bell-LaPadula and Biba) protect information.
Network security is a big part of this domain, including secure network architecture, transmission methods, and common protocols. You'll cover everything from OSI model basics to VPNs, firewalls, and wireless security. Make sure you understand how different network technologies work and their security implications.
IAM is critical in today's environment. This domain covers authentication, authorization, accountability, and identity management systems. You'll need to know about different authentication factors, access control models (MAC, DAC, RBAC), and how to implement least privilege and separation of duties.
This domain focuses on testing security controls, collecting security data, and conducting assessments. You'll learn about vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, security audits, and how to interpret test results to improve your security posture.
Day-to-day security operations are covered here, including logging and monitoring, incident response, disaster recovery, and investigations. This is a practical domain that many security professionals find more relatable because it deals with activities they perform regularly.
The final domain covers secure coding practices, application security, and the software development lifecycle. Even if you're not a developer, you need to understand security implications of software development, common vulnerabilities, and how to integrate security into the development process.
CISSP Exam Format and Requirements
Let's talk about what you're actually signing up for. The CISSP exam is not your typical multiple-choice test. ISC2 uses a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) format, which means the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your performance. If you're answering questions correctly, you'll get harder questions. Miss a few, and you'll see easier ones.
Exam Logistics
Here are the nuts and bolts of the CISSP exam in 2026:
- Question Format: You'll face between 100 and 150 multiple-choice and advanced innovative questions. The adaptive format means the exam can end anywhere in this range based on how well you're doing.
- Time Limit: You get 3 hours to complete the exam. Most people finish with time to spare, but the mental fatigue is real – those three hours can feel much longer.
- Passing Score: You need to score 700 points out of 1000. However, because of the adaptive nature, this doesn't translate to a simple percentage of correct answers. ISC2 uses a complex scoring algorithm that considers question difficulty.
- Cost: The exam fee is $749 USD as of 2026. This doesn't include study materials, which can easily add another $500-$2000 depending on your choices.
- Location: You can take the exam at Pearson VUE testing centers or online through remote proctoring. The remote option has become more popular, but make sure you have a quiet, private space and reliable internet.
Experience Requirements
Here's something that confuses many candidates: you can actually take the CISSP exam without meeting the experience requirements, but you won't be fully certified until you do. ISC2 requires at least 5 years of paid, full-time work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains.
If you have a four-year college degree or an approved credential, you can waive one year, bringing the requirement down to 4 years. If you pass the exam but don't have the required experience yet, you'll become an "Associate of ISC2" until you gain the necessary experience within 6 years.
You'll also need someone who already holds the CISSP (or another ISC2 certification) to endorse your application. Don't worry too much about this – if you don't know anyone, ISC2 can provide an endorser for you.
Your Complete CISSP Study Checklist
Now let's get to the practical part – your study checklist. I've broken this down into phases so you can approach your preparation systematically. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint.
Phase 1: Assessment and Planning (Week 1-2)
Phase 2: Foundation Building (Month 1-2)
Phase 3: Deep Dive and Practice (Month 3-4)
Phase 4: Final Preparation (Last 2-4 Weeks)
Essential CISSP Study Resources for 2026
Let's talk about resources. There are hundreds of CISSP study materials out there, and it's easy to waste money on redundant or low-quality content. Here's what actually works, based on feedback from thousands of successful candidates.
Primary Study Guides
You need at least one comprehensive study guide. These are the top choices:
This is the gold standard. Written by experts who helped create the exam, it covers all eight domains in depth. Yes, it's long (over 1000 pages), but it's thorough and aligns perfectly with ISC2's content outline. The included online resources and practice questions are excellent.
Best for: Detailed learners who want comprehensive coverage
Cost: Around $60-80
Another comprehensive option that many candidates swear by. Harris does a great job explaining complex topics in understandable terms. The book includes hundreds of practice questions and real-world examples that help concepts stick.
Best for: People who prefer clear explanations with lots of examples
Cost: Around $50-70
Video Courses
Video courses are invaluable, especially for visual learners or when you need a break from reading:
Kelly's approach to teaching the "think like a manager" mindset is legendary in the CISSP community. Her course is free (with ads) or you can pay for premium access. Many candidates credit her videos with helping them finally "get" the CISSP mindset.
Best for: Understanding how to approach CISSP questions
Cost: Free (basic) or around $40/month (premium)
Multiple comprehensive courses covering all domains. The advantage here is that you get different instructors' perspectives. If you already have LinkedIn Premium, these courses are included.
Best for: People with LinkedIn Premium or who want multiple perspectives
Cost: Included with LinkedIn Premium (~$30/month)
Practice Tests
You can't prepare for this exam without taking lots of practice tests. Here are the best options:
Widely considered the closest to the real exam in terms of difficulty and question style. Boson provides detailed explanations for both correct and incorrect answers, which is crucial for learning. The questions are harder than the actual exam, which is good – if you can score well on Boson, you're ready.
Number of questions: 750+
Cost: Around $99
Perfect for mobile study. The app lets you practice questions anywhere – during your commute, lunch breaks, or whenever you have 10 minutes free. The questions aren't as challenging as Boson, but the convenience factor makes this invaluable.
Number of questions: 700+ (with premium)
Cost: Free (limited) or $35 for premium
For additional career development resources after earning your CISSP, check out our guide on criminal justice career paths, which complements cybersecurity roles well. Also, once you're ready to leverage your new certification in job interviews, our 7-day interview bootcamp can help you stand out to employers.
Free Resources Worth Using
You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to pass CISSP. These free resources are genuinely helpful:
- ISC2 Official Website: The exam outline and candidate information bulletin are free and should be your starting point. ISC2 also offers free webinars occasionally.
- Reddit r/cissp: This community is incredibly supportive. Search for "passed" posts to read success stories and strategies from recent passers.
- YouTube CISSP Channels: Channels like "Inside Cloud and Security" and "Destination Certification" offer free video content covering specific topics.
- Sunflower CISSP Guide: A free PDF document that many candidates use as a final review. It's concise and hits the key points for each domain.
Creating a Realistic Study Schedule
The biggest mistake busy professionals make is underestimating how much time they need or overestimating how much time they actually have. Let's create a schedule that works with real life, not an idealized version where you have unlimited time and energy.
Time Investment Reality Check
Most successful candidates report spending 200-300 hours studying for CISSP. That might sound like a lot, but let's break it down:
- If you study 10 hours per week, you'll need about 6 months
- If you study 15 hours per week, you'll need about 4 months
- If you study 20 hours per week, you'll need about 3 months
Be honest about your situation. If you're working 50-hour weeks, have family obligations, and need time for yourself, 10 hours might be pushing it. That's okay. It's better to take 6 months and pass than to rush through in 2 months and fail.
Sample Weekly Schedule for Full-Time Professionals
Here's what a realistic 10-12 hour per week schedule might look like:
- Morning: 30 minutes reviewing flashcards or practice questions during breakfast or commute
- Lunch break: 20-30 minutes reading study material or watching video segments
- Evening: 1-1.5 hours of focused study after dinner (read, take notes, do practice questions)
Daily total: About 2-2.5 hours
- Morning: 2-3 hours of deep study (new material, video courses)
- Afternoon: Break or light review
- Evening: 1 hour practice questions
Total: 3-4 hours
- Morning: 1-2 hours reviewing the week's material
- Afternoon: 1 hour practice test or focused practice on weak areas
Total: 2-3 hours
Weekly total: 12-15 hours
Month-by-Month Study Plan
Here's how to structure your study time if you're planning for a 4-6 month timeline:
Start with Domain 1 (Security and Risk Management) since it's foundational. Move through Domains 2 and 3, taking detailed notes. Complete practice questions at the end of each chapter. Start building your flashcard deck. Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing.
Continue working through the remaining domains. These tend to be more technical, which many people find easier. Don't rush – make sure you understand why things work the way they do. Start connecting concepts across domains. Take your first practice test at the end of this month.
Finish the last two domains. Then go back and review everything, focusing on weak areas identified in your practice test. This is when things start clicking. Take another full-length practice exam. You should see improvement.
Shift focus to practice questions and exams. Take a full-length test every week. Spend your study time reviewing incorrect answers and revisiting weak topics. Use video courses or secondary resources to fill gaps in your understanding.
Continue practice tests and targeted review. By now you should be consistently scoring 80%+ on practice exams. Focus on exam strategy – managing time, using process of elimination, thinking like a manager. Taper your studying in the final week before the exam.
Study Strategies That Actually Work
Having the right resources and schedule is important, but how you study matters just as much. These strategies have helped thousands of candidates pass CISSP.
The "Think Like a Manager" Mindset
This is THE most important strategy for CISSP success. Many questions will have multiple technically correct answers. You need to choose the BEST answer from a managerial perspective. Here's what that means:
- Consider business impact: Technical solutions that cost $1 million to implement might not be the best answer for protecting a $10,000 asset.
- Think "best practice" first: When in doubt, choose the answer that follows industry standards and best practices, not the most technically clever solution.
- Look for risk-based answers: CISSP loves risk management. If an answer involves assessing risk, prioritizing based on risk, or accepting/mitigating/transferring risk, it's often correct.
- Choose proactive over reactive: Prevention and detection are usually better answers than response and recovery.
- Remember due diligence: Answers that involve proper planning, documentation, and following processes are often correct.
The Process of Elimination Technique
You won't know the answer to every question. That's okay. Here's how to improve your odds:
- Read the question carefully: Identify what they're really asking. Are they asking for the FIRST step? The BEST option? The MOST important consideration? These qualifiers matter.
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers: Usually you can quickly identify 1-2 answers that don't make sense or don't answer the question asked.
- Compare the remaining options: Look for the answer that's most complete, addresses the question most directly, or follows best practices.
- Trust your first instinct: If you've studied properly, your gut reaction is usually right. Don't overthink or second-guess yourself too much.
- Flag and move on: If you're really stuck, flag the question and come back to it later with fresh eyes.
Active Learning Techniques
Passive reading isn't enough for CISSP. You need to actively engage with the material:
Dealing with Information Overload
The sheer volume of information you need to know for CISSP can feel overwhelming. Here's how to manage it:
- Focus on understanding, not memorizing: You can't memorize everything, and you don't need to. Understanding core concepts lets you reason through questions you haven't seen before.
- Identify patterns: Many concepts appear across multiple domains. Understanding these connections reduces the total amount you need to learn.
- Create summary sheets: For each domain, create a 1-2 page summary of the absolute key points. Review these frequently.
- Take breaks: Your brain needs time to process information. Studying for 2 hours with breaks is more effective than 4 hours straight.
- Accept imperfection: You don't need to know everything perfectly. You need to score 700/1000, not 1000/1000. Some uncertainty is normal.
Common CISSP Study Mistakes to Avoid
Learning from others' mistakes is cheaper than making them yourself. Here are the most common pitfalls that trip up CISSP candidates.
Starting Without a Plan
Jumping into study materials without a clear plan is like starting a road trip without knowing your destination. You'll waste time and energy going in circles. Before you buy a single book or watch one video, create your study plan. When will you study? What resources will you use? When will you take the exam? Having these answers up front makes everything easier.
Relying on Only One Resource
I've seen candidates who only use the official study guide or only watch video courses. This is risky. Different resources explain concepts differently, and sometimes one explanation will click when others didn't. Use a primary study guide, but supplement with videos, practice tests, and community resources. The variety helps concepts stick.
Neglecting Practice Tests
Some candidates spend all their time reading and watching videos, then take one practice test right before the exam. Bad idea. Practice tests are crucial for several reasons. They show you what you don't know, help you build stamina for the 3-hour exam, teach you how ISC2 phrases questions, and reduce test anxiety.
Start taking practice tests early – even if you bomb them at first. Use them as learning tools, not just assessment tools. Review every incorrect answer and understand why you got it wrong.
Thinking Too Technically
This trips up experienced technical professionals constantly. You read a question and think "well, technically speaking, this answer is correct..." but that's not what CISSP is looking for. Remember, this is a managerial-level certification. Choose answers that consider business needs, cost-effectiveness, and risk management, not just technical correctness.
Underestimating Study Time
The average candidate needs 200-300 hours of study time. If you've got 20 years of security experience, maybe you can do it in less. If you're newer to the field or switching from a different IT specialty, you might need more. Don't schedule your exam for 2 months out when you really need 4-6 months. It's better to take longer and pass than to rush and fail.
Ignoring Weak Areas
We all have topics we don't like or find boring. Maybe it's legal and compliance issues. Maybe it's cryptography. Whatever your weak spots are, you can't just skip them. Every domain appears on the exam. You need to address those weak areas head-on, spending extra time on topics that don't come naturally to you.
Cramming at the Last Minute
Some people try to cram a week before the exam, pulling all-nighters and desperately reviewing material. This doesn't work for CISSP. The exam tests understanding and application, not rote memorization. Cramming leads to burnout and anxiety, not better scores. Stick to your study schedule and trust the process.
Maximizing Your CISSP Study Time as a Busy Professional
Let's be real – you're busy. You've got a job, maybe a family, definitely other responsibilities. How do you fit CISSP preparation into an already packed schedule?
Micro-Learning Opportunities
You don't always need 2-hour study blocks. Take advantage of small pockets of time throughout your day:
- Morning routine: Review flashcards while drinking your coffee. Even 15 minutes daily adds up to nearly 2 hours per week.
- Commute time: Listen to CISSP podcast episodes or audio study materials if you drive. If you take public transit, read or do practice questions.
- Lunch breaks: Use 20-30 minutes to watch a short video lesson or read a chapter section.
- Exercise time: Listen to CISSP content while walking, running, or at the gym (for topics that don't require intense focus).
- Waiting time: Have the Pocket Prep app on your phone for doctor's offices, waiting for appointments, or any other downtime.
These small sessions won't replace dedicated study time, but they supplement it effectively and keep concepts fresh in your mind.
Making Study Time Non-Negotiable
Here's what successful candidates do: they treat study time like an important meeting. You wouldn't skip a meeting with your boss because you don't feel like it, right? Apply the same discipline to your CISSP preparation.
- Block specific times in your calendar for studying
- Tell your family you're unavailable during these times
- Turn off notifications on your phone
- Have a dedicated study space that signals "work mode" to your brain
- Start with just 30 minutes if longer sessions feel overwhelming – consistency beats duration
Involving Your Support System
Your family and friends need to understand what you're working toward. Sit them down and explain:
- Why this certification matters to you and your career
- How long your study commitment will last (with a specific end date)
- What support you need from them (quiet time, helping with responsibilities, understanding when you need to study)
- How things will get back to normal after the exam
Most people are happy to support you when they understand the situation and know it's temporary. Plus, having others invested in your success creates positive accountability.
Understanding CISSP Question Types and Strategies
The CISSP exam will throw different types of questions at you. Understanding these patterns helps you approach each one effectively.
Scenario-Based Questions
These give you a situation and ask what you should do. They often start with "You are the security manager of a company that..." Here's how to tackle them:
- Read the entire scenario carefully – every detail matters
- Identify what they're really asking (first step? best solution? biggest risk?)
- Consider the company's perspective – cost, risk, feasibility
- Choose the most comprehensive and appropriate solution
- Think about what a security manager would actually do, not what a security engineer would do
Definition and Concept Questions
These test your knowledge of specific terms, concepts, or technologies. They're usually more straightforward: "What is the primary purpose of..." or "Which of the following best describes..."
For these questions, your study materials and flashcards are crucial. Make sure you understand not just what something is, but why it matters and how it relates to other concepts.
"Best" and "Most" Questions
These are tricky because multiple answers might be correct, but you need to choose the BEST or MOST appropriate option. Look for clues in the question:
- "Most important first step" – Usually involves assessment or understanding the situation
- "Best control" – Consider what's most effective and feasible
- "Primary purpose" – Focus on the main goal, not secondary benefits
- "Most likely" – Think about common scenarios, not edge cases
EXCEPT and NOT Questions
These ask you to identify the wrong answer among mostly correct options. They're easy to misread if you're going too fast. Circle or mentally note the "EXCEPT" or "NOT" so you don't forget what you're looking for.
One strategy is to rephrase these questions in your mind. Instead of "All of the following are true EXCEPT," think "Which one is FALSE?"
What to Do the Week Before Your CISSP Exam
The final week before your exam is crucial, but not in the way you might think. This isn't the time for marathon study sessions or trying to learn new material.
Your Final Week Strategy
Take your final full-length practice test. Review your results and make note of any remaining weak areas. Create a short list of topics you want to review in the coming week.
Light review of your summary sheets and weak areas. Focus on understanding, not memorizing. Continue with flashcards but don't start any new material. Aim for 1-2 hours of study per day, maximum.
Review the exam outline and make sure you're comfortable with all topics. Do some practice questions to stay sharp, but don't stress if you miss a few. Your brain needs rest more than it needs more information at this point.
Very light review – just flashcards or reading through your summary sheets. Spend most of your time on non-CISSP activities. Exercise, spend time with family, watch a movie. Get good sleep.
No studying except maybe a quick flip through flashcards if it makes you feel better. Prepare what you need for the exam: government-issued ID, confirmation email, comfortable clothes. Get to bed early.
Eat a good breakfast. Don't study – it won't help and might make you more anxious. Arrive at the testing center early (or log in early if testing remotely). Take a few deep breaths. You've got this.
Managing Pre-Exam Anxiety
It's normal to feel nervous. Here's what helps:
- Remember your preparation: You've put in 200+ hours of study. You know this material.
- Trust your instincts: Your first answer is usually correct. Don't second-guess yourself excessively.
- Take breaks: If you're testing remotely, use your break time. Step away from the computer, stretch, breathe.
- Don't panic if questions seem hard: Remember the adaptive format – hard questions mean you're doing well!
- Focus on one question at a time: Don't think about how many questions are left or how long you've been testing.
After You Take the CISSP Exam
When you finish the exam, you'll get a provisional pass/fail result immediately (unless you took the CAT format and it ended early – that usually means you passed). Here's what happens next.
If You Passed
Congratulations! But you're not quite done yet. You'll need to complete the endorsement process within 9 months. Here's what that involves:
- Submit your endorsement application through the ISC2 website
- Provide details about your work experience in the CISSP domains
- Have an ISC2 certified professional endorse your application (ISC2 can provide one if needed)
- Wait 4-6 weeks for ISC2 to review your application
- Pay the Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) of $125
Once endorsed, you're officially a CISSP! Update your resume, LinkedIn profile, and email signature. You've earned the right to use those four letters after your name.
If You Didn't Pass
First, take a deep breath. About 70-75% of first-time test-takers don't pass. You're in good company. Here's what to do:
- Wait at least 24 hours before thinking about your next steps – you need emotional distance
- Review your score report to see which domains were weak
- Identify what went wrong: Did you not study enough? Wrong materials? Misunderstood the question style?
- Create a new study plan focusing on weak areas
- Schedule your retake (remember the 30-day waiting period)
- Consider joining a study group or getting a mentor for your second attempt
Many CISSPs failed on their first attempt. It doesn't define you or your knowledge. Learn from the experience and come back stronger.
Maintaining Your CISSP Certification
Getting certified is just the beginning. CISSP requires ongoing maintenance to keep your certification active.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Requirements
You need to earn 120 CPE credits every three years. This might sound like a lot, but it's actually pretty manageable:
- Group A credits (minimum 40): Directly related to the CISSP domains. This includes attending conferences, taking courses, publishing articles, or participating in security events.
- Group B credits (maximum 80): Related to information security but not specifically CISSP topics. Professional development, teaching, mentoring, etc.
Ways to earn CPEs include attending webinars (many are free), reading security articles, watching educational videos, participating in security forums, attending conferences, teaching or mentoring others, and volunteering with security organizations.
ISC2 actually makes this pretty easy – they offer free monthly webinars worth 1 CPE each, and many regular work activities count toward CPEs.
Annual Maintenance Fee
You'll pay $125 per year to maintain your certification. This is due each year on your certification anniversary date. It's a small investment to keep your credential active.
Career Impact and ROI of CISSP Certification
Let's talk about why all this effort is worth it. CISSP isn't just another cert – it can seriously impact your career trajectory and earning potential.
Salary Increase
According to recent industry surveys, CISSP holders earn an average of 25-30% more than their non-certified peers. We're talking potential increases of $20,000-40,000 or more depending on your location and role. In the United States, CISSP-certified professionals often earn $100,000-150,000+ annually.
Even if your current employer doesn't immediately give you a raise (though many do), CISSP makes you significantly more marketable when you're ready to move to a new position.
Career Opportunities
Many senior security positions specifically require or strongly prefer CISSP. Without it, you might not even get your resume reviewed for these roles. With it, doors open to positions like:
- Security Manager or Director
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Security Consultant
- Security Architect
- Compliance Manager
- Risk Manager
- Security Analyst (senior level)
Government contractors and organizations working with federal agencies often require CISSP for security positions under Department of Defense Directive 8570. This opens up thousands of additional opportunities.
Professional Credibility
CISSP is recognized globally as the gold standard for security professionals. It tells employers, colleagues, and clients that you've met rigorous standards and committed to ongoing professional development. It's a signal that you're serious about your career and capable of handling senior-level responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About CISSP
Final Thoughts and Encouragement
If you've made it this far in the article, you're serious about earning your CISSP certification. That dedication is exactly what you'll need to succeed. Yes, the exam is challenging. Yes, it requires significant time investment. But thousands of professionals just like you pass it every year, and you can too.
Remember that CISSP isn't about being perfect or knowing everything. It's about demonstrating that you understand security principles broadly and can think strategically about security problems. You don't need to memorize every protocol port number or know the exact syntax of every command. You need to understand concepts, make good judgment calls, and think like a security leader.
Your Next Steps
Here's what you should do right now, today, to start your CISSP journey:
- Block out 15-30 minutes in your calendar to create your study plan
- Choose your target exam date (3-6 months from now)
- Order or download your primary study guide
- Join the r/cissp community on Reddit
- Tell someone close to you about your goal – accountability helps
Don't wait for the "perfect time" to start. There will always be something going on at work, family events, or other obligations. Start now with whatever time you have, even if it's just 30 minutes a day. Small, consistent steps will get you to certification faster than waiting for ideal conditions that may never come.
Your future self, six months from now, will thank you for starting today. Good luck on your CISSP journey. You've got this!