Skip to content

3 Mistakes to avoid, so you don't fail the CISSP exam

Countless people study hard and feel ready, yet fail the exam. Avoid their mistakes.

Image of 3 mistakes to avoid book cover - Destination Certification

Avoid 3 of the most common CISSP mistakes

We'll teach you how to avoid these mistakes for FREE.

By entering your contact info above, you are requesting updates about our upcoming training and access to our newsletters. You can opt out at any time.

Download the Free Guide

  • Using your previous successful study methods does not ensure success on the CISSP exam.

  • Why most people studying for the CISSP exam waste much of that time (and how you can study much faster).

  • How nearly all practice tests and questions are misleading.

What our students say about our training

  • “The sheer experience and knowledge that DC instructors bring on to the table is impeccable. They provide a learning experience which propels the aspirants to completely immerse in the learning journey and when immersed with sincerity, one can say they are not only getting trained to attempt the CISSP examination but also become a responsible and sound Information Security professional of tomorrow who can serve our society to make an impact that truly matters.”
    CISSP student Kumar S S S K - Destination CertificationKumar S S S K
  • “The Destination Certification team is fantastic! The material is well structured, engaging, and reassured me that the focus is on value. I found the way the service helped me focus on the weaker areas of my knowledge was a game changer in terms of effort/reward.”
    CISSP student Sean Fleming - Destination CertificationSean Fleming
  • “I used DestCert to prepare for CISSP. The material was well-structured and engaging. Mindmaps helped me understand how different topics fit together. The personalized review helped me target my weaker areas of knowledge, making my study efficient. DestCert is a valuable resource in my exam preparation.”
    CISSP student Joe Koh - Destination CertificationJoe Koh
  • “Earning the CISSP felt like a daunting, almost impossible challenge. But I watched all the videos, read the book, reviewed flashcards and grew confident enough to sit it after three months. Though it is a really hard exam, the material was accurate and enough for me to pass at 100 questions on my first attempt. I highly recommend DestCert to anyone preparing for these exams.”
    CISSP student Devin Tauber - Destination CertificationDevin Tauber
  • “Preparing for and taking the CISSP exam can feel like a daunting task. DestCert's CISSP MasterClass helps plan out everything for you, and leads you through each of the many topics with engaging video content. I used their MasterClass (as well as Quantum Exams) to prepare for the exam and I passed the first time at 100 questions! I would 100% recommend DestCert in future to anyone looking to pass the CISSP exam. Their first time pass rate speaks for itself!”
    CISSP student Daniel LeFevre - Destination CertificationDaniel LeFevre
  • “I took DestCert Masterclass, did the videos, assessments per domain, practice questions on the apps and flashcard while commuting. I read the book a few days before the exam to review the materials again. I only used them and one extra practice test. Easy to follow and understand, if you have got enough experience in the field, using their Masterclass would be enough to pass. Highly recommended.”
    CISSP student Andrew Rinaldo - Destination CertificationAndrew Rinaldo
  • “I found the DestCert material and questions to be excellent preparation for the CISSP exam. In particular I found the mindmaps to be a great resource for identifying topics to revisit during the home stretch.   In going through DestCert I feel like I might have finally found my calling. Going through this course made me realize I'd much rather teach people about Technology Security than try to push the security boulder up a hill while everything in the world is on the opposite side trying to roll it right over me. Listening to Rob and John made me realize that there's a lot of value in what they do, and they are able to touch and impact technologists and companies all over the world to help fight the good fight.”
    CISSP student Jesse Giambatista - Destination CertificationJesse Giambatista
  • “I successfully passed the CISSP exam in March 2025 using the DestCert student workbook, training videos, mind maps, practice questions and flashcards thru the website and mobile app. In my case, I purchased the CISSP MasterClass. While the training materials are first rate, the mindset of “think like a CEO” as well as John Berti’s video on test-taking tips was hugely helpful and directly contributed to helping me pass the exam after just 100 questions. Importantly, DestCert is the ONLY training material I used for CISSP exam preparation, and I absolutely recommend DestCert for anyone considering the CISSP exam.”
    CISSP student Jason Miller - Destination CertificationJason Miller
  • “Rob and John played an instrumental role in my success with the CISSP. Their teaching style and ability to present complex material in an easily digestible and engaging manner were truly exceptional. They not only made the learning process enjoyable but also genuinely inspired confidence in their students. I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this outstanding team to both individuals and businesses seeking top-notch training for Cybersecurity/GRC!”
    CISSP student Kyle Petro - Destination CertificationKyle Petro
  • “The Destination Certification CISSP course was the key to my success in passing the exam. Rob and John’s teaching style gets right to the point and makes it easy to focus on the most important parts of each domain. Their advice to “think like a CEO” was also extremely helpful and really made the difference in my approach to the exam questions. I can’t thank the team enough for their commitment and passion to teach and help others accomplish this important milestone. Trust the system! It works.”
    CISSP student Jermaine Turnage - Destination CertificationJermaine Turnage
  • “Destination Certification is the key factor I attribute to my success in achieving the CISSP. The comprehensive suite of materials—including online videos, flashcards, practice questions, discord channel, weekly calls, and expert guidance—provided everything I needed to conquer the CISSP journey. A big thank you to the Destination Certification team!”
    CISSP student Tyler Beels - Destination CertificationTyler Beels
  • “Destination Certification has proven to be a valuable investment, as it provided me with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully pass on my first attempt! John and Rob are very passionate about teaching, and I love that they lead AMAs every week with their students. I can't wait to try another Destination Certification program when I'm ready for my next certification 🙂”
    CISSP student Jasmine Kang - Destination CertificationJasmine Kang
  • “I was extremely fortunate to find DestCert when I did, it made an incredible difference to my journey to CISSP. Your mentorship, guidance and encouragement were integral to achieving this result. By directing my focus to the concepts was important in the context of my exam which tested the practical implementation of what I had learnt over the past 8 or so weeks.”
    CISSP student Jamie Woodland - Destination CertificationJamie Woodland
  • “I embarked on the Destination Certification program, as I was feeling overwhelmed and unprepared for the CISSP exam. Having been out of school for over 20 years, I had forgotten how to study or even how "the right way to learn". With their daily guidance, I conquered the exam after only 100 questions and in an astonishing 90 minutes! The system taught me well beyond the CISSP material as it even helped me understand the perspectives and goals of executives who I previously didn't. My success is a testament to the incredible Destination Certification program and team, and I am forever grateful and excited about the knowledge and skills I have gained through this journey.”
    CISSP student Ryan Yagatich - Destination CertificationRyan Yagatich
  • “I highly recommend Destination Certification for anyone preparing for the CISSP exam. Their structured and well-organized course content, combined with easy-to-follow, pedagogical videos, provided me with a solid foundation for success. Unlike many other courses, their approach kept me motivated throughout my studies, thanks to practical tips and guidance from the entire team during our conversations. The quality of their materials and expert support truly made the difference in helping me pass the exam.”
    CISSP student Mirza Gogic - Destination CertificationMirza Gogic
  • “This course truly prepared me for the exam even though I took it in Japanese, plus it taught me lots of industry standard security-related English expressions that I can use in real work situations.”
    CISSP student Nomura, Makiko - Destination CertificationMakiko Nomura
  • “I passed both the CISSP and CCSP exams using Destination Certification. With 90 days of focused study, their comprehensive materials and support helped me pass CISSP on April 9, 2024, and CCSP on January 8, 2025”
    CCSP student Murthy Mantha - Destination CertificationMurthy Mantha
  • “DestCert really helped give me a peace of mind on exam day, that test likes to play tricks on you and make you second guess yourself, but DestCert is structured to not only provide you with the knowledge but it also gives you a firm confidence in yourself.”
    CISSP student Steven Tiller - Destination CertificationSteven Tiller
  • “I appreciated the format of the Destination Certification program. The multiple modes served as an effective method for reinforcing the materials. The subject matter was focused allowing for efficient learning in a compressed timeframe. I passed the test with the minimum amount of questions because I heard John's voice incessantly in my head saying, "Think like a CEO."”
    CISSP student Todd Chapman - Destination CertificationTodd Chapman
  • “I solely used DestCert resources to prepare, but I used all of them to the full...videos, mindmaps, printed book, ebook, flashcards, sample questions, etc. Without getting lost in too many details, DestCert provided me with the central understanding needed for each concept, and this clearly enabled me to pass the CISSP. When I took the exam, there were many questions were challenging and appeared to be beyond my scope, yet I had enough knowledge to be successful. I was happy to not only pass the exam, but deepen my knowledge across the cybersecurity industry. A foundation I intend to further grow from.”
    CISSP student Peter Student - Destination CertificationPeter Student
  • “Destination Certification is an excellent resource if you can make the price work. Dest Cert videos are professional and engaging. Rob and John really draw you in and bring flavor to dry content. Dest Cert Mindmaps (available outside of the class on youtube) are crucial for understanding how something fits into everything else. ESPECIALLY the mindmaps on the processes. I watched them all multiple times, and memorized a bunch of them.”
    CISSP student Wesley Barrier - Destination CertificationWesley Barrier
  • “Regarding my experience with Destination Certification, I have to say that studying for CISSP with you guys, was beyond all my expectations. This is the best training course material I ever studied for certification. It not only prepared me to pass this challenging exam, but above all it helped me to become a better cyber security professional.”
    CISSP student Alberto Afonso - Destination CertificationAlberto Afonso

Hi! We're Rob & John the CISSP Master Instructors

  • Image of Rob Witcher - Destination Certification

    Rob Witcher

    Co-founder & Master Instructor

    Co-founder & Master Instructor

    CISSP, CCSP, SSCP, CISM, CISA, CCSK, CSX-P, CIPM, MCSE:Security, PMP

    rob@destcert.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/robwitcher/

    Rob  is one of the driving forces behind the success of the Destination Certification CISSP program. He is technical wizard directing the creation of the integrated intelligent learning system.

    Rob has over 20 years of intense security, privacy, and cloud assurance experience, including:

    • Guided multiple companies in responding to and recovering from (global headline level) security & privacy breaches
    • Lead PCI readiness engagements, SOC2 audits, cloud assessments & security maturity reviews
    • Managed the development of multi-year security strategies & enterprise-wide privacy operating models
    • Acted as the CIO of a global mining company

    Rob has delivered hundreds of CCSP, CISSP, and ISACA classes globally over the last 10 years.

    Rob is a dedicated and creative instructor who is deeply invested in the success of our students. He brings an entertaining delivery style that is grounded in years of experience and a deep understanding of what is required for success on the CISSP & CCSP exams.

    Read full bio
  • Image of John Berti - Destination Certification

    John Berti

    Co-founder & Master Instructor

    Co-founder & Master Instructor

    CISSP, CCSP, SSCP, CISM

    john@destcert.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jberti/

    John  is the other major driving force behind the success of the Destination Certification CISSP program. With over 25 years in the field, a wealth of global experience, and an exceptional ability to make complex topics simple, John brings the CISSP concepts to life through out of the box teaching approaches which lead to our industry-high exam success rates.

    John is one of Canada’s leading Information Security professionals with outstanding credentials:

    • Over 25 years of Cyber Risk and Security experience in the industry.
    • 20 years of practical involvement, experience with, and providing advice to ISC2.
    • Co-authored the best-selling CISSP exam preparation guide, ‘Official ISC2 Guide to the CISSP Exam.’
    • Relevant involvement in helping ISC2 develop materials for the official CISSP curriculum, and sample CISSP exam questions.

    John has facilitated hundreds of classes worldwide and quite literally wrote the first official book on CISSP exam preparation.

    Read full bio

Avoid 3 of the most common CISSP mistakes