CSSLP

[lists at ticm.com (Bret Watson)]

> > Although point entry is tedious, it keeps the cert honest. You 
> can't spend 3
> > years converting oxygen into CO2 and remain certified. You actually have to
> > do a few things. A CISSP person who has renewed once or twice is quite
> > different from someone who has passed the exam after a cram 
> session. Someone
> > who certified once and lets their certification lapse is indistinguishable
> > from the marginally-qualified candidate who crammed, passed, but ultimately
> > couldn't maintain their cert.

OK I'll bite...

1. entering the CPE points was the drag - the interface was horrible and slow.
2. I didn't do a cram session - after 12 years as a it security 
manager I passed it in 40 minutes (and I had actually been through 
the questions three times by then)
3. To be honest I didn't expect otherwise - the exam was intended to 
certify people with the appropriate experience - originally, then 
someone found out what a money spinner it was to run cram schools for 
it since the questions are multiple choice - that is where the value 
of  CISSP was lost.

To me having a CISSP is a good measure when I'm looking for a 
mid-level consultant, not a junior. If the mid-level consultant 
doesn't have the CISSP - then good chance they are padding their 
experience. However if they renew it - I just consider their last 
company was willing to fund it.

I find certifications are useful for two things only
1. it proves you can pass the exam, no matter that you went to the 
cram school or not - something must have stuck.
2. HR likes it because its easy to filter resumes

Without the experience - someone with a cert is like someone with a 
degree - no experience to be able to convert knowledge into practice.

Of course certs with real practical exams are something else - I'll 
pay them any day. SANS, CISCO, MS all have these and they have real 
value - you can't cram for them and they actually test your ability 
to extrapolate from your knowledge into the real world.


Cheers

Bret