Penetration Testing mailing list archives

Re: RE: CISSP


From: "Tim Shea" <tim () tshea net>
Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2006 15:18:26 -0000 (UTC)


Education by no means makes things black and white.  I would argue that
the more education that you have makes things greyer - and that is a good
thing.  Per your example - up until relatively recently - to become a
veterinarian could be accomplished by an apprenticeship without former
schooling.  You can still achieve becoming a licensed lawyer in many US
states by never stepping inside a classroom.

Now you can argue that the CISSP test itself is lame (I’m one of those
that just walked in and passed on the first go) but that is not the point
of the CISSP.  The CISSP organization encourages continued training and
experience and they do offer what I believe is needed most:  mentorship
opportunities and resources to make us better at whatever our jobs are. 
And it allows a starting point for employers looking for new hires.  There
is value in that.  Does a BS or BA degree offer the framework you need for
this cert?  IMHO, it’s a cert in an industry that has been poorly served
by traditional university courses.  Things are getting better but
requiring a BS or BA for the CISSP is just plain silly.

And the only thing pointed out by the cheap dig at the present US
president is our universities are failing at teaching leadership skills
and critical thinking and not turning out educated people.

Sorry for two replies but I can't help myself, it's Monday and the triple
espresso just kicked in.

As a degree holder and board member of a local chapter working with a
local university to provide them with guidance towards a BS degree
concentration towards a CISSP I sort of feel your pain.

In my youth I worked with a Vetranairan for two years in the surgery room
doing your basic spay and nudder. I assisted with hundreds. But I could
never perform one myself because I didn't have the education.

Without education you pretty much have no basis to start, everything
becomes grey. You then have people who want to become certified because
they've watched all the episodes of CSI so now they want to become
certified forensic experts.

Where do you draw the line. Education draws a very clear line. It's not to
say that everyone who has a BS is educated or intelligent. Look at our
President.

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