I got certified by treating my own exam like a threat hunt. 🔍
The story: my first ISC2 CC attempt ended early at Q90. I didn’t spiral — I documented the anomaly, published my findings, and filed formal inquiries. ISC2 granted a retake. Aug 15 I ran the full 125 and passed. Now officially Certified in Cybersecurity. ✨
What I’d tell any career-changer:
✅ Write down what doesn’t belong — feelings don’t get acted on, evidence does
✅ Your old field is transferable (mine: storm data → threat data)
✅ Two focused weeks > two scattered months
✅ The paper trail is part of the win
Swipe the carousel for the full arc 👉🏽
#CyberSecurity #CareerChange #TechGirlies #StudyWithMe #ISC2
When I first encountered an unexpected termination at question 90 of my ISC2 Cybersecurity Certification exam, I could have just felt frustrated or discouraged. Instead, I took a page from the cybersecurity playbook itself: treat the experience like a threat hunt. This mindset shift proved essential not just for managing the challenge but for ultimately passing the certification. In cybersecurity, anomalies are not ignored; they are documented, analyzed, and actioned upon with clear evidence. By applying the same approach to my exam, I carefully documented the anomaly, published my findings openly, and submitted formal inquiries to ISC2. This transparent paper trail was instrumental in securing a complimentary retake, showing how systematic and evidence-based approaches can work even beyond technical scenarios. Another valuable insight was drawing parallels between my previous career and my new cybersecurity path. Having worked with storm data, I repurposed my analytical skills to threat data. This transferability of skills accelerated my learning and boosted my confidence—something career changers should remember: your existing expertise can be an asset, not a hindrance. Preparation was another key component. Instead of stretching my study over scattered months, I dedicated two focused weeks to intensive preparation, including Thor's course, practice tests, and understanding nuanced distinctions between look-alike concepts. This disciplined approach allowed me to enter the retake fully ready and pass the full 125-question exam. Finally, the experience reaffirmed the importance of keeping a detailed 'paper trail' in all professional endeavors. Whether in cybersecurity or career development, documenting processes and anomalies creates accountability and enables systems to respond effectively. For anyone facing unexpected hurdles in certification exams or career changes, adopting a detective’s mindset—evidence over feelings, focused effort over procrastination, and systematic documentation—can make a critical difference. This approach transformed a frustrating exam interruption into a meaningful victory and solid certification achievement.