What does it feel like after passing CISSP?

I had a goosebump moment when I read “Congratulations” on my CISSP report.

I got emotional.

I felt like I had time-travelled back to my childhood, bursting with joy.

It was that type of moment when Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie TITANIC shouts, I’m king of the world!

I rushed to the bakery and ordered my favourite pineapple cake, and asked them to write (ISC)2 CISSP!

The cake decorator gave me a puzzled look, but I could not explain.

I was on cloud nine.

More than one year of preparation with reading day and night, writing handwritten notes, and practising questions.

It felt like completing the shooting of a big movie.

I shared the news and a photo of the CISSP cake on LinkedIn. The cyber community showered love and tons of likes.

My dream was to laminate the certificate, frame it, and then put it on the wall. So, I can see every day.

I made it happen. But the buzz started fading in a few weeks.

I came back to my senses and realised something unusual.

Nothing huge had happened.

I see many people passing the CISSP every day.

Now what?

Is that the end?

The questions stuck in my mind for a few days. I found answers after many long walks, reflection and journaling sessions.

Passing CISSP is like climbing a mountain.

After climbing, you take off the backpack. Sip some water.

Look around, and embrace the view.

That’s it.

CISSP was never meant to be a final destination as a goal.

CISSP is just a stopover, a meaningful one.

Passing CISSP deserves a big celebration, but it’s not a dead end.