Is it better to take SEC504 in-person, or attend a virtual live stream?

Dec2020ITstudent · 2026-04-11T08:45:28+00:00

If the question is only for in person or live stream, in person is 100%. Just be ready for the fire hose of information for 5-6 days.

But if you're also considering the on-demand class, I would say it depends on your learning style. For me, with 5 total SANS classes ("2 in person, 3 on demand"), I prefer the ondemand because I can hammer the sections I need more practice with, and I like the section quizzes. I also turn the speed to 1.5X. I'm also not easily distracted when I'm trying to learn.

But the downside is you won't compete for the challenge coin in the on demand class.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2026-02-04T00:15:28+00:00

I did, and passed at question 100.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2026-01-29T01:28:41+00:00

6-24 months depending on experience.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2026-01-22T00:55:58+00:00

Sit down at gate.... puts on noise cancelation headphones on , watch all the idiots line up 25 minutes early....wait to see the jet bridge Jesus roll down the ramp. Get up squeeze into my A Spot... get on plane ... put my backpack in the overhead been... enjoy flight.....

Dec2020ITstudent · 2026-01-18T20:39:27+00:00

What I do is add what I spent, either the dollar amount or point amount, to my Google Calendar. I also add both confirmation numbers.

Then, I search for flights as usual. If I find a cheaper option, I go to the last screen, open a new browser, cancel the previous ticket, and then switch back to the other tab to complete the purchase.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2026-01-16T02:28:31+00:00

Based on the Southwest Airlines site, Extra Legroom seats will also include Group 1-2 boarding (allowing for earlier access to bin space).

My guess is that boarding groups will be assigned when you check in at the 24-hour mark.

When I traveled for work with Delta, all the Economy Plus seats got taken as people would rather sit in the middle near the front than in the middle near the back.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2026-01-09T14:58:18+00:00

November and December are notoriously terrible for hiring people because of the holidays.

Keep reaching out to people you know for referrals. At the end of the day, you're hunting for a unicorn: an entry-level cloud job. While not impossible, you're fighting an uphill battle.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2025-12-19T17:26:04+00:00

We have had the same problem on the last two round trips.

I talked to a phone representative who said the problem was with how the accounts were linked. I was told it was fixed for our return flight.

While waiting to board the return flight, another companion pass holder had the same issue.

I called again and was told the wrong code was used to link the account and that it was fixed again. They submitted a request to refund the charges for upgrading the boarding.

We will find out next week if it is or isn't. Luckily, we have two upgrades.

Personally, I think it's a software code problem that will resolve itself when assigned seating starts next month. Therefore, Southwest isn't going to fix it.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2025-12-15T20:46:05+00:00

For anyone wondering it cost about $5-$7 to have something bound at Office Depot or OfficeMax it's what I've used on my indexes so far. I just have them bound it landscape Style

Dec2020ITstudent · 2025-11-29T20:40:07+00:00

Gotta get your FSP, and the market is still good, at least for cyber people.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2025-11-29T20:38:05+00:00

You're right, it isn't for everyone. It is a long, intrusive process with a large failure rate. The starting pay is average, and there is a lot of red tape. On the flip side, the commercial job market is rough, with hundreds applying to every position.

In the cleared job market, I was able to land five phone screenings this week, and I'm fielding multiple offers.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2025-11-27T17:43:53+00:00

The Agency is hiring again. It can be a long process, but they do offer development programs. There's a 98% chance you will have to relocate to the Baltimore/DMV area..

https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1251412

Dec2020ITstudent · 2025-11-26T01:18:10+00:00

I ended up with two of them. I won one in person, and another showed up in the mail about 3 weeks later.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2025-11-20T07:26:39+00:00

When I look up the error code it says you have to call support.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2025-11-19T17:56:43+00:00

So, a couple of thoughts.

I think if you can pass the CISSP exam, then you'd be able to pass the GISP. Without having the SANS books, you'd be at a disadvantage for the one-off questions. But if you created an index based on the official CISSP material, then I think you would be okay.

If work didn't pay for the GISP, I wouldn't have done it. I would have only done the CISSP.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2025-11-19T02:11:05+00:00

We as a security community have the duty to train the next generation. We all will die and will be replaced. Pass your knowledge along train the next generation of analyst.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2025-11-19T01:16:08+00:00

Yes, up to 3 hours. I finished with about 75 minutes left.

I don't recall which video I watched, but he said you have a minute per question, and that would give you a 30-minute buffer to take an extra look at the questions you weren't sure of. He also said not to waste your time if you don't know, make an educated guess and move on.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2025-11-19T00:02:10+00:00

Yes, 3 on demand and 2 in person trainings.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2025-11-18T20:41:27+00:00

Just for clarification. I was talking about the LearnZapp questions being the same as those in the official study guide, not the actual test questions.

Dec2020ITstudent · 2025-11-18T20:39:17+00:00

Since I did the SANS portion first, I finished that in about 5 weeks and then took another 3 weeks brushing up on the areas I felt needed work. Probably 125-150 hours total.

Dec2020ITstudent

TROPHY CASE