Writing a Practical does not demonstrate experience or knowledge of security. It demonstrates research skills and writing skills. I could task my 16 year old son to write a practical about a security related topic. I would just give him some references books and access to the internet. Does this make him any more qualified since he was able to write about the subject? I have read some of the practical in the SANS reading room and I could write some of them better than the authors. Would that make me any more learned and knowledgeable about security and SANS certifiable? An exam is an exam. Knowledge can be learned by rote or by experience. What distinguishes a person is how they are able to apply that knowledge in their work environment. I just do not equate writing a practical with being a knowledgeable security minded person. Everyone with a high school diploma has written a term paper. All this sounds like sour grapes. almost every certification exam has a book camp. If the CISSP was not so expensive, you would see more people with that certification.

my $.01

Uncertified Individual

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