I took SEC100 at Interface Technical Training (Full Disclosure Note: InterfaceTT generously host the meetings of the AZSPF)* and used the CISSP Prep Guide from Wiley (one of several texts that were used in the class). I found that the class was very beneficial in that it illustrated many of the concepts with lab exercises and discussion. It also helped me focus on the areas that I needed to study most. I was pretty methodical with the book. I read 40-50 pages a day and then reviewed anything that I felt I didn't understand or scored poorly on in a practice test. I'd say that my review lasted for the better part of a month.

Of course, I have harbored an interest in security and crypto for years and spent many years on the operations side of network security prior to taking the class or the CISSP exam. An ex-NSA friend taught me the basics of asymmetric crypto years ago. I probably learned far more about security than just asym-crypto from my NSA friend. Maybe I had a relative head-start in that respect. Also, I know that Dale at Interface is constanlty updating and improving the curriculum, so today's SEC100 may be quite different from when I took it (probably better).

*Dale (blog) and I dreamed up the AZSPF while I was taking SEC100 because we saw a niche in the security users' group area that was not being served. A couple other close friends Alan and Ken have been big supporters of the group. Props to all!