Passing the CompTIA Security+ exam can be a significant milestone in your cybersecurity career. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps, resources, and strategies to help you succeed. From recommended video series and books to practical tips on flashcards and practice tests, you'll find everything you need to prepare effectively. We'll also reveal a key ingredient for success that goes beyond study materials. Let's dive into the details and set you on the path to acing the CompTIA Security+ exam.
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Core Ingredients for Success
1. Video Series
Start with a comprehensive video series. I recommend two platforms: CBT Nuggets and ITProTV. Both are excellent choices, so pick one and stick with it through its entirety.
CBT Nuggets: 31 hours
ITProTV: 29 hours
Both platforms offer high-quality instructors and well-structured content at an affordable price.
2. Books
Reading a book cover to cover is crucial. You can read it before or after the video series. Two recommended books are:
Get Certified, Get Ahead by Daryl Gibson
Security+ Study Guide by Cybex (Mike Chappell and David Seidel)
Pro Tip: Take the pre-assessment exam at the beginning of the book to gauge your current knowledge. After grading yourself, read the explanations for all answers, correct and incorrect. For end-of-chapter assessments, take the quiz first, then read the chapter to focus on your weak areas.
3. Flashcards
Both CBT Nuggets and ITProTV courses include flashcards. Go through all of them at least once, ensuring you get every card correct. This reinforces your memory and understanding of key concepts.
4. Practice Tests
Practice tests are vital. Both courses provide a few hundred practice questions. Aim to answer at least 1,000 practice questions, but ideally around 1,300. Strive for a 70% or higher score on these tests. Remember, the initial scores might be low, but focus on your last three or four practice exams.
Recommended Practice Exam Book: Sybex's practice test book (ensure it's for the latest exam version, SY0-701).
The Secret Sauce
The key to passing the CompTIA Security+ exam—or any exam—is hard work, discipline, focus, and motivation. This might sound cliché, but it's the truth. Many people fail because they lack these essential qualities. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
Make Time to Study: Create a study schedule and stick to it. Aim for at least a couple of hours of study each day.
Consistent Effort: Consistency is crucial. The exam requires about 100 hours of study over two to four months.
Sacrifice for Success: Cut back on distractions like video games, Netflix, and sports. Focus on your study time.
Enjoy the Process: Embrace the learning process and commit to lifelong learning.
The journey to passing the CompTIA Security+ exam is challenging but rewarding. Stay dedicated, and you will excel in your cybersecurity career.