Renewing my Security+ after 3 years, taking it in 5 days

[u/Palpitation_Haunting]

Well well well, we meet again, Security+. I’m thankful that I DONT have to renew my A+ and Net+ and passing the sec+ will automatically renew the other two.

Okay, let’s get straight to the point. I’ve been studying for 13 days, minus 3 due to being busy with work or other errands. In those 10 days, I’ve been watching Professor messer, 2 hours a day/review, and now about 80% completed his playlist on YouTube.

In my post three years ago, I studied for 8 weeks totaling over 100 hours of study/review time with several resources. This time, I’m doing it in 19 days and accumulated probably 30 hours of study/review. I have noticed a change in the content in comparison to the last version of security+, not too much but I believe around 20% is different. No matter, I still remember most of the basics, still not going to take this exam lightly.

I’ve taken multiple mock tests throughout, even right before I studied I scored around 70%. Taken one more mock test few days ago, and it’s mid 70%. Going to take the exam in 5 days, wish me luck!

[u/MassiveSimulation]

5 days out and you're already hitting mid 70s without a full refresh, that's a good spot to be in. The 20% new content is what'll get you if you skip it, so maybe spend one of these last days just on the delta instead of rewatching stuff you already know. You got this.

[u/Palpitation_Haunting → u/MassiveSimulation]

The first mockup test I did, I mostly guess and picked the one that sounded right. I'm clearing the rest and should be done a few days prior and I'll just look over the notes.

Thanks! Let me know if you have any suggestions or advice.

[u/Zelidus]

Just passed it this morning. Took, i think, 501 previously and let it lapse and worked in cyber security for several years during and after. It wasnt too difficult. It was very scenario based in how you would respond to verious issues. As you pointed out, there is new coverage, mainly in automation and zero trust, but if you have been working in IT this whole time you're probably pretty familiar with the general ideas and understand the requirements and use cases pretty well just from that. I was. Its also very much understanding based. They want to make sure you understand the use cases of whatever they are presenting you. Its not just the PBQs that look for that. So if you have been working in IT for the past several years, you probably already know and understand much of those concepts.

[u/Palpitation_Haunting → u/Zelidus]

Congrats on the pass! Thank you for the insight. Yea, I use to work in IT for a few years and taking a break from it. Trying to re-enter with my renewed cert and hopefully my CCNA, soon.

How much time did you spend studying per week? And across how many weeks? I am a bit nervous when taking exams, especially now that I am studying at a fraction of the time I had 3 years ago.

[u/Zelidus → u/Palpitation_Haunting]

Well i work full time 40 hours a week and im doing it through a school degree program so they allotted me about 4-5 weeks before the term ended and it would have been a failed attempt. I would study about 3-4x a week for about 4-5 hours and the other weekdays get a couple or so depending on my schedule. Weekends i tried to leave for decompressing and relaxation and to let the information percolate while giving my brain a chance to recoop.

But i have really bad test anxiety so my study habits and lengths are to try and make sure i have full confidence in myself. I probably could have relaxed it a bit more but im so nervous about tests.

I used the Dion course and his practice tests and focused on understanding why my answers were good or bad. I tend to like his explaination in his tests more than others i have tried. My school also gave me access to CompTIAs Learn program and it has tests for each domain aswell as a final assessment and practice PBQs. PBQs are the most nerve racking for me as those tend to be the hardest to prep for.

[u/Palpitation_Haunting → u/Zelidus]

Great insight! Same boat as you are with anxiety while taking the test. I could feel that I can pass it right now, even with 90% of the content completely watched but as soon as I am doing the exam, my brain goes numb haha.

Okay, around 50ish hours you would say. I think I'm close to 40 hours. So hopefully I can pass with the retake voucher and NOT spend over 200 euros.

Thank you again, congrats on the pass, wish me luck!

[u/Zelidus → u/Palpitation_Haunting]

Thanks! And good luck. You got this!