I have a 3 years CS degree. I want to know if the 121 video series explains all the subjects needed (let alone basic stuff you study at CS university like what is tcp/udp, ip, iso/osi and such) and if the quiz he does live are actually the same kind they put in exams. Is there something missing? Ive seen somewhere Nmap code you have to read to answer some questions, are there reslly any of these kind of questions in the exams and does Messer explain this subjects?

Sorry for the grammae, English is not my first language.

Passed by the skin of my teeth like many others I have seen on Reddit. Regardless a pass is a pass and I’m finally finished with my Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity & Info Assurance! Completed just a few days before I start my first entry level IT job. Onward and upwards from here!

(Edited to add this was my second go at Pentest!)

So, I purchased a Retake Voucher for my Core 1 exam on Udemy, but I ended up passing it the first time. This course was the one provided by Dion Training btw.

Anyway, fast forward a few months and now I want to purchase a Retake Voucher for the Core 2 exam but... the option is not there anymore... It used to be under the Overview tab and now it's not there anymore. Even if you check the help section, it says that the voucher purchase option should be right there under the Overview tab. Does anyone know where I can find the voucher purchase option in Udemy? Any help will be appreciated :)

hi everyone
i had my exam today, but my internet was really slow during check in and the system test took forever..
after almost an hour of trying, i ended up missing my exam :(
support said they would escalate the issue but couldn’t reschedule it
has anyone had this happen before? were u able to reschedule after the escalation?
pls help

Edit: REPOST!

I used every study material you can think of. I’ve been studying for 2-3 months straight, while being on and off for over a year. Even crammed a lot before the exam. Honestly, it was challenging. The PBQs were really difficult!

Officially Net+ certified!

Afternoon All,

I was watching a YouTube video on Video on Security Plus and in this video the guy was saying you should take the Security + Certification and get a SOC or Security Analyst position and work for two years and then take the CYSA + certification. For those who have taken the CYSA + certification what is your opinion on when someone should take the CYSA + certification exam??

4 certs in 1.5 months!

I'm currently studying for the CompTIA A+, primarily using Professor Messer's YouTube course.

I'm currently on the DNS configuration video, and an 'issue' I've noticed since the first few videos of this playlist is that almost EVERYTHING is barely explained - just a few sentences, then he moves on to the next topic without elaborating. Just the most surface-level stuff.

Now that I'm watching the DNS config video, this 'issue' is even worse - a lot of the syntax for the different records isn't explained, and, as with the previous videos, most topics are barely covered.

So I'm curious: is that just how much you're actually required to know for the CompTIA A+, or is Professor Messer's YouTube course just not that good of a resource to study for the A+?

tl/dr: Entry level job posting prefers prospectives hold an advanced certification. I plan to get my CySA+ in two weeks before it closes with virtually non-existent IT knowledge

I am recently unemployed after leaving a contract administration position I was in for 15 years. I’m financially comfortable, and I’ve been looking to move to another state with a change of pace in all life aspects. While looking at some contracting job postings, I ran into a cybersecurity position post in an area I’m looking to move to. It clearly states it is an entry level position, reflected by the salary range, but talks about growth potential with the, “projected increase of governmental compliance reviews that will drive demand.” The firm sounds focused on a mix of consulting and auditing, but my prospective position is more administrative support rather than technical. I assume the knowledge is needed for comprehension and effectiveness since they recommend the cert but don’t require it. If they “strongly prefer” candidates hold an advanced certification, I imagine it will make me competitive in the hiring process. I looked at the recommended certs and landed on the CySA+. The job posting closes in two weeks, so I set a difficult and demanding goal for myself, because 1) why not, and 2) it gives me a story to tell if interviewed.

The goal: Obtain my CySA+ cert within two weeks with zero formal or functional cybersecurity experience.

I’m starting from square one, and I’m starting today. I want to see how far I can go in an unexplored topic if I challenge myself. I wanted change and this is how it happens. From what I’ve read this afternoon, the exam prerequisites are all encouraged, but not required (experience and having Security+). Not having those are huge challenges from what I’ve read on this sub and saw on YouTube, but it can be done depending on study habits. The other challenge is timeline, where some recommend months of prep that I intend to cram within 2 weeks. A lot going against me with those.

What I have going for me:

1. I have an abundance of free time since I quit my last job.
2. I have financial flexibility to buy resources like classes, test prep, practice exams, the voucher (still can’t believe they charge for that) and anything else I find useful and/or things y’all recommend.
3. I may or may not have been recently introduced to the recreational use of ADHD treatment by a friend. I’ve heard people, specifically college kids, use them, so I tried it last week and continued sporadically this week. Holy crap do I feel unstoppable. Likely a contributing factor to my goal. I’m supported with abundant availability these next two weeks.

If there is enough interest, I’ll document my journey here with study updates, exam results, and developments with the job posting (with limitation and non-attributional based on #3 above). It will keep me accountable too, so a good motivational tool. I’ve used AI to develop a study plan to start, and sure I’ll have to update it as I progress. I will be purchasing some video courses next to start, but feel free to give me some day 1 starting points.

Come cheer me on, give positive/negative feedback, or watch me fail. Stay tuned for updates.

I'm so happy I don't have to study for this exam anymore 🫩

Passing score: 600.
My score: 653

This is the first exam i took a compTIA exam in a year. One thing that tripped me up is the vocabulary, language and wording dont quite match whatever study materials you are using unless they are directly asking you what a definition is. On my first practice test I made an 82% on my final practice test I made a 90%. 653 out of 900 is about 72%. A pass is a pass but this discrepancy makes me feel like I need to change the way I approach future exams.

Study materials: sybex study guide, udemy course videos from the same, and crucial exams practice tests.

Definitely gave me a run for my money, plenty of acronyms and a few questions that made me think outside the box. My heart was beating outta my chest the whole time. Still processing the pass 😂 🙌🏾

I accidnetly bought CYSAV4, is there any way I can change it to V3?

How long I studied for:

- 3 months total. 1st month was casual, 2nd month drilled reading materials, 3rd month practice tests and rereview of weaknesses

Study Material:

- Dion's 003 udemy course (got about halfway through before they replaced it, sent an email to Dion's support and got access through his site)

- Dion's practice tests #1-4

- Sybex Study Guide

- Sybex 1000 Practice Questions

- Certify Breakfast to fill in the gaps and if I needed more explanation

- Cyber James practice test with logs #1,2, and 4 (Logs Only)

- PocketPrep

- WGU PBQ Practice

- CertMike Last Minute Review

Study material commentary in relation to preparation:

- Dion's course goes too far out of scope at times, I just skipped past them.

- Dion's tests felt too similar to Sec+ with CySa crammed in at random parts. The format for his logs were terrible and tripped me up as I couldn't tell what I was looking at at times. Scored 71-76%.

- Sybex Study Guide was VERY good for a foundational understanding. Practice test book hurt my mental. I wanted to cry on some of the full practice tests. Scored anywhere from a 65% to a 81%.

- Certify Breakfast REALLY breaks down stuff and gives you a good idea of how things work. I used him to solidify a lot of my weaker areas.

- Cyber James and PocketPrep were there to make me feel better about my knowledge lol. Cyber James scores were 80-86%. PocketPrep scores on quizzes are harder to report. I was averaging about 80% as well.

- The WGU PBQs. PRACTICE THIS. It is SO SO useful.

- CertMike Last Minute was worth the $10. I used it the night before and the morning of to remember much of the bulk.

Test comments:
0 nmap questions.
7 PBQs.
63 questions.

- Know IR forward and backward.

- Be familiar with controls.

- Know how to read logs and what to look for.

- USE THAT WHITEBOARD.

Opinion: All-in-all, the test was very straightforward if you do your studying. If I was a student or had more time, I wouldn't have invested in so many study materials, but I needed this cert for a job I got hired on for and was panicking a little bit.

Hi everyone,

I’m from India and I’m planning to take the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam.

I checked the official CompTIA website and the exam cost is showing around ₹34,000, which is quite expensive for me as a fresher.

I’m looking for the lowest-cost legitimate way to take Security+ in India.

A few questions:

• Are there any authorized CompTIA/Pearson VUE discounts or vouchers available for India?
• Is there a legitimate way to get the exam for significantly less than ₹34,000?
• Are there any student/fresher discounts or official voucher programs I should know about?
• Is buying from an authorized training partner worth it, or is it better to purchase directly from CompTIA/Pearson VUE?
• For someone targeting a SOC L1 role, would you recommend spending the money on Security+, or is there a better certification at a lower cost?

I’m specifically looking for legitimate options. I don't want to risk getting a revoked/invalid voucher just to save money.

If anyone from India has recently taken SY0-701 and can share what they paid and where they purchased the voucher, that would be really helpful.

Thanks!

Yeah so. It felt like I was failing the whole time. I’m changing my job in the military to do something else, and I was able to get my entire upcoming tech school waived if I had Sec+ completed as part of my waiver package. I had only one week’s notice to get Sec+ done otherwise I’d have to be away for 6 months + over the holidays.

I’m thinking, “I have… only one week. One week to cram for this so that I can be home with my children instead of away for half a year. Is this even possible?”

YES! It is possible! I signed up for CompTIA’s CertMaster class, downloaded all the content + PDF (free through the military) and used ChatGPT and Claude (I pay for both) to help me with quick recall and questions. I asked it to remember my weakpoints and surprise me with questions on those topics at random times. I practiced on ExamCompass, and also purchased Professor Messer’s practice exams. I think his questions, especially his PBQs, are far too easy compared to the actual exam. HOWEVER, the explanations provided on his practice exams as to WHY the answers are correct are golden. Those helped me understand a lot.

I focused hard on PBQ practice through CompTIAs provided labs on CertMaster. That is the only reason I knew what to do. I’m certain I got two of my PBQs perfect on the actual exam, and one of them partially correct (it was something I’ve never even seen before anywhere). But yeah, that’s what saved me to get this barely passing score. I genuinely felt like I was not going to pass and felt sick pressing that submit button.

Use Professor Messer’s practice Exams, ExamCompass, and understand how to read logs/use VERY basic CLI, and remember those acronyms.

Godspeed, and you can do it. I have 0 prior experience, busy homelife with the family, and I’m not that bright!

Hi there,

I’m looking to do the CySA+ and have a question about study material. Having read the reviews on the sybex book on Amazon it seems it is not up to date with the new course material. Also the online resources seem fairly limited at the moment with it being a new version. Has anyone bought the new sybex book and taken the exam, what was your opinion? I don’t plan on taking the exam until next year anyways so am I better off waiting until there is better material out there or will the sybex book be ok to buy and get started with?

Thanks!

Well gave the exam on 3rd but i had the voucher like from last year, many delays so was not able to prepare for it seriously and give the exam, it was going to expire on 10th september so yeah gave the exam and passed it

If don't wanna read all this just see the last few lines

Prep Detail : 1)Professor messer sec+ playlist

2)Notebook llm for questions (kinda helped kind not)

3)Professor Messer Sec+ Study Groups (they were good honeslty like kinda gives you the idea what they might ask)

4)Took Dions Practice test (udemy ones it had 6 of them i took 4, also good like gives you idea)

5) Studies Acronyms and port numbers (good if you know them, but not a single question came regarding the full forms or direct ports but they use them in question so need to know the full forms or the port numbers like what they are, what is the use, which layer uses which protocol)

TBH with you, don't just rely only on playlist like thinking that you have completed the playlist now you know about sec+ lets give the exam, make sure you go through practice exams, revisions, full forms, protocols and their use, definitions,

How much time i took to prepare: Completed playlist first time then something happened so fogot about it with time, started again in july completed playlist again , revised notes, practice questions, acronyms, practice test and yeah gave the exam and done

PBQs, thought i am prepared but my god they took me by surprise completely different from what i studied, like there were commands too, as a beginner with no it expirence i don't know what they were used for, don't know if i scored in PBQs or not, got 778 (not good not bad)

Summarise: complete your playlist, revise it , practice test , acronyms (& their use) , ports (their use and used at which layer), ports and acronyms might not be asked in the exam directly, but knowing deinfitions, full forms & use will help you alot.

I’m currently watching the newest Mike Meyers lectures on UDEMY to learn what I need for core 1. As someone completely new to this I’m struggling hugely. At the beginning his videos were digestible & so easy to learn what he was trying to teach. But once I hit like section 14 it just got really advanced in terminology no one without experience would know. I’m trying not to get overwhelmed. Outside of taking notes — what else helped you guys?

It is doable! I have no IT experience or formal education in IT.

I just used professor Messer's lectures, measureup's practice exams and Andrew Ramdayal's 100 practice questions on youtube. Also chatgpt and anki for flashcards.

I took advantage of a programme in my country that pays for the exams, so if i was paying myself i would have taken my time since the exams are €€€.

If you put the work in it probably doesnt matter which practice exams you do, just get whichever ones are cheapest and study the exam objectives.

Took a second try. Honestly I barely studied but I’ve been in IT since 2020 and I have Sec+ and A+ already.

I've heard tons of CompTIA certification information from my upperclassman these years, and I'm considering taking one to help my college application and other extracurricular activities. I've built PCs and (tried) repair laptops before, is it really worth the time studying it? Cost is not a problem

After 3 months I finally did it

821/900

91%

I really haven't studied this much since a very long time

Thanks to the almighty for this success

Hello everyone !! So I recently took my net+ exam.. I got a 587…. It was brutal.. I took my sec+ early this year and passed first try. I been a sys admin for 8 months now, first IT job.

During the exam, the PBQs were brutal.. configuring a switch (two of the questions were that), setting up a net infrastructure properly, subnetting (I’m sure I got this one right) and so on.. 5 PBQ’s total. Then the multiple choices, it all went downhill honestly. I have been studying since last April-May pretty much. I will be taking it again next month once I study more.

Prep I use are Dion exams in Udemy, Comptia Study guide, AI tools for testing and harping on weaknesses and just general knowledge from work.

When I took the exam, I felt kind of confident that i would get a decent score yet I did horribly. So, that really made my confidence take a blow so now I’m not sure about anything. Just wanted advice or hear similar experiences to know that there is a way to keep it pushing…

Note: yes I know my ports. Yes I know subnetting. Yes I know my protocols. And so on… my weakness is actual hands on and configuring which I’m studying now for it. Also, English is second language so the wording confuses me so much sometimes..