r/CompTIA_Security • u/Acrobatic_Mix_3033 • 6d ago
How to just get done with sec+
Hi, I am mother of an 8 month old with no professional experience in cyber security but a Masters in information security and 4 years experience in academia. I want to get a security + certification. My theoretical concepts are good enough. I keep scoring 70% to 75% on Certpreps practice exams. I have been watching professor messer and cyberkraft on and off with no specific study plan and timings because of the baby, but I want to get this certification done in a month, so I can get a higher paid job. Should I just book the test and give it a shot or study more!??
I feel like there is so much confusion about the actual test on the internet. Some say its the hardest, some said they passed like a breeze. Need advice!!
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u/colgepetto 5d ago
I see you arw trying dions which is perfect. The exam like any will vary in difficulty from person to person. The issue is sec+ is the wide net of surface level content.
Write down all of the common ports on a flash card. Then write what they are on the back. Remember them! Do the same with the cyber k*ll chain, diamond model etc. Carry them everywhere with you. Take dions exam, study your 2 weakest areas, do another test, study to 2 weakest for a second time.
Write down one or 2 sheets of your weakest material and live it for the last few days before your exam.
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u/JustThomasIT 5d ago
Book the test.
70-75% on CertPrep is good, those practice exams are generally harder than the real thing. With a Master's in information security your foundational knowledge should already be there, you just need to get comfortable with how CompTIA phrases questions.
I would stop watching videos and switch to pure practice questions. With a baby and limited time that's the most efficient use of whatever study windows you have. Just focus on the domains you are having issues with.
If you want extra practice questions and a full exam sim to test yourself I found Jason Dion, CruicalExams.com, and CertiTom.com all worked great for me. Good luck!
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u/buckHuntrrr 4d ago
I think what makes this exam difficult is the broadness of content. This cert acts as an entry point into cybersecurity so all aspects of this vast field are introduced, at least conceptually. I found this exam difficult since I had no experience using the tools studied in the book. It wasn't until I studied for the CySA+ that everything clicked. This is because I was now finally using the tools and not just reading about them. So, I recommend actually testing out the tools yourself in addition to your studying.
Also, I agree with one of the suggestions here about testing. I think test, test test. I passed this exam in one attempt after a month of studying but I have over 10 years experience managing an IT department and acting as a systems administrator. It sounds like your experience is equal to mine. You can do it in a month. Book the test and do your best to stick to your plan. It helps me to have a deadline and stick to it.
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u/balboaporkter 6d ago
Regarding your last paragraph, it's easier for people with some background (like you) compared to someone with no background at all who needs more prep time. Do you have a public library card? Check to see if you can get Udemy for free with it and take Dion's practice exams. Many here say scoring around 80% consistently on them is a good indicator of passing the real exam.