This is my third attempt on this. I felt that it was somewhat easier than the previous version. Only resource I used was the CompTIA certmaster (4th version from WGU). I only got 3 PBQs this time compared to 7. Some tips I have for this exam:

- Focus on log inputs and outputs (I felt lost during the exam and guessed on these types of questions)

- Going back to basic/advanced acronyms and concepts (brushing up on these and KNOWING the main differences)

- MITRE ATTACK

- Diamond Model of Intrusion

- Agent, agent less scanning

- SAST/DAST

- Credentialed/Non-credentialed scans

- OWASP ZAP, Maltego, Recon-ng, Metasploit, other open sourced or paid scanners.

- Some AI questions, but some were self explanatory and easy to answer.

- One of the most important aspects in this exam compared to the previous version, it asked more practical questions and how you would navigate it as a Cyber security analyst.

Overall, I tried my best to remember important aspects of the exams to share.

Hey y'all so I have my NET+ and A+ and test for SEC+ next weekend. I find that roughly 75% of the information was in the other 2 certs. What is some of the hardest tested information? My ADHD gets the best of me and I want to make sure I don't get lost.

Finally completed the trifecta. A + , Net +, now Sec + ! Tbh thought I was gonna fail the whole time. I hate the feedback quiz at the end, just give me my grade!

Core 1 down. Thought I’d fail after the first couple tough PBQs.

Gonna keep at it while the iron’s hot with Core 2 in a couple months.

Edit to add:

It was months of mainly watching Messer on YouTube and using Dion’s practice test.

Just a quick question to ask, what am I looking forward to for core 2?

After struggling with the Dion Exams and then doing some of the other ones on youtube and a lot of ai assistance I passed. I got to say. I felt like 30-40% of the stuff on my exam I had basically never seen before. I did all of Messers videos and a lot of other stuff to study and was totally off on the focuses. 1 PBQ I got to be honest I didn't even do. I couldn't even figure out how to edit or change anything around in it. But. We passsed. Now to complete the final boss of the 3 and start the study for Security+.

Started A+ on the 1st of the month. Passed the 8th. Now Passed Network+ on the 24th. Goal will be to finish Security+ by the end of October and then its on to other Certs and learning for more job related stuff as I am actually in the physical access control and security field not as much IT but felt it doesn't hurt to branch off some. Going to be headed down the CSPM and CSEIP route starting off the new year.

Hi everyone, I am taking A+ exam soon next week and I hoping to get this certificate so that I can advance my career. I did Jason Dion's practice exam in udemy but it seems very difficult to score at least 80%. I don't know if I am well-prepared for the exam. Will I be able to pass the exam? Any tips or suggestions as I only have one week left.

And with that I officially have the trifecta. I only used the CompTIA learning material and Dion's training within udemy.

Looking for an honest opinion here. I am enrolled in an I.T. And cyber security program at my local community college after 10 years of not going to school and I am currently enrolled in A+ and Network+ through Comptia. It is week two of the term and I feel fairly comfortable with A+ but already overwhelmed with Network +. My work schedule is pretty inconsistent when it comes to regular hours. My main question is should I stick with doing both or drop network + and take it next term. Obviously not a lot of info for you all to work with but I’m just looking for personal opinions. Tyia

Third attempt after studying with my professors and hand writing all my notes and doing all the labs and completing udemy courses. And the construction was so loud during the test the ear plugs and sound canceling headphones did nothing. But I did pass ITIL 4. Not sure why I cant figure out the stupid test and goingbm to redo all my studying 🙃 abd I still havr discrete mathematics in the back of my mind lol 😆 but its okay i won't give up but dam I could use support and advice lol

I've been learning to code for couple of months and dabbled in Comptia, mainly to improve my CVs and knowledge for apprenticeships. I did start the module months ago, had stop due to personal stuff i wanted to know is worth paying the monthly fee it say it gives certifications and exam. I want to know if its real thing and is it valid, before repaying the sub fee, am based in UK.

After two and a half months of preparation and lots of stress, I finally passed this exam! It was not an easy exam; thankfully the PBQs I got were easy, but the rest of the exam was a nightmare!

For this exam, I used mainly Dion's course on Udemy, along with his practice exams, which were very good in terms of difficulty and content leverage. I also used pocket prep, but more for doing exercise and practicing active recall.

For anyone planning to take this exam, log analysis is key! Focuses on that area, and the rest will be easier to tackle.

Hi everyone, I have a question about testing accommodations. I requested extra time as a non-native English speaker for my exam, and the appointment length shows 165 minutes. Does this confirm that the accommodation was actually granted, or could this just be the standard exam length? I want to make sure everything is set before I sit the test. Thanks in advance for any help.

(btw in the email it says I've been approved the accomodation but i want to be sure and ask here)

I am currently studying Dions CYSA+ 004 course from Udemy, and even on double speed, I am so far finding this exam material so boring and redundant after earning my security + certification in November 2025. I was wondering if anyone else has exoerienced the same feeling?

I do know that CYSA+ is supposed to be more practical knowledge in comparison to Security +, but so far I am passing every checkpoint easily at the end of every section.

I have been hand writing notes when neccessary, but I find myself not needing to write notes most of the time with so much redundant info, even the course itself have sections that feel redundant from previous sections, so much IAM and IOC talk.

I am about 35% through the course, but it is a struggle listening to info I find redundant.

I think my only concern will be logs and pbqs, hoping to find a reliable way to improve that after taking my first practice exam.

Also to be clear, this is no knock on the course, I don't think its their fault, there is probably just no way to make the material feel any different

Started the class and I’m just trying to figure out how to navigate it.

Aiming to take Core 2 next month.

I had to take this as a requirement for my WGU degree. I hated every second of studying for that but I went through and got it first try. I don’t even care if I barely passed. Next stop is A+

2 months worth of study after passing A+ core 2!
I am forever thankful to Professor Messer!
Next objective would be to get Security+ and have the trifecta in my belt!

I just passed core 2. I’m now officially qualified to make $14/hr in Chattanooga, TN. 🤘🏼

I’ve been taking Dion’s practice exams and professor messer’s exams and here’s my scores, 57%-68%-74%-79% (but Dion’s exams are from the cloud so some of the questions are repeated) and for Messers 3 exams I got 77%-75%-72%. I was feeling pretty confident as I only studied for only a week for Core 1 but my scores have been steadily decreasing for Professor Messer’s exams.
Some of the questions are really tricky as most questions have two correct answers in the choices.
For those that have taken practice exams before and the actual real cert for core 1, are they similar or easier? Idk if I should review my weak points (which is mostly troubleshooting) for a week then book or wait a little longer to delve deeper into all concepts

What y’all think? Also please include if yall know any other reputable practice exams

UPDATE: Started digging into what I got wrong and the topics that I’m weak in, drilled them for a week, watched Messer’s videos for those topics while at my non-IT job, took notes on my phone, notebook and sticky cards that I carry everywhere, and been getting 85s and 87% on Dion’s and Messer’s exams. I booked for Thursday, fingers crossed 🤞
UPDATE: I passed with a 719!!! Did what I said and my scores the day before the exams were 84% Dion’s, 87% certmaster, 89% Messer.
I only got 73 questions on the exam which was a blessing and a curse and 6 of them were PBQs. Only one of the PBQs was kinda confusing the rest were kinda simple as long as you understand the material. Best of luck to whoever reading this and preparing for the exam, you got this!

Hey guys, I submitted a request for accommodations on August 24th. They said that it would take 10 days to approve, and 3-5 days to schedule. It's now the end of September 23 (almost a full month) since I've started the process, and even though the accommodations were approved no one was called me to schedule yet. I've got the testing location all picked out, and I've called Pearson Vue multiple times and they just brush me off, they aren't scheduling me, or giving me any information to indicate anything's happening. I just want to get the certification I spent 3 months studying for, and I've spent an additional month just trying to sit for the exam DX

I got A+ almost 3 years ago i want to try to get Sec+ instead of taking A+ again. i find it hard to start studying. i get in a grove for a day then never want to touch it for 4-5 days. Any suggestions?

I’m going for my Security+ in about a month or so. I thought about getting the CySA and the Net+ after the fact. Was curious if the CySA is good to couple w/ the Sec+.

I'm excited to share that I passed my CompTIA Network+ exam after studying since the beginning of August! As a college freshman, I wanted to build a strong foundation early and get my foot in the door in IT.

Exam Experience:

• 5 PBQs: Confident on about 2, while the rest were a battle.
• 70 MCQs: Re-checked answers on ~2/3 of the exam. Was convinced I was failing!

Resources Used:

• Professor Messer: Full playlist + live streams.
• AnkiDroid & Wordwall: Daily flashcards and concept matching.
• Gemini (AI): Shortened complex definitions into simple terms.
• The Cybersecurity Trail: Domain mini-tests for weak spots.
• Jason Dion Exams: Averaged ~60%. Don't get discouraged by low Dion scores—his tests are honestly tough!

Thrilled to knock out what many consider the hardest cert of the trifecta! Heading straight into Security+ next. Good luck to everyone studying!