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If You Had to Restart Security+, What Would You Do Differently?

Gregory Childers
Kristina N said:
  1. Can never do enough practice exams - obviously the better written ones would resemble the real exam, but do as many practice exams to learn new topics, not to memorize a bunch of answers - focus on what you don't already know
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I completely disagree. I have passed 14 different CompTIA certification exams, and recertified several times for many of them, without taking a single practice exam. I didn't have any practice exams for the CISSP, CISM, or CCSP either.

If you read the exam objectives thoroughly and learn the material to the degree that you can comprehensively explain it to others, there is no need for practice exams.

For the few I have looked at, even highly rated ones, I haven't found any that I would endorse. None are written in a similar style. Many go outside the exam objectives. And sadly, many of them have incorrect answers in the answer keys.
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CIN Sneak Peek: CySA+ V4

H
Thank you for sharing this great opportunity. The CySA+ V4 update looks very interesting, especially with the focus on cybersecurity analytics and incident response evolution.


I would like to ask if there will be a Train-the-Trainer (TTT) session planned in relation to this new version. Also, will exam vouchers be provided to participants at the end of the session?


Looking forward to the event!
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If You Had to Restart Security+, What Would You Do Differently?

Kristina N
Roger Whyte said:
  1. more emphasis on foundational concepts (CIA, Threat, vulnerability, Risk)
  2. More hands-on ...
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I think Roger Whyte has it. I don't have much to add to it. Just the following thoughts.
  1. Can never do enough practice exams - obviously the better written ones would resemble the real exam, but do as many practice exams to learn new topics, not to memorize a bunch of answers - focus on what you don't already know
  2. labs, labs, labs - comptia devleoped some really great labs. They are a pleasure to work through and play around with the tools. You aren't stuck just doing the lab. Do as much as you want with those Kali linux machines and what they have installed on them. Play around with dvwa and any of the interfaces and learn and play and learn some more.
  3. Don't forget to research the simulations that are actually covered the exams. Make sure you know them well. The CompTIA official labs should have covered all of them.
  4. I don't mind hearing the same information from two different sources, but usually I just stick with a really good reference book and wikipedia. Hearing the same thing from two different perspectives gives me a deeper understanding, but I have limited time and want to maximize the use of the limited time I have. So reference manual for depth, and wikipedia for the high level overview that I need to have to understand the main point. Otherwise, I'm old enough that sooner or later I see the same crud on yet another textbook.
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If You Had to Restart Security+, What Would You Do Differently?

Gregory Childers
The best preparation for me was as follows:

Studying and passing the A+ exams
Studying and passing the Network+ exam

Those two exams gave me the necessary foundation and vocabulary to prepare for the Security+ exam.


Personally, I don't use practice exams. First, I've never seen an exam bank that was remotely close to the actual exam questions. Second, I've gotten much better at identifying my own blind spots.

The labs are useful for making the theory more concrete. You can see how things work. However, the exam doesn't ask you how to do anything step-by-step.

I'd find one single comprehensive resource and start there. A good, comprehensive exam preparation book is better than dozens of online videos.
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If You Had to Restart Security+, What Would You Do Differently?

profgibs12
Seeing so many people sharing their Security+ journeys here is motivating 💪🏽

Quick question for those who’ve already passed or are deep into studying:

If you had to start Security+ all over again, what would you do differently?

Would you:

  • Focus more on practice exams?
  • Spend more time on hands-on labs?
  • Use fewer resources but go deeper?
  • Or follow a completely different study strategy?
I’m especially interested in real-world advice (what actually helped you pass, not just what sounds good).

Also, for those who passed recently — how long did you study and what resources made the biggest difference?

Appreciate any insights 🙏🏽
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Next CompTIA A+ TTT series and subsequent voucher(s)?

Mitch Garvis
Julian J. Carrington said:
Hi CIN community (CINners?), and thanks in advance for the help!

As I'm setting up my profile and fulfilling the requirements for completion, I wanted to ask about the upcoming A+ TTT schedule and when the next round of exam vouchers will be available.

If this topic has already been covered, please feel free to point me to the right thread. Much appreciated!
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Not for nothing, but the current A+ courses and exams (220-1201 & 220-1202) are less than a year old. I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you...
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Next CompTIA A+ TTT series and subsequent voucher(s)?

Julian J. Carrington
Hi CIN community (CINners?), and thanks in advance for the help!

As I'm setting up my profile and fulfilling the requirements for completion, I wanted to ask about the upcoming A+ TTT schedule and when the next round of exam vouchers will be available.

If this topic has already been covered, please feel free to point me to the right thread. Much appreciated!
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Inquiry About Becoming a CompTIA Instructor

Rick Butler
Charles said:
Sometimes it helps to have a teaching credential as well, if possible. I am a licensed K-12 School Teacher.
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One of the things I do for myself working in private sector Higher Ed is have credentials and certifications, not just in what I teach, but in general education practice. For example, schools that are affiliated with the CECU, educators have the ability to earn a credential called CHEP or Certified Higher Education Professional. It's not a difficult credential to obtain - one just takes online classes and gets the cert after completing a number of courses, maintaining it with two additional courses per year. It focuses on things like online and on-ground teaching, campus operations, financial aid, career services, and so on.

No one can "get 'em all", and getting tons of certs adds to the stress of maintenance, particularly if they are outside one's general thread of work. Since I'm not presently leading classes these days, I'm less focused on my instructor certs, and more focused on certs relating to platforms like Azure/365 and disciplines like security, IT governance and compliance.

When I was younger, I was more obsessed with getting certifications to validate myself, and more importantly, to push that "imposter syndrome" away, something for which I personally have always struggled, along with a long litany of self-esteem issues. As I've gotten older, while I still struggle with these psychological issues, I have at least learned that people will respect me or they won't - and it won't matter how many letters I have, hanging from my business card.
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