I was asked this question on Linkedin and decided to share my approach. “What would be your advice for people studying for Sec+?”
Preparing For Your Exam
Understand the exam objectives: Start by familiarizing yourself with the exam objectives. A company like CompTIA provides a detailed list of what will be covered, and knowing these will help you focus your study efforts on the important topics and manage your time well.
Understand your learning style: Use the most preferred or both, depending on your situation. Whether you’re a visual learner or prefer reading, you can find resources that work for you. I use both!
Create a study plan: Break down the material into manageable sections and set a timeline for studying each. Study consistently, and don’t procrastinate. Whenever I prepare for an exam, I study daily and consistently listen to the learning material/video when busy with other things. Remember, consistency is key, and focused study sessions are often more effective than cramming.
Hands-on experience: Try to get practical experience with security tools and technologies. Setting up a lab environment to practice configurations and troubleshooting can be invaluable in retaining the information.
Join study groups: Study groups can provide support, answer questions, and offer different perspectives on challenging topics. Engaging with others can also keep you motivated.
Take practice exams: Be exposed to as many practice questions as possible. Practice exams are crucial for understanding the format and types of questions you’ll encounter. They also help you identify areas where you need more review.
Review and revise regularly: Review what you’ve learned to reinforce your knowledge. Make use of flashcards or summary notes to help with revision. Make sure to review your objectives again before your exam. Ensure you understand core topics and are confident in answering any questions.
Choose the best time to take your exam: This is a big one; schedule your exam for a time when you feel most alert and focused. This is usually when you are well-rested and relaxed. Avoid times when you are stressed or very tired. I failed my CYSA+ exam by a few points on my first try because I was very stressed and tired and could barely keep my eyes open. So, I was reading the questions but couldn’t understand them. You need to understand the questions before you can answer them.
On the Test Day
Stay calm during the test: Try to remain calm throughout the exam. If you feel anxious, take a few deep breaths to help you relax.
Handle Performance-Based Questions (PBQs): Handling Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) later in the exam can be an effective strategy. If you encounter PBQs early, mark them and move on to complete the multiple-choice questions first. Set aside specific time for PBQs towards the end of the exam. Multiple-choice questions are generally quicker and can help you build confidence and momentum.
Handle difficult questions: If you encounter a question you don’t understand, flag/mark it to return to later and move on. This will ensure you cover all questions and maximize your score on easier questions. After answering the easier questions, revisit the flagged ones. When you return to the flagged questions, read them carefully multiple times to try and understand them. If you still can’t determine the answer, make an educated guess.
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