- Best Methods Of Studying For Comptia Security Certification Salary
- Best Methods Of Studying For Comptia Security+ Certification Programs
- Comptia Security 501 Study Guide
Apr 12, 2017 Even if you just do 1/2 hour a day, its way better then cramming. If you don’t have a CompTIA cert yet, just know that they will mess with you and make you think you failed throughout the whole test. Now, in terms of best places to start for self study material: Professor Messer Security + on youtube. Apr 22, 2019 People who are waiting for the best CompTIA Security+ Certification online courses, this is the best article to select the course. Mainly cyber security that means how to secure the data and important files from different hackers. Student will develop their security skills and knowledge. By learning CompTIA Security+ Certification course student will know about networks, devices, different. Apr 23, 2019 #1 CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 Certification Training – Simplilearn. The CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 Certification online course was created by Simplilearn. Instructors in Simplilearn are expertise in teaching CompTIA Security+ Certification. This course will cover the principles of risk management and network security.
Like most other tests for professional certification, the CompTIA Security+ exam is not easy to pass. But meeting this challenge will pay off handsomely: you will stand out among other IT security professionals because the certification demonstrates you know how to respond to security incidents and how to mitigate risks before security problems occur in the first place.
For those who want to become CompTIA Security+ certified, we have gathered the top tips and tricks about what to pay extra attention to during studying and how to be effective during the exam so you can earn the certification on your first attempt.
How to pass the Security+ exam: Learn and practice
Check your current knowledge and experience.
Though Security+ is an entry-level credential, CompTIA strongly recommends getting the A+ and Network+ credentials before proceeding to the Security+ certification, so you have the technical skills you need, such as configuring, managing and troubleshooting networks.
Though it is not a prerequisite, candidates are also advised to have two years of prior experience in IT administration with a security focus. In particular, to pass the Security+ exam, you should have experience performing security tasks such as identifying threats, detecting intrusions, conducting penetration testing, and performing risk management and risk mitigation.
![Security+ Security+](/uploads/1/2/6/6/126603456/244324441.jpg)
Best Methods Of Studying For Comptia Security Certification Salary
Increase the efficiency of your learning.
- Prioritize your study The best way to study for Security+ is to have a study plan at hand. A great place to start studying for Security+ sy0-501 exam is the CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam Objectives. It can serve as a roadmap to check your progress through the material as you prepare for the test and explains the objectives of the certification.
- Get a good study guide. Consider using the official CompTIA study resources and textbooks. At the top of the list is the Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide, which is available in eBook format for $149. Also check out this list of the 5 Best CompTIA Security+ Study Guides.
- Join a Security+ online community. Studying with a group of like-minded people is a great way to stay motivated, get answers to your questions and share strategies. The internet is full of Security+ forums that allow both test takers and experts to share their experience.
- Take an online Security+ training boot camp. Boot camps help you get up to speed quickly on the CompTIA Security plus exam topics. Such trainings are generally intensive, 3–5 day deep dives into the exam topics using a variety of course materials.
Practice, practice, practice.
- Take practice exams and review the answers to questions you miss.Practice test questions to figure out your weak areas so you can focus your studies. You can find practice exams in the CompTIA Store, and Darril Gibson’s popular SY0-501 Book has many different simulation questions and over 400 practice questions with answers and explanations. Remember, the Security Plus exam is 90 minutes long and has 90 questions, so time your practice exams and work out a strategy that works best for you.
- Do not use “brain dumps.” Make sure that you are getting quality, authorized practice materials. CompTIA warns candidates against using “brain dump” websites that claim to provide actual exam questions. There are no real exam questions available on the internet, but there are plenty of practice tests that you can use to get a sense of what to expect on the exam.
Tips to pass Security+ exam successfully
One key to passing the certification exam is to know as much as possible about the rules and policies, so you’re not surprised on exam day.
Review test policies ahead of time. What if exam day is approaching and you don’t feel ready yet? Well, you can reschedule or cancel any time until 24 hours before the exam. You should also know that test takers are not allowed to use electronic devices, including laptops, smartphones or smartwatches, during the exam for any CompTIA certifications. Follow this link to get more information on the test policies. Get familiar with them before you go to the exam, so you can stay focused on what’s important and not worry about little things.
Use the right strategies during the test. Here are useful tips on the approach to answering the test questions:
Skip questions you are not confident in. Since the test is timed, if you are not sure about the correct answer to a question, don’t waste too much time on it. Instead, click the “Flag for review” option and come back to it later.
Read the test questions carefully. Pay extra attention to capitalized words like “BEST,” “MOST” and “LEAST.” If several answers might seem correct, you need to choose the one that corresponds to the capitalized word.
Be prepared for performance-based questions. To answer performance-based questions (PBQs), you need to perform a task or solve a problem in a simulated environment. These are more complex than other standard questions and often take more time to solve. They appear at the beginning of the test, but you will not see the clock that shows the time remaining while you are working on PBQs. If you are not confident about your answer, flag it for review and return to it later.
Experts explain: How it’s possible to get the cert on your first attempt
We asked several professionals who managed to pass the text on their first try for their first-hand recommendations. Here’s what they said:
DaveHatter, Intrust IT
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I passed the Security + exam some time ago after taking it once. Some tips:
- Get a good book, like this one from CompTIA. Read it cover to cover twice. The first time, make notes and take the sample tests after each chapter. After lots of practice working with tools and doing the tests, read it again to find any final gaps.
- Take the sample tests over and over until you can comfortably and repeatedly score in the high 80s or 90s.
- Use your phone to make audio notes of key concepts or things that you struggle with and listen to them in the car, when you’re walking or cutting the grass, etc.
- Use flashcards.
- Find a study group, if possible.
- If your budget allows, buy sample tests from more than one vendor (just vet them for quality first).
Will Ellis, Privacy Australia
I passed the test the first time I took it and I know many other people who did as well. We used very similar strategies for preparation.
The first step is to download or print off the certification objectives. This should be used as a final checklist. You are not ready until you can confidently check off everything on the objective list.
There are a few great websites to help you prepare for the test. Professor Messer and Certblaster were my favorites for preparing. Both have a bunch of study and preparation tools, as well as free video series. Personally, I studied for the test with three other people and we also had access to security professionals at IBM. Not everyone will have that luxury, but finding an expert online is not very difficult. Using Reddit or joining an online IT group will achieve the same goal.
In the process of studying, it is best to get as much hands-on experience as possible. Actually going through exercises that come up on the test goes extremely far for understanding the concepts tested.
My last tip would be to skip the performance-based questions initially. Instead, go straight for the multiple choice questions and then go back. Everyone I know who didn’t feel pressed for time during the exam did this. It isn’t 100% necessary but is definitely a better flow for the test.
Maji Tharpe, principal consultant, MAJI, llc
Many positions require multiple certifications. Review your target job descriptions to determine if you need networking or hardware/software support certifications (e.g., A+ or Network+) as well. Since a significant portion of the Security+ material might be covered on those exams, preparing for them first can reduce your overall preparation time and increase your likelihood of passing Security+ on your first try.
Conclusion
Depending on your experience, it can take several weeks or even several months to get ready for the exam. Give yourself time to prepare and put extra effort into the areas that are less familiar to you. I hope these tips will help you on your way to getting the cert on the first attempt!
The CompTIA Security+ is highly valued by IT professionals and employers alike. This vendor-neutral certification is part of CompTIA’s “Core” family of certifications and one of its top credentials in terms of popularity. Together, the Security+, A+ and Network+ credentials make up what my friends reverently refer to as the “holy trinity” of certifications. Earning the Security+ credential sends a strong message to employers and prospective employers that you possess the skills and knowledge necessary to be a valuable cybersecurity-focused team member.
Careful preparation is required to pass the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. It is quite comprehensive, designed to validate not just a candidate’s knowledge of security and cybersecurity topics, but also their ability to perform security-related tasks; configure and manage networks; troubleshoot issues as they arise; and identify, mitigate, manage and detect security threats. In fact, CompTIA recommends obtaining both the A+ and Network+ credentials to gain the requisite networking and technical skills before seeking the Security+ certification. Candidates should also have at least two years of experience working in IT administration in a security-focused role.
Choosing the Right Study Guide
Having the right study guide in invaluable when preparing for the CompTIA certification exam. But a quick Google search will yield thousands of Security+ exam preparation materials, so choosing the right one can be a daunting challenge. To make our top study guide picks, I examined materials recommended by CompTIA, as well as study guides that address the technical and networking skills required for the A+ and Network+ credentials and study guides that focus on the Security+ credential or related cybersecurity topics. Finally, I checked the Amazon best seller rankings and reviews. Below you’ll find my five top picks, which include study guides for A+, Network+ and Security+, along with a tasty morsel on hacking. These books will provide you with a great foundation as you fully prepare for your Security+ exam.
CompTIA Security+ Books: The Best of the Best
The Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide (Exam SY0-501)
At the top of the list is the Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide. Not only is it endorsed by CompTIA, but it’s the only study guide developed by CompTIA for this exam. The CompTIA Security+ book covers all exam objectives and includes review questions at the end of each unit so you can test your learning. This certification study guide is available in eBook format from the CompTIA store. At $149 USD, it’s a good deal pricier than the other study guides we recommend here, but who better to prepare you for the exam than the exam creator?
CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, 7th edition
Solid networking skills are essential for Security+ professionals — so essential, in fact, that CompTIA recommends the Network+ credential as a prerequisite for the Security+ exam. Mike Meyers is recognized industry-wide as the go-to authority for preparing for the A+, the Network+ and the Security+ exams. His Network+ study guide includes real-world examples, free video training, preassessments, interactive hands-on lab simulations, and hundreds of practice exam questions that are useful when seeking either the Network+ or the Security+ credential. A number-one best seller, this exam guide is available on Amazon in hardcover for $44.70 or as a Kindle eBook for $33.26.
CompTIA Security+ All-in-One Exam Guide, Fifth Edition
Another fine study guide, the CompTIA Security+ All-in-One Exam Guide covers all exam domains and objectives. It also features, tips, explanations, and more than 200 practice questions. An Amazon best seller, the book is reasonably priced at around $35 for either the hardcover or Kindle edition.
CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002), 10th edition
In January 2019, CompTIA released new A+ exams with an expanded focus on baseline security skills. The CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Tenth Edition addresses all the new exam objectives and includes practice questions, performance-based simulations and free video training. The hardcover edition is available for pre-order now for $41.41 and has a target release date of April 16, 2019. If you can’t wait, the older Ninth Edition is available now.
Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition
This book explores IT vulnerabilities through the eyes of the hacker. You’ll learn the technical details of how hackers exploit sloppy programming and use C programming and Linux environments to outsmart security measures, redirect traffic, crack encrypted wireless traffic and much more. Written by security specialist and cryptologist Jon Erickson, this book provides a great overview of network communications, hacking techniques, machine architecture and programming. It is available on Amazon in paperback or as a Kindle eBook for around $30.
Best CompTIA Security+ Study Guides at a Glance
Title | Author | Publisher | Price* | ISBN | Additional Info** |
The Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide (Exam SY0-501) | None listed | CompTIA | $149 | None | CompTIA developed and recommended Available from CompTIA store |
CompTIA Network+Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, 7th Edition | Mike Meyers | McGraw-Hill Education (June 26, 2018) | $44.70 (hardcover) $33.26 (Kindle eBook) | ISBN-10: 1260122387 ISBN-13: 978-1260122387 | #1 in Protocols & APIS – Networks #1 in Hardware & DIY – Internet & Networking #1 in Engineering – Telecommunications & Sensors |
CompTIA Security+ All-in-One Exam Guide, 5th Edition | Wm. Arthur Conklin, Greg White, Dwayne Williams, Chuck Cothren, Roger L. Davis | McGraw-Hill Education (January 8, 2018) | $34.80 (hardcover) Cloners + effectors 1.1.1. $33.06 (Kindle eBook) | ISBN-10: 1260019322 ISBN-13: 978-1260019322 | #1 in Books > Computers & Technology > Security & Encryption > Privacy & Online Safety #2 in Books > Computers & Technology > Networking & Cloud Computing > Networks, Protocols & APIs > Networks #4 in Books > Engineering & Transportation > Engineering > Telecommunications & Sensors |
CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002), 10th Edition | Mike Meyers | McGraw-Hill Education (April 16, 2019) | 10th Edition: $41.41 (available April 16, 2019) 9th Edition: $26.77 (hardcover) $25.43 (Kindle eBook) | ISBN-10: 1260454037 ISBN-13: 978-1260454031 | Rankings for 9th Edition: #1 in Books > Computers & Technology > Certification > Security #1 in Books > Computers & Technology > Operating Systems > Windows > Windows Desktop #1 in Books > Textbooks > Computer Science > Operating Systems |
Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition | Jon Erickson | No Starch Press (February 4, 2008) | $33.55 (paperback) $29.99 (Kindle eBook) | · ISBN-10: 1593271441 · · ISBN-13: 978-1593271442 | Simlab composer 8 pro free. #4 in Books > Computers & Technology > Security & Encryption > Cryptography #4 in Books > Computers & Technology > Security & Encryption > Encryption #7 in Books > Computers & Technology > Networking & Cloud Computing > Cloud Computing |
*The price quoted for the Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide was obtained from the CompTIA store. All other prices were obtained from Amazon.com. All prices are subject to change.
**All rankings are as reported by Amazon at the time this blog was prepared and are subject to change.
Best Methods Of Studying For Comptia Security+ Certification Programs
Other Resources
Comptia Security 501 Study Guide
If self-study guides aren’t the best learning path for you, consider taking a boot camp or other online or in-person. Candidates should expect to pay around $1,825 for classroom training from an authorized CompTIA partner. CompTIA also offers comprehensive online training for Security+; its CertMaster Learn includes lessons, assessments, performance-based questions, videos and more for a fee of $499. If you’re looking for opportunities to practice the actual exam, both CompTIA and Exam Compass offer free practice tests.
Also, be sure to check MooC (massively online open course) providers for their Security+ courses. MooC courses are offered online and have the advantage of being available anytime, anywhere. Most MooC courses are free, although certification or diploma fees might apply depending on the provider. Well-known MooC providers include Cybrary, Coursera, EdX, FutureLearn and Udacity. YouTube also contains hundreds if not thousands of free videos dedicated to Security+ and security-related topics. In particular, be sure to check out Professor Messer’s Security+ Study Group and CBT Nuggets.
No matter what your preferred learning style, there’s no shortage of study materials available. Good luck on your certification journey!