How to Passed the CompTIA Security+(SY0–601) Exam on the First Try
After my 3-month cybersecurity bootcamp education with Fullstack Academy cybersecurity bootcamp, I decided to study for certifications covered by the EDC scholarship. After I took the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. You can read how I passed the exam here: https://dijah.medium.com/how-to-passed-the-aws-certified-cloud-practioner-exam-on-the-first-try-bac2e0a793c7. The next exam will be CompTIA security+.
Before I start actually studying for this exam. I took a CompTIA security+ practice test from Udemy. Here is the link to Udemy security+ practice test: I wanted to see how much I knew and how much material I needed to review. Before taking the exam, I thought I wouldn’t have to study that much due to graduating from a cybersecurity bootcamp. However, the failed grade on the computer screen shocked me. After looking over the exam, I realized my bootcamp gave me enough overview about cybersecurity but I needed to know details in order to pass this exam.
I found a CompTIA security+ (SY0-601) course on LinkedIn Learning, here is the link: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/comptia-security-plus-sy0-601-cert-prep-the-basics. For NYC residents, you can access it for free through New York Public Library here: https://www.nypl.org/research/collections/articles-databases/linkedin-learning-lynda. The videos and multiple-choice questions were great. However, I stop watching them because I found out that I wasn’t retaining the information. I realize my learning style is writing information down. This is when I saw improvement in my ability to retain information.
I borrowed the CompTIA Security+ Study Guide: Exam SY0–601 8th Edition by Mike Chapple from my local library. Literally, I read that book from beginning to end, took detailed notes, and answer the multiple-choice questions at the end of the chapter. For every question I got wrong, I look at the answer key to make sure I understood why it was the right answer. If I didn't understand, I re-read the material in the book or google it. After I finished with the CompTIA security+ book, I started taking the Udemy security+ practice exam. Here is Jason Dion’s Udemy course that was recommended to use: https://www.udemy.com/course/security-601-exams/. The practice exams were hard, but it prepares you for the exam. Make sure to review and understand why you got the question wrong. This tip is extremely helpful to pass the exam on the first try.
If you need more study material, people recommend either the paid Jason Dion’s course. Here is the link: https://www.udemy.com/course/securityplus/) or youtube videos by Professor Messer. Here is the link:https://youtu.be/9NE33fpQuw8. You can find a Quizlet flashcard set or make your own Quizlet flashcard set to help you memorize protocols, port numbers, and their functions. Also, you can use this link:https://exampremium.com/comptia-security/ to practice the lab simulation questions. This was extremely helpful in studying for the exam.
I will repeat this again make sure you understand the material, memorize common protocols, port numbers, and functions, common Linux and Windows commands, and practice a bunch of multiple-choice questions and lab simulation with a timer.
When you are ready, set a date for your exam. Remember you study the material and have done a bunch of practice questions. You got this. Relax and good luck.
