I'm currently preparing to take my CompTIA Security+ SYO-601 certification exam! During my preparation, I will update this repository with information I find to be helpful for succeeding in Security+.
I'm a junior studying Computer Science at the University of Central Florida. I have a background in IT and networking, and I'm transitioning into the broader cybersecurity realm.
CompTIA Security+ is an industry-standard cybersecurity certification for intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.
Although not required, I previously passed the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ exams. CompTIA calls this group of exams (plus the IT Fundamentals+ exam) their Core Skills Certifications. These certifications prepare professionals for the CompTIA Infrastructure Pathway and Cybersecurity Pathway. [+]
CompTIA Security+ focuses on five major cybersecurity domains. Each domain and the measure to which it is represented in the exam are listed as follows: [+]
| Domain | Percentage of Examination |
|---|---|
| Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities | 24% |
| Architecture and Design | 21% |
| Implementation | 25% |
| Operations and Incident Response | 16% |
| Governance, Risk, and Compliance | 14% |
- Maximum of 90 questions
- Questions are multiple-choice and performance-based (using simulations of things like firewalls, networks diagrams, or operating systems)
- Passing score is 750 (on a scale of 100-900)
As a college student, I focused on finding free or inexpensive study material. Here are some of my recommendations.
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Training Material
- Professor Messer (YouTube) - I love Professor Messer's videos! I followed him through Network+ and it only felt natural to do so for Security+ as well. His videos are very digestible and are typically 5-10 minutes each. (You can even listen to his lectures in the background while gaming 😉.)
- NetworkChuck (YouTube) - NetworkChuck makes very consistently engaging content and his Security+ videos are no different. However, this series is not yet complete and Chuck seems to be taking a hiatus from it... The videos he has up are still worth watching, though!
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Practice Questions
- ExamCompass - ExamCompass provides a ton of practice questions for Security+. Each of their practice tests seems to have a pretty narrow scope, so be sure to take a handful of them to get a broader coverage of the test.
- Jason Dion (Udemy) - I took Jason Dion's practice exams before my Network+ exam and felt like he nailed the style of questions on the test! This is the only paid resource on my list, but I would highly recommend it. It's not very expensive (typically $15-$20 on sale), and Jason runs sales frequently that bring the price down even lower. Jason states that getting 90% or higher on his practice exams will set you up for passing the real deal.
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Other
- This Reddit post - u/phabeon documented his entire Security+ (SYO-501) journey and the resources he found helpful. He passed on his first try with zero prior knowledge or experience in information security.
- Flash Cards (Quizlet) - Everyone loves a good Quizlet.
- CompTIA Security+ Exam Objectives - A comprehensive guide of all the topics that you may be tested on. Published by CompTIA!
I passed my Security+ exam earlier this afternoon! Over the past couple weeks, I really focused on Jason Dion's practice tests. I took each test, reviewed the answers I got wrong, and watched the corresponding Professor Messer videos for those objectives.
Some stats:
- Scores for Dion's practice tests (in order): 72%, 82%, 80%, 80%, 85%, 84%
- My score on the exam: 787/900 (minimum passing is 750)
- I regret not brushing up on the acronyms before the exam. There are a lot so be sure to know them all! (A full list can be seen at the end of the CompTIA Security+ Exam Objectives.)
- Make sure to allocate enough time to do the PBQs. They can be a little on the longer side and just wrapping your head around what each question is asking may take a few minutes.
- I feel I may have cut it a little close. If you're taking Dion's practice tests, aim for consistently getting above an 85% to be comfortable for the exam room.
- Overall, the exam was very fair. Manage your time carefully, brush up on the Exam Objectives, take practice tests and you will pass! Best of luck!