Passing the Security+ exam was a huge milestone for me, especially considering that I had only been learning about cybersecurity for about three to four months beforehand. To prepare, I relied heavily on three main resources: Professor Messer’s free videos on YouTube, the ExamCompass practice tests, and Jason Dion’s course on Udemy. Each one played a different role in my preparation. Professor Messer’s videos gave me a clear and structured understanding of the exam objectives, breaking down complex topics into easy-to-follow lessons. ExamCompass course added extra depth with more detailed explanations and scenario-based learning, while the Jason Dion’s practice tests gave me the opportunity to check my knowledge and identify weak areas quickly.
One of the most effective strategies I used was taking thorough notes. I wrote down key points from every video and practice question, and then reviewed them until I felt confident with each exam objective. Rather than rushing through the material, I made sure I fully understood concepts like networking, cryptography, risk management, and access control. That way, when I encountered a similar question on the exam, I could rely on actual understanding instead of rote memorization.
What made this accomplishment even more meaningful was the short timeline I gave myself. Even though I had only been in the cybersecurity world for a few months, I dedicated about a week and a half of focused study to prepare for the exam. By combining consistent note-taking, video lessons, and hands-on practice tests, I built up my confidence quickly. When exam day came, I felt ready. Passing Security+ not only validated my effort but also showed me how much you can achieve with the right study plan and discipline, even in a short period of time.
Resources I Used to Pass:
- CompTIA website: Security+ (Plus) Certification | CompTIA
- Professor Messer Videos: CompTIA SY0-701 Security+ Training Course – YouTube
- Exam Compass Practice Exams: CompTIA Security+ Practice Test Questions
- Udemy Jason Dion Practice Tests: CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Practice Exams Set 1 | Udemy
- My Personal Notes: