{"id":10444,"date":"2023-07-18T14:45:55","date_gmt":"2023-07-18T21:45:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/?p=10444"},"modified":"2023-08-25T07:40:03","modified_gmt":"2023-08-25T14:40:03","slug":"how-to-pass-the-comptia-security-certification-exam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/cybersecurity\/how-to-pass-the-comptia-security-certification-exam\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Study for (and Pass) CompTIA Security+ Exam"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The CompTIA Security+ exam is one of the most widely recommended exams for those who are working in cybersecurity and looking to land a job as a security analyst, network security engineer, or business analyst. Getting this certification is a surefire way to enhance your profile and make a strong case for yourself in job interviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While seasoned security professionals may find the CompTIA Security+ exam a breeze, that\u2019s not the case for everyone. It is one of the tougher certification exams out there and tests a wide range of skills across the security discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So if you\u2019ve been planning to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam, then you\u2019ve come to the right place. In this article, we\u2019ll take you through exam details, show you how to plan your studies, and look at additional resources that you can use to work through all the exam topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is CompTIA Security+?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The CompTIA Security+ exam is a certification offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). This is an organization that\u2019s involved in thought leadership and advocacy in the worldwide cybersecurity ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CompTIA offers certification programs across various IT and cybersecurity disciplines, including data, operating systems, security, and networks. Security+ is its security-focused certification program and assesses test-takers on their baseline security skills. The exams are offered at <a href=\"https:\/\/home.pearsonvue.com\/Test-centers.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pearson VUE centers<\/a> across the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CompTIA Security+ exam tests candidates on a broad set of theoretical concepts and practical situations that can determine their proficiency in the security domain. The exam ensures that candidates have the skills to achieve four specific kinds of tasks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Assessing an organization\u2019s cybersecurity readiness and coming up with recommendations where gaps exist&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Setting up security infrastructures for hybrid environments across mobile, IoT, and cloud<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understanding laws and regulations pertaining to risk mitigation and governance&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Isolating, analyzing, and adequately responding to any security breaches that occur in a system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The exam lasts ninety minutes and consists of ninety performance-based questions, where test-takers are required to perform different security tasks in a simulated environment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Test-takers are assigned a score between 100 and 900 on the Security+ exam. Among candidates who are either first-timers or not classroom trained, the failure rate can be as high as more than 50%.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.blog-cta-salsey-04 {\toverflow: hidden;\t}\t.blog-cta-salsey-04-img {\tmax-width: 160px !important;\t}\t@media (min-width: 768px) {\t.blog-cta-salsey-04-content {\tmax-width: calc(100% - 281px);\t}\t.blog-cta-salsey-04-img {\tposition: absolute;\tmax-width: 100% !important;\tright: -10px;\tbottom: -10px;\t}\t}<\/style><div class=\"blog-cta-salsey-04 bg-blue-50 p-3 my-5 position-relative\"><div class=\"d-block d-md-flex\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"212\" height=\"232\" src=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/csc-student.png\" alt=\"Cybersecurity student\" class=\"blog-cta-salsey-04-img mb-3 mb-md-0\" \/><div class=\"blog-cta-salsey-04-content\"><div class=\"d-flex align-items-center mb-2\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"pe-2\" width=\"86\" height=\"71\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/job-guarantee-heading-badge.png\" alt=\"Job Guarantee\" style=\"mix-blend-mode: multiply\"><h4 class=\"fw-bold mb-0\">Become a Cybersecurity Analyst. Land a Job or Your Money Back.<\/h4><\/div><p>Conduct vulnerability assessments into on-premise and cloud security risks. Work 1:1 with an industry mentor. Graduate with a CompTIA Security+ Certification. Land a job \u2014 or your money back.<\/p><p class=\"mb-sm-0\"><a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-lg\" href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/courses\/cyber-security-career-track\/#job-guarantee\">Explore course<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips to Studying for the CompTIA Security+ Exam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how you can ensure that you perform well on the exam:<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-howto\" class=\"rank-math-block\" >\n<div class=\"rank-math-howto-description\">\n\n<\/div>\n\n<ol class=\"rank-math-steps \">\n<li id=\"howto-step-1689731764986\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Get a Good Study Guide<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1689731810519\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Make a Study Plan<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1689731839638\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Invest in a Cybersecurity Bootcamp That Prepares You for CompTIA&#8217;s Security+ Exam<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1689731854706\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Take Advantage of Online Resources<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1689731870087\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Learn in Bite-Sized Chunks and Use Smart Study Techniques<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1689731887423\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Become Familiar with the Exam Domains<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1689731938382\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Practice and Plan Your Approach for the Performance-Based Questions<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1689731984561\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Find a Study Buddy or Join a Security+ Study Group<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1689732008527\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Take at Least Three Practice Exams (Use The First One as a Baseline to See What You Already Know)<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get a Good Study Guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of your study guide as the map that you will use to navigate your way through the CompTIA Security+ exam. A guide provides you with a kicking-off point for your preparation and a broad view of the topics that you need to cover in the exam.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now there are a few different study guides that you can use for the exam. However, you can\u2019t go wrong with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.comptia.org\/training\/books\/security-sy0-601-study-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Certification Study Guide<\/a>, which is the official study guide published by the organization. It takes you through the structure of the exam and provides material that you can use to study for it at your own pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that the study guide is only one of the resources that you have at your disposal to prepare for the exam. While you should use it, don\u2019t limit yourself just to the official guide in your preparation. We\u2019ll take a look at some of the other resources that you can tap for your preparation in subsequent sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make a Study Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having the study guide at your disposal isn\u2019t the only thing that you need to do to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam. While everyone has to cover the same topics, not everybody can learn at the same pace or style. Here are a few things to keep in mind when coming up with your personal study plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Review the Exam Portions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Take the preliminary step of reviewing the topics that will be covered in the exam. You can get an idea of exactly what those portions are from the study guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This serves two key purposes. The first is that it gives you an idea of the scope of the actual exam and the exam objectives. Second, it allows you to do some resource planning. Some of the topics that you come across will be ones that you\u2019re already familiar with. You can assign a small amount of time for those. There will also be areas and exam questions that are completely new to you, which you can take more time to study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Decide When You Want To Be Certified<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The CompTIA Security+ allows you to pick the dates on which you want to take the exam. You can, of course, take the exam on the earliest available date. But that might not be enough time for you to get prepared. So it\u2019s important that you manage your expectations and choose a date that gives you enough time to prepare for the theory parts and performance-based questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understand How Much Time You Can Devote to Studying Each Day<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you determine the date on which you want to take the CompTIA Security+ exam (you can view the schedule <a href=\"https:\/\/www.comptia.org\/landing\/certificationsecurityplus_india\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">after signing up here<\/a>), work backward from there. Break the entire length of time that you have available to you into smaller chunks and determine how much time you can reasonably spend studying on a daily basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that you will want to spend some time revising some topics and taking practice tests. Consider all of those things when you\u2019re looking at how much time to devote to different exam domains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Invest in a Cybersecurity Bootcamp That Prepares You for CompTIA&#8217;s Security+ Exam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Given that you\u2019re preparing for an exam that\u2019s focused on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/cybersecurity\/what-is-cybersecurity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cybersecurity<\/a>, having a broad understanding of security risks, firewall rules, and ethics in cybersecurity is a good base to have. A cybersecurity bootcamp can help you get to an experience level where preparing for exam-specific topics will become a breeze.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/courses\/cyber-security-career-track\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cybersecurity Bootcamp by Springboard<\/a> is a six-month program that takes you from a complete beginner to someone who\u2019s eligible for an entry-level position in the industry. That also means that you will have a strong practical understanding of a lot of the topics covered in the CompTIA Security+ exam. An added advantage is that you get access to 1-on-1 mentorship, which you can use to clarify any doubts that you have about the certification or learn more about specific areas where you need help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can learn more about other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/cybersecurity\/best-cybersecurity-bootcamps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">popular cybersecurity bootcamps here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take Advantage of Online Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/cybersecurity\/free-cybersecurity-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cybersecurity community<\/a> is a large, active community on the Internet. Members of this community create tons of content that you can use as part of your preparation for the CompTIA Security+ exam. Let\u2019s take a look at a few high-quality resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Courses<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/cybersecurity\/best-cybersecurity-courses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cybersecurity courses<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.udemy.com\/course\/the-complete-internet-security-privacy-course-volume-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">The Complete Cyber Security Course &#8211; Udemy<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.futurelearn.com\/courses\/introduction-to-cyber-security\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Introduction to Cybersecurity &#8211; FutureLearn<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coursera.org\/professional-certificates\/ibm-cybersecurity-analyst\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate &#8211; Coursera<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Books<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/en\/book\/show\/28320795\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cybersecurity for Beginners<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/book\/show\/26518108-how-to-measure-anything-in-cybersecurity-risk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Measure Anything in Cybersecurity Risk<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/book\/show\/39911737-ethical-hacking-for-beginners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ethical Hacking for<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/book\/show\/39911737-ethical-hacking-for-beginners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/book\/show\/39911737-ethical-hacking-for-beginners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide for You to Learn the Fundamentals of CyberSecurity and Hacking<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">YouTube Videos<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=fidenMBUIao\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What Does a Cyber Security Analyst Do?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=JoeiLuFNBc4&amp;list=PLBlnK6fEyqRgJU3EsOYDTW7m6SUmW6kII\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Introduction to Cryptography and Network Security<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Dk-ZqQ-bfy4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8 Most Common Cybersecurity Threats<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learn in Bite-Sized Chunks and Use Smart Study Techniques<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of ground you need to cover to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam. But it\u2019s important to remind yourself that you don\u2019t need to learn everything in a small amount of time. Study only for a certain amount of time each day and maintain a consistent pace once you\u2019ve figured out when you want to take the exam.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few study techniques that you can use to maximize your acquisition and retention of new concepts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use the Study Cycle Method<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.unc.edu\/tips-and-tools\/the-study-cycle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Study Cycle method<\/a> was devised by Frank Christ. It recommends that learners follow a cycle of previewing the material before attending class, then reviewing the material afterward in addition to studying for the exam itself.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tap Multisensory Input<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people tend to only read from a book when they\u2019re studying. But not everyone is a visual learner, and you might be putting yourself at a disadvantage if you\u2019re only doing that. Mix things up by reading out loud, writing notes, and watching videos so that you get a holistic sensory experience while learning.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find an Ideal Setting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Where you study can matter as much as how you study. You might not be able to do your best work at your work desk. So take some time to explore where you feel most comfortable doing your studies. Make sure that the spot you choose allows you to sit in a healthy posture and gives you enough light so that you can read and work easily.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Become Familiar With the Exam Domains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few <a href=\"https:\/\/www.examcompass.com\/comptia\/security-plus-certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cybersecurity domains<\/a> that are covered in the CompTIA Security+ certification. That includes attacks, threats, vulnerabilities, architecture and design, operations and incident response, and implementation. Make sure that you give yourself enough time to prepare for each exam domain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practice and Plan Your Approach for the Performance-Based Questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Working on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/cybersecurity\/cyber-security-projects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cybersecurity projects<\/a> can give you the practice that you need to deal with performance-based questions. Also, make sure that you check out CompTIA\u2019s own <a href=\"https:\/\/demosim.comptia.io\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">simulated environment practice page<\/a>, which allows you to practice different questions and get familiar with the drag-and-drop interface.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find a Study Buddy or Join a Security+ Study Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since this is a popular certification that\u2019s taken by candidates worldwide, there are various study groups online. You can find groups on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/comsecplus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a> or your preferred social media channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, make sure to get clued into the cybersecurity community in your local area. Attending meetups and conferences is a good way to do that. You\u2019re very likely to find others who are considering taking the CompTIA Security+ and are open to the idea of forming a study group with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take at Least Three Practice Exams (Use the First One as a Baseline To See What You Already Know)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Completing practice tests is an essential prerequisite for taking the CompTIA Security+ exam. These allow you to get an idea of the pacing of the exam and whether you\u2019re able to complete answers at an average of one per minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are various websites where you can do these practice tests. Some are available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.comptia.org\/training\/resources\/practice-tests\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CompTIA website<\/a>. There are also online courses that offer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.udemy.com\/course\/security-601-exams\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">practice questions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Passing the CompTIA Security+ Exam: Real-Life Examples To Learn From<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tanvi Biyani<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"991\" height=\"508\" src=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/how-to-study-for-comptia-security-real-life-example-tanvi-biyani.png\" alt=\"how to study for CompTIA security, real life example Tanvi Biyani\" class=\"wp-image-48412\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/how-to-study-for-comptia-security-real-life-example-tanvi-biyani.png 991w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/how-to-study-for-comptia-security-real-life-example-tanvi-biyani-400x205.png 400w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/how-to-study-for-comptia-security-real-life-example-tanvi-biyani-768x394.png 768w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/how-to-study-for-comptia-security-real-life-example-tanvi-biyani-380x195.png 380w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/how-to-study-for-comptia-security-real-life-example-tanvi-biyani-700x359.png 700w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/how-to-study-for-comptia-security-real-life-example-tanvi-biyani-380x195.png 420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 991px) 100vw, 991px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/how-i-passed-comptia-security-first-attemptand-you-can-tanvi-biyani\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tanvi Biyani<\/a> was able to pass the CompTIA Security+ exam on the first attempt, which is what all test-takers aspire to do. In this post, they go over the resources and strategies they used to achieve that feat. If you\u2019re looking for specific tactics that can help you translate learning into marks in the exam, you should definitely check this out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Zak Jaeb<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"ratio ratio-16x9 my-5\" itemprop=\"video\"><img src=\"https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/AA8Ks6qey74\/sddefault.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\" alt=\"YouTube video player for AA8Ks6qey74\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:100%;height:100%\" data-yt-facade=\"1\" \/><div class=\"yt-facade\" style=\"position:absolute;z-index:2;background:rgba(0,0,0,0.2)\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"72\" style=\"position:absolute;top:50%;left:50%;transform:translate(-50%, -50%);\"><path d=\"M0 0h24v24H0V0z\" fill=\"none\"><\/path><path d=\"M21.58 7.19c-.23-.86-.91-1.54-1.77-1.77C18.25 5 12 5 12 5s-6.25 0-7.81.42c-.86.23-1.54.91-1.77 1.77C2 8.75 2 12 2 12s0 3.25.42 4.81c.23.86.91 1.54 1.77 1.77C5.75 19 12 19 12 19s6.25 0 7.81-.42c.86-.23 1.54-.91 1.77-1.77C22 15.25 22 12 22 12s0-3.25-.42-4.81zM10 15V9l5.2 3-5.2 3z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How I passed the CompTIA Security+ Exam in 1 month.\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-yt-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AA8Ks6qey74?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Zak Jaeb took just forty days to prepare for and pass the CompTIA Security+. This isn\u2019t a realistic timeline for most people who want to take the exam, especially if you don\u2019t have experience in the security field, but you can use their experience to learn how to methodically plan your studies.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"bg-leaf-50 p-4 my-3\"><h4 class=\"fw-bold text-center\">Get To Know Other\tCybersecurity Students<\/h4><div class=\"row row-cols-1 row-cols-lg-3\"><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"card success-story-card h-100 d-flex justify-content-between mb-0\"><div class=\"flex-grow-1 text-center\"><a class=\"d-inline-block rounded-circle\" href=\"\/success\/rafael-ayala\" style=\"width:125px;height:125px;overflow:hidden\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/springboard-images\/image\/upload\/v1651026863\/Student%20Success\/Rafael_Ayala.jpg\" alt=\"Rafael Ayala\" style=\"object-fit:contain;max-width:170px;height:125px\" \/><\/a><p class=\"fw-bold mb-0\">Rafael Ayala<\/p><p class=\"text-muted lh-1\">Mergers And Acquisitions at Autodesk<\/p><\/div><div class=\"w-100 d-block d-md-none mt-3\"><\/div><p class=\"mb-0 mx-auto text-center\"><a class=\"btn btn-primary mx-auto\" href=\"\/success\/rafael-ayala\">Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col d-none d-md-block\"><div class=\"card success-story-card h-100 d-flex justify-content-between mb-0\"><div class=\"flex-grow-1 text-center\"><a class=\"d-inline-block rounded-circle\" href=\"\/success\/catherine-mckoy\" style=\"width:125px;height:125px;overflow:hidden\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/springboard-images\/image\/upload\/v1662143045\/Student%20Success\/Catherine_McKoy_2.jpg\" alt=\"Catherine McKoy\" style=\"object-fit:contain;max-width:170px;height:125px\" \/><\/a><p class=\"fw-bold mb-0\">Catherine McKoy<\/p><p class=\"text-muted lh-1\">Consumer Compliance Systems Analyst at Alaska USA Credit Union<\/p><\/div><p class=\"mb-0 mx-auto text-center\"><a class=\"btn btn-primary mx-auto\" href=\"\/success\/catherine-mckoy\">Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col d-none d-md-block\"><div class=\"card success-story-card h-100 d-flex justify-content-between mb-0\"><div class=\"flex-grow-1 text-center\"><a class=\"d-inline-block rounded-circle\" href=\"\/success\/ed-burke\" style=\"width:125px;height:125px;overflow:hidden\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/springboard-images\/image\/upload\/v1633015812\/Ed_Burke_125x125.png\" alt=\"Ed Burke\" style=\"object-fit:contain;max-width:170px;height:125px\" \/><\/a><p class=\"fw-bold mb-0\">Ed Burke<\/p><p class=\"text-muted lh-1\">Cyber Security Career Track Student at Springboard<\/p><\/div><p class=\"mb-0 mx-auto text-center\"><a class=\"btn btn-primary mx-auto\" href=\"\/success\/ed-burke\">Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs on Studying For CompTIA Security+&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve got the answers to your most frequently asked questions.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1689555450721\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is the CompTIA Security+ Exam Hard?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, the Security+ exam is known to be hard. Failure rates are especially high among first-time test takers. That said, you can maximize your chances of passing on the first attempt through methodical preparation and giving yourself plenty of time to do practice exams.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1689555467119\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How Long Should You Study for the CompTIA Security+ Exam?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You should give yourself at least two months to prepare for the exam. This is especially true if you don\u2019t have a background in IT.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1689555483043\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I Take the CompTIA Security+ Exam Without Experience?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You can take Security+ without experience, but it is recommended that you take some time to complete a cybersecurity bootcamp, or a self-paced course, to learn the basics of the domain.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1689555502308\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Should I Get the CompTIA Network+ Certification Before the CompTIA Security+ Certification?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You don\u2019t necessarily need to take the Network+ exam before Security+. That said, some of the things you learn for the Network+ exam apply to others as well. If you\u2019re somebody who is still not sure whether you want to work in networking or security, then you can consider doing both.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1689555530501\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What\u2019s the Next Certificate After the CompTIA Security+ Exam?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>There are various advanced certifications that you can take after the CompTIA Security+ exam. Many professionals often move on to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techtarget.com\/searchsecurity\/definition\/Certified-Information-Systems-Security-Professional#:~:text=The%20CISSP%20designation%20is%20a,sought%20after%20by%20IT%20professionals.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CISSP certification<\/a>. You should also consider other popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/cybersecurity\/cybersecurity-certifications\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cybersecurity certifications<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1689555557327\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is the CompTIA Security+ Certification Enough To Land a Job?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Completing the CompTIA Security+ exam can raise your profile in job interviews. However, employers consider a candidate\u2019s entire profile during the hiring process, including their educational background, work experience, and portfolio.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"rm has-background\" style=\"background-color:#efeff6\"><strong>Since you&#8217;re here&#8230;<br><\/strong>There are hundreds of thousands of vacant cybersecurity jobs, and one of them has your name on it. You can enter the industry in 6 months flat with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/resources\/learning-paths\/cybersecurity-foundations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cybersecurity<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/resources\/learning-paths\/cybersecurity-foundations\/\"> Course<\/a>. We\u2019ve helped <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/success\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">over 10,000 students<\/a> make huge career changes with our fully flexible mentor-led bootcamps. Explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/resources\/learning-paths\/cybersecurity-foundations\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/resources\/learning-paths\/cybersecurity-foundations\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free cybersecurity course<\/a> curriculum today to start your career switch story.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The CompTIA Security+ exam is one of the most widely recommended exams for those who are working in cybersecurity and looking to land a job as a security analyst, network security engineer, or business analyst. Getting this certification is a surefire way to enhance your profile and make a strong case for yourself in job [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":100,"featured_media":48421,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_eb_attr":"","_eb_data_table":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[126],"tags":[],"marketing_tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-10444","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cybersecurity"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10444"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/100"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10444"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10444\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49333,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10444\/revisions\/49333"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48421"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10444"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10444"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10444"},{"taxonomy":"marketing_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/marketing_tags?post=10444"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}