Take current 401 or wait for new 501 to be released?
Hello all. So I just passed my network+ exam yesterday and I'm already thinking and planning to take the Security+. I am torn between studying for and taking the current 401 version by the end of this year. The normal grace period which overlaps the exam versions would make it available to take until December 31, 2017. This is normally the trend with the Security.+.
Or waiting for the new version 501 to be released in October. Problem I am seeing is that there's not much if any 501 study materia available yet. Almost all study guides for it on Amazon are to be released later this year, after August. If I get the book as soon as released, let's say I'm August, that would give me roughly about 3-4 months to prepare for the exam and take it by 12/31.
I want to wait for and take the 501 because in my eyes it'll be the newest version of the exam and will have the most up to date information and tested on such. The 401 being released 3 years ago, I feel that I'll be taking an "outdated" exam in a way.
No disrespect to those taking the 401 currently and that have passed it. I understand passing one or the other makes no difference to becoming certified, at the end of the day, passing either exam makes the person become recognized as Security+ certified and not 401 or 501 certified. Also, employers will only see that you are certified, not which exam you actually took.
I guess with me wanting to wait for the 501 exam to be released is more of a personal preference. Regardless, I would like the opinion of all of you out there.
Would you take the current 401, or wait for new 501 to be released? And why?
Thank you all. God bless.
Or waiting for the new version 501 to be released in October. Problem I am seeing is that there's not much if any 501 study materia available yet. Almost all study guides for it on Amazon are to be released later this year, after August. If I get the book as soon as released, let's say I'm August, that would give me roughly about 3-4 months to prepare for the exam and take it by 12/31.
I want to wait for and take the 501 because in my eyes it'll be the newest version of the exam and will have the most up to date information and tested on such. The 401 being released 3 years ago, I feel that I'll be taking an "outdated" exam in a way.
No disrespect to those taking the 401 currently and that have passed it. I understand passing one or the other makes no difference to becoming certified, at the end of the day, passing either exam makes the person become recognized as Security+ certified and not 401 or 501 certified. Also, employers will only see that you are certified, not which exam you actually took.
I guess with me wanting to wait for the 501 exam to be released is more of a personal preference. Regardless, I would like the opinion of all of you out there.
Would you take the current 401, or wait for new 501 to be released? And why?
Thank you all. God bless.
Systems Support Specialist
Associate of Arts Computer Information System
Certifications: CompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft Technology Associate: Networking Fundamentals
2018 Goals: CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+
Associate of Arts Computer Information System
Certifications: CompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft Technology Associate: Networking Fundamentals
2018 Goals: CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+
Comments
I did this mistake since leaving college and I've only just gained my first two IT exams when I could of achieved them more earlier.
If you want to take the 501 because it is your personal preference that is your preference. It just won't have any greater ROI or help you at all by holding off longer. If you're worried bout the content being out of date you could just study the material you wanted to learn in your own time. I don't see anything to gain and only time to lose by waiting.
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I have come to realize that you are all 100% correct and I will begin studying for the 401 and hopefully sit for the exam before year's end.
I will be moving to Florida at the end of next month and have a lot going on right now with preparing for the move. Once settled in Florida I will get serious about studying for the exam.
Another quick question, what would you all recommend as being the best book for this exam? I've come across CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-401 Study Guide by Darryl Gibson being mentioned a lot here in the forum. Would this be the top choice? Also the Exam Cram one.
I like to use multiple resources when preparing for an exam. It has proven very good for me for the exams I've taken and passed so far. Also eyeing the Mike Meyers course on Udemy. I used his network+ course which was very helpful as well.
Thank you all again.
Associate of Arts Computer Information System
Certifications: CompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft Technology Associate: Networking Fundamentals
2018 Goals: CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+
You got this...don't delay more than you have to.
I'll fill you in on something.
When 401 came out, Darril was a little late on updating his 301 book. Guess what people KEPT using until then?
There will always be incremental additions with barely much removed for most exams. Don't wait. IT certs just keep adding and adding.
You'll be caught up in a few days with just some web articles really. No need to freak out.
CompTIA Linux+[ ] Bachelor's Degree
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I will start looking through it and watching Professor Messer's videos on YouTube. I won't be able to "fully" study for the exam until I move and I'm settled in Florida. Too much going on right now.
I will plan to take the exam by October. This should give me enough time to move, be settled in new house and new job. Then I can get on a studying schedule like I did for A+ and Network+.
Associate of Arts Computer Information System
Certifications: CompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft Technology Associate: Networking Fundamentals
2018 Goals: CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+
Better the devil you know, right?
What do you all think? Have any of you passed the 401 with such short time to study?
Associate of Arts Computer Information System
Certifications: CompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft Technology Associate: Networking Fundamentals
2018 Goals: CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+
Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance - Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science in Network Administration - Western Governors University
Associate of Applied Science x4 - Heald College
I studied for the Security+ and took the exam in two months and change. Now, I didn't study for the full two months, it was on and off with work, family and personal obligations getting in the way. If you're able to maximize the amount of time you have and can dedicate a solid 15 - 20 hours weekly I think it's doable. It sounds like you have some experience so you may be able to get away with it. It's all about staying focused and grinding if you really want to take the 401 version. Otherwise, you can take the 501 and study at a more relaxed pace.
Side note: Really manage your study time. I barely managed to pass. I could have done better if had I another solid month of just reading and practicing. If you're not super prepared this test can be a beast. lol
Current Certs: A+ | N+ | S+ | Cloud Essentials+ | Project+ | MTA: OSF | CIW: SDA | ITIL: F | CCENT | CCNA R&S | CCNA | LPI Linux Essentials
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2022 Goals:CCNP Enterprise [ ]
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I you need help with that, you can take a look of Offensive Security webiste, they have great online courses for penetration testing and security certification
Check them out
https://www.offensive-security.com/