Studying for Sec+

JRZ80

I am studying for the Sec+ exam, can anyone give me some advice about taking it? I haven't set up an exam date yet as I am just getting back to studying for it after a year hiatus. I bought the Exam Cram book, I have the Kaplan self test software, and I am thinking about getting the CBT Nuggets for it (how helpful are they?).

Is there anything else I should look into getting?

Also on average, how long did it take to study for it the exam? Im looking at taking the entire summer if need be.

nicklauscombs

i'll suggest it and plenty of others will too.

GET THIS BOOK! hands down the best study source i used for the exam.

Amazon.com: CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-201 Study Guide (9781439236369): Darril Gibson: Books

redline5th

Yeah, I gotta say, that book is pretty awesome. It helped tremendously with my pass.

earweed

If you can afford it get Labsim/testout. Has video training and practice test questions. It helped me. A lot of people at WGU have been using just Labsim for Sec+ and scoring in the high 800's.
I doubt it should take you that long. Depends on how many hrs/week you put into it.

timespace

What do you guys think is a better CBT for the security+?

LabSim

LabSim - CompTIA Security+ Certification Training

or

TrainSignal

CompTIA Security+ Training, Network+ SY0-201 Certification| Train Signal

TheMechanic

Trainsignal ftw

earweed

Didn't use trainsignal. Most opinions on this would be from someone who had used just the one resource (Labsim or Trainsignal). A lot of people have used just Darril's book and I know of a lot of people who used just Labsim.
I used Labsim, Sybex Study guide, Sybex Security Administrator Street Smarts (for labbing because I learn more hands on) and scored 855/900.
The Labsim is a good resource and includes tests after each section and has practice tests which are similar in difficulty to the exam.
The important thing is to learn the material. A lot of what I learned while studying for the Sec+ I'm seeing again in my studies for the MCITP:EA.

erpadmin

I am using Darril Gibson's book and the corresponding Transcender exam, "ftw". A good book, plus Transcenders helped me pass both of my A+ exams and Network+ (which I used the Mike Meyers' All-In-One books at the time...EXCELLENT).

I'm a few chapters in now and just for the heck of it took the Transcenders to see how ready I was. I'm 67% ready, which means I have more studying to do. I don't buy a voucher until I start seeing mininum 90% three random exams in a row. (Not back to back, but one day here, another day there etc.).

That book though has EVERYTHING you need to pass the test. I looked at the stuff I got wrong on the Transcender and was able to find the subject quickly on my Kindle. As for Transcenders, with proper study, they have never failed me.

Devilsbane

For my studies (which won't begin for another month or so) I have already purchased Gibson's book because everyone raves how good it is. I'm also planning on the trainsignal videos. Never used them before, but I like that they don't seem all locked down. They also come with Transcender, which is very close to my bible.

I've heard good things about the Sec+ CBT Nuggets, but I have been fighting with them with the videos I already have. (In an unrelated note they just mailed me a t-shirt, a ball, and a sticky pad because they set up my licensing wrong. I'd like to say everything is fixed, but I just had some more issues last night.)