Have Darrell's 201 book, will it prepare me for 301?

IndyLoveless

Hey guys,

Pretty strapped on cash right now, but am studying for the Security+ exam, previously last year I bought the 201 book, but never got around to taking it. Are there major differences between the 201 and 301? If I just study this book do you think I could pass? Does Darrell have a 301 book?

erpadmin

Blog

[h=2]Answers to a Few FAQs[/h]I continue to get queries about the SY0-201 and SY0-301 exam. Here’s a few answers that may help you too.
Can you still take the SY0-201 version?
Yes. You can still take the SY0-201 version until December 31, 2011. The CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-201 Study Guide is still helping many people take and pass this exam.
Do employers care which version you take?
No. Employers want to know that you are certified. I don’t know of any employer that cares which version you have (SY0-201 or SY0-301).
Is the SY0-301 version harder than the SY0-201 version? (ERPADMIN NOTE: obvious typo...I'll email him about it)
This is a tough question to answer. It’s different. It includes concepts that are newer because security topics continue to evolve. Since writing the first SY0-201 book, I’ve written several other security books, and contributed to a couple more. I tech edited a CISSP book, and I am in the final phase of a SSCP book based on the new objectives for the SSCP exam. Because of this, I’ve already been exposed to many of these topics so I was able to easily pass the exam when I took it (though I did miss a question).
Will I see questions on the SY0-201 exam that aren’t covered in the SY0-201 book?
Yes. CompTIA seeds the exam with beta questions but the beta questions are not graded. As an example, the SY0-201 objectives do not include any topics on cloud computing, yet many people report seeing questions on cloud computing. You’ll probably see the same thing in three years when CompTIA releases the SY0-401 version.
[h=2]Some Information on the Full SY0-301 Book[/h]CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-301 Study Guide is an update to my top-sellingSY0-201 guide,which helped thousands of readers pass the exam the first time they
took it.
The SY0-301 version covers every aspect of the SY0-301 exam, and includes the same elements readers raved about in the previous version. Each of the eleven chapters presents topics in an easy to understand manner and includes real-world examples of security principles in action. I use many of the same analogies and explanations I’ve honed in the classroom that have helped
hundreds of students master the Security+ content. You’ll understand the important and relevant security topics for the Security+ exam, without being overloaded with unnecessary details. Additionally, each chapter includes a comprehensive review section to help you focus on what’s important.
You’ll have over 450 realistic practice test questions with in-depth explanations to help you test your comprehension and readiness for the exam. It includes a 100 question pre-test, a 100 question post-test, and practice test questions at the end of every chapter. Each practice test question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the content and the reasoning behind the question. You’ll be ready to take and pass the exam the first time you take it.
If you plan to pursue any of the advanced security certifications, this guide will also help you lay a solid foundation of security knowledge. Learn this material, and you’ll be a step ahead for
other exams. This SY0-301 study guideis for any IT or security professional interested in advancing in their field, and a must read for anyone striving to master the basics of IT systems security.
However, if you can’t wait for the study guide to be published, or you just want some realistic practice test questions with in-depth explanations, check out the CompTIA Security+:Get Certified Get Ahead:SY0-301 Practice Test Questions Kindle book.

IndyLoveless

Thanks for the help, I looked around here and didn't see anywhere that said when 201 expired. Mucho gracias.

erpadmin

No problem...and btw, the Get Certified Get Ahead book was all I would have needed to pass the exam. Many of the questions, especially the backup ones, were just like it came from the book. It is the only book I've read that could have 100% prepared me for the 201. I just didn't want to believe, but my 870 speaks for itself.....I'm still shocked as of today. LOL.

I wish all cert prep exams were like that, but after taking Project+....it definitely was not.

IndyLoveless

When I read the book, I loved it, thought it was a great read, but **** happened and I never could schedule the exam. I need to get going on it, trying to schedule it next month.

kryptos80

I just took the 301 test last week. I had Darril's 201 book but I also but Emmitt's 301 book. Both are very good text that will get you the core knowledge you need. There are a few new topics in the 301 book that you won't find in the 201s, most notably the Virtualization/Cloud computing topics. You might be able to get away with the 201, but I would get a 301 too.

Now I can't speak for the 201, but for me, neither book guarantees you a pass on the 301. I saw many questions on the test that made me go "Huh?". But if you carefully think thru every question then you should be fine.

I liked the challenge of going for the 301 since its so new. But for many , the 201 is fine. I'm sure 90% of the employers out there don't care which version you passed.