Scheduled Security+ and looking for tips...

Hello all, I've been away from the forums for awhile after I got my CCNA because I was getting accustomed to a new job. I'm now back into the swing of things and I'm looking at getting my Security+ on December 20th. I've purchased and read through Darrill's book and am now going to start making flashcards to nail down the areas I'm unfamiliar with. I've taken and passed the A+ and Network+ so I have a good idea of what to expect but I was wondering if you guys had any specific tips. I know that Darill's book is popular and encryption is kind of a pain but I was wondering if anyone stuck with the tests that are in the book or felt that they needed something else like Transcender. Any input would be appreciated.

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0Day

All you need is that book, that's all I used. Most of the questions are common sense. A+ and Net+ really overlap with this exam. Just know cryptography well.

sthompson86

I really do not have any tips, for I used soo many sources to prep for the Sec+ that I cant lend one thing or another I did to being my golden ticket.

I can vouch for Darrill's book, for as far as all the Sec+ books I read it was the best.

jscimeca715

0Day wrote: »

All you need is that book, that's all I used. Most of the questions are common sense. A+ and Net+ really overlap with this exam. Just know cryptography well.

Thanks, I'm getting the feeling that it's going to be all I need. I took the practice test at the end for the first time and got an 83% on it. I made some notes and will make some flashcards to shore up what I missed. If it's anything like the other two Comptia's I've taken I should be able to eliminate a few of the wrong answers as well. Do you agree?

erpadmin

jscimeca715 wrote: »

Thanks, I'm getting the feeling that it's going to be all I need.

Trust me...it is! I also used multiple sources, but the Darril Gibson book was all I needed, in retrospect.

I wish people would just believe....but I understand why it's difficult. You only believe after you see that pass screen.

jscimeca715

erpadmin wrote: »

Trust me...it is! I also used multiple sources, but the Darril Gibson book was all I needed, in retrospect.

I wish people would just believe....but I understand why it's difficult. You only believe after you see that pass screen.

I think the biggest thing is that it makes it sound like the test itself is easy. I've read more posts on here from people who have studied for a month and passed. I'm coming off of the CCNA which took me close to 6 months. The good thing is that coupled with CCNA and the other Comptia exams I feel more confident about this one.

0Day

jscimeca715 wrote: »

If it's anything like the other two Comptia's I've taken I should be able to eliminate a few of the wrong answers as well. Do you agree?

Yes, I do agree. I did get a couple of questions that might have had two correct answers, or one correct answer and another more correct answer. If that makes any sense. Out of the two possible answers, I picked what I thought they would have wanted to hear. So I did use a life line and managed to narrow the answer to at least a 50/50.

jscimeca715

I appreciate the tips and insight into the exam. I'm currently going to stick with taking it on the 20th so that I don't have to cram. I've made flashcards for first two chapters and will probably try to get a chapter done every night. I'll check back often in case anyone else has any insights and I'll make sure to update you guys after I take it.

Jinverar

Hello

I am also taking the security + exam DEC 18th. I am using the staffkit.com and CBTnuggets + tech exams study notes. This year I did the A+ and N+. Getting down to crunch time less than 2 weeks left. Good luck.Thanks for the tips.

jscimeca715

Good afternoon everyone, I took the test this morning and passed with an 843. The test was difficult only in the wording of the questions. Darril's book does a great job giving you all of the content and none of the fluff. I had to mark about 12 questions to review when I was done because I had to decipher the important content in the questions and get down to what they were really asking. Encryption, as everyone has said, is not as bad as it is. All in all, I was pleased with the score I got and the testing experience. The CompTIA exams are vendor neutral so they have to word the questions the way they do so that they can guarantee that you know the stuff.

As for my preparation I used Darril Gibson's book exclusively. I took the practice test and got about 15-20 questions wrong. I read through the book once, taking the end of chapter tests after each one. Each question I got wrong in the end-of-chapter test I would go and review that particular subject. I took the end of book test and reviewed each question I got wrong. I then scheduled the test two weeks ago and went through the objectives at the front of the book and made flashcards for anything that I though would trip me up. The last two days before the test was flashcards and encryption study.

As for what's next, I'm pretty sure it's going to be a Microsoft track. I have my CCNA but am not in an environment where I use it. I perform system admin. duties at my current position and it just feels like the right way to go. I'm currently in the interview process for a defense contracting job so Security+ was something to impress them and because I had the other two. I'll probably take a break until February because my wife is due with our first child at the end of December and I'd like to focus on getting this new position.

Thanks for all of the help guys.

erpadmin

Well done and congratulations!

badboyeee

Congrats on the pass

and thanks for sharing your experience, I'll be taking it in 8 days. Cheers and best wishes for the little one!

erpadmin

Oh yes, may your baby be healthy and joyous. Congrats on that as well.