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CompTIA Security+ SY0-401 Prep?
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I am pretty sure I absolutely bombed one of the PBQ and just best guess on log questions on security+. Still passed so you don't have to know all of it.... just enough to pass. Experience will solidify the learned material anyway not just a one time test.
As far as you study resources I have never used ucertify or Mike Meyers but at least Mike Meyers is highly recommended on here from others. In my opinion examcompass is shit. For the main reason the material is not similar to real questions so it seems to mimic the shit that is certmaster; it is either too vague to be useful on the real test or way too in depth to be useful on the real test. I found the two best resources to be crucialexams.com (which has an app which makes it handy on the go) and the Darrell Gibson app from the Google play store that is 7.99 is so worth the money. That was one of the very few things I bought to study with and it was easily the best single resource I have used on any CompTIA cert. (Link here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus ). The questions are the absolute closest to real test questions as any resource I used. Did you use professor messer stuff at all?
You can certainly pass OP! If how you studied to pass before didn't work this time just change your strategy. You will test again before you know it and pass.
My primary core material learning for security+ was professor messer videos. Many others on here recommend Mike Meyers stuff or Darrell Gibson book/app. I didn't use Mike Meyers and didn't use the Gibson book but I did use the Gibson app to study ( link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus). It wasn't free but only 7.99 however I would 100% recommend that app. The questions on it are extremely close to real test quests and you get 3-400 of them.
I did use certmaster for sec+ but don't recommend it. Most the information is either too vague to be helpful on the real test or crazy in depth so it isn't helpful for the test. The small amount of information on it that is accurate and helpful can be learned from one of the other two study resources I recommend. I wasn't aware that there are different kinds of the certmaster course but the one bought with the bundle from CompTIA is the one I used so can't comment on how they differ.
As for the ebook that comes with the certmaster bundle I also wouldn't recommend it. The topics are all over the place so the lack of organization makes it confusing to follow and is no more in depth than professor messer videos.
As far as a free study resource I would recommend crucialexams.com. it has pretty good questions and extra tools besides just practice questions. They also have a mobile app so you can study on the go.
If I had to redo this cert I would be 100% confident to pass with professor messer videos, cruicalexams.com, and the Gibson app. If you absolutely want a book I would go for the Gibson book since it is so highly recommended on here.
Good luck OP and if you have anymore questions please ask! The sub is a wealth of knowledge and most are happy to help.
I generally don't recommend IT fundamentals unless you know exactly Jack squat about Technology. I have never seen it as a 'preferred cert' for an entry level position. The most common one by far to see requested is the A+ for helpdesk or technician 1 positions. Net+/Sec+ will pop up on more entry level jobs for networking or security position. From people I have talked to with ITF who went on to get A+ most say it covers almost everything in the A+ just in less depth. Making it much more redundant and useless due to the heavy overlap compared to other certs. (All certs have some overlap when acquiring them in a progressive method but overlap from ITF to A+ seems extreme).
As far as the study resources you mentioned:
I only used certmaster for the security+ and found it rather useless. The questions seemed to be either far too vague or far too in depth compared to questions on the exam. The ebook that came with the package I purchased may have covered all the topics but were in no way organized at all. Maybe the material is better in ITF certmaster course. I can't say for certain. I have seen some posts on here they thought certmaster was accurate and helpful too. So to each there own. I can only give the example of the experience I had with it.
If you do decide to skip IT fundamentals and jump in A+ or any trifecta cert my top suggestions for all 3 are professor messer's videos to learn the core material (free), cruicalexams.com to study (free), and specific to security+ is this study app (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus ) this costs 7.99 but easily worth every penny. Are there other resources on here and all over the web to use? Sure are. I used many of them and wouldn't recommend anything else. Just because they were not helpful to me doesn't mean they might not help you though so it might be worth to check out some others. Good luck OP.
I followed this guide https://blogs.getcertifiedgetahead.com/day-by-day-study-guide/
The app is by the author's company and is $7.99 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
If you are talking about the ebook that comes with the package deal from CompTIA I can comment on that. It sucks. There is zero organization to it at all. Everything in it can be learned from Professor Messer for free.
Hindsight for the Sec+: Messer's videos, cruicalexams.com, and the 7.99 app from Google play store ( link here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus ) I believe would have been enough to pass easily. I passed it by a large margin and all the other things I used didn't help me on the actual test.
If you are talking about something else I can't comment since I didn't use it.
I bought the certmaster package for sec+ but not the other two. I would definitely not recommend using just that. The questions are very different from what is actually on the test.
Best resource to learn everything by far is professor messer videos in my opinion but many people on here recommend Mike Meyers stuff as well.
Best practice tests I found was the app from Darrell gibson: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
It does cost money like 8$ but out of any testing resource I have used for comptia tests the one is as absolutely close to the questions as you will get.
Summing up would just say I have passed 4 comptia tests. Do not ever rely on a single study source. Understand the material well. Understand how to troubleshoot. You will likely do fine as long as you do these things.
I would take the objectives ( and your test results) and any you do not know well; drill them using Professor Messer and then read your book ( same objective) and then take practice tests. Repeat this process every waking moment or chance you get. Understand why you missed a question and why other answers are wrong.. If you guess and get it right-- do the same thing.
Darril Gibson materials seem to be the go to for S+. His app is worth it as well. CertMaster is a poor life choice according to people who pay for it.
You are cutting it close... Good luck!!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
This was easily the best one I used. Was worth the money by far since it isn't free. The questions on this were about as close to tests questions as any study source I used for any cert I tested for.
A+ will get you helpdesk or tier one technician. Given your experience personally it may be better for you to try and skip that and start with Net+ and Sec+. Either way the first job is hardest to get but after that you should be able to promote or more to a better job quickly in the first 1-3 years. I would think if you are comfortable in AD already with a net/sec+ and a year or so of professional experience I think you could get a tech 2 position without much difficulty.
As far as study materials I always recommend www.professormesser.com for any trifecta cert. His videos are informative and cut to the chase as well as free. They are easily the best free resource for all three trifecta certs to learn the core material. Crucialexams.com is a decent study resource that is free but there are several free resources. The only paid resource I would recommend on security+ is this app (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus).
But A+ and go helpdesk/tech 1 for 1-3 years is a solid plan as well. That is what I did and what many in IT start at. I'm closing in on my 2 year mark and was just offered a entry level security role at a new company. Security is my end goal in IT so everything up to this point for me was just to get me into a security specific role. Now I will be doing nothing but education and certs that help me with cybersecurity more.
I was a commercial driver for most of my 20s. Was making 50-60k a year. Figured it would take me 5+ years in IT to be back at that pay range. With the new job I will be back at that pay range in under 2 years of professional IT work. Hopefully going to be in the 80-120k range at about 10 years in IT but that is a long way off for now. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it or are too old. You can do anything you set yourself to accomplish. Best of luck OP. Chase your dream.
I passed mine yesterday 803/900! My access to the vce player practice exams really helped along with the Darrell Gibson app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
It's my understanding that you can buy vce player practice exams. I did not do that because I went to a one-week course where the vce player practice exams we're automatically available to me.
Awesome job OP and congrats!.
Since you moving on to sec+ my advice: Messer videos to learn core material, best free study resource I used was cruicalexams.com, best paid for study resource I used was an app ( link here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus ). It costs 7.99 but the questions are very accurate to the real deal. Worth the money for sure. I had bought the certmaster bundle with security+ but not the other CompTIA exams and don't make my mistake. I wouldn't recommend that or the ebook with the bundle even if CompTIA paid me to do it. The book is really unorganized and the questions in certmaster are either way too vague to be helpful or way too in depth to be helpful.
Beat of luck and don't forgot to celebrate before moving on. That's a big deal and a celebration is in order.
HiGregs answer is solid. Depends on what you want to specialize in. A+/Net+/Sec+ can all be done with messer videos. For A+/Net+ I only used Messer videos as core learning then cruicalexams.com for practice tests. The only thing I paid for during those two was the test vouchers themselves. For Sec+ I mainly used Messer videos but also bought the bundle from CompTIA (which I don't recommend). Cruicalexams.com again for practice and the app I used I wholeheartedly recommend as worth the 7.99 from the Google app store (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus ). The certmaster I did use but don't believe it was helpful whatsoever. The questions were either too vague to be helpful on the real test or wayyyyyyy too in depth to be helpful. The Darrell Gibson app I listed was great. Many recommend his book as well but I didn't personally use that. Net+/Sec+ has about 30% overlapping material.
I took sec+ after net+ and felt the security+ was easier. The most beneficial paid study material I would recommend for the sec+ is Darrell Gibson app ( link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus ). 7.99 but easily worth the money. I have taken many CompTIA tests and passed them all first try but have to say that is the single best paid for study resource I used for any CompTIA test. Questions are as absolutely close to real test questions as any study material I used.
Best free resource in my opinion for sec+(or any trifecta cert) is https://crucialexams.com/ . Best paid study app for android in my opinion was this one by Darrell Gibson: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus . 3-400 practice questions and these are the closest to actual exam questions as I have found on any study resource. It's 7.99 but 100% worth the cash.
Good luck OP!
I have completed a+/net+/sec+/server+. I used examcompass for a+ but it was terrible. I never used it again for any other test I did. The content is so different or far to in depth compared to what you actually get questions on for the real test it isn't helpful.
This is the one I recommend. Still not perfect no but for a free resource it is outstanding. These questions are far more similar to actual test questions or at least are asking things on the same content level as what is on the test. I loved the subnetting generator when I learned that part for net+. Endless supply of possible subnetting questions to practice on that. They also have an app which is handy on the go.
The other resource I 100% recommend is for the security+. The app by Darrell Gibson but this is for security+ not net+ ( link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus ). It costs $7.99 but in my opinion is absolutely worth it. 3-400 questions and these are the closest to real test questions from any resource I have used to date for any CompTIA exam.
Nice. I knew I wanted to get into cyber security before I switched into an IT career. I loved doing the sec+ and felt I accomplished and learned the most from that since it will directly help my end goal the most. Net+ is valuable for this to some degree since networking and security are so closely related.
Messer videos for sec+ was my primary material but I also used the certmaster course and ebook from the CompTIA bundle. I wouldn't recommend either of those as worth the money. The certmaster course has many questions that are very unrealistic to types of questions or material on the exam. I did use the Darrell Gibson android app ( link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus ) and think it is 1000% worth the $7.99. It had questions that are as close to exam questions I have been asked compared to any other resource.
Good luck on sec+ and your IT career!
This is his app that has flash cards and makes random 15 and 45 question mock tests. I used it all the time when I was at the gym.
We would definitely second Professor Messer. You can get practice questions and objectives from the CompTIA website (you will have to enter your email, fyi). Otherwise, you could try . . .
App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus&hl=en
Flashcards: https://quizlet.com/45014916/security-sy0-401-terms-flash-cards/
Good luck. Hope this helps.
Do you have an Android device? Try this app.
If you feel you're not ready, and I'll be honest, it doesn't sound like you've spent enough time studying, you can move the testing day with 24 hours notice.
@CannibalAngel - It is an app available in the Google Play store. I believe it is affiliated with Darrill Gibbons. It's an app broken into sections of the test where you can review info via flashcards or sample sets of questions.
More info can be found here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus&hl=en
Just pass that one 2.darrill gibson is the key for that exam.he also have a exellent app on google or ipone store that will help you alot!!! And of course read he's blog https://blogs.getcertifiedgetahead.com/ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
It's called CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 Prep by Learnzapp. I think I paid $7.99.
If you have an Android here's the link (sorry I don't have an Apple):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
Sounds like what your asking for is this:
The Darrill Gibson Security+ app, Google Play or Apple iOS.
Its essentially the pre-test questions, end of chapter questions, and end of book questions in an app. So you can take "practice" tests with it or go thru it as a learning mode, where it asks you the question and then gives you the explanation of the answer.
ALSO it has "flash cards" as well and an acronym list so for $8 on Play its Worth it!!
<strong>https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus</strong>
​
I also used Darryl Gibson's book, Professor Messer's content. That app though was the most true to the question style on the exam though. You can bookmark difficult questions to review and the practice exams will try to focus on areas you do not know. Worth every penny.
This is the app for android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
This is the blog https://blogs.getcertifiedgetahead.com/security-blog-links/
I like meyers and watch his youtube channel all the time.Dion course is great but good for review all the topics.In my opinion CBT videos is great for learning because i am a network guy he explain everything with network was rly fun and great explanition.
security plus syo-501 exam prep
This is the link to the app. I used the dan Gibson's book and this app as my base. Don't solely rely on it alone. I used professor messer's practice exams which helped tremendously. The way its structured gives you the feel of the real exam. Just don't expect it to be as easy.
Hey congratulations on passing your test! Just curious are you talking about this app?
25k for those?! I got all of those paying a total of approximately $1500ish. With the overwhelmingly majority of that just being the test voucher itself for all the tests combined. A+/Net+ with just messer videos and cruicalexams.com as a free study resource. So never even paid for any resources for those two just test vouchers.
For security+ I got the package from CompTIA but thought that certmaster was trash and the ebook was terribly unorganized. I used messer videos for that as well and a security+ study app (link here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus). I would not buy that package again from CompTIA. I would have been confident with messer videos, the app I linked (even though it is 7.99 it is a great resource and worth it) and cruicalexams.com again as another free study resource.
For server+ just the Daniel Lachance book from Amazon. Something like 30ish dollars.
Save yourself the cash OP. No way all that is worth 25k. That is about 23.5k too much by my estimate.
I don't know how accurate the resource you are using is since I didnt use it. I would recommend two things though:
- Best free study resource I used was cruicalexams.com
- Best paid for study resource I used was this 7.99 app (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus). Out of every CompTIA exam I have studied for and passed this has easily the most accurate questions that are closest to real test questions as I ever used. It is worth the money. I say that being very frugal and for most every CompTIA exam I didn't buy anything other than the test vouchers unless I had to, or thought I had to in order to pass.
Don't get frustrated by one study resource. It may not be as accurate as you think in terms of real test questions. Using multiple resources is always a better choice. But if I had to choose only two to use it would be the two I listed. Good luck OP. Keep at it and you will claim that certificate in no time.
Easily the best resources I used for Security+ were:
Core material - professor messer's videos
Study material free - cruicalexams.com
Study material paid - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus . This app cost 7.99 but was the closest to real test questions I had on any CompTIA test I took. I normally recommend anything to save money but this app is worth it IMO.
In hindsight I think these are all you would need to pass. Others post about other things on here, some that work and some don't but this is what I would recommend. I technically used another resource for security+ (certmaster from CompTIA) but thought it was absolutely trash. No where near what you get asked on the real test. Which is weird since it is from them.
Yes. The description in the question stated the first router(or gateway) in the diagram is also an active firewall. You only need to place 2 answers of the 4 options if you read the question carefully. So you have to pinpoint what it is asking for for those two specific answers.
A side note; I didn't use certblaster ever but I can see why many people say it's shit. I mean CompTIA questions are known for being confusing but that is just ridiculous. I wouldn't study from that if you paid me too. It is much more clear on the actual test what it is looking for if you read the questions carefully. It seems like from many sides several of those answers could be correct but specific to what is asking about those are the 'best' answer.
The best app I used for sec+ was this by far and 100% worth every penny: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
I used certmaster for this one and thought it was terrible. Best resources by far are professor messer's videos for learning core material (free). Crucialexams.com for study (free). Google play app for study questions from Darrell Gibson (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus ). This is not free and was 7.99 but I would have been confident just using those resources in hindsight.
I bought the certmaster course for security+. It was easily the most useless resource I have paid for studying for any CompTIA certification. Professor messer videos + crucialexams.com + the 7.99 Google play store app from Darrell Gibson (link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus) was everything else I used besides certmaster and more than enough to pass without certmaster.
Darril Gibson's APP - I found this extremely helpful along with PMs S+ Notes.
They are paid, but well worth it.
Also what 0xBADB17E mentioned is always solid advice.
It's titled "CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 and SY0-401 Prep" by Konnect LLC. It was about $8.
It's linked in the side bar on this page:https://blogs.getcertifiedgetahead.com/mobile-device-security-app/
Direct link to the playstore:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
I don't have an Android phone but maybe this will work for you?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
I watched a bunch of the professor messer video and bought the study notes. I watched the mike meyer videos on udemy. I read some of the Security+ all in one book by conklin. I used this app for practice questions.
I highly recommend this to see where you stand (like many others recommending Gibson materials), especially if your company is footing the bill: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
Hi, if you can get Messer's exams, Gibson's book and app. You're so close. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
>1. Is the online course on the Comptia site required? I see a bundle listed for $899.
No. I have passed a+/net+/sec+/server+. For a+/net+ professor messer was the only resource I used to learn core material. I used several online free resources to study and also made study guides for things I needed to study the most. I did do the bundle on CompTIA for the sec+. As I recall it was less than $500, not 899. The bundle I bought came with a retake voucher in case you failed first time testing(I passed first time tho), the Certmaster course(which in my opinion sucks and is no where close to what you get asked questions on the actual test), and an ebook(which I also wouldn't recommend since it the topics were all over the place and not organized like other study resources). I love professor messer video's and used them for all the trifecta certs. They rock. Other people on here recommend Mike Meyers and Darrell Gibson's stuff. I only used Darrell Gibson's $7.99 android app for study questions for the sec+ and would highly recommend it (link here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus ). This single resource was the closest to any resource I used on any CompTIA exam that had questions as close to what was on the actual exam. Easily worth the money.
>1. How much are the exams, and how many tries do I have?
I the voucher depends on cost from CompTIA or whatever source you buy from but around $300. If you buy the packages from CompTIA that includes other things like the certmaster course and ebook you also get a retake voucher for if you fail you don't pay again right away. If you failed with the retake voucher or if you only buy the standard single use voucher you pay the complete fee(300ish) again for any times you retake. I believe you can do the first retake right away but any subsequent retakes have a waiting period of a couple days or week. Info for it is on CompTIA's website.
>2. Is Plural sight a good resource to learn?
I have no idea. Never used it and been using this subreddit a while and never even heard it mentioned before. I used professor messer videos and highly recommended them. Others on here also normally recommend Mike Meyers stuff or Darrell Gibson's stuff. I didn't use these other than the Gibson app I listed earlier.
The most recommended app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus&hl=en
What about this one?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
This is all you need:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus&hl=en_US
Okay maybe not all but it helped me a bunch.
Here is the Google Play store link to the app.
I took the sec+ SY0-401 and just renewed this year. I highly recommend this app! I used All in one study guide for sec+ book, the comptia training app by quizworld (300 sec+ questions), all the free exams available online, all of Professor Messer's security + videos, quizlet, and anything else I could get my hands on. This app was by far the most helpful and the closest thing to taking the actual exam that I found. It's built as a study app for Daryl Gibson's Security + Get Certified Get Ahead Book. If I were you, I'd do the following:
Watch Professor Messer's Security + course on YouTube.
Get the app I linked above and know it forwards and backwards. Don't just memorize the answers, explain why the correct answer is correct.
Get this free study app too.
Get Daryl Gibson's Security + SY0-501 Get Certified Get Ahead textbook I mentioned above. Remember, SY0-401 exam has been replaced with the SY0-501 exam. They still sell 401 exam books and materials so make sure you don't get the wrong one.
Don't forget to take different free online practice exams. Just Google free Security+ 501 practice exams and do them all.
You have to renew your Security + certification every 3 years. It used to be a pain. But now, CompTIA released a refresher Course for $200 you can take when you get close to your expiration deadline. It takes 4-6 hours to complete and will auto renew your Security + cert for another 3 years immediately upon completion.
Let me know if you have any questions.
You should look into professor messer's Security + training videos on YouTube he is very VERY good and you can learn a lot if you just go through the playlist. Idk how much you know About networking, but he has a network + playlist too I believe in case you ever need. Here is a link to a Comptia Security+ ebook on my Google Drive. It's a bit outdated bc it's for the 401 cert which was just replaced by the 501 this year so there will be some small gaps. However, the majority of the book is still relevant so feel free to give it a look. I have an active CompTIA Security+ certification and a masters in Cybersecurity. So, I've studied the entire book and went through professor messer's vids myself when studying for the cert.
If you ever decide to start working towards a security+ cert, I HIGHLY recommend get certified get ahead by Darril Gibson (which I don't have so I can't share it with you, sorry). But, there is also an Associated Preparation Study App for like $8 on Google play store that was the main reason I passed.
Here is a Python3 Ebook you can also checkout on my Google drive which I used during a course when I was getting my Bachelors.
Hopefully this is all some use to you. Let me know if you have any questions!
I'm really liking Anthony Sequeria's N+ book because it's organized in the same order as the exam objectives. https://www.pearsonitcertification.com/store/comptia-network-plus-n10-007-cert-guide-premium-edition-9780134861012
Pearson IT also has a Network+ lab CompTIA Network+ N10-007 Hands-on Lab Simulator By Michael D. Taylor https://www.pearsonitcertification.com/store/comptia-network-plus-n10-007-hands-on-lab-simulator-9780789759573
Darrill Gibson Security+ Android App - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
https://www.examcompass.com/ has free quizzes. They don't ressemble the way questions are worded in the exam but it's a good way to identify gaps and learn a bit as well.
Check if your local library or school have access to Lynda.com/Linkedin Learning. You should be able to sign up for a 30 day free trial. Unethical Pro Tip: Sign up with different e-mail addresses to get new trials.
Professor Messer also has a Sec+ video course if you haven't seen it.
Not free but this app is from the author of a popular Sec+ study guides.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
Cybrary.it released 7 free courses that should be available until Sep 1. You need to sign up for a free account with them to get access. These are not Sec+ specific.
https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/cybrary-releases-free/
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
If the link doesnt work, just search the name I posted in the above post.
There is, link below.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.securityplus&hl=en
is this the app you used? except this is the 401 version.