What is Reddit's opinion of CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide?

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Professor Messer's content is not enough IMO, it very lightly touches upon a large number of subjects, and completely ignores others. I purchased Darril Gibson's Security + Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide and used it alongside Professor Messer's videos.

The study guide provides a great pool of test questions (per chapter) and the summaries are extremely helpful.

Money is better spent on buying Daryl Gibson's Security+ book. https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548305275&sr=8-1&keywords=daryl+gibson+security%2B

$31. When I took my exam, EVERYTHING was in this book. I usually suggest multiple sources for study, but with this, that book was the only one I needed. I did use other ones (worry wort myself), but that book had it all when looking in hindsight. I really can't recommend that book enough. Dumps? I'll always pass on those. If you know the material, you'll be fine. Practice exams question if you know the material, but they may not be like the actual exam itself.

Actually you're right, I meant to say Gibson not Dion. This one: https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=asc_df_1939136059/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312045876164&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14402276488610691589&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&...

IMO it's not as easy as implied. For a DoD job a Security+ cert is a bare minimum requirement for any IT job even if it doesn't have anything to do with cybersecurity. DoE doesn't have cert requirements like DoD but LANL and Sandia sometimes have some ridiculous education requirements. If you're still interested I'd start with this book.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1939136059

I’m currently a 3D1. Start studying for Security Plus now. The test itself is a beast and not a lot of people pass. I used the Gibson book and took like 100 practice tests.

https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=security+%2B+book&qid=1602864078&sprefix=security+%2B&sr=8-3

>but the fucking sec+ test most Cyber people have to take is scaring the shit out of me

Fear not my dude.

I studied for just 1.5 hours a day for a week using this book and passed just fine. AF training sucks balls, use this. The key is when you start a new chapter, take the end-of-chapter quiz first. See what questions you got wrong then start reading the chapter and focus on what you need to improve on. The when you finish the chapter, take the quiz again. Marvel at your improvement.

Cybrary has solid training - I definitely would recommend them. I don't know that it alone will be enough to pass the exam but it certainly is a good start. The Darryl Gibson book seems to have pretty positive feedback so you may want to pick that one up as well. Here is an Amazon link for it: https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=pd_sim_14_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1939136059&pd_rd_r=W762ZND5VVXXV57WFX7R&pd_rd_w=mXr4x&pd_rd_wg=90N8D&psc=1&refRID=W762ZND5VVXXV57WFX7R

Gibson has his 501 book up on Amazon already. From what I've read, they say do not read 401 material and take the 501 test, and vice versa.

Even though you might see similar material between both of his 2 book

https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513213284&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=gibbon+sy0-501

Hey OP, I love the enthusiasm, it's what people in this career need! I'd like to provide some advice before the class begins.

I'm in cyber security, participate in pentesting for clients, and visit local security meetups between Miami, Tampa, and Orlando.

Take my advice with a grain of salt as I'm just a person on the internet:

I have the CEH, took it v9. It did nothing for my career. The CEH is basically a memorization exam that doesn't teach practical skills. Some topics include, what tool would you use for this? Or for that?

The CEH's only merit is it complies with the DoD's requirements 8570.01-M requirements. That being said, paying for the bootcamp and the exam will cost a lot of money for little gain. Reason? Many companies hiring for pentesters/red teams overlook the CEH.

CompTIA's Security+ is $339 (you can get it cheaper with a student email/voucher) and once completed, you fulfill the same DoD requirements and you're able to jump into the Cyber Security field. There are free resources on YouTube and a great book on Amazon costs $30.

>But what if I want to get into PenTesting and Exploit Hunting?

Take the OSCP. That certification hold a lot more value as it's a 24 hour exam based on your performance hacking boxes.

The EJPT is also one that hold more weight than the CEH.

And if you can afford it or, preferably, your employer will pay for it, a SANS is highly regarded.

Swing by r/SecurityCareerAdvice - It's a great community willing to help you get that career you want.

Here is messer's sec+ video list. Here is ExamCompass, it's a link to the first test, notice below are 23 more free tests and 9 drill down topic tests. Here is, Darril Gibson's certification book, the best book on the subject.

I scored a 795 just last week on Sec+. I recommend Darril Gibson's book totally and completely. It currently costs 23 bucks on amazon prime but comes with a 10% discount for your test voucher so it literally pays for itself.

ExamCompass is great to figure out what sections you are week on, the topic tests will give you the best idea of where you need help or you can refer to your post-test printout.

Messer's videos are great to watch at 1.25 - 1.5 speed to better understand areas of weakness.

I used Mike's practice tests on udemy but didn't use any of his videos or his book for Sec+. He tends to spend too much time outside the test materials for me. I totally get why he does that and it's great to understand how these technologies came about and some of the depth as to why they are and do what they do but.... fuck man I'm just trying to get a cert, ya' know? I'm currently using his book for Net+ and I can't for the life of me get through it.

What are you not getting? Have you still not read my post, but you continue to answer? I have purchased a plethora of study materials including this, and this, and this, and paid for online courses and tests, etc. I've made that clear already. Additionally, I purchased the Darrel Gibson book due to recommendations of others. And all of these guides have conflicting information. Which is precisely the point of my post. How are you not understanding this?

Your sec+ will be the last part of your tech school

Resources for sec+ check out cyberforce and the AF e learning

https://portal.cyberforce.site/

https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059

>how many chances am i getting to pass sec+ exam? is it just one take or am i getting like 2 or 3 attempts

It depends on the person, ive seen some people take it 3 times and ive seen people only get 1 chance. It really depends on a lot of factors

I never used Mike's book. It's so dense. Gibson's book for SEC+ is the best

https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059

Noticed that for SY0-501 books, Darril Gibson's book (https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/) is listed as "the favourite book of this sub" but for SY0-601, his book (https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead-ebook-dp-B09237T9ZB/dp/B09237T9ZB/) is not even listed. Is the above list outdated or is his SY0-601 book much worse than his SY0-501 book?

I dont find them too bad. I did security+ recently and I basically just read this book:

https://www.amazon.ca/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059

It's an outstanding book. Take a lot of notes. I think it took me around a month to read. I then did several practice tests and restudied areas I didn't do great. Got 819 on the exam. I also listened to the professor messer youtube videos when i was cooking etc. https://www.professormesser.com/

Total study time for me was around 10 weeks.

Darril Gibson's Get Certified Get Ahead Security+ training book It's fun and will take you less than 6 weeks to cover it properly !

The triad for passing Sec+ is usually:

• Professor Messer Sec+ Series.
• "CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead" by Darril Gibson.
• Optional: Jason Dion's Practice Tests on Udemy (take a swing when you can consistently score ~80%).

FWIW, I went from ZERO to passing Sec+ for my DoD job in about two months so it's absolutely doable. That said, some people end up with serious mental blocks with it so don't take it lightly either. The questions are often quite tricky.

I also used Darril Gibson's Sec+ study book that I worked through front to back: https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=security+%2B+study+book&qid=1609808979&s=books&sr=1-3

Lastly I used Boson's practice exam questions which I thought were very helpful as well: https://www.boson.com/practice-exam/sy0-501-security-plus-practice-exam

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any more questions!

I took the coursework for the CCNA in 2018, which helped with the networking portion of this test. Then, I read just over half of Gibson's 501 book before getting bored and it not being the best way for me PERSONALLY to learn. I also used Dion's Security Plus course and practice tests. Finally, I used professor Messer's youtube course to touch up on certain concepts I didn't fully understand.

(I also took a single practice test from Boson's practice test. I failed that test miserably, but passed with a 850+, so I don't exactly recommend those (They had some questions that seemed realllly outside of the scope of the exam.)

It appears that everything but the book is up to date. I think that, if you learn well from reading, the 501 book I mentioned above would be a good read, and the videos would cover anything that the book missed

Hope this helps you

https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059

CCNA and Security+ are the ones to go for first. Here's a great study guide:

https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1604068113&sr=8-3

Did you read this book and make flash cards and mind maps?

CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide

Security+ (SY0-501) Resources

SY0-501 and 601: CompTIA Exam Details

Professor Messer

• How to Pass your SY0-501 Security+ Exam - CompTIA Security+ SY0-501
• YouTube
• Practice Questions
• Study Resources
• More from Professor Messer

Mike Meyers

• Course
• All Courses
• Explore sample courses and some free content from Mike Meyers:
• choose <strong>TotalSims for Security+ (SY0-501)</strong> from the list here: https://hub.totalsem.com/.

Linkedin Learning course

• SY0-601 - SY0-501 changes to SY0-601 on November, 2020. 
• You might be able to access the Linda.com/Linkedin Learning courses for free online through your local library card access. Call them to check for availability.

Skillsoft courses

• Security+ videos - free for 60 days
• After signing up for free trial: click library | Browse certifications | Comptia | Cybersecurity | CompTIA Security+
• Security+ Books, just enter CompTIA security+ in the search box and choose books on the left pane.

Practice Exams

• ExamCompass
• Jason Dion

Go to his page and click on the practice exam, a discount code will be applied to the Udemy order for your chosen Jason Dion course.

Security+ Notes

• One
• Two

Darril Gibson

• App

IT ProTV - Online Courses - (Free this weekend)

• accelerated security+
• Security+

Best Books

• Get Certified Get Ahead by Darril Gibson & Book Errata

Pearson Books

• CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 Cert Guide Premium Edition and Practice Tests, 4th Edition by David Prowse
• ExamCram series
• Buy 2 books from Pearson and get a 35% discount use code: BUY2

Wm. Arthur Conklin

• Security+

Security Best Sellers

Amazon

Skillsoft/Percipio: Books and Courses (Free for 60 days)

Lots of CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 books can be read for free from Percipio: 60 Days Free for all

1. <strong>CompTIA Security+ All-in-One Exam Guide, Fifth Edition (Exam SY0-501)</strong>
   Jan 2018by Gregory White, Roger L. Davis, Dwayne Williams.
2. <strong>CompTIA Security+ Deluxe Study Guide: Exam SY0-501, Fourth Edition</strong>
   Dec 2017by Emmett Dulaney
3. <strong>CompTIA Security+ Practice Tests: Exam SY0-501</strong>
   Apr 2018by S. Russell Christy, Chuck Easttom
4. <strong>CompTIA Security+ Certification Study Guide, Third Edition (Exam SY0-501)</strong>
   Nov 2017by Glen E. Clarke
5. <strong>CompTIA Security+ Review Guide: Exam SY0-501, Fourth Edition</strong>
   Jan 2018by James Michael Stewart
6. <strong>Mike Meyers' Certification Passport CompTIA Security+ (Exam SY0-501), Fifth Edition</strong>
   Nov 2017by Dawn Dunkerley
7. <strong>CompTIA Security+ Study Guide: Exam SY0-501, Seventh Edition</strong>
   Dec 2017by Emmett Dulaney, Chuck Easttom
8. <strong>Principles of Computer Security: CompTIA Security+ and Beyond, Fifth Edition (Exam SY0-501)</strong>
   Jun 2018by Gregory White, Dwayne Williams, Chuck Cothren
9. <strong>Mike Meyers' CompTIA Security+ Certification Guide, Second Edition (Exam SY0-501)</strong>
   Dec 2017by Mike Meyers, Scott Jernigan
10. <strong>CompTIA Security+ Certification Practice Exams, Third Edition (Exam SY0-501)</strong>
    Aug 2017 by Daniel Lachance, Glen E. Clarke

Here are some books that are well-regarded for this certification:

Best Books

• Get Certified Get Ahead by Darril Gibson & Book Errata

Pearson Books

• CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 Cert Guide Premium Edition and Practice Tests, 4th Edition
• ExamCram series
• Buy 2 books from Pearson and get a 35% discount use code: BUY2

Wm. Arthur Conklin

• Security+

Security Best Sellers

Amazon

More security+ resources here.

Get certified get ahead Security+

Right off Amazon, easy to read and friendly book.

Better then then the actual comp tia book because it’s more friendly and less dry.

Darril Gibson is your friend. You can either buy his book and/or visit his website and you should pass.

Great question and this was on the exam. You will need to know the difference between the different SSO and which one is used with which. If you have Darril Gibson book he break it down for you clearly. https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059