CompTIA Security+ 401

[25BangBang]

Now that I've conquered my BA from TESU through the power of CLEPs and DSSTs, I'm interesting in applying my test-taking skills to IT certs. I've been an IT specialist in the Army but spend a majority of my time doing dumb Army stuff. 2 years ago, I got training from instructors for A+, Net+, Sec+, and CCNA during AIT (job training) but it was only taught briefly and not at the level needed to pass the cert. Security+ is needed to work any computer job in the government and I've decided to tackle the beast. For those who have passed 401...

What did you study? IC's flash cards didn't work well for me and I don't see myself using cards except for memorizing protocols. Study guides, specific exams feedback post, and Youtube videos were how I conquered my 20 CLEPs and DSSTs. Professor Messer seems to be the go-to for CompTIA but so far he seems to just be going devices. Isn't the most difficult part of the exam the scenario based questions?

As an active duty service member, I have access to some Sec+ books in the library and Measureup.com practice test. Is there any study materials or guides that are worth purchasing? The ones made by forum members were worth the price of IC's admission.



Any tips or suggestion to help boost my confidence for the expensive test I've been putting of for a while would be great. Thanks

[yb1]

SECURITY+ Forums entire sub forum dedicated to that very exam

[yb1]

I will tell you Daril Gibson is a highly recommended book https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-...1939136024

[theonlyski]

Just curious, does the CCNA-Security meet the requirements? I no longer work for the fed government but I do know that IINS was by far the easiest Cisco test I've ever taken (though it may be close with CCNP TSHOOT)

[jsd]

I'm currently studying for this using the Daril Gibson book mentioned above, and I will follow that up with Professor Messer free YouTube training series for this cert. Messer alone would have been enough for me to pass Net+ and A+, and I imagine his Sec+ stuff would be just as good.

The Gibson book is a very easy read so far, 4 chapters in. It's all pretty basic stuff so far though.

[jsd]

Messer is going over devices because he goes step by step, one video per sec+ exam objective listed by CompTIA. If he's talking about it, it's important to know, as it's in the objectives. He doesn't do any fluff.

[25BangBang]

Asked some guys that have passed the exam at work today, Daril Gibson's book seems to be the bible on CompTIA stuff. Does anyone have feedback on his premium content? Subforum yb1 posted is very helpful as well.


It does not look liked CCNA will meet the IAM Level 1 requirement. Department of Defense Directive 8570.1 DoD Certification Training from CBT Direct


And the Messer videos have picked up later on in the playlist. I will plan on stopping by the library for a Gibson book on Wednesday. I will keep this thread updated with my experience as I study for my exam in May.

[jsd]

Good luck!