Preparing for your Security+ Exam?
The CompTIA Security+ certification is one of the most respected entry-level cybersecurity credentials and a gateway to careers in IT security. It validates your ability to handle core security functions and is often required for both private sector and government jobs. Here at ASM Educational Center, we’ve helped thousands of students prepare for and pass Security+ on their first attempt. We know the common mistakes, the best strategies, and the proven techniques that lead to success. In this guide, we’ll share ten in-depth tips to help you study smarter, build confidence, and approach the exam the right way.
Understand the Exam Objectives
The very first step in preparing for Security+ is to download CompTIA’s official exam objectives. This document is essentially the exam’s blueprint, covering every topic you could be tested on. Too many students skip this step and waste time studying irrelevant material. Use it as your checklist: highlight the areas you’ve mastered and mark the ones you need to revisit. At ASM Educational Center, we always begin our courses with the objectives so students know exactly what to expect.
Use Multiple Study Resources
One of the most common pieces of advice from successful test-takers on Reddit and professional forums is: don’t rely on a single source. Each resource explains concepts differently. For example, a book may go into detail, but a video course may simplify it visually. Use a mix of:
Trusted study guides (like Darril Gibson or Mike Meyers)
Free resources such as Professor Messer’s YouTube channel
Paid platforms like Udemy or LinkedIn Learning for structured content
Flashcards for memorizing ports and acronyms
Hands-on labs for real-world practice
The more angles you approach the content from, the stronger your understanding will be.
Build a Study Plan and Stick to It
Security+ covers a lot threats and vulnerabilities, architecture, cryptography, risk management, and more. Without a study plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Break topics into weekly sections and dedicate consistent blocks of study time. Even 1–2 hours daily is more effective than cramming on weekends. Many students recommend aiming for 6–8 weeks of consistent study if you’re new to cybersecurity, or 4–6 weeks if you already work in IT.
Master the Key Security Concepts
Not all topics carry the same weight. Based on feedback from test-takers, you’ll see recurring themes:
Common attacks (phishing, malware, DoS, social engineering)
Security tools (firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM systems)
Identity and access management (authentication, authorization, accounting)
Cryptography basics (hashing, symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption)
These areas form the backbone of the exam. At ASM Educational Center, we make sure students drill these concepts until they can explain them in their own words.
Practice with Hands-On Labs
Security+ isn’t just about theory — you’ll also encounter real-world style questions. Hands-on labs are one of the best ways to bridge the gap between reading and application. Use virtual labs, cloud sandboxes, or free tools like Wireshark to analyze network traffic and practice troubleshooting. Kali Linux is another powerful resource for understanding attacks and defenses. Many students say their biggest regret was “not doing enough labs.” Don’t skip this step.
Take Practice Exams
Practice exams are essential for building confidence and measuring progress. They help you adjust to CompTIA’s question style, which can sometimes be wordy or tricky. Make practice tests a regular part of your study plan, not just a final review. A good benchmark is scoring 80–85% consistently before attempting the real exam. Use platforms like ExamCompass, MeasureUp, or Boson for reliable practice questions.
Focus on Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)
Security+ includes PBQs — interactive questions where you apply your knowledge to solve problems. These can include configuring firewalls, analyzing logs, or dragging and dropping controls into the right order. Many first-time test takers are caught off guard by PBQs. The best way to prepare is to watch demo videos, practice lab exercises, and work through PBQ-style questions online. At ASM Educational Center, our students get PBQ simulations so they walk into the exam fully prepared.
Review Your Weak Areas
One of the most efficient ways to study is to target your weaknesses. Don’t keep revisiting material you already know — that feels good but doesn’t improve your score. Instead, analyze your practice test results, identify the domains where you’re weakest (for example, cryptography or ports and protocols), and double down on those. This targeted approach is what separates average prep from effective prep.
Join Study Groups and Communities
Studying alone can feel overwhelming, which is why online communities are so valuable. Study groups on Reddit, Discord, and Facebook provide encouragement, accountability, and shared resources. Explaining a concept to someone else is also one of the best ways to reinforce your own learning. At ASM Educational Center, we encourage students to collaborate, ask questions, and share strategies.
Take Care of Yourself Before Exam Day
Conclusion
The CompTIA Security+ exam is more than a test of memorization — it’s about applying core cybersecurity knowledge to real-world scenarios. With the right resources, a structured study plan, hands-on labs, and consistent practice, you can pass with confidence. At ASM Educational Center, we provide students with everything they need — training, resources, labs, and expert guidance — to not only pass the exam but also build a strong foundation for a career in cybersecurity. By following these ten tips, you’ll be well on your way to earning your Security+ certification and opening new doors in the IT field.
Finally, don’t forget the basics. A clear, rested mind performs much better than a tired, stressed one. Avoid cramming the night before. Instead, review lightly, get a full night’s sleep, eat a balanced meal, and arrive early to the test center (or set up your online testing environment calmly). Bring two forms of ID, know the testing rules, and trust your preparation. Confidence is half the battle.
FAQ
A: The CompTIA Security+ Boot Camp validates core cybersecurity skills—threat analysis, vulnerability assessment, incident response, and cryptography. It’s widely recognized across industry, satisfies DoD 8570/8140 baseline requirements, and builds a practical foundation for roles in cybersecurity and IT security.
A: Most students prepare in 8–10 weeks using a mix of instructor-led classes, class recordings, hands-on labs, performance-based questions (PBQs), and ASM’s keyword review guides. Your timeline will vary based on prior IT experience and study intensity.
A: Security+ opens doors to roles like Security Analyst, SOC Technician, Systems Administrator, IT Security Administrator, and Incident Response Specialist. It’s also a stepping stone to advanced certifications and higher-level security roles.
A: The exam fee is approximately $425. Pricing can change, so check CompTIA for the latest. ASM students may be eligible for financial assistance programs such as WIOA, MYCAA, or ArmyIgnitED.
A: Yes. ASM provides official Security+ exam vouchers, practice tests, and access to a one-year free course refresh to support students until they pass the SY0-701 exam.
A: ASM offers certified instructors, flexible scheduling, hands-on labs, up-to-date curriculum, and 30+ years of IT training experience. Our courses combine theory, practical labs, PBQ practice, and career support—designed to help you pass the exam and advance your cybersecurity career.
If you’re still unsure about taking the course, check out more of our blogs or visit our main website www.asmed.com for more information or to contact us. If you’re interested, take a look at our upcoming course evening boot camp schedule based on your availability here: www.asmed.com/s1. Good luck on your learning journey!
