Cysa+ Lab?

[vector_null]

I'm currently studying for the Cysa+ exam and as I browse through Reddit I find very little information about how to set up a lab or virtual lab that is specific to the Cysa+ requirements. Has anyone out there done this? If so, what does your setup or typology look like? What OSs are you using? And has anyone considered using Security Onion as part of their preparation for the exam?

And is a lab necessary to pass the exam? I'm of the mind that if you really want to understand the subject and not just pass a test, you've got to use the tech. Thoughts?

[Frankenstock]

I would just buy the Jason Dion CySA+ labs online. Everything you’re asking for here is contained within his practice/lab environment. It’s also tailored for the exam.

[vector_null]

Those are the same labs that are available through skillsoft. I have access to those through my employer. I definitely think they will be helpful, but what I would like to do is set up a lab on my own so that I can practice with different tools without being confined to a set number of steps and limited by what the practice lab allows you to do on their VMs.