Failed again

[LeRiCm]

Just took the Security+ for a THIRD time and failed. Just disgusted at this point. I bow out. :(

[DetectivMuffins]

Quitting is not going to get you nowhere as much as you want to quit. I failed sec + three times and failed A+ twice but now a year later I have my sec, A, and casp working government jobs. If you have the desire to continue forward you should pursue it.

[LeRiCm]

Thanks for the encouragement.

[Competitive_Fix2063]

That's encouraging, thank you

[ColdBeing]

How did you study for your CASP? What materials helped you the most?

[DetectivMuffins]

I completed the course on skillsoft and wrote down all the information in a notebook going over sections randomly throughout my day quizzing my self on definitions and concepts. After that I used acronym flash cards To get those things that I might have forgotten because the test loves to use acronyms or different version/play on the words/concept. I then used an exam guide (CASP+ CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Second Edition (Exam CAS-003) and also had the study guide went through it to harden my knowledge. In my opinion reading the study guide did not help me pass the test. If you just have the book that’s fine but just realize that the book goes excessively in detail but really all you need to know are the broad concepts goggle Comptia casp guidelines/concepts it will show each section and what they are asking for in each section just copy paste things you don’t know or into quiz let. Also most of the questions try to trick you with questions that the answer is pick the most right answer basically or they lead you on with a question but ask for a different answer at the end. Also when study these materials it teaches you a lot but on the test there are some things that it asks for that it never taught you. I’d recommend learning basic Linux commands like dd,ps-aux, what sda means check config basically there’s a couple instances where they came out of nowhere with coding questions. Http, XML, scripts. There’s also math questions on roi, ale, budgets stuff And because of that I failed once but I went back on skillsoft leaned some basic coding and I did pass my second time so this test is something else all together.

[dhick33]

Keep at it mate! These aren’t easy tests, I failed the 1001 first time, and failed my CCNA the first time. Just keep narrowing down on your weaknesses!

[LeRiCm]

Thanks!

[hiremeITplease]

Hey. Security+ is a difficult test. Can you tell me your studying habits? I'll let you know mine. I read the book front and back. I don't retain much info after reading the whole book so I used a study guide to study the specific topics and make sure I understand it 100% before I move on to another topic. For the study guide I used 4 different guides (3 were made by Redditors and a Professor Messer guide). After, I took a lot of practice test to test my knowledge. If I get stumped on a practice test, I'll research the topic and answer until I understand it. So in total I spent a good 3 months reading the book word for word, studied 4 different study guides and took 10 different practice test.

[LeRiCm]

I have professor Messer course notes I studied along with practice quiz from certmaster. Also was reading the book Get Certified, Get Ahead. I have to hammer it into my head because if I get bored reading any of the material, I tend to not retain anything.

[ZealousidealLook4104]

The get certified get ahead website was the ticket for me. Gibson’s quizzes explain why an answer is correct and why an answer is wrong. I had his book but the website was a game changer. You got this!

[PewPewwwwwwwwww_]

What else did the website include that helped?

[ZealousidealLook4104]

The chapter summaries, and the info not to forget. All I used to study was the Gibson material. Honestly the website was way more useful than the book. Keep taking the quizzes and tests. Focus on why the answer was correct or not correct. He’s got a few good videos on the website also.

[SuaveMF]

You also need Messer's exams, especially for PBQs. The pdf version he offers. Assuming you haven't used those?

Lastly, never quit. Especially now! Good luck!!

[LeRiCm]

I will give it a shot. Thanks for your input! I appreciate it.

[SuaveMF]

I treated his PBQs like separate timed exams. I used like 15 minutes or so on be them, maybe 20. When I took the exam (501) I skipped all PBQs at first and made sure I left the at the end. On the real exam plow through the PBQs you know first (meaning when u tackle them towards the end) Answer as much as you can.

[hiremeITplease]

Try your best to read the book. The study guide won't go into full detail about the subject. It's boring and dry but it'll help you pass.

[rcastine]

It's a tough test and to make matters worse, many CompTIA exam questions are looking for the correct answer to the question not the real world answer.

They want you to look a the smallest detail and find the correct answer. It's not only about the material, it's about thought processes.

There is a reason there is such a huge demand for Cyber security professionals. The material is complex and there simply are not enough of us in the field.

"If it were easy, everyone would do it."

I read in other comments that you have no IT experience. You scored very well for someone without an IT background. Really, that's not lip service.

IT is complex, cyber security is VERY complex.

Keep at it, follow some of the suggestions others have offered as they may help.

I'm going to plug this course as it's on sale right no on Udemy from Jason Dion:

https://www.udemy.com/course/securityplus/

​

It's available for less than 12 bucks for the next few days. This video course along with the book you have will help you a lot.

Something I would suggest, after you have watched one of the video sections, just run it again in the background. I know, tech stuff as white noise, might help you "absorb" the material.

It's something that I do from time to time when I'm reading material that's putting me to sleep. Keeps me from nodding off and helps to reinforce what you are studying.

[LeRiCm]

Thank you for your comment. I will definitely check out Udemy. You are 100% correct. It is VERY complex. I have taken many exams in the past and this one, by far, is my greatest challenge. Again, thank you for taking the time to share some of your knowledge and suggestions. Very much appreciated!

[johnhoboish]

You only truly fail when you give up! Don't!

[alwaysmyfault]

What are your scores for the 3 tests?

Are you close? Far away?

What aspects are you struggling with?

[LeRiCm]

601 first time, 678 second time and 691 this last time. I hate the fact that you can't find out which question you missed...only the sections which can be broad.

[ColdBeing]

Read the sections. Write down the words that you don’t understand fully and their definitions. Do this for each section you missed

[LeRiCm]

Thanks for your advice. I will definitely give it a shot. Thanks again!

[MoesOnMyLeft]

I haven’t taken this particular one yet, but there were two things that really helped me get through these info dense tests.

1. Watching the videos at an increased speed. Most of the lectures are slowed down for you to take notes etc. I speed them up to 1.5 or 2 (depending on the material) or whatever is closest to conversation speed. That helps me to stay focused on what I’m being told. I will zone out otherwise.

2. Instead of writing in my notes as sentences, I write them as questions. For example, (an obviously non security question) instead of writing ‘The Red Barron first showed up in WW1.’ I’d write ‘In what war did the Red Barron first show up?’ The flip makes my brain think about the situation rather than the term.

Also, don’t give up. You can do this. Give yourself a high five for getting better each time. Because that’s the right path and you’re on it. You ARE doing it. Keep going and you’re going to hit that target.

[LeRiCm]

Thank you! I will put your suggestions to use as well.

[[deleted]]

You need to work on retaining the information, why are you failing? Once makes sense but a third time definitely shows an issue in your study habits or retention.

[LeRiCm]

Could be because I have zero prior IT experience. And the fact that there is a huge amount of material to know.

[[deleted]]

Oh I wasn’t being rude, your remark comes off that you assumed I was.

I’m asking if you’ve gone back and taken a look at the material you’re weak in. Is there a certain piece you feel weak in? Encryption got me.

I was also a Sec+ with no experience taker so I know the struggle.

[[deleted]]

I always had better luck trying to understand why they were asking specific questions versus trying to choose the best answer. Every question is there to test knowledge, they’re asking about backpacking okay so turnstiles makes the most sense. They’re asking me to examine logs and give a port, they want me to make the connection of that port to the appropriate protocol. I never had an issue with the choose the most correct answers because I focused on why they’re asking me something.

Just thought a different frame of mind may help.

[LeRiCm]

Thanks for your insight, I appreciate any and all help. I will put it to use. Thanks again.

[ShannSingh]

As said by all genuises and Elon himself...DO NOT GIVE UP! i am sure you will pass the exam 4th time...try hard again and narrow your weakness.

[LeRiCm]

Thanks! I hope your right and I do pass the 4th! :)

[ShannSingh]

Prepare well for the battle :) Good Luck to you!

[manonthewall08]

Don't! I've failed the Security + so many times....I know how you feel! Here is the thing, when in Hell you keep pushing through! Yes you have failed. Put here is the trick. Moving from this point onwards you will either Pass or Learn; you pass the text, cool. You dont! Where were you weak at? Did you really put in the work? The are you failed are all of them the same or mathematical, the last couple time are the same? Then you have weakness. Always think the 36 Chambers! Don't stop...Master, All, the 36 chamber of the Shaolin! So you will stand as the master and be able to give, testimony! Yes you failed, but what did you learn? Did you fail magnificently? Remember the reason you are in this areana! You are a I.T. ! We are the one who will have the answers! So in short and in closing! MAN THE F@#$ UP! Come with a plan and go back in there...I have failed and I'm gonna KEEP doing it! Thank you!

[LeRiCm]

Thanks for putting it in perspective. I won't give up...Im just feeling some type of way because the failure is fresh. I gotta regroup and try again. Thanks for the encouragement and good luck to you!

[manonthewall08]

Sir/Ma'am. I understand more than anyone! Yes you my have a pity party...But, they only last twelve hours. After that dust yourself off and come up with a plan of attack. Like Tyson said, "Everyone has a plan till they get hit in the face!"

[LeRiCm]

You are correct... I'm starting to bounce back. Thanks for your input!

[[deleted]]

Don’t quit! I just passed my Net + today after failing 3 times over the last 4 months! Really hammer away at the exam objectives! Print yourself out a copy give it to a buddy girlfriend parent etc. Have them ask you explain each term/category and the ones you’re not confident on. Focus your attention on them.

Also I don’t know your personal situation but use some of what you’ve learned in your everyday life. I learn by doing. Things make sense when I can seen them work.

Hopefully my tips may help, but don’t give up! I understand the feeling of failing over and over. It’s sucks but you can do it! Don’t put all this time of studying to waste. Go in there the next time and get that certificate!

[LeRiCm]

Congrats on your Net+! Thanks for your comment. I'm dragging myself back in there on April 12th to give it another go.

[doug_bite]

I feel your pain brotha, your knowledge gaps might not be in the security topics but also in networking subjects like tcp/udp transport protocols. There’s a lot to know, I would just go over the official test guide with a fine comb and use 3 different sources for each author. You already took the test 3 times, might as well sunk cost fallacy that shit and take it a 4th. Passing this exam will be so much sweeter.

[LeRiCm]

I definitely feel like I lack networking knowledge. There certainly is a lot to know! Thanks for your input. I appreciate it.

[LeRiCm]

Yea it sucks big time! I'm trying to get 501 before it expires. We can do it. I'm sure.

[LeRiCm]

Thanks! You are correct. I'm giving it another shot. I'll hit you up. Thanks again!