The goal of the CompTIA Security+ certification is to certify IT professionals in network security. This is one of the fastest-growing areas in IT. The training and certification process for Security+ is very rigorous, but is necessary to move up in the IT field. The exam itself contains around 100 questions, both multiple-choice questions and performance-based. You have 90 minutes to complete the exam, and you must achieve a score of at least 750 out of 900. It's important to study well, as this is a difficult exam. There are several things you can do to help studying for your Security+ certification. By making the most of your study time and study tools, you can pass the exam and gain your certifications.
Study Materials
The most important aspect of studying is to ensure that you have the right study guides and materials. There are literally hundreds of Security+ study guides on the market. While budget can be a factor in purchasing study materials, don't buy study guides based solely on price. Choose materials that have good reviews and meet your needs for learning and retaining the information. There are also several learning styles, and a variety of study materials to meet these needs. You can choose from text-based, audio or video materials, or a combination of two or more types. Find study materials that suit your learning needs so you retain more of the content.
Budget Study Time
The Security+ certification exam is difficult; you likely aren't going to be able to flip through a study guide for a few minutes and then walk in and ace the exam. Set aside 30 minutes to an hour a day to study. Mark this time in your calendar or day planner so you don't forget. It can be tempting to blow off your study sessions for other, more enjoyable activities, but experts advise that you will retain more of the information if you study a little every day. Cramming before a test can work for some students, but the stress of this practice can cause you to bomb the exam, so try to avoid this practice.
Find a Study Group
Many individuals retain more information if they study with a friend or a group of students that are studying the same material. Look around your local area for Security+ study groups, or find a friend at work that is attempting the exam at the same time you are. You can spend a couple hours over coffee each week until you have the material down and are ready to test. Your study partners may also help you find information that you might have missed on your own.
Obtaining Security+ certification can be stressful, but your hard work and effort will pay off once you have finished the process. You will be more valuable to your employer, and may find that you can obtain better job opportunities in your field. It is well worth the time and financial expenses of finishing the process and becoming certified.