How to Pass the CompTIA Security+ and Kickstart Your Cybersecurity Career

So, you want to get into cybersecurity? Maybe you dream of being a hacker (the good kind), defending companies from cyber threats, or just flexing your tech skills for a better paycheck. Whatever your reason, the CompTIA Security+ (Sec+) certification is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door.

But let's be real—studying for an IT certification can be boring if you don’t know where to start. That’s why I’m here to break it down step by step so you can pass on your first try without feeling lost in the sauce.

Step 1: What’s the Security+ Exam? (And Why Should You Care?)

Security+ is the entry-level cybersecurity cert. It proves you know your stuff when it comes to:

🛡 Cyber Attacks & Hacking Methods – Recognizing threats like malware, phishing, and brute-force attacks.
🏗 Cybersecurity Architecture – How security is built into networks and systems.
🔐 Implementation – Setting up firewalls, encryption, and security protocols.
🚨 Incident Response – What to do when cyber attacks happen.
📜 Governance & Compliance – Following laws and security best practices.

The test? 90 minutes, 90 questions. Some are multiple choice, but others are "performance-based"—meaning you’ll be hands-on with real-world security tasks, like setting up a firewall or identifying an attack.

Step 2: How to Sign Up (Without Breaking Your Brain)

1️⃣ Create a CompTIA Account

Go to CompTIA’s website and sign up. This lets you track your progress and manage your certifications.

2️⃣ Buy an Exam Voucher

Security+ costs around $392 (yikes, I know). But:

  • Discounts are often available for students or through training providers.
  • Some courses bundle study materials + exam vouchers together for a better deal.

3️⃣ Schedule Your Exam

Go to Pearson VUE to book your test:

  • Option 1: In-person at a testing center (recommended if you focus better outside home).
  • Option 2: Online proctored exam (if you like taking tests in pajamas, just make sure your desk is clean).

📅 Choose a date that gives you enough time to prep. Don’t book it for next week if you haven’t studied!

Step 3: Studying the Smart Way (Without Wasting Time)

Forget reading 500 pages of dry textbooks. Here’s what actually works:

📚 Best Study Resources

  • CompTIA Security+ Official Study Guide – Best for structured learning.
  • Professor Messer’s YouTube Series – Free, engaging, and to the point.
  • Jason Dion & Mike Chapple (Udemy) – Deep dives into exam topics with practice tests.

💻 Practice Makes Perfect

  • TryHackMe & CompTIA CertMaster Labs – Hands-on practice for real-world skills.
  • ExamCompass & MeasureUp – Mock tests to see if you’re actually ready.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Join a Study Group

  • Reddit r/CompTIA – Ask questions, share tips, and see how others passed.
  • Discord Study Groups – Perfect if you learn better in a group setting.

🔥 Pro Tip: Take a practice exam before you start studying. This helps you see where you need to focus instead of wasting time on stuff you already know.

Step 4: Exam Day – Don’t Panic, Just Execute

🕘 Arrive Early (In-Person) – Get there 30 minutes before with 2 forms of ID.

💻 Online Test? – Make sure your room is quiet, your internet is solid, and your desk is clear (seriously, they’ll make you show it on camera).

📊 Format:

  • 90 questions in 90 minutes.
  • Passing score: 750/900 (~83%).
  • Expect Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) – like configuring security settings or identifying cyberattacks.

🔥 Pro Tip: Knock out PBQs first, then tackle multiple-choice. PBQs take more time, and you don’t want to get stuck on them at the end.

Step 5: You Passed! Now What?

🎉 Instant Results – You’ll know if you passed immediately after the test.

📜 Claim Your Certification – CompTIA will send your cert details within 24-48 hours.

💼 Boost Your Resume & LinkedIn – Show off your new credentials to recruiters.

🚀 What’s Next?

  • Want to go deeper into security? Look at CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst).
  • Want to specialize in cloud security? Check out AWS Security or Microsoft SC-900.
  • Want to skip certs & get a job? Apply for entry-level SOC analyst or IT security jobs with your new cert.

Final Thoughts: Why Security+ is Worth It

If you’re serious about cybersecurity, Security+ is the best starting point. It opens doors to IT security roles, helps you understand real-world threats, and proves to employers that you’ve got skills.

Put in the effort, follow these steps, and you’ll be one step closer to an awesome career in cybersecurity.

Good luck—and remember, hackers never sleep, but neither should your security skills. 🔥💻