Security+ Preparation

Preparing for your Security+ Exam
Note: This is for the Sy0-501 edition of the exam, which will likely retire around April of 2021. Do not use study materials that are for previous versions of the exam, as the material differs greatly from each edition.

Study Materials

1) Book – Darril Gibson CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide
amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1PH3HKU9GCSZH&keywords=darril+gibson+security+sy0-501&qid=1568173481&s=gateway&sprefix=darril+gibs%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-2

2) Videos – Professor Messer’s CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 Training Course
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG49S3nxzAnnVhoAaL4B6aMFDQ8_gdxAy

3) Practice tests –
https://www.examcompass.com/comptia-security-plus-practice-test-1-exam-sy0-501

About the test:
You will have 90 minutes to answer 70-90 questions. Most of the questions will be multiple choice, along with 3-4 “simulation” type questions. A passing score is 750 out of 900. Since you want to budget your time wisely, you should flag your simulation questions and come back to them after you’ve worked through the multiple choice questions. In general, flag any questions that are taking you more than a couple of minutes to answer and come back to them later.

How to register for the exam
If you have a .edu email address, discounted vouchers can be purchased from:
https://academic-store.comptia.org
The voucher code gets sent to your email within 2 hours.

To register, go to https://home.pearsonvue.com then select “For test takers” and then “schedule an exam”. Search for and select “CompTIA” from the search bar.

Under the CompTIA logo, select “Create account” or sign in if you have one already. Once signed in, click “View Exams” and select the exam you want to register for (make sure it is the correct test code).

Follow the registration process, and then at the very end they will ask for payment information. If you have a discounted voucher code, you will have the chance to enter it. Otherwise, you will pay the standard exam price and check out.

Read more about the Security+ exam here:
https://certification.comptia.org/certifications/security