I sat for the CompTIA Security+ seven weeks after sitting for and passing the CompTIA Network+ exam. Like the Network+, I passed the Security+ exam on my first attempt.
In this post, I will walk you through how I used a free YouTube channel to study and pass the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) on my first attempt.
Contents
What is the CompTIA Security+ Certification?
CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized cybersecurity certification that equips individuals with the baseline skills to perform core IT security functions.
The latest version of this exam, SY0-701, was launched in November 2023. The cost of sitting for the exam in 2025 is $404. You can confirm the latest prices here.
To sit for the exam, you should book to sit for it at a Pearson VUE testing centre near you.
The certificate is valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. After that, you have to renew it using the options provided by CompTIA.
My Background
As a full disclaimer, I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology. I was also a beneficiary of a cybersecurity fellowship called CyberGirls. In addition, I had completed CCNA classes and also passed the CompTIA Network+ exam. This educational background gave me a solid technical foundation to work with when preparing for the Security+ exam.
What is on the CompTIA Security+ Exam?
The exam consists of up to 90 questions, including a mix of:
- Performance-based questions (PBQs)
- Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- Multiple-select questions (MSQs)
- Fill-in-the-blank questions
The exam duration is 90 minutes, and to pass, you need a minimum score of 750 out of 900.
The exam covers the following domains:
- General Security Concepts
- Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigation
- Security Architecture
- Security Operations
- Security Program Management and Oversight
You can download a detailed copy of the exam objectives from the CompTIA website.
The Challenges I Faced
1. Limited Resources
I sat for the CompTIA Security+ exam five months after it was launched. As a result, study materials were scarce.
Most available resources were for the older SY0-601 version, making it difficult to find updated content.
2. Time Constraints
I had allocated myself seven weeks to study for this exam. Giving myself a strict deadline helped me stay focused and plan better.
3. Budget Limitations
This was perhaps my biggest challenge. My budget was limited to the amount needed to buy the exam voucher. I could not afford to purchase extra resources, so I had to be creative.
What I Had
Despite these challenges, I had a few things working in my favour:
- A functional laptop
- Dedicated study time
- Unlimited internet access
With these, I was able to scour the internet for quality study resources.
The YouTube Channel That Helped Me Pass
After extensive research, I decided to focus on Professor Messer’s YouTube channel.
These two playlists became my go-to study resources:
- How to Pass Your SY0-701 Security+ Exam Playlist
- Professor Messer’s SY0-701 Security+ Study Group Playlist
How I Studied for the Exam
Step 1: Familiarizing Myself with the Content
Once I identified Professor Messer’s YouTube channel as my primary resource, I watched the entire SY0-701 playlist at 2X speed. During this step, I was not writing any notes. I simply watched to familiarize myself with the content. This playlist had 121 videos in total.
Step 2: Cross-Checking with the Exam Objectives
Next, I downloaded the official exam objectives from CompTIA’s website. I re-watched the SY0-701 playlist at normal speed while cross-checking each topic against the exam objectives. I had to watch some videos multiple times to fully understand the concepts.
Step 3: Practicing with Study Groups
Once I was done with Steps 1 and 2, I started testing my knowledge. I followed along with Professor Messer’s Security+ study groups, which helped me identify weak areas and develop an exam mindset.
Step 4: Reinforcing My Knowledge by Teaching Others
Finally, I asked others to randomly quiz me on concepts from the exam objectives. This helped me identify topics I needed to revisit and clarify any concepts I found confusing. I repeated this process until I was comfortable explaining all exam topics.
The Result
After following this study plan, I sat for the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam and passed on my first attempt.
Conclusion
If you are preparing for the CompTIA Security+ exam on a budget, I hope my experience serves as an inspiration. Our journeys might not be identical, but with dedication, a solid study plan, and the right resources, you can pass on your first attempt – just like I did!
Share your resources, tips, and questions in the comment section below. Which resources did you find most useful when preparing to sit for your CompTIA Security+ exam?