Passing CompTIA tests
My Study Plan
This is not a “How I passed x number of certification tests in 2 weeks and lived to tell the tale” blog post. I don’t have a secret to share with you, but I found a process that worked for me, and maybe it will work for you. I’ve taken the CompTIA tests for the A+, Network+, Server+, and most recently the Security+certification. It took a little over a year (one each semester) while working toward my degree. In my study plan, it was important to me that I build foundational knowledge, not just pass a test, but thankfully I was able to pass all of my tests on the first try. I hope that others on the same journey will find the tips and resources I shared here helpful.
Go to the source. Use the CompTIA objectives and book; they’ll tell you exactly what you need to learn. Use the objectives as a checklist and work through each topic. CompTIA has a specific order for troubleshooting, and you must know this for the test. Not sure how deep into the subject matter you need to go? Check the book. If it’s a one-paragraph description, then that’s all you’re expected to understand for the test. If that one-paragraph explanation is still unclear, seek out other sources until you better understand the topic. Simple memorization will not help with the troubleshooting questions, and CompTIA tests have a lot of them. I know the rebuttal is that they are “dry and boring”, but as someone who works in an industrial setting, I’ve always found that the best source for reliable information is to “RTFM.” Supplement this with the many free and low-cost resources available to help clarify less familiar topics. I’ll list a few I used at the end of this post.
Get “hands-on” practice. It helped me immensely for the A+ that I was already building and repairing computers, volunteering, and doing pro-bono computer troubleshooting in my community. Create your own practice exercises. There are lists of commands and ports you need to know for each test. Get in a VM and practice. If your computer resources are limited, I recommend using Try Hack Me as a resource. Subscriptions are not that expensive, but you can access a machine once a day, even at the free level. It’s easier to remember Linux commands and port numbers when you’re using them.
Find some support. I didn’t use a study group regularly, but I belong to a supportive group of peers I can turn to for encouragement and resources when needed (Shout out to my TechSecChix!!) Is there someone you can be accountable to, a mentor or a friend? Let them know your test date goal and follow up with how you’re doing. If you do want to find a study group there is a link to the CompTIA subreddit below.
Links to resources:
All tests: CompTIA book/objectives, Certmaster practice app. Professor Messer videos and notes.
Network+: CyberInsight (John Breth) He has several Network+ Study Labs using Packet Tracer covering key topics (like subnetting!) from the exam. Keith Barker: Most of his videos are for CCNA studies, but he has excellent explanations of topics that you need to know for the Network+ test. I will probably never forget his explanation of 802.1Q — stacking cups, ftw.
TryHackMe: Networking Basics | Linux Basics |Windows Basics — a few free rooms, by no means an exhaustive list. If you can get a subscription try out the Beginner and Pre-Security Pathways.
Other: CompTIA subreddit, CompTIA subreddit Discord server — for researching other test-taking experiences and tips.
