How I Passed CompTIA Security+ in Just 2-Weeks
Hi, I’m Mariana—a Senior Data Engineer with a growing passion for cybersecurity. Recently, I passed the CompTIA Security+ certification (SY0-701)—on my very first try.
If you’re thinking about taking this exam or just curious about how to prep efficiently, here’s a breakdown of my full study plan, exam experience, and the exact resources I used to get it done in just 2 weeks.
Why I Took the Security+ Exam
I started noticing Security+ pop up in job descriptions—especially for federal roles, consulting gigs, and positions that require security clearance. As someone who works in data and cloud engineering, I realized I needed to speak the language of security too.
Security+ made sense because it’s:
✅ Vendor-neutral
✅ Widely recognized
✅ A great entry point into cybersecurity
Step 1: Researching the Exam
Before diving in, I did what any curious techie would do—I researched.
I read the CompTIA website
Scanned Reddit threads
Watched intro videos
Jotted down common tips from others who passed
From what I gathered, some people pass after just a few days of studying, while others take months. It really depends on your background. If you’re brand new to IT, it’ll take longer. But even for experienced folks like me, focused prep still matters.
Step 2: My Background + First Impressions
Even though I work in cloud and data engineering, I didn’t fully appreciate the breadth of topics Security+ covers until I began studying.
Some topics were familiar (like cloud security principles), but many were totally new—like PKI, risk frameworks, and cryptographic attacks.
It honestly surprised me how much I enjoyed learning this material. Whether you're brand-new or a seasoned engineer, Security+ offers something valuable.
Step 3: My 2-Week Study Plan
I gave myself 14 days, studying about 4 hours per day.
Here’s how I structured it:Watched Professor Messer’s full SY0-701 course on YouTube (free and excellent)
Took handwritten notes while watching
Bought the official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide (but didn’t end up using it much)
Focused heavily on practice exams to reinforce knowledge
Step 4: Practice Tests Are the Game-Changer
I’ve taken certs before—including AWS Solutions Architect Pro—so I know the value of practice exams.
After watching the video lessons, I found CertPreps.com, which offered timed practice tests (20 total at the time, some repeated). They were incredibly helpful in simulating the pressure of the real exam.
I completed 13 of them before switching back to YouTube to reinforce my weak spots.
Step 5: Understanding PBQs
Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) were a new format for me. They're interactive, drag-and-drop style tasks, and they show up at the beginning of the exam. They also carry more weight than regular questions.
Tip: Bookmark PBQs and come back to them at the end if you're unsure. Don’t waste time early on.
Also—know your acronyms. You’ll get tested on them more than you think.
Step 6: The YouTube Channel That Saved Me
One last-minute resource that truly helped: MLA Tech on YouTube.
Two of the PBQs on my actual exam were identical to the walkthroughs on his channel. That alone was worth it.
Step 7: Exam Day—Here’s What to Expect
I took the test online to avoid distractions at a testing center. Here’s what I learned:
Have two forms of ID ready
Your test area must be clear (they scan it!)
No headphones, or smartwatches
You get about 90 minutes, with up to 90 questions
My exam had 74 questions, including 3 PBQs.
Step 8: The Results
As soon as I hit submit, my score appeared:
✅ 784 out of 900 — I passed! 🎉
The next day, CompTIA emailed me to confirm my address, and about two weeks later, I received the hard copy of my certificate in the mail.
Final Takeaways: My Tips for You
If you’re preparing for Security+, here’s my advice:
✔️ Use Professor Messer — Free, detailed, and easy to follow
✔️ Do practice exams — Especially timed ones
✔️ Understand the reasoning — Don’t just memorize
✔️ Expect acronyms and PBQs — Practice both
✔️ Know the format — Bookmark tricky ones and come back
You’ve Got This…
