My Methodology for Passing Any Certification in Under 2 Months
Hello!
I wanted to share my methodology for earning certifications and learning efficiently without sacrificing quality. Over the years, I’ve developed a system that helps me grasp new material quickly and retain it effectively. Hopefully, some of these tips can help you on your own learning journey.
Cram Early, Practice More
I start by spending the first 20% of my study time getting an overview of everything. This means skimming through all the material to understand the broad concepts. The remaining 80% is all about doing—practice questions, flashcards, practice tests, and lab environments. This approach helps me identify areas that need more focus and reinforces learning through application.
Utilizing the Pomodoro Technique
When studying, I use the Pomodoro method to stay focused. I avoid any dopamine-heavy activities like TikTok or YouTube until I’ve completed my learning tasks for the day. This minimizes distractions and keeps my mind on track.
Priming the Brain for Concentration
Sometimes, I’ll use techniques like Andrew Huberman’s Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) or simply stare at a wall for 30-60 seconds before studying. It might sound odd, but it helps prime my brain for better concentration.
Taking Short Breaks to Digest Information
At random intervals during study sessions, I’ll take a 10-second break to let the information sink in. These brief pauses help my brain process what I’ve just learned and prevent burnout.
Starting with the Right Resources
For the initial “cram early” phase, I look through Reddit or other forums to find resources that have helped others succeed quickly. If you’re tackling the CompTIA Trifecta, I highly recommend Professor Messer’s YouTube courses. Watch them at 2x speed—studies show that watching content faster can improve memory retention better than watching at normal speed.
Skip the Note-Taking
I usually avoid taking notes during video courses. Writing notes can sometimes offload the responsibility to learn onto the paper instead of reinforcing it in your memory. Instead, focus on understanding the material as you watch.
Practice Makes Perfect
After speeding through the video course, I find as many practice tests as I can. For the CompTIA Trifecta, resources like Jason Dion’s practice tests, Sybex flashcards, Professor Messer’s practice tests, Wordwalls interactive questions, and Pocket Prep are invaluable. Aim to complete around 1,000 to 1,700 practice questions with answers.
IMPORTANT: Leverage Instant Feedback
Practice questions that offer instant feedback are the most valuable. Tools like Pocket Prep provide explanations right away, helping you understand why an answer is correct or incorrect. This immediate reinforcement aids in better retention.
Some resources that utilize instant feedback:
Pocket Prep
Sybex practice questions
Professor Messer’s practice tests.
Study With ChatGPT
For practice questions without instant feedback, consider using AI tools to get explanations. You can input the question and ask for a detailed breakdown of the correct answer and why the other options are incorrect. This can deepen your understanding of the subject matter.
Note – If this is a very high level exam, make sure to verify that ChatGPT’s output is correct. When I was studying for the CASP+ it would sometimes give incorrect answers.
Assessing Readiness with Practice Tests
Jason Dion’s tests are great for gauging readiness, although they sometimes go out of scope. Scoring around 80% on his tests is a good indicator that you’re ready to take the actual exam. Don’t take all his practice tests at once; spread them out to continuously assess your progress.
Final Prep Steps
Once you’re consistently scoring well on practice tests, watch a few CyberKraft YouTube videos that cover performance-based questions for your certification. This final review can boost your confidence before the exam.
For Certifications Beyond the Trifecta
After completing the CompTIA Trifecta, you might not need to watch lengthy video courses anymore. Your foundational knowledge should allow you to dive straight into reading the exam objectives and taking pre-tests to see where you stand.
Focus on Practice Questions
For higher-level certifications, concentrate on practice questions with instant feedback. These certifications often require you to complete between 1,500 to 2,200 practice questions to reach that success range.
Specific Certification Tips
Pentest+: This exam is theory-heavy. I recommend TryHackMe’s Pentest+ path to get practical experience. Focus heavily on tools like Nmap, as they’re crucial for the exam.
Network+, CySA+, CASP+: Use Pocket Prep for these certifications. Quality practice questions are harder to come by for these exams, and Pocket Prep’s instant feedback is particularly helpful.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the key to learning quickly without compromising quality is to immerse yourself in practice and application. Use resources that offer immediate feedback, and don’t be afraid to adjust your study methods to find what works best for you.
Good luck on your certification journey!
Best regards,
Noah
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