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Preparation and Study Resources for the CySA+ Exam
When I decided to tackle the CompTIA CySA+ exam, I knew it would be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. My preparation spanned just 19 days, during which I used a combination of study materials and resources provided by my college. The primary resources included:
Books: “CompTIA CySA+ Study Guide: Exam CS0-003” by Mike Chapple and David Seidl, and “CompTIA CySA+ Practice Tests: Exam CS0-003” by Mike Chapple.
Online Courses: Jason Dion’s practice tests and Mike Chapple’s LinkedIn Learning course.
Practice Questions: The practice questions offered through the books on Wiley.com.
These resources were instrumental in building a solid foundation and understanding the core concepts required for the exam.
Study Schedule and Routine
Given that I am a full-time student, I treated my study time like a full-time job. My daily routine looked something like this:
Morning: I would wake up at 8:30 AM and start studying around 9-10 AM.
Midday: I took a lunch break at 12:30 PM.
Afternoon: I continued studying until 4:30-5 PM.
Bonus Hours: I added extra study time later in the day where I focused on areas I found interesting or needed more practice in.
This structured approach helped me maintain a consistent study schedule and ensured I covered all necessary topics thoroughly.
Practice and Review: Key to Success
One of the key strategies was to do as many practice questions as possible. I probably completed around 1,200 practice questions in addition to the five practice exams I took. The last practice exam was about four days before the actual test.
About a week before the exam, I scored 76% on one of Jason Dion’s practice tests. This score was encouraging, as it indicated that I was very close to being ready, but it also highlighted areas where I needed to focus more. The idea behind doing so many practice questions was simple: by getting questions wrong, I could learn from my mistakes and provide myself with instant feedback. This approach helped me absorb the information subconsciously and improve my understanding of various concepts.
Exam Experience: What to Expect
When the exam day finally arrived, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. The performance-based questions (PBQs) were relatively easy, as many had suggested, but the multiple-choice section was tough. Throughout the multiple-choice section, I felt like I was failing. However, I kept pushing through, relying on the knowledge and confidence I had built during my preparation.
Top Tips and Advice for CySA+ Exam Preparation
Based on my experience, here are my top tips for anyone preparing for the CySA+ exam:
Understand Security Frameworks: Make sure you have a solid understanding of various security frameworks and what goes into each step of the incident response plan. This knowledge is crucial for both the exam and practical applications in the field.
Practice Questions: Do as many practice questions as you can. This helps in identifying weak areas and reinforcing your knowledge. Each question you get wrong is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Manage Stress: It’s crucial to manage stress effectively. I found that taking a moment to meditate before, during, and after the exam helped me stay calm and focused. Incorporate relaxation techniques into your study routine to help with retention and stress management.
Relaxation Techniques: Use relaxation techniques like Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) and random intervals of brain rest to help absorb information better during study sessions. These techniques can significantly enhance your ability to retain information and keep your mind fresh.
Gauge Readiness: When you start scoring around 80% on practice tests (without retakes), you’re likely ready for the real exam. This benchmark was crucial for me in assessing my preparedness.
Spend Your Last Days Reviewing: For the last few days leading up to the exam, spend your time only reviewing questions you missed. I personally made flashcards for practice questions I got wrong because memorizing the answers is not an issue this close to the exam date.
Effective Study Techniques and Insights
One effective study technique I used was to treat practice questions as learning tools rather than just assessment tools. By thoroughly reviewing each question I got wrong and understanding why the correct answer was right, I could fill in gaps in my knowledge. This method helped me build a deeper understanding of the material.
Additionally, I focused on high-yield topics such as security frameworks and the incident response process. These areas are not only heavily tested on the exam but are also fundamental to the role of a cybersecurity analyst. Understanding these concepts in depth helped me feel more confident during the exam.
Personal Insights and Motivation
My motivation for pursuing the CySA+ certification stemmed from my love for cybersecurity and the desire to prove to myself that I could achieve this goal alongside earning my bachelor’s degree from WGU. Despite the challenges, passing the CySA+ exam was a fulfilling experience that reaffirmed my passion for the field.
Personal Insights and Motivation
On the day of the exam, it’s essential to stay calm and composed. Here are some additional tips for exam day:
Arrive Early: Make sure you arrive at the testing center 15-30 minutes early to avoid any last-minute stress.
Take A Minute: Its important to take 10-30 seconds to breathe, close your eyes and try to relax.
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