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u/ObiOneCan

r/CompTIA r/u_ObiOneCan r/WGUCyberSecurity
Network+ Passed and CompTIA Journey!
▲ 48 r/CompTIA+1 crossposts

Network+ Passed and CompTIA Journey!

I took my test this morning and I really thought I was failing this test. I was surprised to pass with 808! I had a total of 70 questions, including 5 PBQs. One of the PBQs I didn't get to finish because I ran out of time, and another one, which I did guess.

Study material

  • Percipo - CompTIA Network+ Course, Practice Test, and Labs
  • Andrew Ramdayal Udemy Course and Practice Exams
  • Jason Dion Udemy Course and Practice Exams
  • Youtube Videos
    • Professor Messer CompTIA Network+
    • MyFreeAcademy - CompTIA Network+ Full Practice Questions about 6 hours video (sped up)
    • MyFreeAcademy - CompTIA Network+ Practice Test - Acroyms
  • I used Cisco Packet Tracer and built VMs for Windows 10, Kali Linux, and Windows Server 2022. Andrew Ramdayal will also guide you through those.

My CompTIA journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, right after I finished my BSCS. I struggled to find Software or IT jobs for 2 years after completing my degree. I had a bit of a panic thinking I should get a CompTIA certification to beef up my resume, but I ended up rushing myself and failing my first Sec+ test. Since then, I have always had an urge to pass the sec+, but with other priorities (family), I had to take a break. I got my first Software Engineering job in late 2022 after submitting many, many applications. My company needed an SA to work on a VM that required getting a Sec+ cert. This time, I really took my time to study and took A+ certs first to get comfortable with the CompTIA test style. As I get older, I have less interest in coding, plus there are AIs now that can code for you! I started pursuing cybersecurity and earned CySA+, PenTest+, and Security+. It tookl me about 2 years to accomplish A+ Core 1 to Security X and Network+. I know some people can do it way faster than that. These certs can also help me with the WGU MSCIA program and knock out some classes before I start. I'm excited to start the program with just 6 classes left!

https://preview.redd.it/stcr6n9xmdkh1.png?width=1075&format=png&auto=webp&s=395080d0740083baf88dba288efd4ae1a8897f20

Network+ is the last certification that I wanted to take until I renew again for Security X in 2029 or 2032.

If you would like to see the study material I used for CompTIA CySA+, PenTest+, and Security X below are the links. Good luck, everyone, as you pursue your CompTIA Certs and Programs!

CySA+: https://www.reddit.com/r/WGUCyberSecurity/comments/1smhnom/cysa_passed_in_4_weeks_family_man_and_fulltime/

PenTest+:

https://www.reddit.com/r/WGUCyberSecurity/comments/1tpichm/comptia_pentest_pass_is_a_pass/

Security X:

https://www.reddit.com/r/WGUCyberSecurity/comments/1up9sky/i_passed_comptia_security_x_in_5_weeks/

u/ObiOneCan — 1 day ago
▲ 29 r/WGUCyberSecurity

I passed CompTIA Security X in 5 Weeks!

I don't know exactly how I did, but I passed! I have a total of 78 questions, 3 PBQs, and 1 Linux simulation. The PBQs are pretty straightforward and reminded me of CySA+ PBQs. The Linux simulation cannot be skipped, and I struggled with it not because it was a hard task, but because of an issue with the size of the Monitor I was using at the test center. I had to use 2 terminals and went back and forth between the 2 because I couldn't expand the terminal enough to see everything I needed. I wasted some time just doing that.

As for my study materials,

  1. I used Udemy Dion's Videos and 6 Practice exams. My scores were between 72 and 83.
  2. I also bought the CompTIA Security X CAS-005 by Mark Birch from Amazon, which includes digital quiz questions for every chapter and 2 mock exams. https://a.co/d/06YLbYG6The 2 Mock exams were probably the closest to the actual exam. My scores were 69.7 and 74.
  3. YT: I watched all of Cyberkraft's videos for CASP+/Security X Labs/PBQs related and DailyDebian CompTIA Security X CAS-005 Practice Questions.
  4. AI such as Gemini or any of your choice. Practice the acronyms and ask questions about the specific topic I wanted to make sure I remember for the test.

Passing the CySA+ in April and PenTest+ in May of this year were probably the most helpful for me in taking this exam. I was pretty much gaining knowledge from previous exams that are also important for this test.

Links to my previous test for anyone thinking of taking CySA+ and Pentest+

Maybe helpful or maybe not lol

https://www.reddit.com/r/WGUCyberSecurity/comments/1smhnom/cysa_passed_in_4_weeks_family_man_and_fulltime/

https://www.reddit.com/r/WGUCyberSecurity/comments/1tpichm/comptia_pentest_pass_is_a_pass/

What's next for me? I will try to take the CISM exam before I start my class at WGU in September.

I hope I didn't give away too much and get in trouble with CompTIA.

Good Luck to anyone taking CompTIA exams!

https://preview.redd.it/xcgdyd6h9obh1.png?width=758&format=png&auto=webp&s=1cf1303a881ba5c94027d1bb42bba4d8feca19cf

u/ObiOneCan — 2 months ago
▲ 1 r/WGUCyberSecurity

What is easier class D488 or D489?

I'm about to enroll in MSCIA. I can only transfer either the CompTIA Sec X or the CISM certification, so I won't go over 50% of the transfer credit limit, but of course, I want the easier and faster route. Which class out of the two would be easier? I hate writing papers, but I will do it if it is easier than taking the OA.

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u/ObiOneCan — 2 months ago
▲ 39 r/WGUCyberSecurity

CompTIA PenTest+ Pass is a Pass!

https://preview.redd.it/q29exxyxtq3h1.png?width=2109&format=png&auto=webp&s=90a9b1a64cb75b628d487d560a0f9cadc252b2e1

Just passed my test this morning with 70 questions and 4 are PBQs. I studied for about 5 weeks for this test after passing CySA+ back in mid-April. I originally scheduled my test for June 3, but felt like I was ready after 3 weeks of studying (or couldn't find any other study materials anymore), so I rescheduled it a week early. Here is my post about my background and input about the CySA+ exam. https://www.reddit.com/r/WGUCyberSecurity/comments/1smhnom/cysa_passed_in_4_weeks_family_man_and_fulltime/

PenTest+ is one of the hardest CompTIA tests for sure, but passing is doable with the right study materials. I'm a natural bad test taker, lol, so definitely I'm not the one to advise this test. I had plenty of scripting questions in my exam, but my background as a Software Engineer helped. The test questions were pretty vague, and the given options made it hard because at least 2 options seemed to be the right answer. I used all my time to make sure I have gone through everything. I thought the PBQs were not as bad. I had dropped down questions about exploits and how to remediate them. I had 1 or 2 questions about nmap, but it was not about what flags to use. I got a few questions about Wi-fi or wireless connections. The test version I got was pretty much everywhere, or at least how I felt.

📚 Study Resources Materials

  • Video & Lectures: Percipio PenTest+ and Jason Dion’s Udemy course.
  • Practice Tests: Jason Dion (Dion Training) – Trend: Scores improved from 67% to 86% as the exam date approached.
  • Question Banks: PocketPrep (completed all 1,000 questions using "Level Up" mode) and Sybex Review Quiz.
  • Practical Lab Work: * TryHackMe: Completed 77% of the CompTIA PenTest+ path.
    • Hands-On: Built a custom, bootable Kali Linux USB with persistence to practice Metasploit, theHarvester,dig, and other tools outside of browser-based labs.
  • AI Integration: Used Gemini for concept clarification, "What is NSE?", "Tell me more", and interactive quiz-based learning.
  • YouTube: Hank Hackerson’s PenTest+ series.

💡 Key Advice for Future Candidates

  1. Prioritize Tool Utility and Syntax: While you need to know how tools work, the exam focuses more on which tool to use and why, rather than just memorizing obscure command flags.
  2. Hands-on Practice is Non-Negotiable: If possible, build a local lab or a persistent Kali USB. The experience gained from troubleshooting real tools helps with the scenario questions.
  3. Don't Rush the Exam: Even if you feel ready, use the full allotted time. The ambiguity of the questions demands careful reading and re-reading to ensure you aren't falling for "distractor" answers.

Definitely know the different tools and what they are used for, including flags.

Good luck to anyone about to take the test!

I'm planning to start MSCIA at the end of the summer, and I'll have about 2 months to get another certification to transfer. Should I get CompTIA Security X or CISM cert?

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u/ObiOneCan — 3 months ago