I took my first shot at the Security+ exam, and with a score of 858. It's great to be past this one.

I'll go over a little bit about the exam here first. Then I'll explain what I did for studying so others can get an idea of what they can do to prepare for the exam.

I think I had about 6 or 7 questions on Access Controls, which most people say there are a lot on this exam. I even had two questions back-to-back that were almost the same with a few words changed. Some of the study material from ProProfs helped me on one of these questions because of a key word that I associated with RBAC.

Of course, there were quite a bit of questions on cryptography as well. There was one question on PKI certificates that tripped me up because it wasn't covered at all in the Sybex or Syngress books, at least that I could remember. I have a lot of knowledge with relational databases; so I used this to try to figure out the answer. I figured, if a Website holds a certificate, and they serve customers, then they have one certificate serving either one or many customers giving either a one-to-many or a one-to-one relationship. However, from what little I could find on the Internet, I believe the relationships are many-to-one and many-to-many. I'm still not exactly sure. I can't find any explanation for this, and it makes me confused on the reasoning . It's too bad the books didn't explain it.

Obviously, you want to know ports. Some questions just flat out asked which ports go to which protocol and other questions say you are being attacked; here is the output; what kind of attack is it? If you know your ports, questions like these can be easy.

I don't really remember most of anything else. There were a lot of strange questions, but with several of them, I was able to read the question and answer it even before looking at the possible answers. So that helped.

For people that want to know how to pass the exam, I think the best thing you can do is to get a book or two and read through them. Of course this is true for any test, but for the Security+ test, I think you have to. If you don't, you will probably fail, which may be a reason why so many people fail it the first time.

Here is what I did for studying:
First, I read through the Sybex book from cover to cover doing the end of chapter questions as I went along.

Here is the important part: While reading through the book, I typed in notes for myself in MS Word. If I came across anything I was unfamiliar with, I took notes on it. If I ran across something that confused me or I felt it didn't explain well enough, I did a search on Wikipedia or elsewhere for more info.

After finishing the Sybex book, I went through the 500 or so questions that come with the deluxe edition.

After that, I went through all the study notes and practice exams on techexams.net, mcmcse.com, and proprofs.com. Anything new that I came up on, I kept updating my notes.

I also went through the ExamForce CramMaster practice exam offered from CompTIA's Website.

During all of this, I was also reading the forum posts here and learned that a lot of people fail the exam the first time.

Since I don't have a lot of background in security, and I didn't want to fail, I decided to also study through the Syngess book book.gif . In the Syngress book, there were a lot of things explained from quite a bit of a different perspective than the Sybex book. Some things were touched up on more, and some things were touched up on less. Also, there are a lot of things discussed in the Syngress book that isn't discussed in the Sybex book, and there are a lot of things discussed in the Sybex book that aren't discussed in the Syngress book. So, for the Security+ exam, I think both of these books together are a good match.

If I was to only study one of these books for the exam, I would pick the Sybex book because I think it does a little bit better covering most of the material.


Well, my next project is working towards my MCPD. I was initially going to work towards my MCSE, but since I have more programming experience, I think I could get through the MCPD exams a little quicker. That way, I'll have something a little more solid for trying to get a job sooner. It's good that my wife works, and I get retirement pay. I can be a full time student for a little while.

First, I'll start on 70-536. My study material hasn't arrived in the mail yet. So, I'll have to wait a little bit. I probably need a little bit of a break anyway.

I passed but the test was much harder than I thought.

Basically, my advice for anyone else who is taking it is invest more time than you think you need in the material. For example, I read a book and watch a series of videos to prepare and then crammed the day before the test. That was enough but barely. I like a comfortable cushion in my grade so that I know I wasn't just risking $200 when I took the test not as prepared as I should have been. This site helped, don't get me wrong, but it can't replace actually attempting to memorize the material. Practice tests are better than I thought for seeing what you know and do not know.

Best study material for Network+ : Chris Bryants Network+ video. But don't watch it just once. Watch it twice all the way through, take notes, and then remember which "chapters" you may need to watch again and for your third round of viewing only watch the videos that you think are your weak point. Knowing what you don't know is really important. There is no room for ego when it comes to an exam.

Book I used: Mike Myers Passport Second Edition Network+ (2005). I used Mr. Myers book for the A+ exam and it helped but it wasn't as useful for Network+. It didn't seem to flow as smoothly as the first book. Topics just came and went and by the end of the book I felt I was weighed down with information, not absorbing it. If someone else suggests a different book, try it.

Surprise questions on the test: Network Security protocol troubleshooting. There were several questions that related to not only security protocols but what to do when things are not working. These questions required more thought on my part because I had to place myself in situations I've never been in. I've worked as a net admin but only after the network was built and security implemented. We never had a problem with our protocols. But, if you ready enough then you can make up for this sort of deficit. Just acknowledge you need a little more study in this area (or any other area), spend some time on it, and when you feel comfortable with the material move on.

If I can think of anything else I'll post it later.

I am kind of new to this forum but I was reading the topics for a while, which helped me a lot to understand what my weak points were.Thanks to everybody that took the time to write a review of their experience on the exams and here now I am able to contribute to future success.
I passed with 870 on the Essentials and 885 on the 602 exam.My opinion is that the second exam was much easier than the essential.
I used Mike Meyers 6th edition Comptia A+ and everything on the exams was covered in the book if you read it carefully.
There was no questions on CPU socket types.I dont think that IRQs are included at all in the new exams as Windows 2000 and XP are Plug and Play OS and you dont need to configure irq
Know everything about laser printers,troubleshooting,printer languages and differences between them,spooler service and methods to stop and start it;network printers installation process and what you would do the last when installing one;a few questions on inkjet,dot-matrix and scanners;IEEE 1284 specification and ports.I felt like I was tested on Comptia Printer +
A LOT OF CUSTOMER TYPE QUESTIONS;Imagine you are the customer;Make sure you know what your responsibilities as an IT Technician are and are not
Everything about wired and wireless networking;network adapter failure and things to check first or never do first when troubleshooting;topologies,protocols and how they differ,authentification,encryption,best encryption protocol and best security methods;cable types and their range and speed;client-server and peer to peer differences;utilities like tracert,ping,ipconfig,nbstat,netstat and for what and when you would use them;thicknet,thinnet,ethernet,802.11,802.11x,bluethooth,ifrared,mobile-distances,speeds and RF
Operating systems-upgrade paths,minimum requirements;differences between windows pro,home and 2000;file system types,how they differ,permissions.The paths to utilities questions were the last possible thing I would use in a normal enviroment;know the differences between defrag,msconfig,chkdsk;know when to use ASR,NtBackup,Recovery Console,Last Known Good Configuration and Safe mode;boot files,registry and locations and default backup location of system files and user files;how would you check all installed patches
Laptops and specific things about them like differences between laptop and desktop cpu usage;hotswappable devices and procedure to remove them;keyboard features;enabling external display;PCMCIA types,thicknest and for what components would you use them;throttling,hyperthreading,overclocking;batteries and troubleshooting;overheating and restarting and reasons for that;common parts in LCD displays and troubleshooting
CRT monitors,troubleshooting video adapter failures and POST,slots questions;sound problems,no sound.
A few questions on POST excluding beep codes
USB,IEEE 1394 speeds and distances and when they are commonly used
Hard drives-internal and external connection types and number of pins
Storage devices-DVD,DVD DL,CD,DLT and which one would you use in a specific situation.
ESD,best procedures and when not to use ESD wrist strap
There was even two questions on PDAs

Thats all I can remember for now.As overall experience I suggest you know your material well,as you might be surprised how easy it is to be cofused on the exam when you are under pressure.The Essentials exam had questions from all over the material,nothing specific.The IT Techician was customer,customer,customer and printers.There was only about 6-8 questions that were the same on both exams and they were the easy questions!
THERE WAS NO QUESTIONS WITH A FEW RIGHT ANSWERS THAT YOU HAD TO CHOOSE THE BEST RIGHT ONE.You would think that only if you werent prepared enough.There was only one way to answer.I dont mean here that there wasnt multiple choice answer,"just you couldnt use F and 8 pressed at the same time instead of the function key F8 only because the F8 key on your keyboard is stuck" or use Last Known Good Configuration as the first troubleshooting option when you are required to use a boot disc first,even though the reason is a device driver you just istalled.
Dont be afraid to overstudy as you wont be second guessing yourself and wil fly through the exams if you are well prepared.When you are on the job second guessing is not going to do you or the customers any good.
And about the so much recommended Pass4Sure-you wont pass if you use only that as study material,dont have experience in IT and dont understand why the right answer is the right answer.But I do recommend after reading the material,whatever book you use,do every possible available practice exam to help you understand and connect everything together.

GOOD LUCK!

“The phrase brain dump refers to the transfer of a large quantity of information from one person to another or to a piece of paper. As slang, it can describe a hurried explanation of a system, job, skillset, or other software engineering subject.”

"In the IT Industry, a 'brain dump' refers to material that has been memorized, or captured electronically by means of a small device such as a PDA or cell phone with a built in camera, from an IT certification and re-created to provide an almost exact replica of the exam, thus violating most but not all Non-disclosure agreements given before an exam.”

“Brain dumps of this sort often constitute illegal cheating because the information acquired was generally taken from material that was meant to remain secure, or information copyrighted or registered as trade secrets, and many of the larger corporations have recently begun fighting back against the companies that mass-produce brain dumps.

Brain dumps are most commonly found amongst IT certification exams (mainly because the exams are expensive, difficult to pass, and the questions rarely change). These brain dumps are actual exam questions and answers that users will memorize prior to taking (or sitting) an exam.

Certification providers use Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), binding examinees to a legal contract to not disclose "in whole or in part" by any means of communication any part of the exam.”

1.) In the prescription “OD +3.25 -1.75 X 110 , OS +2.75 -0.50 X 90”, which of the following statements are true?
a. the left eye has a sphere of +3.25
b. the left eye has a sphere of 110
c. the right eye has prism
d. the patient has an astigmatism

Answer: The correct answer is D. Answers A and B cannot be correct as OD refers to the right eye, not the left eye and 110 refers to the axis of the cylinder, not the sphere power. Answer C is unknown as there is nothing noted in the script to show that the patient has a prism.

Quick Tips from things I've seen and explained to tests takers:

1) Pick a test date you generally feel comfortable with. I personally hate Mondays. Most of the time Wednesdays work great for everybody.

2) To prepare for an exam, start from your own environment. Stay away from headaches (especially the day before the exam or the morning of the exam). Put off your personal problems and focus on relaxing, being happy. Give yourself a boost of confidence every now and then.

Remember, you know your stuff. You just need to pick the correct answer during the exam.

3) Refrain from excessive drinking and avoid the pipe/green smoke. People who smoke cigarettes for relaxing, should smoke as much as they need to! If that what makes you comfortable, then do it.

Just avoid smoking for stress relief.....try to smoke a cigarette for joy!

4) Choose a time you're generally pleased with. I personally do my exams late morning, early afternoon. I'm not a morning person.

If you must do in the morning, take an Apple instead of drinking coffee. Apple has enough vitamins and fibres to stimulate your brain cells. Some people take apples in substitute for coffee and it works.

5) Pick an exam center close to you, and one with healthy environment, good staff and works around your schedule (not the other way around).

6) Arrive at least 10-15 mins before your exam. This should give you time to do some relaxing exercises.

7) Make sure you have eaten well that day, you're generally in good mood and feeling confident (Important to feel CONFIDENT..You can do it)

8) Before clicking the button to start the exam, inhale a deep breath, exhale, think of happy moment...smile, support your self with few wise words like... I'm the best at what I do, I've went through much harder things in my life, I'll ace this and will make the best of it.

9) Start your test with confidence.....stretch every now and then

10) ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS. Even the ones you don't want. Answer IT. Just pick an answer, take a guess....whatever, but answer it.

Once answered, make sure to MARK FOR REVIEW if you're not sure about your ansewr. If you're less than 80% sure about an answer, mark it for review later on.

11) Always think in your head, if these questions are hard, the easy ones will come later on.

12) Stretch during the exam, take few pauses. But ALWAYS keep track of your time. Do NOT waste more than 1 - 1.5 minutes on a question, just pick an answer and go on.

13) Once done with all the questions, take 2 minutes break to gather yourself up. I usually recommend having a bottle of water with you to cool your body down.

14) Then, I count how many questions I've marked for review. Divide them by 2, and that should tell me generally how many questions I've answered wrong and whether I'm passing at this stage or not.

15) I go back and REVIEW the questions I've marked for review, and this is important:

a. DO NOT DOUBT YOURSELF. You are not reviewing questions because you think you are wrong. NO! You review questions to make sure you have read and understood the question properly. Never ever doubt yourself. You review to read the questions and answers again.

If you find a CORRECT or BEST answer, then change to it, otherwise, LEAVE YOUR ORIGINAL ANSWER. Most people in general pick the correct answer in the first try. Then later change it to the wrong one.

b. If a question you don't know. Then you don't know! Use a process of elimination. Remember, for every question there is an answer. The person who wrote the question is a human being. He/She also wrote the answer.

Well, when somebody write an answer to a question, their heart usually feels it. Well, this emotion typically translate into a method the answer will look like.

So for every question, there is a logical good answer meant to match that question. Pick the answer that relates to the question even if you personally disagree with it !!! I know it is hard, but just remember, this is THEIR exam...so give them THEIR answers.

The same thing is said about wrong answers. For every question there are multiple wrong answers. So when you don't know which one is the correct answer, go through that process of elimination. Take out the wrong answers. You'll be left with either 1 good answer or at worst 2 good answers. It is 50/50 chance from there on.

16) Leave yourself 15 mins or more to review questions at the end. Once reviwing questions, remove the check of "Mark question for review" and go to the next review question.

Once done with them all, go back to the main screen and see how many questions are still marked for review. Divide them again by 2. This should tell you whether you're passing yet or not.

17) After your exam, take a deep breath. Relax, and know in life successfull people often fail more than they succeed. However, one important success pays back all their failures.

So if you've Passed: Congratulation and

if you Failed: also Congratulation. At least, you now know what the test about.

Immediately leave the test center and jot down all the questions and their answers off your head...do a brain storming and recall all questions.

Then go to sleep, wake-up and jot down any other questions you've remembered.

Hope this will be helpful.....good luck guys!

First of all...

I-Passed.

Second of all...

I-Am-Certified.

Okay, with that outta the way, let me share with you guys my experience.

I was lucky enough to find a place that does testing on Sundays. I felt that since no one would be out on the roads and the overall aura of a Sunday is calmer than the rest of the days in the week, Sunday would be a great day to focus and take the exams.

My test center was great. I arrived an hour early and the gentleman let me study right up until my appointed time. It was not crowded at all (Sunday) and I was actually able to memorize some stats that I could write down on my scratch pad when I was ready to go.

First test: Essentials:

Essentially, this test basically went as how I imagined it. A good overall balance of questions, ranging from stats, (what speed does USB 2.0 ...) to what would you do's ( what would you recommend for a network that consists of ....) The whole time I was taking the test I was feeling good about my progress, I knew I did good. Heck, when I saw the SLI question I knew the fates would treat me kindly on this day. It covered the outline examination objectives very well

Passed 835

Second test: 220-602:

This test was NOTHING how I expected it to be. It was so front-loaded with customer service questions, gray-area stuff that you could pick a good answer but still be wrong questions, I thought I would be in trouble with the time limit. Spent a half hour on the first 20 questions, because they were a paragraph wrong and I reread them three times each to make sure I understood what they wanted me to do paper.

A lot of Networking questions, stuff with UDP, which I did not study. Wireless was everywhere

A lot of Command prompt stuff.

A lot of Notebook stuff.

Hardly any Security stuff.

Hardly any Safety stuff.

Biggest surprise this test had HARDLY ANY printer questions. One laser printer question. I wrote those steps a laser printer goes through on my scratch pad for nothing. There were definetly more laptop questions than printer questions.

The obligatory IEEE1294 question (Why is this so hard to remember what cable this uses)

The obligatory ntbootdd.sys question (You see this you immediately should think SCSI)

The obligatory pagefile.sys question.

From reading these forums people were describing the 602 test to be very close to the Essentials. I felt they were very different. The 602 was harder because in my opinion it did not cover the weighted scope of objectives that is detailed on the CompTia web site evenly. I could be wrong, but I felt that there were things that should have been covered more and things that should have been covered less. I definetly feel there were a lot of areas in the Exam Objectives that were not covered on my exam. I guess what I am saying is even though other people have experienced it, DO NOT COUNT ON THIS TEST BEING IDENTICAL TO ESSENTIALS nonono.

Oh yeah, my surprise when I was done:

Passed 840


What I did to study:


Signed up to these forums

Certblaster Tests offered on this website: Good for overall knowledge, not a realistic outline of the true tests (especially 602, in my experience)

Read COMPTIA A+ 2006 In Depth by Jean Andrews. Good overall verbage.

The question and answer follow up book to this series is a rip off and a joke. DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK:

CompTIA A+ 2006 Q&A

Here is a sample of the content you will find inside:

"What is the name of the port provided by some older computers that transmits data serially"

Amazingly enough the Dummies book for A+ had a lot of useful things in there.

The best book though is Mike Meyers, that was the one I leaned on the most. Although there were some notable typos in there, it helped me with the things I was having a hard time conceptualize.

I studied for three weeks after work at Barnes & Noble with NO COMPUTER. For me this is a must because if I can get online I can get easily distracted. B&N rocks. I just took the above books off their shelves and studied till close. I did not pay one penny for an A+ book. For me it is good because if I buy a book and take it home to study, I will probably get distracted. Not being able to leave the store with the book kept my butt in there and made me study. The workers there are super cool and they left me alone in peace. The Starbucks in B&N was a godsend as well (Triple-Shot Espresso, anyone?)

After I read a chapter, I would review it again and WRITE DOWN what I felt was important, or what the scope of the test told me I had to know. Writing it down makes me remember it better for some reason.

On stats, I played a sports game. I associated Telnet with Michael Jordan. Why? Because when they asked what port does Telnet use, I just remember MJ's uniform number was 23. Paul O'Neill was FTP, you get the picture.

I just wanted to pass along my experience to you guys because reading your experiences helped me a great deal in how to prepare for the tests. Even though I had a slightly different experience than most here had with 602, the experience you guys passed down to me helped me immensely, which obligated me to write this very long post.

I am now going to study for the MCDST cert (MS Certified Desktop Support Technician) although the Network+'s 72 questions are tempting.

All I have to do now is wait for my obligatory canned post from one of my favorite moderators and I will then truly feel certified. Let me recite it for you:

Congratulations on passing and becoming certified.

You can relax now for a while and enjoy your success.

Are you planning on getting any other certifications in the future?

Stick around and help others wherever you can.

Thank you guys so much for the help and if anyone has any questions feel free to ask