Try 5am - 8am... do the ‘head work’ early (when your mind is fresh) then stop.... completely, leave it and come back the next day. 3 GOOD hours are way more productive than 10 crummy ones.
I feel you. I am currently working on my AAS for Cyber Networking Security. I took 3 classes last semester, which was rough from mid to late semester. I am taking 3 classes this semester as well and I am having a hard time staying focused. The classes I am take right now are, Intro to PC applications, Intro to programming and Fundamentals of Unix. The PC app class isn't bad, but the other 2 are frying my brain. I would like to work on getting my CCENT cert, but I will have to wait until this summer to have time to work on that. Good luck on your studying and hope you succeed. Sometimes I find when reading, and it's going through one ear and out the other, that means it's time for a break. I just get up, walk around, get some water or something.
Listening to you reminded me of my journey to get Security+ Certified. I studied for close to a year. Professor Messor is excellent. He breaks it down into easily manageable chunks. ITPro TV is also good. Also used material from Mike Chapple. Try not to do them all at once. Do Professor Messor once. Then do ITPro TV. Then do Mike Chapple LinkedIn Learning. It all starts to make sense. We all struggled with this stuff.
You don't get the time, you MAKE the time. Step back from social media. Like you said, everyone is different. Ok, so I'm studying for my Security+. I have to be done with my course by March 3rd. I'm almost done, but that anxiety is creeping up. But this is my 3rd CompTIA cert, so I've felt these feelings before. I don't have an IT background AT ALL. I did a program called Per Scholas (I can't recommend this program enough. It is life changing) to get my A+ and now I'm hooked! I didn't think I'd pass those exams, but I did. After that I studied for 3 months for my Network+. Got sick right before the exam, was certain I wouldn't pass, but I passed that one, too. So these nerves? This anxiety? Par for the course, I guess. That Net+ experience taught me that your brain retains more than you think. Which means you know more than you think you do. Ultimately, you have to know how everything works so that the questions make sense and you can weed out incorrect answers. Know the acronyms. I'm a single mom and I work full time. I read and study after my son goes to bed. I'm a little behind right now (maybe more than a little), but I can get caught up on the weekends. You have to carve out time and ONLY do Sec+ stuff during that time. I have a video course, two books, a udemy course, professor Messer videos, a book of practice tests, and all the free online stuff: crucial exams, exam compass, etc. What I don't understand in one place I'll look up in another source. Cybersecurity is my life right now, lol. I'm an infosec intern, I listen to cybersecurity podcasts, I watch security videos (obviously, lol). All of this makes the shit in these books easier to understand. Don't get frustrated with yourself. You're doing something you've never done. Cut yourself some slack. Keep studying, keep practicing, keep going over the domain objectives and acronyms. The most important thing to remember: you don't have to ace the exam; you just need to pass. And you will.
Trust me I feel the same way. I have a hard time studying and getting ready for my 70-411 in a couple weeks. it's hard to stay focus and remember all the material. Sucks how other people learn it so quickly.
You will surprise yourself at what you actually now regarding this exam. Over the years you have actually accumulated a lot of knowledge. Trouble is, is that you have buried some of that as you studied other areas. You can, and will pass this exam. Take a full (if possible) practice exam and focus on the sections that you are really weak on. Spend at least 2 hours a day watching the videos (eg. Prof Mes) and then create some flash cards and leave them around the house. As you write them out, you'll be surprised at just how much they will sink in by simply writing them out. Don't type and print them out. Write them. I know the phrase, 'You got this', is over used these days. But honestly, you really have. Stay strong mate.
Thank you very much! Great advice and advice that I live by, I just need to follow through more. I think I will do fine like you say, I think it's more overwhelming and a reality check to me. I am going to to the full practice exam CompTIA offers this week and see how I do! Thank you man! I appreciate it!
Remember the long journey will reap the juiciest rewards! I stay focus by acknowledging that everyone at one point knew less than me and with hard work and focus they got all the way to their CCIE's and more. I like to enjoy the fact I do not understand something today, that just means I am studying a hard concept and I will get to it. Nothing beats the euphoria of progress!
You have the right idea by reaching out to the community. Since I started school I limit my UA-cam, Anime watching, and Googling to focus on writing essays and etc. It always seems to me that when I don't like to do certain things I find a video to take up the time and procrastinate. So find out what's the road block for you and tackle it brother. I planned to start that Sec+ training when you did, but I suppose I missed the announcement lol.
Hey Zach! Man, it is a relief to hear that we are in the same boat. I know exactly what you mean by seeing all those posts about people passing. For me participating in group Q&A has been a huge huge confidence boost for me. I have even created a few Jeopardy boards for Security+ that I would love to share with you! Maybe do a stream with some of the Jeopardy boards or other Q&A based games. Also, as suggested by IT Career Skills, I have found the CBT nugget course SUPER easy to follow. Definitely jump around in topics you find interesting when you start getting burned out in other sections, and when you are struggling with a topic, switch which resource you are using. Most importantly, as I learned from you, you gotta stick to it! You have done amazing things and this will definitely be another amazing accomplishment to add to your list!
I would also look into trying nootropics, I used to really struggle staying mentally alert at night after the kids went to bed. But now I still have the mental energy to study and do my homework late at night while I’m taking a Java programming class.
I would say to not rush. Sometimes it takes a while before you understand something and a few different attempts at learning the content. Also as dry as it is, reading and then taking notes where you summarize the key concepts you just read so that a future you who forgot everything can understand can help (at least me).
For me, Udemy was the best resource. I would also read 1 book and take as many practice tests and exams that I could find. I know for the CySA+, I practiced reading logs over and over again. Whenever I study for a cert, I study the material until I can explain concepts easily enough for people who are not in IT can understand.
I think a variety of study material is helpful. Try a book even if it's just a reference for the more difficult topics. Try the Pomodoro technique and study something every day even if it's just 15 minutes. Go through quiz questions. Reward yourself *after a study session like social media browsing. If you're a morning person study in the morning. Don't feel bad about not studying, for example, if chores need to be done.
Hey, First of all I want to say thank you for posting all these great cyber secrurity videos! I am a student at the University of Washington studying computer science and my goal is to eventually get into secruity so I find your learn cyber secruity channel very motivateing. As a student myself heres my advice for how to handle the cert. Try to think of your work as more input driven as opposed to output. What I mean by that is focus on how much time and effort you put into your work as opposed to your progress or grade. For example sit down to study with the goal of completeing 1 hour of work and dont worry about how much you get done in this time just focus on learning the material the best you can. Most people will probably tell you to pick a time durring the day to study and always work at that time. The problem with this approach is that nothing ever goes to plan, we get buisy with other things and when we miss our desinated study time we feel that we have failed which lowers are motivation. My advice would be to set a goal for the number of hours you want to study each day, and complete them as you have time. This allows for a more reactive and flexible schedule. All that being said everyone learns and works diffrently and its all about figureing out what works for you so keep experimenting and never give up you can do this!!
I know it's been a year, but I just read this comment and honestly found it very useful for myself. I get frustrated many times exactly because I make my plans and a schedule, but then nothing goes according to what I plan. That makes it that I end up not being half as productive as I could. I'm going to follow your advice from now on, thank you.
I got my sec+ in 20 days 401 exam( zero experience in security like I don’t know what is an encryption key ) And I apologize if i made you feel bad But I really want to show you what i did I got a book. Darril Gibson’s book 10 chapters. One chapter a day except the last 3 chapters took 2 days each While i was reading i took notes. Like 100 pages of notes And I spent the last week just memorizing/ understanding my notes Im that kind of person who can’t memorize anything So i starts writing down everything I wanted to memorize 5 - 10 times ( old school pen and papers) Believe me or not. Im can remember everything till this day. And I passed my exam about a year ago
Oooh one more thing. I consume alcohol while studying. Cheap Whiskey to be more specific An im currently holding A+,Net,+Sec+,ccna rs , and im taking my ccna security next week I drink to clear my mind and focus. I went through some problems that prevented me from focusing. Good luck with your certs
Something I can suggest, is to build your own network, do a mock risk assessment, download some malware and find out how to remediate and improve access controls and your network's architecture as far as PKI and cryptography python has material also setup 802.1x, that's what I'm doing currently hoping to get the cert soon.
How's it going still having trouble studying? Hope things are getting better with you. I had to take a break from my study for a little bit and work on something else. One day I do something else then go back to my studies. Plus taking my ADHD meds help..lol...
Cryptography while one of the lesser percentages in the objectives, it will take more time for most people to study. Find all the resources you can. Cybrary has a few good to the point vids, I even went out and got a cryptography book from the library. Before too long it will just click. I was a week or two out from taking the exam and I started getting good interviews and landed a decent job after being laid off and studying while looking for work. I need to find that last bit of motivation (and time) to get back into cram mode and take the exam.
Daril Gibson's book FTW! Amazing how he breaks down concepts and makes it so easy to understand :D Link to an amazing video by Will Smith = ua-cam.com/video/MVVx8tzTJYg/v-deo.html Just because its the CompTia material sometimes its not understandable. Just digging around for the content that works for you. Jump onto Safari books online = learning.oreilly.com/home/ this will give you access to videos, books, live training, there is so much content there to poke a stick out its just something that clicks to you. Just because it worked for someone else doesn't mean it'll work for you and the guy next to you (or girl), it's just about finding the way that your brain works best (some videos, some books etc) at least this way is a great way to see multiple different streams of content all at once :D hopefully it may help a little bit Good luck Zac!
Try 5am - 8am... do the ‘head work’ early (when your mind is fresh) then stop.... completely, leave it and come back the next day.
3 GOOD hours are way more productive than 10 crummy ones.
I feel you. I am currently working on my AAS for Cyber Networking Security. I took 3 classes last semester, which was rough from mid to late semester. I am taking 3 classes this semester as well and I am having a hard time staying focused. The classes I am take right now are, Intro to PC applications, Intro to programming and Fundamentals of Unix. The PC app class isn't bad, but the other 2 are frying my brain. I would like to work on getting my CCENT cert, but I will have to wait until this summer to have time to work on that. Good luck on your studying and hope you succeed. Sometimes I find when reading, and it's going through one ear and out the other, that means it's time for a break. I just get up, walk around, get some water or something.
Zach, what kind of camera/mic combo do you use? Your audio and video quality is on point. And your honesty about your experience studying is humbling.
It's okay not to know. That's why we learn. Stay in it bro.
Listening to you reminded me of my journey to get Security+ Certified. I studied for close to a year. Professor Messor is excellent. He breaks it down into easily manageable chunks. ITPro TV is also good. Also used material from Mike Chapple. Try not to do them all at once. Do Professor Messor once. Then do ITPro TV. Then do Mike Chapple LinkedIn Learning. It all starts to make sense. We all struggled with this stuff.
You don't get the time, you MAKE the time. Step back from social media. Like you said, everyone is different. Ok, so I'm studying for my Security+. I have to be done with my course by March 3rd. I'm almost done, but that anxiety is creeping up. But this is my 3rd CompTIA cert, so I've felt these feelings before. I don't have an IT background AT ALL. I did a program called Per Scholas (I can't recommend this program enough. It is life changing) to get my A+ and now I'm hooked! I didn't think I'd pass those exams, but I did. After that I studied for 3 months for my Network+. Got sick right before the exam, was certain I wouldn't pass, but I passed that one, too. So these nerves? This anxiety? Par for the course, I guess. That Net+ experience taught me that your brain retains more than you think. Which means you know more than you think you do.
Ultimately, you have to know how everything works so that the questions make sense and you can weed out incorrect answers. Know the acronyms.
I'm a single mom and I work full time. I read and study after my son goes to bed. I'm a little behind right now (maybe more than a little), but I can get caught up on the weekends. You have to carve out time and ONLY do Sec+ stuff during that time.
I have a video course, two books, a udemy course, professor Messer videos, a book of practice tests, and all the free online stuff: crucial exams, exam compass, etc. What I don't understand in one place I'll look up in another source.
Cybersecurity is my life right now, lol. I'm an infosec intern, I listen to cybersecurity podcasts, I watch security videos (obviously, lol). All of this makes the shit in these books easier to understand.
Don't get frustrated with yourself. You're doing something you've never done. Cut yourself some slack. Keep studying, keep practicing, keep going over the domain objectives and acronyms.
The most important thing to remember: you don't have to ace the exam; you just need to pass. And you will.
You will get it. Good video, I am struggling through the ccna and its good to know im not alone.
Trust me I feel the same way. I have a hard time studying and getting ready for my 70-411 in a couple weeks. it's hard to stay focus and remember all the material. Sucks how other people learn it so quickly.
You will surprise yourself at what you actually now regarding this exam. Over the years you have actually accumulated a lot of knowledge. Trouble is, is that you have buried some of that as you studied other areas.
You can, and will pass this exam. Take a full (if possible) practice exam and focus on the sections that you are really weak on. Spend at least 2 hours a day watching the videos (eg. Prof Mes) and then create some flash cards and leave them around the house. As you write them out, you'll be surprised at just how much they will sink in by simply writing them out. Don't type and print them out. Write them.
I know the phrase, 'You got this', is over used these days. But honestly, you really have.
Stay strong mate.
Thank you very much! Great advice and advice that I live by, I just need to follow through more. I think I will do fine like you say, I think it's more overwhelming and a reality check to me. I am going to to the full practice exam CompTIA offers this week and see how I do!
Thank you man! I appreciate it!
Remember the long journey will reap the juiciest rewards! I stay focus by acknowledging that everyone at one point knew less than me and with hard work and focus they got all the way to their CCIE's and more. I like to enjoy the fact I do not understand something today, that just means I am studying a hard concept and I will get to it. Nothing beats the euphoria of progress!
You have the right idea by reaching out to the community. Since I started school I limit my UA-cam, Anime watching, and Googling to focus on writing essays and etc. It always seems to me that when I don't like to do certain things I find a video to take up the time and procrastinate. So find out what's the road block for you and tackle it brother. I planned to start that Sec+ training when you did, but I suppose I missed the announcement lol.
Hey Zach!
Man, it is a relief to hear that we are in the same boat. I know exactly what you mean by seeing all those posts about people passing.
For me participating in group Q&A has been a huge huge confidence boost for me. I have even created a few Jeopardy boards for Security+ that I would love to share with you! Maybe do a stream with some of the Jeopardy boards or other Q&A based games.
Also, as suggested by IT Career Skills, I have found the CBT nugget course SUPER easy to follow.
Definitely jump around in topics you find interesting when you start getting burned out in other sections, and when you are struggling with a topic, switch which resource you are using. Most importantly, as I learned from you, you gotta stick to it! You have done amazing things and this will definitely be another amazing accomplishment to add to your list!
I would also look into trying nootropics, I used to really struggle staying mentally alert at night after the kids went to bed. But now I still have the mental energy to study and do my homework late at night while I’m taking a Java programming class.
I would say to not rush. Sometimes it takes a while before you understand something and a few different attempts at learning the content. Also as dry as it is, reading and then taking notes where you summarize the key concepts you just read so that a future you who forgot everything can understand can help (at least me).
Thank you bro! Really appreciate you leaving the comment.
For me, Udemy was the best resource. I would also read 1 book and take as many practice tests and exams that I could find. I know for the CySA+, I practiced reading logs over and over again. Whenever I study for a cert, I study the material until I can explain concepts easily enough for people who are not in IT can understand.
I think a variety of study material is helpful. Try a book even if it's just a reference for the more difficult topics. Try the Pomodoro technique and study something every day even if it's just 15 minutes. Go through quiz questions. Reward yourself *after a study session like social media browsing. If you're a morning person study in the morning. Don't feel bad about not studying, for example, if chores need to be done.
Hey,
First of all I want to say thank you for posting all these great cyber secrurity videos! I am a student at the University of Washington studying computer science and my goal is to eventually get into secruity so I find your learn cyber secruity channel very motivateing.
As a student myself heres my advice for how to handle the cert. Try to think of your work as more input driven as opposed to output. What I mean by that is focus on how much time and effort you put into your work as opposed to your progress or grade. For example sit down to study with the goal of completeing 1 hour of work and dont worry about how much you get done in this time just focus on learning the material the best you can.
Most people will probably tell you to pick a time durring the day to study and always work at that time. The problem with this approach is that nothing ever goes to plan, we get buisy with other things and when we miss our desinated study time we feel that we have failed which lowers are motivation. My advice would be to set a goal for the number of hours you want to study each day, and complete them as you have time. This allows for a more reactive and flexible schedule.
All that being said everyone learns and works diffrently and its all about figureing out what works for you so keep experimenting and never give up you can do this!!
I know it's been a year, but I just read this comment and honestly found it very useful for myself. I get frustrated many times exactly because I make my plans and a schedule, but then nothing goes according to what I plan. That makes it that I end up not being half as productive as I could. I'm going to follow your advice from now on, thank you.
I got my sec+ in 20 days 401 exam( zero experience in security like I don’t know what is an encryption key )
And I apologize if i made you feel bad
But I really want to show you what i did
I got a book. Darril Gibson’s book
10 chapters. One chapter a day except the last 3 chapters took 2 days each
While i was reading i took notes. Like 100 pages of notes
And I spent the last week just memorizing/ understanding my notes
Im that kind of person who can’t memorize anything
So i starts writing down everything I wanted to memorize 5 - 10 times ( old school pen and papers)
Believe me or not. Im can remember everything till this day. And I passed my exam about a year ago
Oooh one more thing. I consume alcohol while studying. Cheap Whiskey to be more specific
An im currently holding A+,Net,+Sec+,ccna rs , and im taking my ccna security next week
I drink to clear my mind and focus. I went through some problems that prevented me from focusing.
Good luck with your certs
Something I can suggest, is to build your own network, do a mock risk assessment, download some malware and find out how to remediate and improve access controls and your network's architecture as far as PKI and cryptography python has material also setup 802.1x, that's what I'm doing currently hoping to get the cert soon.
How's it going still having trouble studying? Hope things are getting better with you. I had to take a break from my study for a little bit and work on something else. One day I do something else then go back to my studies. Plus taking my ADHD meds help..lol...
Udemy practice tests helps also. (If anything helps showcase your weak points)
Cryptography while one of the lesser percentages in the objectives, it will take more time for most people to study. Find all the resources you can. Cybrary has a few good to the point vids, I even went out and got a cryptography book from the library. Before too long it will just click. I was a week or two out from taking the exam and I started getting good interviews and landed a decent job after being laid off and studying while looking for work. I need to find that last bit of motivation (and time) to get back into cram mode and take the exam.
Daril Gibson's book FTW! Amazing how he breaks down concepts and makes it so easy to understand :D
Link to an amazing video by Will Smith = ua-cam.com/video/MVVx8tzTJYg/v-deo.html
Just because its the CompTia material sometimes its not understandable. Just digging around for the content that works for you. Jump onto Safari books online = learning.oreilly.com/home/ this will give you access to videos, books, live training, there is so much content there to poke a stick out its just something that clicks to you. Just because it worked for someone else doesn't mean it'll work for you and the guy next to you (or girl), it's just about finding the way that your brain works best (some videos, some books etc) at least this way is a great way to see multiple different streams of content all at once :D hopefully it may help a little bit
Good luck Zac!
hey everyone, hey Zach.. is there any study material available yet currently for the new upcoming A+ exam?
I think Professor Messer has started updating his A+ course videos.
Go through video training first