Overcoming the Comptia Security+ Exam: My First-Try Success Story

I’m thrilled to share that I successfully passed the Comptia Security+ Certification Exam on my very first attempt! If you’re feeling anxious about the exam, let me assure you—it’s not as daunting as it may seem.

When I initially contemplated the exam, I expected it to be a significant challenge. While I won’t sugarcoat it—it certainly requires dedication—it wasn’t nearly as tough as I had anticipated. I encountered a few questions that could have been phrased more clearly, but overall, the experience was manageable.

One area where I had built up anxiety was regarding the simulations. I mistakenly believed that I would need to memorize commands and execute them perfectly under pressure. To my surprise, the simulations were far less intimidating and resembled matching scenarios or dropdown selections, which made them far more straightforward than I had imagined.

My hesitation to tackle the exam stemmed largely from this fear of simulations; I kept postponing it in hopes of gaining more practice. In hindsight, I realize this was unwarranted. I had indeed psych myself out.

Here is my advice for those preparing for the exam: After you complete your studies, take practice exams. Aim for a consistent passing score to build your confidence. If you come across questions that stump you, don’t dwell on them. Skip and mark them for review—sometimes, another question can trigger your memory about the ones you found challenging. By marking them, you can easily return to those questions later for a second look.

I’d also like to express my gratitude to all the members of this community who generously share invaluable information, tips, and resources. Your support has been instrumental in my journey through the world of cybersecurity.

Wishing you all the best of luck on your own certification journey!

Edit: I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for all the kind words and recognition. I truly appreciate it and couldn’t have achieved this without the support of each and every one of you!