🛡️ CompTIA Security+ SY0-701: My Odyssey from Zero to Certified (798/900)

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Hey Everyone👋

So this post is nothing technical-I wanted an accounting medium to journal my experiences as part of a new personal goal. And I did read somewhere that you are all the more cognizant of an activity if you pen down experiences into words.

I recently attempted the CompTIA Security+ certification, specifically the latest SY0-701 version. This is actually my very first CompTIA certification.

🚀 Motivation: Why (Yet Another) Certification?

I came to hear about Security+ through one of my friends who had already passed it. Let's be honest: while I'm already working in cybersecurity, if you're at a junior level and don't have those "Sec+" letters on your LinkedIn, HR tends to treat your profile like it’s written in Wingdings.

It’s the ultimate gatekeeper certification. Even though I deal with product security, vulnerability patching, and the headache of least privilege daily, the industry still wants proof that I know what a firewall is.

And while I've been in the field for a bit, I spent about two months and 10 days really buckling down to make sure I didn't embarrass myself by failing a "foundational" exam.

� What’s on the Menu? (The Exam Domains)

The SY0-701 exam covers five major areas that every security pro (or HR filter) expects you to know:

1. General Security Concepts: The fundamentals of "why we are here." CIA triad, AAA, and risk management basics.
2. Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations:
   • Learn to identify different types of attacks (like phishing and ransomware).
   • Understand social engineering tactics.
   • Spot weaknesses in networks and applications.
3. Security Architecture:
   • Build secure network structures.
   • Explore cloud and virtualization security (a huge focus in 701).
   • Follow best practices for designing secure, resilient systems.
4. Security Operations:
   • Monitor system activity for threats and handle logs.
   • Handle incident response and digital forensics.
   • Develop and test disaster recovery plans.
5. Security Program Management and Oversight:
   • Learn about risk management frameworks and governance.
   • Apply security policies and regulations effectively.
   • Keep up with global regulations and compliance standards (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.).

�📚 The 4 Pillars of my Preparation for SY0-701

Udemy has been my go-to for everything certification prep related. For the SY0-701, I found Dion Training and Professor Messer to be the definitive combo. Here is the strategy that helped me pass:

[!TIP] Last Minute Revision: This video was incredibly helpful for my final prep!

Pillar #1: Building a Foundation (Google Cybersecurity Certificate)

At the start, you’re in a stage of “unconscious incompetence.” You don’t know what you don’t know. I used the Google Cybersecurity Certification for a “landscape learning” view. It consists of 8 modules (Networks, Linux/SQL, Python, etc.) and it laid a strong foundation. Plus, completing it gives you a discounted price to take the SY0-701 exam!

Pillar #2: Experiential Learning (HackTheBox & TryHackMe)

Knowledge + Experience = Learning. After the first week of theory, I knew I’d hit overload without doing something hands-on. I turned to HackTheBox and TryHackMe. These platforms offer virtual machines and sandbox environments that made the learning process much more exciting and motivating.

Pillar #3: In-Depth Study (SY0-701 Focused Video Content)

I spent close to two hours a day for a month going through Jason Dion’s SY0-701 focused video lectures (30+ hours!). The course material is an ocean of information, but nothing too in-depth-perfect for a foundational level.

Key areas of the SY0-701 that strengthened my knowledge:

• Encryption: Symmetric vs. Asymmetric algorithms (and hashing/tokenization).
• Port Security: 802.1x and EAP protocols.
• Physical Security: RFID, NFC, and Access control vestibules (surprisingly interesting!).
• Incident Response: Various attack vectors and recovery procedures tailored to modern threats.

Pillar #4: Streamlining with AI (ChatGPT & Copilot)

I used ChatGPT alongside practice exams to streamline my efforts. I’d copy-paste tricky SY0-701 questions and ask for an explanation at a 5th-grade level using the 4mat method (Why, What, How, What If). It revealed gaps in my knowledge instantly.

📝 The Exam Experience: PearsonVUE vs. My Patience

CompTIA partners with PearsonVUE for the online proctored exam. If you enjoy having a stranger watch you through a webcam while you're not allowed to move your lips or look away from the screen, you'll love it.

I went in expecting a cake-walk since this is "foundational," but CompTIA has a special talent for wording questions in the most convoluted way possible. You'll often find yourself staring at two "correct" answers, where the only difference is that one is "more" correct in some alternate dimension CompTIA created. I flagged a solid chunk of the test for review-not because I didn't know the material, but because I had to spend five minutes deciphering the syntax of the questions.

The PBQs (Performance Based Questions) were actually the most refreshing part-real tasks like fixing a VPN or hunting down infected endpoints. It felt like actual work for a change.

🏆 The Result: HR Appeased

On January 15th, 2026, I finally hit 'Submit' and saw a 798/900.

While I've already got a stack of certifications (eJPT, SC-200, etc.) and real-world experience, I can now finally say I’ve passed the "HR Filter Test." It’s an essential box to tick if you want your resume to actually reach a human being in this industry.

Am I a better security pro because I memorized the exact definition of an "Access Control Vestibule"? Probably not. But does my resume now pass the automated scans? Absolutely.

🔥 Pro Tips for Surviving the SY0-701

1. The "CompTIA Dialect": Practice exams are mandatory-not to learn the content, but to learn how to translate "CompTIA-speak" into actual English.
2. PBQs are Bosses: They appear at the start. Flag them and run. Do the multiple-choice questions first so you don't burn your brain cells before the 50th question.
3. Dion & Messer: Still the kings. One for the depth, one for the "I need to pass this in two weeks" speedrun.
4. Accommodation: If you can get an extra 30 minutes, take it. Not because you'll need it for the content, but for the mental recovery time between questions.

Cheers! ✌️