Monthly Archives: October 2023

IT Fundamentals > A+ > Network+ > Security+ > CySA+ or PenTest+ > CASP

With cybercrime on the rise and vulnerabilities constantly being exposed, it is imperative that organizations take a proactive stance to protecting assets and employing skilled cybersecurity professionals. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of information security jobs will increase 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing fields. Jobs requiring cybersecurity skills continue to grow rapidly, with more than 313,000 cybersecurity job openings, according to Cyberseek. Employers, from government to Fortune 500 companies, value CompTIA as an authority in cybersecurity certifications.

• $116,323/year; Average Salary for Penetration Tester for 2021 (ZipRecruiter).
• $99,815/year; Average Salary for Cybersecurity Analyst for 2021 (ZipRecruiter).
• Information security jobs will increase by 28% from 2016 to 2026
• There are more than 313,000 cybersecurity job openings
• 96% of managers use certifications as recruitment criteria.

CompTIA includes performance-based questions on their exams to make them more practical and keep up with trends in certification testing. Knowing what to expect and how to approach these question types is key to your success in passing the exams. First, let me fill you in on some facts about the exams.

Exam facts:

There are several different types of questions you may see in your CompTIA exam:

• Multiple choice – the standard question, choose the right answer
• Multiple response – choose all answers that apply with more than one correct answer
• Fill in the blank – fill in the answer to the question
• Drag-and-drop – image or question where you drag answers to match the image or text
• Exhibits – answer questions relating to an attached picture or diagram (variation to multiple choice)
• Performance-based – detailed question, open dialog boxes or other configuration windows and configure as needed

CompTIA has added more of the newer drag-and-drop and performance-based questions to their exam pool.

Fellow Techs, 

Even though it’s near Halloween, studying to pass the Security+ exam (or any certification exam) is scary thing no matter what time of year!  In times like these you need sage advice, and if it comes with FREE stuff , that’s a TREAT! Today I’m talking Security+ because it is changing soon!

So here it is: Like I’ve said, for literally decades, you need three things to maximize your Security+ preparation: (1) Training, (2) Reference, and (3) Practice.  

Training: You need a way to systematically be introduced to new concepts and understand how they relate to each other.

Reference:  Nobody can hold all this information down this long, so a good book is a great reference of knowledge as you build your knowledge; and 

Practice: All humans learn by doing, and for exams, practice (tests/questions) makes perfect 

For those of you considering cutting corners on this, let me tell you about my long-time golfing buddy, Sal.  Sal is a techy like me, with a wicked sense of humor.   

When we go golfing, he only brings three clubs: a Putter, a 3-Wood, and a 7-Iron.   The standard golf club set has NINE clubs (numbered 1 – 9)… ask any golf-goer they’ll tell you each are important!  But Sal likes to use his three clubs, so that he can “rub it in” when he wins only using three clubs, and “make excuses” when he loses.  

Just like Sal, some do pass the exam (win) without having the standard set learning resources.  And just like Sal, I’ve seen many aspiring techs that don’t pass blame it on their lack of resources or preparation.  

The truth is, most people need all three: (1) Training, (2) Reference, and (3) Practice resources for success.   

How you go about getting those resources is up to you, but for those of you who are really serious about passing Security+ BEFORE the NEW YEAR, here’s some more sage advice (and FREE TREATS)! 

You may have read my last blog comparing Online Instructor-Led vs Self-Study Training.  There are pros and cons to each, but data says that Instructor-Led is more successful in passing the exam.  The downside of course is that instructor-led for Security+ even from CompTIA costs $2500 and up. You know getting a tech job or promotion by becoming Security+ Certified is more valuable than $2500… not to mention the personal satisfaction and momentum you’ll feel from completing a goal you set for yourself.

Last piece of “scary” advice for now:   

A wise man once said, best time to start was yesterday; the second-best is today.  If you really want to be a “new you” in the new year, you can be, but this is the last chance to do so in 2023. Remember the Security+ is changing, buckle down and get your certification before the SY0-601 retires.

Onwards,

Mike 

More certification study tips

Now the treats.

Make your goal apart of next year’s “new year, new me” resolutions.  Or maybe, you don’t need to wait until next year after all!

What if you could engage in interactive instructor-led training, part-time, and from the comfort of your home to become Security+ certified BEFORE Christmas? Imagine what that would do for your confidence… your career — and at the perfect time ahead of the new year when more jobs are posted and hired than any other time!  

The part-time weekly schedule is simple: Mondays – Thursdays from 6 – 9 PM and Saturdays from 9 – 2 PM (U.S. Central Time) starting October 28th and finishing December 21st.  

PLUS: Even though you’ll receive tons of materials (references) and have 6+ hours of live practice sessions each week, I’m throwing in the ultimate reference, my Security+ certification guide e-book (priced at $26.99) AND video training course (priced at $349.99) FREE! 

Before I say the price, I must thank CyberNow Labs Institute (the world’s biggest cybersecurity career training school) for offering to do this for this price for the first 25 Sign Ups ONLY.  For the upcoming October 28th date only, you can enroll in CyberNow Labs Institute’s 8-week part-time and instructor-led Security+ training for 80% OFF the CompTIA price of $2500 (just $500.00!!)!! 

Complete this Special Application and book a call while there is still space.  If no times are available, just email enrollment@cybernowlabs.com with the subject line “Request Mike Meyers Enrollment Packet”.  

Program FAQs

Starts October 28th and ends December 21st. 

All training is live & online (15-hrs per week)

All training will be recorded, so you can access anytime

Includes Mike Meyers Security+ (SY0-601) Certification Guide e-Book and Video Training Course

Full refunds available before October 28th

Fellow Techs, 

Unless I’m riding a fine-bred quarter horse named Daisy on a summer’s day in west Texas, you won’t see me “straddling” very often.   

But that is exactly what I intend to do now – straddle the fence…  

Because when it comes to preparing for any IT certification, everyone must choose between Instructor-Led and Self-Study training – and there are pros and cons to both… 

These are big decisions especially because so much is riding on you passing the exam… new job opportunities, promotions, self-confidence – heck even career changes I’ve seen it all!  

So I’ve compared the pros and cons of Instructor-Led vs Self-Study methods below, so no matter what method you choose, you’ll know what to expect.  

Instructor-Led Training (Online/In-Person):

Pros: 

1. Structured Learning: Instructor-led training offers a well-organized curriculum, ensuring you cover all crucial topics systematically.
2. Interactive Instruction: Live sessions provide opportunities for questions, clarifications, and discussions with instructors and peers.
3. Live Practice Sessions: Hands-on exercises help you apply what you’ve learned in real-time.
4. Community Support: Joining a group of like-minded individuals pursuing the same goals can be highly motivating and supportive.

Cons: 

1. Fixed Schedule: Scheduled classes may not be suitable for those with busy routines or irregular hours.
2. Limited Flexibility: The rigid structure may not cater to different learning paces and preferences.
3. Cost: High-quality instructor-led training can be quite expensive, often costing thousands of dollars.

 Self-Study: 

Pros: 

1. Flexibility: With self-study, you have the freedom to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
2. Cost-Effective: Self-study materials are often more affordable or even free.
3. Personalization: You can focus on the topics that matter most to you, without being tied to a set curriculum.

Cons: 

1. Lack of Interaction: Self-study can be isolating, lacking the engagement and support of instructors and peers.
2. Accountability: Without external structure, it’s easy to procrastinate or lose motivation.
3. Potential Gaps: You might miss essential concepts or not receive timely guidance when facing challenges.

See you around, 

Mike

Join me for a live webinar hosted by CyberNow Labs for Hands on Cyber Career Training

US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.

Practice Tests: TotalTester practice tests have hundreds of questions in a pool that allows you to create custom exams by exam domain or by chapter. Take tests in Practice mode with assistance (hints and explanations) or in Final mode (simulate the real exams). Includes complete explanations for each question.

Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and NEW! Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn more about technical concepts covered on the exams.

Total Seminars e-books are now available: Check out all of our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub

Now that you are on track studying, don’t forget to start thinking about your upcoming job search.  These days job searching is not just looking at the “want ads”.  From resume writers to resume analyzers, it is important to get your resume top shape and know what employers are looking for in the position for which you apply.  It is important to start looking at the market now and become familiar with your local market.

Watch Mike Meyers with Gemini Sandford, Director of Student Operations, talk about how to get the job you want, leveraging tools you may have forgotten about or never used.  They talk about the “The 3 Foot Rule”; Best answer to the dreaded interview question “Tell me about yourself; a free browser extension tool called Jobalytics that helps you modify your resume to the job description, and more! 

Remember when you are ready to take your exams, set the date and stick to it. Finally, never pay full price for your certification exams.  Save on the cost of certification exams with Discount Exam Vouchers.

Mike

Let Total Seminars help you start your journey to a new career in our new CareerPath products

Join me for a live webinar hosted by CyberNow Labs for Hands on Cyber Career Training

US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.

Practice Tests: TotalTester practice tests have hundreds of questions in a pool that allows you to create custom exams by exam domain or by chapter. Take tests in Practice mode with assistance (hints and explanations) or in Final mode (simulate the real exams). Includes complete explanations for each question.

Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and NEW! Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance-based questions and learn more about technical concepts covered on the exams.

Total Seminars e-books are now available: Check out all of our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Total Seminars Training Hub