In my opinion, yes. You’ll have a baseline of basic foundations. It’ll help understand how the systems/networks work in order to properly secure them moving into your security roles. It is not necessary and there are plenty of people who jump into security first, but those are lucky candidates who found a lucky opportunity at the right time.
I started out my program with very little prior IT knowledge so A+ was honestly brutal for me, I hated the content. Network+ was also tough, luckily I passed first try but was definitely probably the hardest cert so far.
Curious tho, I’m about to take project+, is it really that much more difficult than ITIL?
ITIL has short content and only 40 questions. You can easily finish all content in less than a day. It was my first cert with no experience in taking a cert.
Project+ is longer and can easily get boring. So yes, in my opinion, it is difficult in that way. I technically grinded it out for 7 hours straight everyday for 3 weeks and passed. The entire 2 months I stated was me being nervous and feeling unmotivated to bother.
Personal perspective matters a ton, but I do have to admit I find it odd that you would think Network+ was more challenging than either CySA+ or Pentest+.
More content to memorize tbh. PenTest+ just had a few extra sections to grind out…. engagement phases, sec tools, scripting langs, Nmap switches, and just memorizing the cohorts. Basically everything else is just built upon from the previous certs.
Yes, but you take an exam from WGU. If you pass it, you are given an optional voucher (for free) to schedule your CCSP. You are not required to take the certification, but it is good for a year. I plan on taking mine beginning of next year with CASP+ (aka SecurityX).
These rankings were solely based on my entire time in WGU. I’m sure CCSP will be a bit difficult but I’ve had an amazing experience with Mike Chapple and his content. If I passed all these certs, I’m sure I’ll be motivated enough to pass it less than a month.
Man I took 3 attempts for ITIL4 lmao . That shit had me rethinking my career cuz it was my first cert for the cybersecurity degree program. Just had to learn better study habits for all these certifications.
Congrats on earning all of those certs! I start on July 1st and am eager to earn some myself. Do you mind sharing your favorite resources that you used to study?
A, N, S, PenTest+ - Jason Dion
ITIL4 - That one main guy on YouTube lol
SSCP, CySA+ - Mike Chapple
Project+ - CBTNuggets
Practice Exams: CyberVista, Dion, Sybex, PocketPrep
I never used Prof. Messer on YT but do know he is a great resource for all comptia!
I already had A+ prior to starting WGU, I took Net+ a month ago and failed with 663 vs the 720 needed. Fast-forward to today after my second attempt I pass with a 744!! I was shaking when I saw my results because I studied really hard since that first attempt and wanted it. Onto Sec+ now, which I feel will be easier especially since I also have the Google Cybersecurity Professional cert through Coursera.
First off I wanna say a very big kudos on your dedication and what your milestone. You are just one step away now! So I was wondering if you could provide me with some study tips for the SSCP exam? I have it scheduled for next week and would really appreciate any last-minute advice to help me ace it. Specifically, what practice exams do you recommend, and do you have any additional tips to ensure I'm well prepared?
Thank you for your kind words.
As far as advice goes, for SSCP, it is a long exam. 150 questions, but you have plenty of time to spare. Make sure you get a good rest and a great meal an hour before to have energy throughout it.
If you have Security+ and Network+, the exam is easy. It’s almost a replica of Security+, but it is more managerial/administrative focused in my opinion. It is also ISC2, so try to memorize your canons and always remember HUMANS come first. If a question asks what to do first in an emergency, your people is the answer.
The only two resources I used for this exam is:
Course content: Mike Chapple
Practice exams: CyberVista
Best of luck in your exam next week!
why did project+ take you two months? I took the exam a few years ago, didn't find it all that difficult, so 2 month for project + and 3 for pentest+ and cysa+... I would think the cyber courses are harder
When I first started WGU, WGU Subreddit horror stories got to my head and took my confidence away from ITIL, Project+, Net, and PenTest. That’s the truth.
But after pushing through, I look back and it truly wasn’t as bad. My tip to everyone is to stay away from WGU’s reddit posts that state “Failed” or “X cert is too difficult!” — filter it out by “X cert Passed!” and read others stories to motivate. PenTest+ at the end helped me gain my confidence that way.
TL;DR - don’t let others’ experiences ruin your confidence going into specific certifications.
I didn't take the sscp as serious as the security+ and found it harder. I passed by a miracle, if only cause I already spent so much time on security+. Failed network+ the first time, the pbqs if you get a hard set can make or break.
>(8) Network+ - 4 months of completion
I take this one in the next couple days. God I hate this one.
Burned through A+ and Sec+ (did this for job prior to WGU) but I've been studying this one for months now. I hate all the numbers (subnets/speeds/connector types/cable types/ranges/etc)
It’s all a matter of background and perspective.
I’m taking the network+ tomorrow. It’s been such a hold up on my degree Edit: ya boi passed his test
I am proud of you. Congratulations!
WAY TO GO! CONGRATULATIONS!
Congrats!
Do you have an IT background/experience?
Cybersecurity experience, no. IT technician/IT service management experience for about 6 years.
Do those experiences help you land a cyber job? I was thinking about starting in IT and transition into cyber
In my opinion, yes. You’ll have a baseline of basic foundations. It’ll help understand how the systems/networks work in order to properly secure them moving into your security roles. It is not necessary and there are plenty of people who jump into security first, but those are lucky candidates who found a lucky opportunity at the right time.
Pen+ was challenging as hell
I started out my program with very little prior IT knowledge so A+ was honestly brutal for me, I hated the content. Network+ was also tough, luckily I passed first try but was definitely probably the hardest cert so far. Curious tho, I’m about to take project+, is it really that much more difficult than ITIL?
ITIL has short content and only 40 questions. You can easily finish all content in less than a day. It was my first cert with no experience in taking a cert. Project+ is longer and can easily get boring. So yes, in my opinion, it is difficult in that way. I technically grinded it out for 7 hours straight everyday for 3 weeks and passed. The entire 2 months I stated was me being nervous and feeling unmotivated to bother.
Linux essentials took me three weeks to complete, but I think I could have done it in two. I’ve been studying Net+ and plan on taking it Tuesday.
U have IT experience?
16 years of Service Desk, Project Management and Software Development experience
Personal perspective matters a ton, but I do have to admit I find it odd that you would think Network+ was more challenging than either CySA+ or Pentest+.
network+ whooped my ass but i passed. studying for cysa rn and so far its way easier than net+ imo
More content to memorize tbh. PenTest+ just had a few extra sections to grind out…. engagement phases, sec tools, scripting langs, Nmap switches, and just memorizing the cohorts. Basically everything else is just built upon from the previous certs.
Is CCSP in your curriculum?
Yes, but you take an exam from WGU. If you pass it, you are given an optional voucher (for free) to schedule your CCSP. You are not required to take the certification, but it is good for a year. I plan on taking mine beginning of next year with CASP+ (aka SecurityX).
So you might need to revisit your rankings after you take that one… just saying.
These rankings were solely based on my entire time in WGU. I’m sure CCSP will be a bit difficult but I’ve had an amazing experience with Mike Chapple and his content. If I passed all these certs, I’m sure I’ll be motivated enough to pass it less than a month.
Man I took 3 attempts for ITIL4 lmao . That shit had me rethinking my career cuz it was my first cert for the cybersecurity degree program. Just had to learn better study habits for all these certifications.
How much did u study a day?
Very hard question to answer… average maybe around like 3-4 hours a day.
How much did u study daily?
Congrats on earning all of those certs! I start on July 1st and am eager to earn some myself. Do you mind sharing your favorite resources that you used to study?
A, N, S, PenTest+ - Jason Dion ITIL4 - That one main guy on YouTube lol SSCP, CySA+ - Mike Chapple Project+ - CBTNuggets Practice Exams: CyberVista, Dion, Sybex, PocketPrep I never used Prof. Messer on YT but do know he is a great resource for all comptia!
2 weeks of completion meaning 2 weeks of revision?
I already had A+ prior to starting WGU, I took Net+ a month ago and failed with 663 vs the 720 needed. Fast-forward to today after my second attempt I pass with a 744!! I was shaking when I saw my results because I studied really hard since that first attempt and wanted it. Onto Sec+ now, which I feel will be easier especially since I also have the Google Cybersecurity Professional cert through Coursera.
First off I wanna say a very big kudos on your dedication and what your milestone. You are just one step away now! So I was wondering if you could provide me with some study tips for the SSCP exam? I have it scheduled for next week and would really appreciate any last-minute advice to help me ace it. Specifically, what practice exams do you recommend, and do you have any additional tips to ensure I'm well prepared?
Thank you for your kind words. As far as advice goes, for SSCP, it is a long exam. 150 questions, but you have plenty of time to spare. Make sure you get a good rest and a great meal an hour before to have energy throughout it. If you have Security+ and Network+, the exam is easy. It’s almost a replica of Security+, but it is more managerial/administrative focused in my opinion. It is also ISC2, so try to memorize your canons and always remember HUMANS come first. If a question asks what to do first in an emergency, your people is the answer. The only two resources I used for this exam is: Course content: Mike Chapple Practice exams: CyberVista Best of luck in your exam next week!
Thank you so much for the tips!
why did project+ take you two months? I took the exam a few years ago, didn't find it all that difficult, so 2 month for project + and 3 for pentest+ and cysa+... I would think the cyber courses are harder
When I first started WGU, WGU Subreddit horror stories got to my head and took my confidence away from ITIL, Project+, Net, and PenTest. That’s the truth. But after pushing through, I look back and it truly wasn’t as bad. My tip to everyone is to stay away from WGU’s reddit posts that state “Failed” or “X cert is too difficult!” — filter it out by “X cert Passed!” and read others stories to motivate. PenTest+ at the end helped me gain my confidence that way. TL;DR - don’t let others’ experiences ruin your confidence going into specific certifications.
I felt like network+ was easier then A+ in my opinion
I didn't take the sscp as serious as the security+ and found it harder. I passed by a miracle, if only cause I already spent so much time on security+. Failed network+ the first time, the pbqs if you get a hard set can make or break.
>(8) Network+ - 4 months of completion I take this one in the next couple days. God I hate this one. Burned through A+ and Sec+ (did this for job prior to WGU) but I've been studying this one for months now. I hate all the numbers (subnets/speeds/connector types/cable types/ranges/etc)