How I Passed My First CompTIA Certification Exam

Trying to obtain a certification in the IT field? Here are 5 steps that helped Phishing for Answers author Kate pass the CompTIA Network+ exam! (not sponsored)

For those who may not know, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is one of the leading trade associations in information technology. CompTIA issues professional certifications on industry topics, including digital security, network administration, penetration testing, and operating systems. While CompTIA certifications are certainly difficult to achieve, obtaining one can open important doors into the cybersecurity industry. Here is a detailed account of how I studied, mistakes I made along the way, and how I ultimately passed the CompTIA Network+ certification exam.

1. Choose the right certification.

First, it is important to select a certification that will help achieve career goals and is realistically attainable given your current knowledge and experience. Personally, I had zero background in IT so it made sense for me to choose one of the entry-level certifications (A+/Network+/Security+). The Network+ certification, which focuses on computer network administration, troubleshooting, and infrastructure, was right for me because I needed to build a foundational knowledge of computer systems. After all, how could I work to protect computer networks and online data if I did not even know how these systems operate?

2. Identify what type of learner you are.

Before investing in the latest and greatest certification prep course, think about how you prefer to learn. Do you work best in a group setting, where learning alongside others helps increase your own focus? Are you an avid bookworm, who prefers a physical textbook to online reading materials? Has an organized curriculum helped you stay on a study schedule, or do you prefer to set your own learning goals? 

Given my own limited IT experience, I needed a preparation strategy that enlisted the help of experts who could explain concepts in a simple way. For this reason, I enrolled in CBTNuggets' Network+ Online Training, which consists of more than 200 short videos in which the teachers creatively show complex themes. Additionally, since I am not a strong test taker, having access to practice exams would be crucial. Therefore, I subscribed to the Pearson IT online practice exam tool, which provided multiple full-length practice exams.

3. Memorization is not the answer.

After 3 months of consistently watching the CBTNuggets videos and reviewing flashcards, I was convinced that I was ready to take the exam. Shortly afterwards, I took a practice test and scored an alarming 54% (an 80% or higher is needed to pass the Network+ exam). How could this have happened after 3 months of intense studying? The answer is because it is not enough to memorize concepts – CompTIA certifications test your ability to take knowledge of technical concepts and apply it to a complex situation or problem. In other words, it is imperative that you truly and deeply understand a particular topic and how it relates to other subject matters, beyond just being able to repeat a well-formed definition of that topic. 

4. Practice purposeful learning.

To avoid over relying on memorization, it is important to engage in purposeful practice. According to Allen Gannett’s book, The Creative Curve, non-purposeful practice is the repetition of certain actions to reinforce mental processes whereas purposeful practice is the continuous and conscious improvement of a particular skill. In my experience, I had to constantly reevaluate my understanding of particular topics and develop ways to better master those concepts.

“[…] It’s not simply how many hours you spend that’s important, but how you spend those hours.”

-Allen Gannett, The Creative Curve

For instance, I struggled with IP subnetting, which is a process of dividing a single network into multiple networks using an IP address. After initially watching CBTNuggets’ training videos about subnetting, I found a free online resource with many subnetting practice questions. When I still did not feel confident in my ability, I watched YouTube videos. And when that did not make a substantial difference, I reached out to a mentor for help. This process of trying different approaches to understand a complex concept exemplifies purposeful practice.

5. Show up to the exam only when 110% ready.

Finally, schedule the exam when you feel overprepared. On the one hand, CompTIA certification exams are expensive so it is ideal to pay for as few exams as possible. On the other hand, you want to make sure that you maximize your exam performance potential. When I began studying for the Network+, I imagined it would take me 3 months to feel fully prepared. Well, 3 months became 6 months and then became 9 months. While my exam timeline was delayed, I knew that when I showed up on test day, I would feel comfortable knowing I did everything possible to prepare. And I passed on the first try!

For all readers who are currently studying for a CompTIA certification, I wish you all the best. It is a grueling process, yet ultimately a rewarding one!