CompTIA Security+ Exam Tips: Pass on Your First Attempt

Expert CompTIA Security+ exam tips to pass on your first attempt. These proven test-taking strategies, PBQ advice, and insider tips come from successful candidates who passed their Security+ exam.

Before the Exam

• Score 85%+ consistently on practice tests before scheduling — aim for at least 5 consecutive practice tests at this level
• Master the acronyms — Security+ is acronym-heavy with over 300 terms to know (AAA, AES, BYOD, CIA, DLP, IDS/IPS, etc.)
• Understand concepts, don't just memorize — the exam tests application and scenario-based reasoning
• Review exam objectives one final time — ensure you've covered all 5 domains thoroughly
• Get proper rest — avoid late-night cramming; cognitive performance drops significantly with sleep deprivation
• Prepare your testing environment — if testing at home, ensure your workspace meets Pearson VUE requirements

During the Exam

• Skip PBQs at first: Do multiple choice questions first, then return to performance-based questions — this is the #1 strategy from successful candidates
• Read questions carefully: Look for keywords like BEST, MOST, FIRST, LEAST, EXCEPT, NOT — these change the entire answer
• Eliminate wrong answers: Usually 2 answers are clearly wrong; narrow it down to 2 choices
• Flag and move on: Don't spend more than 90 seconds on any multiple-choice question
• Trust your first instinct: Studies show first answers are usually correct — don't change without clear reasoning
• Watch the clock: Check time at question 30 (~30 min elapsed) and question 60 (~60 min elapsed)

Performance-Based Question (PBQ) Tips

PBQs are worth more points but take more time. Here's how to handle them efficiently:

• Expect 3-5 PBQs at the beginning of your exam — don't panic when you see them
• Practice firewall rules — know how to create allow/deny rules based on IP, port, and protocol
• Master log analysis — be able to identify attack patterns in security logs
• Understand network diagrams — practice identifying security controls placement
• Know command-line tools — nmap, netstat, ping, traceroute, nslookup are commonly tested
• Partial credit is possible — attempt every part of the PBQ even if unsure
• Budget 10-15 minutes for PBQs after completing multiple choice

High-Yield Topics (Focus Your Review)

These topics appear most frequently on the Security+ exam based on candidate feedback:

• Cryptography concepts: Symmetric vs asymmetric, hashing, certificates, PKI
• Attack types and mitigation: Phishing, malware, social engineering, DoS/DDoS
• Identity and access management: Authentication factors, SSO, federation, RBAC
• Security protocols and ports: HTTPS (443), SSH (22), LDAPS (636), RADIUS (1812)
• Incident response procedures: NIST framework, containment, eradication, recovery
• Zero Trust architecture: Key emphasis on the current exam, understand the principles
• Cloud security: Shared responsibility model, CASB, container security

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't memorize dumps: Real exam questions are different; understand the concepts instead
• Don't underestimate PBQs: Practice hands-on labs, not just reading
• Don't skip the objectives: Every domain is tested — no shortcuts
• Don't rush: Use all your time; review flagged questions

Frequently Asked Questions