[1/3] How to Pass Security+ in 4 Weeks - Introduction
4 weeks. No expensive course. No years of experience required. Just a solid plan, starting with understanding exactly what the Security+ exam is testing you on. That’s what this article offers!
You want to get a job in cybersecurity, and you need to spice up your resume.
So you decided to take the Security+ exam.
Good move!
Most people will tell you that it is impossible to pass the exam without a $500 course.
Most people will tell you it doesn’t make any sense to take the exam if you don’t have X (choose a random number) years of experience.
DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM!
I don’t know you, but I know that if you dedicate 4 weeks of your life to this, you will pass the exam. All you need to do is have a good plan and take action.
I can’t force you to take action, but I can tell you exactly what matters for the exam, thereby reducing your required effort to a bare minimum.
How am I going to do it?
In this 3-part series, not only will I provide resources and study materials that will explain the concepts from the exam, but I will also explain how the exam tests you and what to focus on.
What CompTIA Security+ Really Is
Before we deep-dive into the details of this exam, let’s take a moment to talk about what this certification is and what it offers.
Security+ is an entry-level cybersecurity certification from CompTIA, one of the most recognized names in IT certifications.
It's vendor-neutral. Which means it doesn't teach you how to use one specific tool or platform. Instead, it teaches you how to think like a security professional.
So if you hope to learn how to properly set up Microsoft Intune, this is not the right choice.
However, if you're career-switching into cybersecurity, Security+ is often the first certification hiring managers want to see on your resume.
Simply, it is a smart choice for people who understand that Cybersecurity concepts are not tied to any platform. And since you’re reading this, I have a feeling you are that kind of person!
Are you preparing for the Security+ exam? Let me know in the comments!
The 5 Domains of Security+
Understanding the exam structure is not optional.
It’s one of the fastest ways to improve your score.
The current version (SY0-701) is built around 5 domains:
General Security Concepts (12%) → The fundamentals. Why security exists and the core principles (like CIA) everything is built on.
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%) → What can go wrong, how attackers exploit it, and how you stop them.
Security Architecture (18%) → How to design systems so they’re secure from the start, not fixed later.
Security Operations (28%) → What you actually do day-to-day: monitor, detect, and respond to threats.
Security Program Management and Oversight (20%) → The business side: managing risk, setting policies, and aligning security with company goals.
It is important to notice that the domains are not equal.
For example, Security Operations alone = 28% of the exam
That means: You can spend hours memorizing definitions from Domain 1, and still fail because you ignored how security works in practice.
Next week, I’ll walk you through each domain step-by-step so you can actually apply them in the exam. Subscribe to follow the full series.
Exam details
I am not going to go into all the details, as you can easily find them on the CompTIA website. However, I think it is worth mentioning what you should expect.
Number of questions: Maximum of 90 questions
Time limit: 90 minutes
Passing score: 750 out of 900
Testing options: Testing center or online-proctored exam
But the most important thing is the type of questions.
The exam combines performance-based and multiple-choice questions.
And trust me, the first time you see them, all 4 answers will look correct.
That’s intentional.
Your job isn’t to find a correct answer, it’s to choose the best one.
And I’ll help you develop the eye for detail to do exactly that.
Are you ready to lock in and pass the exam?
Comment “Security+“ and I will send you a FREE guide that describes TOP 10 Cybersecurity Fundamentals you need for the exam.
Conclusion
Security+ is a big milestone for people who are new to cybersecurity, but it is not as complicated as people make it.
What makes it hard is not knowing what to focus on. That’s the only reason why people spend $1,000s for Security+ courses.
If you commit the next 4 weeks to this properly, you won’t just pass the exam.
You’ll actually understand the basics of cybersecurity.
And that’s what separates people who “Pass and forget” from those who build a real career.
So let’s do this properly and let’s do this together!
Let’s Connect
If you want to collaborate, discuss, or just geek out over networking and cybersecurity, reach out:
Email: erich.winkler@decodedsecurity.com
LinkedIn: Erich Winkler
Gumroad community: Decoded Security
Start Here: Decoded Security Roadmap
Enjoyed this article? Like it or drop a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions!
Let’s learn and grow together!