How I Passed CompTIA PenTest+

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their approach to passing the CompTIA PenTest+ exam. Over a period of four months, they combined theory, hands-on practice, and various test resources to prepare. The process involved studying an in-depth book, completing online practice tests, and engaging with platforms like TryHackMe for practical lab work. The speaker emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, practicing regularly, and using tools like Jason Dion's practice exams to boost confidence. Their method led to success, demonstrating the value of patience, consistent study, and practical experience in passing technical certifications.

Takeaways

• 😀 I spent four months preparing for the CompTIA PenTest+ exam, from July 3rd to November 11th, allowing for thorough learning and hands-on practice.
• 📚 I always read the study materials cover-to-cover to ensure a comprehensive understanding before moving to practice questions.
• 💻 Hands-on labs are essential for my learning process, and I always prioritize them, even creating my own virtual labs when necessary.
• 📝 Practice exams play a crucial role in my preparation. I use different sources, including practice questions from my book and online platforms.
• 💡 I use TryHackMe to complete hands-on learning paths and labs related to penetration testing, which reinforced my theoretical knowledge.
• 🔐 Cybex Test Engine was another valuable resource that provided practice questions, helping me gauge my progress and adjust my focus.
• 📊 I track my practice exam scores closely. My threshold for confidence is 70%, and once I consistently hit this score, I felt ready for the real exam.
• 💡 For CompTIA exams, I recommend focusing on hands-on practice over memorizing theory to retain the knowledge better.
• 🎯 I invested in Jason Dion's practice exams, which helped build my confidence with scores between 70% and 84%, ultimately preparing me for the test.
• 🚀 I believe that real-world, hands-on experience with penetration testing tools and techniques is far more effective than just studying theory.
• 🌟 The key to passing the CompTIA PenTest+ exam was persistence, consistent study, and ensuring I practiced the skills through labs and practical exercises.

Q & A

How long did the speaker study for the CompTIA PenTest+ exam?

The speaker studied for approximately 4 months, from July 3, 2023, to November 11, 2023.

What was the speaker's usual study timeline for certifications?

Normally, the speaker spends about 2 months on certifications, but for this exam, they took around 4 months for a more thorough preparation.

What study method does the speaker prefer for technical certifications?

The speaker prefers a hands-on approach, ensuring they do not attempt any technical certification without practical experience. They create their own labs or use virtual machines for learning.

Which book did the speaker use to study for the CompTIA PenTest+ exam?

The speaker used the official CompTIA PenTest+ exam book, which is theory-heavy with few pictures but provides comprehensive content.

What other resources did the speaker use for practice exams?

In addition to the book, the speaker used an online resource offering practice exams, including a Premium Edition of an ebook with exam questions, and purchased a subscription to the Cybex test engine through their WGU student account.

What was the speaker's average score on the Cybex test engine?

The speaker's average score on the Cybex test engine was 71%, which improved over time with more practice.

What is TryHackMe, and how did the speaker use it in their preparation?

TryHackMe is an online platform offering hands-on labs and practice paths. The speaker used the CompTIA PenTest+ path on TryHackMe, completing various modules focused on practical skills, especially in tools and information gathering.

What strategy did the speaker use to approach practice questions?

The speaker went through practice questions chapter by chapter and reviewed them thoroughly. They focused on getting better scores with each set of questions and used practice exams to gauge readiness.

What role did Jason Dion’s practice exams play in the speaker’s preparation?

Jason Dion's practice exams were crucial for the speaker's preparation. The speaker attempted four practice exams, scoring between 75% and 84%. Once they reached around 70% or higher on these exams, they felt confident enough to take the real test.

What did the speaker recommend regarding memorization versus hands-on practice?

The speaker recommended focusing on hands-on practice rather than purely memorizing theory. They emphasized that hands-on labs help the information stick better and are crucial for learning technical concepts effectively.