Faculty Resources
Tip 1
STUDY THE EXAM OBJECTIVES
We can still apply good teaching techniques by downloading and studying the CompTIA Security+ exam blueprints. The Exam Objectives can be found on the GetCertified website (under the Exam Tab). On this same GetCertified page you will see each domain and it’s associated weighting on the certification exam. Additionally, you can ascertain data on the length of the exam, the number of questions, the type of questions, time limits, and the passing exam score required.
The exam objectives exam/ blueprint is an excellent way to record your progress through the material, and verify that your students are prepared to sit for the exam. When entering the Exam room, your students should be intimately familiar with each item from the detailed the exam objectives. Remember; your students can access MP4s associated with the domain topics from this website should content refreshers be needed.
Tip 2
UNDERSTAND THE THEORY
Two important points to note as you’re studying: First, make sure you use the supplemental resources to every one of the modules. My second important point to maximize your absorption of the Security+ material is to participate in course discussions with your students relating the content to real life work examples. As part of your preparation and study for the CompTIA Security+ exam you must have the knowledge and skills to install and configure systems to secure applications, networks, and devices; perform threat analysis and respond with appropriate mitigation techniques; participate in risk mitigation activities; and operate with an awareness of applicable policies, laws, and regulations.
Tip 3
MASTER THE SKILLS
Understanding the theory behind the essential knowledge and skills needed to perform these tasks to support the principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability–being able to actually perform these tasks is quite another. Please understand that CompTIA gives you several performance-based items in addition to the standard-issue multiple-choice questions.
In these performance-based questions you’re given a simulated environment; for instance, determine the types of attacks by selecting an option from a drop down list. Maybe you’ll be asked to implement strong security on smart phones and terminal server in a data center. Configure a firewall ACL. Perhaps you’ll be tasked with reviewing network logs to discover the scope of the attack and implement the appropriate actions to complete the incident response. The bottom line is that it’s crucial that both you and your students know how to apply the knowledge that you build within the course learning paths. To this end, I strongly suggest that you build a practice networking lab so you can at least practice the software and hardware related procedures.
Tip 4
DRILL ON PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Have you ever taken a computer-based exam? They’re a different beast from the old pencil-and-paper tests that you may have taken in the past. I strongly suggest that you invest heavily in the CANVAS exam simulation software before your students sit for their SY0-501 certification test. Students and faculty can register for the CANVAS exam simulations on this site. Remember, your students are not allowed to print these documents and must use the exam simulation only online. To print hard copies of the exam simulation would be a disservice to the student, as the University wants the student review to be in the same format as the official certification exam ensuring the students are best prepared for the exam format they will be experiencing in the testing center. Before being issued an exam voucher, students must successfully complete all the quizzes and the competency exam at 85% proficiency level. The student must achieve this goal within 45 days of receiving the CANVAS exam simulation. Faculty can use the exam simulations in the classroom and use the questions as discussion topics. Why is this the right answer? What eliminates this answer?
Passing a CompTIA Certification doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By applying these simple tips your students can show up on test day, ready to go and confident of success.