How I Passed CompTIA Security+: My Journey from Aspiration to Certification

Ashish GhimireAshish Ghimire
2 min read

For years, I had been eyeing the CompTIA Security+ certification. With a background in Network Security, IT Support, and a stint as a GRC Analyst, this exam felt like the natural next step. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Networking and Cybersecurity, so the foundation was there — but two things always held me back: time and money.

That changed when I joined Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) as a Student SOC Analyst. My role there not only gave me practical exposure to tools like Splunk, Microsoft Defender, and Entra ID, but LSUS also provided a Security+ exam voucher — an opportunity I wasn’t going to let slip.

My Study Strategy

I knew I needed a focused plan that worked with my busy schedule. Here's what helped me:

🎥 Professor Messer’s Free YouTube Playlist

This Security+ (SY0-701) YouTube playlist by Professor Messer was my primary resource. His style is direct, clear, and exam-focused — ideal for both beginners and those brushing up.

🛒 Professor Messer’s Success Bundle

I decided to invest in his Success Bundle for SY0-701, and it was worth every penny. It came with:

  • Course notes

  • Practice exams

  • Performance-based question drills

These gave me the structure and confidence I needed to track progress and identify weak areas.

📝 CompTIA Exam Objectives

One of the smartest things I did was print out the official CompTIA SY0-701 objectives. I used it as a checklist. For every domain (like Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities or Security Architecture), I made sure I could explain each concept — either by reviewing my notes or asking ChatGPT for simplified explanations or real-world examples.

🤖 Using ChatGPT

Whenever I stumbled on a tricky topic (like cryptographic protocols or access control models), I’d prompt ChatGPT to:

  • Explain it in simple terms

  • Give practical examples

  • Create short quizzes to test my knowledge

This interactive method kept me engaged and helped reinforce what I learned.

Final Thoughts

Studying for Security+ while working and studying full-time wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. The voucher from LSUS was a game-changer, and with the right resources, I made it through.

To anyone preparing for Security+:

  • Stick to one or two quality resources

  • Follow the official exam objectives

  • Practice consistently

  • Don’t be afraid to use AI tools to clarify concepts

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Written by

Ashish Ghimire
Ashish Ghimire

Cybersecurity professional with a strong foundation in network security, GRC, system administration, SOC analyst, and threat hunting. Experienced in real-time threat detection, incident response, and security monitoring using tools such as Splunk, CrowdStrike Falcon, and Microsoft Entra ID. Skilled at securing enterprise environments and aligning security practices with compliance frameworks. Currently deepening expertise in penetration testing, red teaming, cloud security, malware analysis, and reverse engineering, with a strong commitment to continuous learning and operational excellence in cybersecurity.