A few months ago I officially passed the CompTIA CySA+ exam on my first attempt! It took me about six months, but honestly, it could have been much quicker if life hadn’t gotten in the way. Between moving across the country, starting a new job, and even spending a month in Japan, my study timeline stretched out more than I originally planned.

That said, the journey was worth it. I want to share the exact study plan and resources I used so that you can pass faster and with more confidence.

Why It Took Me 6 Months (When It Shouldn’t Have)

I started studying for the CySA+ in January, right as my partner and I were traveling in Japan for a month. The trip was incredible, but once we returned, we immediately had to prepare for a big move to a new city and then came the job hunt. Needless to say, studying wasn’t exactly my top priority during that time.

The silver lining? I landed at a company that truly supports professional growth. They not only covered the exam fee but also offered a bonus for passing. That kind of support made a huge difference and kept me motivated, even though my study timeline stretched out longer than expected. I’m really grateful to work somewhere that invests in its employees this way.

Building a Study Plan That Works

If you don’t want your prep to stretch out for months like mine, I recommend setting a realistic exam date first and then working backward to build a schedule. Here’s the framework I used (adapted from Josh Madakor’s method):

Phase 1: Priming

• Watch a full video course (1.25–1.5x speed works well)
• Listen to the course like a podcast if you’re on the go
• Goal: get familiar with all the topics

Phase 2: Learning

• Read a certification book
• Dive into labs - the study guide linked below includes some for each chapter
• Take focused notes to help you retain the material

Phase 3: Polishing

• Take multiple practice exams
• Use the exam objectives as a checklist
• Focus on weak areas and common question themes

My Go-To Study Resources

I always try to use at least 1 good video course, 1 good book, and 1 good set of practice exams. From there, you can add or subtract based on your learning style and budget. Don’t forget: you may have free access through your library card or employer.

Here’s what worked best for me:

• LinkedIn Learning – CySA+ Prep by Mike Chapple (Free access with library card)
  • ​Course link​
• Sybex CySA+ Study Guide
  • ​Amazon link​
• Practice Exams – Mike Chapple
  • ​Wiley link​
• Practice Exams with more Logs – Cyber James (Udemy)
  • ​Udemy link​
• Josh Madakor’s Free Flashcards (okay, but a little repetitive)
  • ​Flashcards link​

My Top Tips for Passing

Here are the key things that made a difference on exam day:

• Skip the PBQs first, and knock out the multiple choice questions
• Study logs you’ll see a lot of them
• Learn the differences between common security tools
• Consider buying the exam voucher that includes a free retake. It’s not much more expensive and can take a lot of stress off.

Final Thoughts

Passing the CySA+ was a big milestone for me, but more importantly, it reinforced something I believe: certifications are worth the investment.

While investing in the S&P 500 is smart, don’t forget to also invest in the S&Me 500 your own education and skillset. It’s cheesy, but true.

If you follow the steps and use the resources I’ve shared, you’ll be well on your way to earning your CySA+ certification. Take your time, study smart, and enjoy the process.