Many folks were asking me what materials I used for the Security+ SY0-501 exam along with some other general questions. You can find those answers here!
Note that the SY0-501 exam expires today, July 31st, 2021. Please make sure you are using content for the SY0-601 exam instead!
Here is a list of resources I used to study for the Security+ SY0-501. None of the links below are endorsed or sponsored. I am not affiliated with any of the fine folks who put all this material together!
Mike Myers
TOTAL: CompTIA Security+ Certification (SY0-501)
https://www.udemy.com/share/101Xyq2@PW1jV2JZSVMGcENFCkhnVA==/
TOTAL: CompTIA Security+ Cert. (SY0-501) Practice Tests.
https://www.udemy.com/share/101Xkc2@PUdKV2JgSVYIe0VHBXpnfT4=/
Total Tester CompTIA Security+ Practice Tests Exam SY0-501 and SY0-601
https://www.totalsem.com/store/total-tester-comptia-security-practice-tests-exam-sy0-501-and-sy0-601/
Professor Messer
Notes & Exams Combo
https://www.professormesser.com/amember/signup/sy0501cnpec
SYBEX Books
CompTIA Security+ Review Guide: Exam SY0-501 Paperback – Dec 26 2017
https://www.amazon.ca/CompTIA-Security-Review-Guide-SY0-501/dp/1119416949/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Security%2B+sy0-501&qid=1627751876&sr=8-1
CompTIA Security+ Study Guide: Exam SY0-501 Paperback – Illustrated, Oct. 23 2017
https://www.amazon.ca/CompTIA-Security-Study-Guide-SY0-501/dp/1119416876/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=Security%2B+sy0-501&qid=1627751876&sr=8-8
CompTIA Security+ Practice Tests: Exam SY0-501 Paperback – May 8 2018
https://www.amazon.ca/CompTIA-Security-Practice-Tests-SY0-501/dp/1119416922/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=Security%2B+sy0-501&qid=1627751876&sr=8-12
I watched the entire video series from Mike Myers. Read through the Study Guide by Sybex. Used the practice tests from Udemy, the books, Professor Messer's bundle, and from Total Tester. I then used the Review Guide for any knowledge gaps based on feedback from said practice tests.
Total study time I would estimate between 80 to 100 hours, but likely more. Leading up to the exam, I was probably putting in about 3-4 hours of study time per day (up to five days prior to the exam date).
Consistency is key, so my advice to anyone wanting to write an exam to obtain a certification would be to block time off in your calendar accordingly. Give yourself enough time to consume the material and ensure you have an understanding of it. Memorizing and 'regurgitating' definitions won't help you any. And lastly, don't be like me and book your exam the week that the exam series retires. You'll have a bad time. Book it well in advance and don't be disappointed if you have to reschedule your exams a few times if you're not ready!
If you have any other questions, feel free to message me directly!
All the best! :)