This week, I was away on business, which meant I couldn’t join the usual Wednesday study buddy group, but I didn’t let that stop me.
Instead, I decided to test myself with a timed Security+ practice exam to see just how much I’d retained.
I thought I was closer to being ready… but it turns out I’m close, just not quite close enough yet.
Here’s what I learned from putting myself under pressure:
Reading takes time: Some of those longer questions took two or three reads before I even understood what was being asked. Time really slips away when you’re trying to decipher the details.
PBQs are the real boss level: Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) are a different beast. Applying knowledge to a scenario is where you find out if you really understand the concepts. These definitely slowed me down the most.
MTBF & MTTR tripped me up: When I hit the matrix question on Mean Time Between Failures and Mean Time To Repair, I realised I had no idea. Let’s just say I guessed, and guessed wrong.
Even so, I finished with just 40 seconds left on the clock and scored 73%. Not bad! But it’s clear there’s still some work to do before I book that exam.
Key Takeaways from the Week
Cybersecurity isn’t just about knowing, it’s about being able to apply under pressure.
PBQs test your real-world thinking, not just theory.
MTBF & MTTR are on my study list this week—big time.
I’m getting there. Not ready yet, but each step forward is one closer to that cert.
Until next time…Still grinding, still learning—and still hoping my brain accepts the key exchange.
