Just passed Security + after my potential employer told me 5 days ago it was a requirement for the job. I said bet. I purchased a voucher with the retake since it was like 425 for the combo. Thinking fuck it. If I fail, I'll know the test better and can adjust my studying techniques.
What did I do?
Udemy
I bought udemy access, and spammed test questions, easily 400 questions. I took them, wrote down each one I missed on paper, the ones I got right, I read why I got them right. Any acronyms I wrote down as well. Probably 2 days ago I started the course and just had it playing in the background while I took the tests, while I ate and cleaned dishes, showered, even when falling to sleep.
CyberKraft PBQs
Yesterday I started watching every PBQ under the sun, if I had questions about the "why" that wasn't answered by that handsome man, I just used a LLM. Until I could basically teach the answer myself. I would watch some of them 2-3 times.
What worked?
The Jason Dion Udemy course, (CompTIA Security+ (SYO-701) Complete Course & Practice Exam) was probably the saving grace, just listening to it I was able to retain the knowledge and apply it towards the test. The practice questions were practically useless. There were maybe 5 similar questions in the test. CyberKraft PBQs were also a great asset as 2 out of the 3 PBQs were very similar to the ones I had.
Summary
I wish I didn't spend 60+ hrs studying practice tests. Do the actual course. Watch some PBQs, take a deep breath. Get rest the night before. Look good feel good.