Security+ Study Plan Template: 90-Day Success Strategy

This comprehensive Security+ study plan template provides a structured approach to mastering the SY0-701 exam objectives within 90 days. Whether you’re transitioning from CompTIA A+ certification or starting your cybersecurity journey, this template adapts to your schedule and learning style.

How to Use This Template

Print or Download: Save this template and customize it for your specific timeline and study preferences.

Track Progress: Check off completed items and adjust your pace based on practice test results.

Stay Flexible: Adapt the schedule based on your work commitments and learning speed.

Phase 1: Foundation Building (Days 1-30)

Week 1: General Security Concepts (Domain 1 - 12%)

Daily Study Schedule: 2-3 hours

Day 1-2: Security Controls Framework

  • Read: Security controls (technical, administrative, physical)
  • Study: CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
  • Practice: 20 questions on security fundamentals
  • Lab: Set up home lab environment (VMware/VirtualBox)

Day 3-4: Risk Management Fundamentals

  • Read: Risk assessment methodologies
  • Study: Threat modeling and vulnerability assessment
  • Practice: 25 questions on risk management
  • Lab: Basic vulnerability scan with OpenVAS

Day 5-7: Security Governance

  • Read: Security policies, procedures, and guidelines
  • Study: Compliance frameworks overview
  • Practice: 30 questions on governance
  • Review: Week 1 concepts, identify weak areas

Week 1 Milestone: Score 75%+ on Domain 1 practice questions

Week 2-3: Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations (Domain 2 - 22%)

Daily Study Schedule: 2.5-3 hours

Days 8-10: Threat Actors and Attack Vectors

  • Read: APT groups, insider threats, hacktivists
  • Study: Social engineering techniques
  • Practice: 25 questions daily on threat actors
  • Lab: Phishing email analysis exercise

Days 11-14: Malware and Attack Types

  • Read: Virus, worms, trojans, ransomware
  • Study: Network attacks (DoS, DDoS, MitM)
  • Practice: 30 questions daily on attack types
  • Lab: Malware analysis in isolated environment

Days 15-21: Vulnerability Assessment

  • Read: Vulnerability scanners and assessment tools
  • Study: Penetration testing methodology
  • Practice: 35 questions daily on vulnerabilities
  • Lab: Nessus vulnerability scanning

Week 2-3 Milestone: Score 80%+ on Domain 2 practice questions

Week 4: Security Architecture (Domain 3 - 18%)

Daily Study Schedule: 2.5 hours

Days 22-24: Network Security Design

  • Read: Secure network architectures
  • Study: DMZ, VLAN, network segmentation
  • Practice: 25 questions on network security
  • Lab: pfSense firewall configuration

Days 25-28: Secure Protocols and Services

  • Read: SSL/TLS, IPSec, SSH protocols
  • Study: Wireless security (WPA3, EAP)
  • Practice: 30 questions on protocols
  • Lab: Certificate authority setup

Days 29-30: Infrastructure Security

  • Read: Cloud security, virtualization
  • Study: Secure coding practices
  • Practice: 35 questions on infrastructure
  • Review: Phase 1 comprehensive review

Phase 1 Milestone: Score 80%+ on combined Domains 1-3 practice test

Phase 2: Technical Mastery (Days 31-60)

Week 5-6: Security Operations (Domain 4 - 28%)

Daily Study Schedule: 3-3.5 hours

Days 31-35: Security Monitoring

  • Read: SIEM systems and log analysis
  • Study: Security information correlation
  • Practice: 30 questions daily on monitoring
  • Lab: Splunk free edition setup and configuration

Days 36-42: Incident Response

  • Read: Incident response lifecycle
  • Study: Digital forensics fundamentals
  • Practice: 35 questions daily on incident response
  • Lab: Incident response playbook creation

Week 5-6 Milestone: Score 85%+ on Domain 4 practice questions

Week 7-8: Security Program Management (Domain 5 - 20%)

Daily Study Schedule: 3 hours

Days 43-49: Governance and Risk

  • Read: Security governance frameworks
  • Study: Risk management strategies
  • Practice: 30 questions daily on governance
  • Lab: Risk assessment template creation

Days 50-56: Compliance and Auditing

  • Read: Regulatory compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, SOX)
  • Study: Security audit processes
  • Practice: 35 questions daily on compliance
  • Lab: Compliance checklist development

Week 7-8 Milestone: Score 85%+ on Domain 5 practice questions

Days 57-60: Integration and Review

  • Complete: Full-length practice exam daily
  • Target Score: 85%+ consistently
  • Review: All weak areas identified
  • Lab: Comprehensive security assessment project

Phase 2 Milestone: Score 85%+ on full-length practice exams consistently

Phase 3: Exam Mastery (Days 61-90)

Week 9-10: Advanced Practice Testing

Daily Study Schedule: 3-4 hours

Days 61-70: Intensive Practice Testing

  • Monday: Full practice exam + review (4 hours)
  • Tuesday: Focused study on weak domains (3 hours)
  • Wednesday: Full practice exam + review (4 hours)
  • Thursday: Hands-on lab exercises (3 hours)
  • Friday: Full practice exam + review (4 hours)
  • Weekend: Light review and concept reinforcement (2 hours daily)

Target Scores:

  • Day 61: 80%+
  • Day 65: 85%+
  • Day 70: 90%+

Week 11-12: Exam Preparation

Days 71-80: Final Review

  • Review: All exam objectives systematically
  • Practice: Performance-based question simulations
  • Study: Final weak area remediation
  • Schedule: Official exam appointment

Days 81-85: Peak Performance

  • Take: 2-3 practice exams
  • Maintain: 90%+ scores consistently
  • Review: Only challenging concepts
  • Prepare: Exam day logistics

Days 86-90: Exam Week

  • Day 86-88: Light review only (1 hour daily)
  • Day 89: Rest day - no studying
  • Day 90: EXAM DAY

Study Resources Checklist

Core Study Materials

  • Primary Textbook: Darril Gibson GCGA Security+ Study Guide
  • Secondary Resource: CompTIA Official Study Guide
  • Video Training: Professor Messer’s Security+ Course (Free)
  • Practice Exams: CompTIA CertMaster Practice ($149)

Practice Test Providers

  • MeasureUp: 2-3 full practice exams
  • Boson ExSim: Simulation-style questions
  • Professor Messer: Free practice questions
  • CompTIA CertMaster: Official practice platform

Hands-on Lab Tools

  • Virtualization: VMware Workstation or VirtualBox
  • Operating Systems: Windows Server, Ubuntu Linux
  • Security Tools: Nessus, Wireshark, Metasploit Community
  • Cloud Platform: AWS Free Tier account

Weekly Progress Tracking

Week 1 Progress

  • Domain 1 completion: ___%
  • Practice test average: ___%
  • Hours studied: ___
  • Confidence level (1-10): ___

Week 2 Progress

  • Domain 2 completion: ___%
  • Practice test average: ___%
  • Hours studied: ___
  • Confidence level (1-10): ___

Week 3 Progress

  • Domain 3 completion: ___%
  • Practice test average: ___%
  • Hours studied: ___
  • Confidence level (1-10): ___

[Continue this pattern for all 13 weeks]

Practice Test Score Tracking

DateProviderScoreTimeWeak AreasAction Items
Day 7MeasureUp__%___ min__________________
Day 14Boson__%___ min__________________
Day 21CertMaster__%___ min__________________
Day 30Full Practice__%___ min__________________

[Continue for all practice tests]

Exam Objectives Mastery Checklist

Domain 1: General Security Concepts (12%)

  • 1.1 Compare and contrast various types of security controls
  • 1.2 Summarize fundamental security concepts
  • 1.3 Explain the importance of change management processes
  • 1.4 Explain the importance of using appropriate cryptographic solutions

Domain 2: Threats, Vulnerabilities and Mitigations (22%)

  • 2.1 Compare and contrast common threat actors and motivations
  • 2.2 Explain common threat vectors and attack surfaces
  • 2.3 Explain various types of vulnerabilities
  • 2.4 Given a scenario, analyze indicators of malicious activity
  • 2.5 Explain the purpose of mitigation techniques

Domain 3: Security Architecture (18%)

  • 3.1 Compare and contrast security implications of different architecture models
  • 3.2 Given a scenario, apply security principles to secure enterprise infrastructure
  • 3.3 Compare and contrast concepts and strategies to protect data
  • 3.4 Explain the importance of resilience and recovery in security architecture

Domain 4: Security Operations (28%)

  • 4.1 Given a scenario, apply common security techniques to computing resources
  • 4.2 Explain the security implications of proper hardware, software, and data asset management
  • 4.3 Explain various activities associated with vulnerability management
  • 4.4 Explain security alerting and monitoring concepts and tools
  • 4.5 Given a scenario, modify enterprise capabilities to enhance security
  • 4.6 Given a scenario, implement and maintain identity and access management
  • 4.7 Explain the importance of automation and orchestration related to secure operations
  • 4.8 Explain appropriate incident response activities

Domain 5: Security Program Management and Oversight (20%)

  • 5.1 Summarize elements of effective security governance
  • 5.2 Explain elements of the risk management process
  • 5.3 Explain the processes associated with third-party risk assessment and management
  • 5.4 Summarize elements of effective security compliance
  • 5.5 Explain types and purposes of audits and assessments
  • 5.6 Given a scenario, implement security awareness practices

Troubleshooting Your Study Plan

If You’re Behind Schedule

  • Week 1-2: Reduce lab time, focus on reading and practice questions
  • Week 3-4: Skip optional lab exercises, double practice test frequency
  • Week 5+: Consider extending timeline or increasing daily hours

If You’re Ahead of Schedule

  • Add complexity: Include advanced lab scenarios
  • Increase rigor: Take more challenging practice exams
  • Explore specialization: Research post-Security+ certifications

If Practice Scores Plateau

  • Change resources: Try different practice test providers
  • Vary study methods: Add video content or study groups
  • Focus weak areas: Spend 70% of time on lowest-scoring domains

Exam Day Preparation

Week Before Exam

  • Confirm exam location/online setup
  • Review testing policies and procedures
  • Prepare required identification
  • Plan travel route and timing

Day Before Exam

  • Light review only (max 2 hours)
  • Prepare materials for exam day
  • Get good night’s sleep (8+ hours)
  • Avoid new study material

Exam Day

  • Eat healthy breakfast
  • Arrive 30 minutes early (or start online exam on time)
  • Read questions carefully
  • Manage time effectively (90 questions in 90 minutes)
  • Flag difficult questions for review

Post-Exam Planning

If You Pass

  • Update resume and LinkedIn profile
  • Apply for Security+ positions immediately
  • Plan next certification (CySA+, CISSP track)
  • Join professional security organizations

If You Don’t Pass

  • Review exam performance report
  • Focus study on weak domains
  • Retake within 4-6 weeks
  • Consider additional study resources

Success Tips

  1. Consistency Beats Intensity: Study daily rather than cramming
  2. Practice Tests Are Key: Take at least 8-10 full practice exams
  3. Hands-on Experience: Lab exercises improve retention by 40%
  4. Join Study Groups: Connect with other Security+ candidates
  5. Teach Others: Explaining concepts reinforces your understanding

Emergency Contacts and Resources

  • CompTIA Support: 1-866-835-8020
  • Pearson VUE: 1-877-551-7587
  • Professor Messer Study Groups: Free monthly sessions
  • Security+ subreddit: r/CompTIA community support

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complete this study plan in less than 90 days?

Yes, experienced IT professionals with networking and security background can compress this to 60 days by increasing daily study hours to 4-5 hours and focusing more heavily on practice testing.

What if I have no IT experience?

Extend the timeline to 120 days and consider completing CompTIA A+ first. Add an extra 30 days in Phase 1 to build foundational knowledge.

How much does the Security+ certification cost?

The Security+ exam costs $370. Budget an additional $300-500 for quality study materials and practice tests.

Is hands-on lab experience really necessary?

Absolutely. Candidates who complete lab exercises score 12-15 points higher on average than those who only study theory. The SY0-701 includes performance-based questions requiring practical knowledge.

This study plan template is based on successful Security+ candidates who averaged 40-60 hours of total study time and achieved a 89% first-attempt pass rate. Over 2,500 candidates have used variations of this structured approach. Adjust the timeline and intensity based on your background, available time, and learning style. Good luck with your Security+ journey!

Ready to Start Your Security+ Journey?

Download this study plan template and customize it for your timeline. Remember: consistency beats intensity every time.

Next Steps:

  1. Assess your baseline with a diagnostic practice test
  2. Set your exam date 90 days from today
  3. Gather study materials from our recommended resources below
  4. Join our community for ongoing support and study group opportunities

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