Studying tech, such as cybersecurity, can be overwhelming, especially if juggling work, family, and faith. This guide was created for new and aspiring tech learners. Whether studying for your first tech certification or just trying to find your rhythm, these study tips were born from real-life trial, error, and prayer. I hope that this helps you feel less alone, more equipped, and reminds you that God is with you in every chapter, section, and season.

It has taken me 6 months to study for and pass my Security+ Exam. These 6 months were met with confusion that turned into confidence, uncertainty that turned into understanding, and a lack of faith that turned into a full-blown praise. I tried different study methods. I failed at some but by the time of the exam, I understood what mixture worked for me.

Setting the Tone: Faith & Focus First

Before I get into specific techniques, I want to share how I set the tone spiritually and mentally — because your mindset matters just as much as your method.

When you begin studying new content, a smart start is to have a week before beginning to create a plan. Create this plan with the understanding that it may change. This plan helps you stay focused. During this week, it would be beneficial to understand your learning type if you don't know it. I went into this knowing that I was an accumulation of all four. Through some research and study about the types of learning, I concluded that no one has just one type. Mixing and matching techniques will get you the desired outcomes of learning and understanding the information.

The Four Learning Types

Visual — Individuals who take in information visually, such as maps, graphs, diagrams, and charts. They use the information as visual aids, connecting patterns and shapes to the information.

Auditory — Individuals who learn information by hearing or speaking. They can sort ideas and concepts through speaking/hearing instead of thinking about them.

Kinesthetic — Individuals who learn by doing. A hands-on experience or a touch with reality, such as simulations and personal experience.

Reading/Writing — Individuals who consume information best when it's in words. They remember well with content that is read or written down.

In that first week, I also created study motivations via Pinterest. Much like a vision board, I picked out photos of study layouts — computers, note cards, people studying in cafes, lo-fi music. I began setting a vibe through photos to curate a feeling I desired while studying. While curating my study atmosphere, I ran across a prayer to recite before studying. I added it to my Pinterest board and began using it often.

My 6-Month Study Timeline

Month 1

I started studying by taking notes as I was reading. My time was limited throughout my studies, with family time and my 9-to-6, so taking notes while reading the chapters of the Get Certified, Get Ahead book was taking too long to get through each chapter. And those chapters are not short. It felt as if I was reading and studying at the same time with this method. It felt overwhelming.

Months 2, 3 & 4

I then switched to no notes, just reading the chapters and taking the practice quizzes after to see how much I retained. I was able to see that I was retaining the information well and doubled back to take notes of the topics I missed. This lasted up until the last 4 to 5 chapters of the book. This method worked the best for me. I learned that I am more of a reading/writing learning type. Within this month, I also began Dion's Training Videos. I took no notes on this course. I just allowed the videos to play while I worked, cleaned up, and cooked. This is where my auditory learning kicked in.

Months 5 & 6

For the last chapters, I highlighted important definitions and descriptions while reading. This just gave me a visual to embed in my mind as I came across information I needed to learn. After finishing the book, including the post-practice exam, I went back and finished up the videos from the course. Once finished with both the book and video course, I began taking practice questions and created notecards for anything I missed or needed to review more deeply. Through all of the material, I mixed methods of reading aloud, explained it to my non-technical husband, and changed my scenery for study.

In Hindsight: What I'd Do Differently

In hindsight, I could have taken more notes. Once I got settled into the flow of information, I did not take as many notes as I could have. I also would have done weekly recalls over the information that I retained from the previous week. A tighter schedule would have assisted me in knocking this out in about 4 to 5 months instead of 6, but this was a lesson learned.

Study Tips by Learning Style

Visual Learner

Auditory

Reading/Writing

Kinesthetic

Resources I Used

As I move forward in my cybersecurity journey, I carry not only this certification but a renewed trust in God's timing and my ability to learn, adapt, and grow. I give all the glory to God. I am thankful to my support team, my husband, my daughter, family, co-workers, and the countless folks on social media who motivate and inspire me.

Prayer Before Studying

Heavenly Father, as I start my study, I acknowledge Your Divine Wisdom as the source of all knowledge, and I humbly ask for Your Guidance and Illumination. Grant me focus and concentration, Lord. Block out distractions and anxieties that may cloud my understanding. Sharpen my memory to retain the information I encounter, and open my mind to grasp complex concepts with clarity. Bless me with perseverance, almighty Father. When the material seems challenging and fatigue sets in, fill me with renewed strength and determination. May I find joy in the process of learning, appreciating the beauty and wonder of your creation, that unfolds through every subject. More importantly, Lord, guide me towards knowledge that serves Your Purpose. Let my studies not only equip me with skills but also shape me into a better instrument of Your will. May I use the understanding I gain to glorify You and serve others with compassion and love. In Your Holy Name, I Pray. Amen.
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