How To Pass a SANS Cyber Security Exam in 5 DAYS (No books…)

Passing a cyber security certification takes work. Hard work. But what if you’re short on time? Like REALLY short? I passed a cyber cert from SANS in under 5 days just to see if it could be done. And here’s what I learned:
SANS cyber training and GIAC certs are two gold standards in cyber security. Weighing in over $7000, they’re what employers look for when hiring cyber talent.
Failure can be an expensive option. So whether you’re long or short on time, good prep and planning makes all the difference.
Cyber security certifications are hard because there’s so much info to learn. Students often describe cyber security training from SANS as drinking from a firehose. There’s so much content that the GIAC exams are open book!
So where should you even start? Here’s some of study tips I like to use:
- Backwards plan a study routine from test day
- Create tabs, index, and note sheets
- Most of your learning happens during sleep
- Do something active during breaks
- Rehearse practice tests like it’s real
- Repeated exposure over time
At the end of the day, certs aren’t the most important thing in cyber security. Strong skills and relationships will make you much more successful.
When it comes to cyber security certifications, invest in the study process to gain foundational knowledge. Then apply that knowledge in the workplace or home lab.
00:00 SANS and Cyber Security Certs In a Nutshell
01:24 The 5 Day Challenge
03:03 How to Backwards Plan Your Exam
04:08 The Best Way to Study for a SANS Test
06:54 Dealing with Distractions and Losing Motivation
08:30 Tips from a SANS Instructor
09:38 What to do When You Fail
11:34 The No Books Challenge
13:12 Lessons Learned from the Certification
👍 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!

[@gg.wellplayed]

Pass in 5 days then after 2 weeks with out practicing you will forget what you've learned, that's what you called Paper Certified

[@Cyberspatial]

No truer words!

[@jameezybreezy9030]

That’s true, but you still can’t deny that passing a SANS cert in five days is impressive

[@thomas0086]

You just described 90 percent of university 😂

[@d1zguy864]

Yep, found it funny a recently CCNA co-worker was still unable to DO and WORK and be confident in the work in front of him and asked me instead. I took my CCNA years ago but took it to heart

[@hakon87]

you're no shinobi

[@Cyberspatial]

Let’s keep it real. Certs only prove knowledge. Not competence or experience. Knowledge is fleeting. What are your go-to study tips?

[@baderf9043]

You missing dump questions

[@Cyberspatial]

@@baderf9043 Lol just keeping it white hat so GIAC doesn't pull this video.

[@pawbard]

Project based learning seems to be the best way to transfer from knowledge to application. Seek flow first by adjusting the complexity of the project to hit the sweet spot of motivation between overwhelm and boredom.

[@jameezybreezy9030]

@@pawbard care to elaborate a bit on that?

[@xKhfan213x]

@@jameezybreezy9030 in simplistic terms, do projects that are based on your skill level. In more detail... The best way to learn is to get your feet wet. Getting hands on with a project is by far the best way to learn when done right but doing it right is the key factor. You don't want to dive head first into unreal engine source code when first learning c++ (just an example). You'd look at their code base and probably give up before ever trying. Work on projects that are geared around your skill level and don't be afraid to tread unknown water. Meaning if your working in a project, like lets say a calculator, there will become a point where that project seems to be painstakingly easy. Take a step up in complexity. Maybe learn to make a small game (something like flappy bird would be great), but the idea is to work on projects within your range of knowledge. Once comfortable, pick a tougher project, one that introduces a new concept or 2 so you don't overwhelm yourself. Absolutely make sure you complete the projects before moving on. It may seem like a waist of time to finish something you find easy but there's a secret... every project you do can be added to a portfolio to show off to employers your abilities. Not only that but completing projects helps you grow as a programmer. It helps feed your motivation and can make you excited to create something new. Throwing out a half written calculator is nothing of value but completing that calculator, being able to see something you created come to life and actually work is one of the greatest feelings and one of the best motivators imo. That and by the time your ready to look for work, now you have all these project to show off to potential employers. Sorry for the long rant but these concepts can be taken into any career field, not just software engineering. I used these same concepts when studying computer engineering. I would build projects with an arduino, learn a ton on the way and at the end had some great projects to show off. Its great when you can show an employer you have experience and know what your talking about. BTW, this is the best way to get around those "experience required" for entry level positions

[@goodyear8107]

Such a Great Video! I’ve never seen such high quality in the cyber security community before. Tank you and greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@Cyberspatial]

Let's change the image one video at a time!

[@globalgeographic8908]

i am not skipping any addvertisement so that you receive more reward. this is my small support your channel

[@Cyberspatial]

This means a lot! Thank you!

[@fordakacar]

You’ve inspired me to do the same! Won’t do much but anyway I can help I will

[@user-zk5jn4br7u]

@@Cyberspatial Your KZbin Uploads are invaluable. This cannot be emphasized enough.

[@theguyfromtech4090]

Yk what let's do it

[@globalgeographic8908]

@@fordakacar yes you can support any channel you like by doing this

[@Joshua1_7sc]

Those last couple minutes were the most valuable to me. Thank you, Ricky!

[@Cyberspatial]

Thanks for watching to the end!

[@treefiddy5424]

This was one of the realest videos I’ve seen in a while! I’m taking my sans gcih cert in 3 weeks and I don’t feel that prepared and haven’t got to all the books… I’ll try out the tips you suggested and thanks 🙏🏾

[@crazybabie84]

Loved this! Happy I watched until the end. Very entertaining and informative

[@micahweiss5832]

Awesome, entertaining and informative content as always. I greatly appreciate what you do.

[@Fahodinho]

you should do a cooking tutorial

[@Cyberspatial]

🤣 Video 100?

[@zuberkariye2299]

He’s back! Thanks for the quality content, in my opinion I prefer just labs other than studying for an exam. We all waiting for some types of home labs, it feels so great seen you changed the contents!

[@Cyberspatial]

Thank you! maybe will make one on home labs one of these days. Hands on practice is definitely better than study-only.

[@LinuxEnjoyer]

Your channel is amazing. This is really helpful for someone from management background, thanks

[@dencam]

Quality Content. Welcome back, missed you. These videos are always informative and eye opening

[@Cyberspatial]

Thanks for watching!

[@pawbard]

Consistently surprised by the high quality of your videos. Thanks!

[@Cyberspatial]

Glad you like them!

[@michaelafolayan6600]

Love your video editing… was fun to watch

[@JeffMcJunkin]

Great video, thanks for putting this all together!

[@Cyberspatial]

Thanks for helping and playing a part!

[@timkitterman2130]

This content and video style is so good. Well done dude!

[@zidanetribal2343]

Thanks Ricky! very insightful for peeps like me who plans to take SANS certs someday :D keep safe man!

[@orionwheeler5276]

Starting the undergraduate cert program this month. I really enjoyed this video!!!!!! Much love from the midwest

[@Artaxerxes.]

good stuff. I always admire people who find ways to do interesting things.

[@leonardong2996]

This is really a good video, I had good laugh and appreciate the tips and also humorous content. Great work!!

[@Slag1sh]

this is spot on. I have my 2nd sans exam in 3 weeks, time to get started on that index. To answer your question, certs get you in the door the home labs and practical use keeps you there. In my time in cybersec the certs really only get you past the HR departments.

[@Cyberspatial]

Good luck!

[@beldiman5870]

But that's the whole idea with certifications, they are exams that when passed, guarantee employers that you a certain degree of knowledge. Of course they do not guarantee experience or competence.

[@darylgilbertson7090]

Super cool video, both fun and informative. High quality stuff.

[@JosephBerru]

Awesome presentation! This works for the younger and the older student, and not just for studying for a SANS cert! You need to my Cybersecurity FTO (Field Training Officer)! Something tells me you would keep me very focus and on the right path to passing that cert exam the first time! Great job!

[@jackshink3630]

You are amazing! I love this video this is what I’m studying rn. Everything you say my professor says to do! You are so smart thanks and I enjoy your videos

[@jlprescott7243]

Thanks for this video! Just passed the GFACT exam and made sure I did not forget my books and book outline and notes. Cheers!

[@AchwaqKhalid]

We miss you man! Keep those videos coming on the regular please 🙏

[@Cyberspatial]

Been juggling a lot of projects (at the same time) the past month. Goal is 1 per week!

[@michaelclark1214]

The editing and production is off the charts

[@MrSinaPRO]

Hey Ricky, would you consider providing some resources or even better a video about EDR? Maybe in the context of what they do, it's difference vs Antivirus and if they can be seen as a software version of a soc analyst. Many thanks. Love your videos

[@sjporter1254]

Thank you for this video! I used your method to pass 3 SANS certification exams!

[@frankyz]

It's a great video and definitely resonate several points in the video. In my experience, "passing" the GIAC certification doesn't gain the full value of the training (especially we spent $$$ on it). I mean yes in the end we got a nice title and get to show the certification to management. But like you said how much of the content really utilize and put into actual work? In one of the course I took, on my first pass I listen to the training (on-demand). On my 2nd pass I read only the book and that's where I found out the instructor offered many useful experience and example that's not on the book. In my opinion that's where the money is! Those are just as helpful to me in my actual daily job. Also the training come with NetWar that help reinforce what we learned and provide additional practice. Like you said index are super helpful. Not just for looking up the content in case I forget during exam, but the process of building it help me understand and memorize the materials. Good luck on your SANS journey!

[@JAYCIIEE]

For an old dog learning new tricks, I found this video very helpful and have gained more confidence, as I am about to commence my second SANS course (GSLC). Thanks again for the watch, more content like this in future would be greatly appreciated.

[@Cyberspatial]

Thanks for sharing! Will be looking at creative ways to communicate this kind of stuff.

[@szonin1961]

Instead of learning for my course, I found this channel and watched a ton of your videos.

[@eugenefox6836]

Thank you for sharing! Great content 👍

[@nothingiseverperfect]

This was super interesting, thanks dude.

[@lionhardt13]

Good, solid advice, man, especially about "There's only so much your mind can absorb" part. I hold several GIAC certs, you need to let the "other parts" of your brain do some thinking about what you're trying to understand. I love your emphasis on allowing for sleep to help you. It is probably the most important part of the whole process "The process is much more important..." #facts.

[@oldman1111]

Yeah, I learned that the hard way early on. I was a hotshot cyber security analyst that failed a basic cert because I didn't study enough and, more importantly, barely ever got enough sleep. it was a rude awakening as earning that cert was important for my job and a retest was out of pocket. I now take every cert seriously and try to actually absorb knowledge out of the text, video, slides, work experience, etc and pair it with plenty of rest. Another key point this video talks about is physical activity. I have noticed that incorporating physical fitness into my routine is incredibly useful for retaining knowledge. I generally try to at least go on a walk, knock out a few pushups, or mow the lawn (something that gets the blood pumping) after my study sessions. I know a few others who work out in the mornings, but I value my caffeine addiction as a routine too much. Working out before winding down seems to fit best for me.

[@TheAutoexecbat]

Sleep is one of the most important things! I never study the day before, my focus is on relaxation and getting a solid 8.

[@disful]

i think you are a genius, passed w/o book, and score above 90%. Thanks for the channel for building better community.

[@emmanuellatieku2901]

Thank you for this video! You are awesome!!!

[@ChayYP]

I love how well you crafted this video and the underlying message. Thanks so much. ❤ **subscribed**

[@macias914life09]

Wow man ever since I met you, you have grown so much, I miss D.C. but I see you are doing great

[@11yoyomama]

I would love to see a video that goes more into detail on that last topic you mention about creating book outlines.

[@nghibui6162]

Hi Ricky, can you make a video about cloud security? love your content and the quality so far. Please keep it up!

[@QuentinMayo]

Fantastic Video. It reminded me of my prep time for SANS. I usually start really studying 2 weeks out and it is hell. Late nights, indexing cards and pages, etc. All that work and I tend to only barely pass. However, a pass is a pass. I still need to take the 540 cert :/

[@mouhamedlaminediallo5959]

Amazing video! Very helpful and funny!

[@makoakaleo4653]

Great content my man!

[@wyttee]

Welcome back and Congratulations 👏👏👏👏

[@Cyberspatial]

Thank you!

[@AliefHamdani]

Thank you for this video, sir. I think that there are many useful tips here. I, especially, like the way that you read a textbook and use a grey cardboard to make your eyes move to the end of the page. I shall do that soon. Methinks that a cert helps you pass the gatekeepers a little easier. But, in the long run, methinks that an employer would like an employee who can do the job(s) that is required. *Just my humble opinion.

[@bullitt3275]

i’ve never seen anyone in my life who’s shit is more together than this man. bravo you are winning at life

[@Cyberspatial]

Lol, thanks man.

[@larscools]

how did you do the index? is that software? Great channel, I love it!

[@Cyberspatial]

Just a spreadsheet.

[@Ben-vc5do]

Dude this was a great vid

[@PentameronSV]

Which software did you use to create the table at 12:52 and the diagrams at 12:56? (or were the diagrams already included in the SANS books?)

[@CFH298]

I've created a detailed outline of book topics with index and tab headers. I include definitions/notes within my index, too. It's at least 30+ pages for my index, but I rarely have to open my books because I can almost always reference my massive index every time. I am not a big fan of "Keyword, Book/Page Number" indexes. Great video!

[@Cyberspatial]

Thanks for the share! Topic-Notes type indexes I think are definitely superior to just having a keyword and book/page.

[@vacantart]

Can you share how you create this and what it looks like? I love this idea, but having trouble trying to visualize/integrate it into my current methods.

[@master2000b]

This is my first time bumping into your video. Awesome content. My I ask what video application you're using to create your contents?

[@CaptonTypo]

How funny that I found your channel when I did. First, amazing content. Secondly, I too had to cram for my SANS exam. Mine was the SEC510. I wish I had found this sooner, but was still able to implement some of your suggestions. I took my exam yesterday and Passed! I believe this is in part to your suggestions. Thank you sir!

[@Cyberspatial]

Congratulations!

[@esec4091]

Great video. Thank you. Are you using excel for the book topics that you mention towards the end of the video? Also what software are you using for the diagrams? Thanks.

[@Cyberspatial]

Thank you for watching! Numbers in this case. Used to do Excel. Diagrams from online to save time. Keynote or Powerpoint if need custom.

[@PenguinjitsuX]

I'm not even interested in cybersecurity but this was a great video in general about studying!

[@gauravkumar2397]

Hey! I really appreciate you work of helping other to get started in cyber security. i wanted to know how do you keep yourself updated to latest technology,technology that is evolving rapidly? i am quite confused about it. Please make a video on how to adapt with emerging technology covering how to get updated with new technologies that is being discovered.Any website,blog,any physical newspaper,any recommendations!

[@utpmahesh444]

Thanks for the great video, What about the LAB exercises ?

[@Eric7807]

Great Video and thoughts 👍🏻

[@michaelmurphy2112]

This video showed up with great timing. I'm actually taking my GCIH exam next week and my prep process has actually been similar, although stretched out over a few months, not 5 days. I did take the in-person class because, well, I know otherwise I'd put it off until the last minute and Live On-Line I'd probably space out. My practice exam scores were pretty similar, too, although the first exam (failed) I took more to test my index for missing items (more than a few) and test out the CyberLive portion, which really made me nervous. After redoing the labs, digging more into the areas I was weak in and using other resources for more background information, I took the second practice and passed (low 70s). If I remember, maybe there will be an update next week.

[@Cyberspatial]

How did you do?

[@michaelmurphy2112]

@@Cyberspatial Passed (83%). The Cyebrlive questions are no joke.

[@washboardman7435]

7:55, did you just apply defense in depth to avoiding social media? that's pretty good at applying material.

[@fabiant8531]

Thanks Ricky Tan, btw your name reminded me of Rush Hour 2 lmao. Stay grinding 💪🏼

[@datahacker9094]

I remember when when we decided to make RHCA as a thing. We decided it would be efficient and rational. But thinking back on it, I'm starting to wonder if we maybe set the bar a little high.

[@serialblok5068]

I'll be taking Sec511 soon lol. My job did pay for it. But I got to six figures with CompTIA certs PLUS the experience. I am a self-study type as well. Its been a year since I've been in Cybersecurity. Love everything and the education I'm getting along the way.

[@thomas0086]

You climbed to 6 figures in one year ? That’s super dude 🤓 if you did. (You did mention experience though so maybe not entirely 👽)

[@bonddang9550]

Thank you! This apply for a lot of test!

[@Cyberspatial]

Glad it helps!

[@JoolsUK]

SANS certs tend to require prior knowledge and so are not for new cybersecurity professionals. But if you can achieve them early more kudos to you! Love the SANS book workouts going to workout with mine now

[@Cyberspatial]

Indeed a cold start to the SANS course is a huge mental hurdle. Like training to be a doctor without taking chemistry or biology first. Certifications need to not be thought of as a quick fix, all cyber education is a journey of learning, and that journey never stops throughout one's career.

[@BrandenBrick]

This guy just completely flexed in everyone. Studying for 5 days and passing with 97. 😯 Good job though and congrats. I'm not much in the IT field, so take this with a grain of salt, but like Ricky said certs just prove knowledge. I would say it's a good place to start to get some formal training, but it shouldn't stop there. I'm slowing building a home lab (and with this GPU shortage REAL SLOWLY smh) and when/if I make the jump from my job (in construction) to IT, I'll prob go for a cert, while continuing experimenting and just having fun with my home lab. Keep the vids coming Ricky, like I've heard before, "fast growth builds ego, slow consistent growth builds character." Keep up the good work.

[@Cyberspatial]

😅 Meant to be a fun stunt, but yeah can see how it looks like a flex! Thanks for the encouragement, been really focusing on refining the content and workflow first, then ramping up quantity down the road. Your "grain of salt" is spot on. If you can find an integrated graphics mobo should help with the build out.

[@BrandenBrick]

@@Cyberspatial you're welcome! Fair enough, gotta do what you gotta do right? Thanks Ricky! That's true integrated graphics are better than no graphics lol.

[@derrickpham7987]

bro this is gold

[@wbbunga]

I watched this video more then 20 times now just searching for inspiration. I am doing my exam next week and I dont feel prepared at all. Still, I am following those tips and I hope to have success then. God bless you Sir. Regards all the way from Angola.

[@yourubehours]

How did you do!!!

[@jamesthomas4787]

Dude you're a beast !

[@akshathab_]

Can you please explain more about note taking methods which you mentioned to replace the books at the end of the video?

[@Cyberspatial]

Record what you think what will be useful on the exam. They don't substitute book content though!

[@assaf422]

Dude thank you , your motivation me i was giving up 😫

[@kevinalexander4959]

I'm self taught linux/windows system hacker that does reversing and all the fun stuff. Never took this course, dated a girl that made good money with this certification and was dumb as a bag of beans. She said she was advanced and built part of Burp suite. What she meant was she was a little advanced because she learned a little about using Burp. Cyber security guys are a dime a dozen, but a good one is hard to find.

[@danielmorris4765]

A real life training montage,, you go

[@landon7648]

Do you have any videos on making an outline (long or short form video) like at 12:50 ?

[@jessiemanak9767]

Amazing content. Wish I watched this during my undergrad ;p

[@zorororonoa585]

great work man

[@Cyberspatial]

Appreciate it!

[@anon9787]

Thank you so much man

[@Cyberspatial]

Absolutely!

[@auto117666]

I vaguely remember writing a python script to take a scanned PDF file, ocr it, then find unique words or groups of words and then outputting several csv files based on book, topic, alphabetical list of all terms, etc... my results ranged from bad to very bad and I dropped trying to make it better and just studied.

[@Cyberspatial]

I remember the good old days :)

[@stephenlupia3058]

sir please post some video we really love your contents

[@anandmurugana2220]

What note taking app hes using in mac at the end of the video @12:46 ? hes moving tabs. im trying to search it but couldnt find it

[@yousif2]

Good stuff! I love SANS. Struggling with SEC760 now haha

[@Cyberspatial]

That's a tough one, best of luck and don't procrastinate!

[@victormungai]

What masters course are you doing and where(what institution) are you doing it from?

[@vincebastier9815]

Loved the end of the video, can vouch for practice, practice and practice, I've been dealing with CTO's and alikes and I'm always surprised by the gap of knowledge they have when they try to school me on the theory but me ending to prove (and beating) them they're incorrect based on my years of practice, it has to become 2nd nature rather than being paper certified.

[@MrC0MPUT3R]

I'm not a security expert, but I am a software dev. If someone has a specific language cert, that tells me that they knew enough to pass the cert test. It tells me nothing about how they actually program. It's for that exact reason that we do a simple sample coding project as part of the interview process at my company. IMO it's way better than just passing an algorithm test like some companies do, because it shows how you implement real-world, complete solutions. I'm sure there's some kind of equivalent here.

[@iammaxime2622]

.

[@jackpierce9896]

Thx man i just turned 18 and wanna get in to cyber security any advice on what cert to get first. Keep up the great work :)

[@Cyberspatial]

Thank you! Pick a topic you'll spend days and nights practicing as a hobby in a home lab. Then the cert will actually be worth it.

[@clovernotes4473]

I recommend checking out the INE student courses. They are free and will be a good start for someone who doesn't know much about cybersecurity yet. Good luck on your cyber journey!

[@pawbard]

I found the most helpful study tips in Cal Newport’s book on becoming an A grade student.

[@Cyberspatial]

What are his main points?

[@pawbard]

@@Cyberspatial essentially he writes questions and answers for all the course, puts them on flashcards, and iterates through the cards, setting aside the cards he recalls, until he has mastered the entire body of knowledge full. He goes through the successful review only once after creating the flash cards. He’s a machine!

[@cftn8885]

Are you still knocking these out? I’m in a Masters program losing motivation mainly due to cost.

[@Jessica-sm3zr]

97!? You got me lol You were very well prepared to pass.

[@JohnDoe-wi7eb]

I am taking the SEC560 course very soon it is my first cert in IT.

[@curiousGoyangi]

I cramped for my GCIH in 7 days 🤣🤣🤣 and I passed! Just wanna say, indexing is key for passing.

[@MrRudeboy811]

Did you make outlines for the workbooks with the practice exercises as well?

[@Cyberspatial]

Just the topics thought would be important. Workbooks and exercises you should practice since they're rolling out with more hands-on questions on some of the certs.

[@pjmwangi7184]

I am just starting but you inspired me...

[@demonslayer3570]

can you make a similar video on why data science is hard to learn

[@Gupatik]

hey, I just wanna start in cyber security and I'm totally new. So what's the first step to take

[@rawkstar952]

my go-to is to actually solve hands-on challenges and learning things by doing. by this you will be able to retain the information without spending too much memorizing it because memories are more forgettable than experience

[@Cyberspatial]

Yeah that's definitely the case. Some topics like auditing security controls is a bit harder to get hands-on.

[@chaitanya5652]

Great video🙃

[@Cyberspatial]

Thanks 🙂

[@HouseJunk1e]

Thank you :)

[@RiteshSonavane]

Any pdf with password, open it once then "Save As", it won't have a password now for the new file.

[@CFH298]

What software did you use to transcribe the MP3's?

[@kenwu7]

Some of your note taking skills apply to my old prep to cheat philosophy whereas one would make certain notes to be used for cheating but by doing so the info is remembered thus not needing the notes. You are Ricky Tan from rush hour 😄hehehe