How to Pass Security + / United States Air Force

[@HennySeaLove]

Already passed sec+ and I’m enlisting for Air Force. Hearing I won’t have to pass sec+ again and can get out of tech early just made my day!! Can’t wait to start this journey!

[@yingyang7448]

Are there any other certifications that you have gained since joining the Air Force? If not, what are some certifications that you think would be great? 5/23/2024.

[@Area-jr5zm]

Its a hard test, but if you stay consistent and ACTUALLY READ the book bit by bit as soon as they give it to you, you'll be golden. Also what helped me, I probably took like 1500 test questions between written and app practice questions before the class. Oh and memorize all 10 or 11 of the multi part questions at the beginning so you get all those correct.

[@captjoe25]

I did 6 years in the Army Active as a M1a1 Tanker, Got out and join the Air Guard as a 3CO. went to keesler, Got My TS SSBI and TS SCI after waiting for 2 1/2 years. Applied for a job in IT for a Defense Contractor. Been working there since 2005. Wisest move I ever made. Will take the Cybersecurity Analyst Cert in the next few months.

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Sounds great! awesome job with all of that! Hope all is well.

[@captjoe25]

@Sir Lotto, it is a big career field. What do you want to know about? Cybersecurity, Forensics, Tech support. Depends on your knowledge and years of experience. I'm in the high 50s. Not enough here in expensive california.

[@captjoe25]

@Sir Lotto , high 50s. The benefits are ok. Sad thing our company outsource us. I became a contractor. Looking to do a lateral transfer to become an info sec analyst or anything on cybersecurity.

[@captjoe25]

@Sir Lotto , are u going to keeler afb to do your training. Good luck. Don't go there in the summer. Muggy as hell. It's in biloxi, southern tip of Mississippi. Don't go swim in the Gulf of mexico. Lol. You'll find out sooner or later. Was there for 3 months back in 2004. Popeyes chicken is abundant. Eat lots of gumbo and southern food.

[@captjoe25]

@Sir Lotto , if you get your TS. You'll be valuable in the Defense industry once you get out. Esp the TS SCI CLEARANCE. make the most of your career field. AIM High. HOOOOOOOOAH!!!

[@smackabroad123]

I got out of the Marines and I was infantry my whole time in. Now I'm in school for computer networking and watching this video to find out how to pass security+. Point is you never know where the hell you'll end up. Thanks for the resources Jonathan.

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Thank you I appreciate it! Hope all is well good luck on the test.

[@captjoe25]

Semper fidelis, brother. I'm an Army tanker and air force 3co51. Buy dumps from ebay. Get the latest. I believe it's in version 6 now. Went to a week of security plus boot camp. Brutal. By day 2, mind it's already overloaded. Lol. I'm going from desktop support to Cybersecurity

[@smackabroad123]

@@captjoe25 passed the sec+ the week I posted the comment. Been in cyber security since then. If you got your clearance cyber is a growing industry we can all trust for stable jobs.

[@captjoe25]

@@smackabroad123 , good for you. That's my next stop to get out of this god forsaken desktop support. Too many friggin ID10T you had to deal with. I totally lost my respect with my customers. No professional courtesy. Time to up the anten and start using my brains.

[@smackabroad123]

@@captjoe25 its like that everywhere. Just got to accept a job is a job. But once you have that sec+ and some IT experience start looking at cyber jobs within the DOD. Defense contracting is a good gig.

[@YThates]

most informative video I found so far! Thanks John

[@noshei21]

Its been very interesting to follow your journey through basic and tech school. When I joined the AF 9.5 years ago basic was still 6.5 weeks, the same job you have was 3C0X1, and sec+ wasn't a thing. All of those changed while I was still in and we had to get sec+ eventually.

[@Sk8Gnarley]

noshei21 thats awesome thank you for watching! Yeah they said there might be another merger at some point so we'll see how that goes.

[@ervinphillips1959]

Interesting how the Air Force gets you Sec + certified at tech school. In the Army we learn some testable material on Sec +, but we don't get certified at AIT (tech school). They either have you do it on your own or get orders for a class/voucher if you are lucky.

[@johanparada]

thanks man I am training to become a cyber system operations coming from a game designer background. I have started training studying and preparing for my next step in life excited for this change and the opportunities it will bring for my family

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Thats awesome! Good luck!

[@gohan5123]

This is the best how to pass sec+ video, Today i finished the Gibson book, like you said, still feel like i don’t know anything but is in there, i will start watching some mike myers and professor messer videos and take tons of practice test, cant do measure up, it breaks my soul hahaha Im on block 2 so i feel i have enough time to study and pass the test, 2 months away to take the test

[@Sk8Gnarley]

You are way ahead! Good luck!

[@frantzysainvil6508]

I know nothing about anything dealing with IT but it’s something that I truly would like to learn and I want this certification before joining. Does anyone have any advice as to where I should start to learn the basics and get that foundation that’ll help me pass the SEC+ exam

[@MrAehri]

Frantzy Sainvil you should start with the A+ certification, then move to the Network+ cert, and finally the Sec+. The A+ gives you a very well rounded understanding of how computers and IT equipment works. Network plus is like a foundation for graduating into the Sec+. Networking knowledge is really important for the Sec+ if you don’t want to be completely lost. All in all, it should take you about 9 months - 3 months for each exam IF you study and put forth enough effort. I’m talking about 2-3 hours per day 6 days a week.

[@bradderousse3440]

Great videos, man! Due to some health issues and my age I can't enlist in the Air Force any more. I almost made it through BMT about a year ago. While I am finishing an Associates degree in Digital Marketing and have a couple Bachelor degrees with several IT courses I am looking at getting a civilian position in the Air Force. I love watching your videos. You have a lot of great content. Keep it up!

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Thanks man! Sorry that all didn't work out but hey everything happens for a reason! Good luck!

[@jencaldejon]

thank you so much for posting this! I ship out 28 Nov for Cyber Surety; hoping to leave with my Sec + certification, lol.

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Put in that work! Good luck

[@kofibonsu8466]

Did you get it?

[@faye5108]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. So informative. I’m currently studying for Sec+ to join the military. I would love to join the Airforce branch, but the idea that I may not get the career I want is stopping me.

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Yeah I definitely understand that. It's kind of weird to wait for a contract and hope its what you want. Most 3D jobs require sec+ to graduate tech school and they are all IT related if that helps any bit haha. Good luck on the test and your journey!

[@ToonTownFanatics]

I'm thinking about joining the Air Force when I graduate high school and I'm thinking about Cyber System Operations. Thanks for the informative videos!

[@Sk8Gnarley]

JayKayTV no problem! Glad I can help

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Sample Legend you never know its always fluctuates

[@kentonobrein9508]

How did it go?

[@prestoncoffaro5679]

Appreciate the video. I'm in the AF as a reservist in a different job, but my degree is in Cyber. Great videos!

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Thank you!

[@brennawhite8437]

Thank you for posting this. My husband leaves for basic Jan 2 and he will be doing cyber surety. I will definitely be showing him this video cuz I know he's kinda nervous about security +

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Awesome thank you I appreciate that!

[@lando9670]

Passed sec plus last week in tech school, man that was weight off my shoulders, I can move on to my job

[@cbkae8119]

I’m planning on going cyb transport, I hear you need sec plus, how did you study for it and did you have any experience in IT at all going in ? What’s your afsc and was it fairly easy ? If someone failed sec + how many times would they be able to take the exam before moving to their job ?

[@lauryn6690]

Cyber Ops is my AFSC so I love watching your videos!

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Thanks for watching!

[@altkix2635]

Hey sorry I put this job on my request list, do you have to take the cyber test for this job? And if you do, how was the test?

[@cbkae8119]

How was sec + test fairly easy ? And how was tech school ?

[@lauryn6690]

@@cbkae8119 I had no IT experience and still passed. It’s a tougher test now, but as long as you study you’ll be okay. 3 years later and I still have my job lol

[@cbkae8119]

@@lauryn6690 same coming from no IT experience I hope I do well, the test your talking about is sec + right? I’m looking at going for client system or cyber transport would you recommend? Not sure if you’ve bumped into people with those jobs

[@dxlultra1020]

Hmm, long military road ahead to work at the NSA one day as a career

[@Sk8Gnarley]

You can do it!

[@viperecho4980]

thank you so much for this video.

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Thanks for watching!

[@meganstrnad8974]

Would you please be able to give me a list of the websites that you studied from for Sec+? I would love to share them with my son who is currently at Keesler for Cyber systems operations. Thank you. Ps. Your videos have gotten me through the times my son was at BMT and now at tech school. Very informative. Keep them coming.

[@Sk8Gnarley]

The links are in the description! Thanks for watching and good luck to your son!

[@avirussell3499]

To pass these tests --- CBT's all kinds of vendors out there

[@jsuperp1371]

Thanks for the info.

[@nqseeker5448]

November 21st cyber transport systems

[@Sk8Gnarley]

NQ Seeker nice! Have fun before you ship!

[@cbkae8119]

How’s it going ? Do you like your work what do you do on the daily ? I want this afsc wondering if tech school was fairly easy with no background in cyber and how was the sec + exam.. also were you guaranteed this afsc before going to basic ?

[@Yendi233]

Do you know if you still have to go through this if you already have sec+? 7:00 never mind you already answered me 😁👌 thanks man

[@calebr1234]

I’m on my third try. 677-728. I test again tomorrow so we’ll see

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Good luck! Let me know what happens.

[@calebr1234]

Jonathan Sullivan finally passed with a 761. I guess third time is a charm. Time to go to Grand Forks AFB

[@cu806]

What's the passing score?

[@Sk8Gnarley]

750

[@cu806]

Jonathan Sullivan Damn plan to take mine before August ends. Haven't even started studying

[@youngking4575]

Do you make a lot of money in cyber security as a civilian with Air force experience?

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Chandler Lawrence from what I hear and research yes but you also have to put in some work yourself ya know and education helps as well

[@Yamaha519VX]

Depends on what shred of the Cyber Surety world you fall in (COMSEC, EMSEC, IA, etc...). If you join and get one assignment and only do COMSEC then you're very limited in what you can do on the outside because that's all you know. However, you could be put in Information Assurance or Vulnerability Assessment and that could give you a lot of experience on the civilian side depending on what software / hardware and methods you use. If you spend a full 6 year enlistment in the military you're guaranteed to get quite a bit of exposure to become marketable on the outside.

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

Chandler Lawrence fuck yeah. 6 fig

[@cu806]

From what I yearned not with Judy s security + but on the high end near 50k

[@avirussell3499]

Yes, I am a IT manager and my guys start out $25 an hour up

[@elijahmcrae8191]

You probably won't see this but I appreciate your video. I leave Nov 13. I'm doing Cyber Transport Systems. Raymond Isiah mentioned sec + in his video now I'm jus doing a bunch of research before I go

[@Sk8Gnarley]

I see everything! I appreciate you watching! Good luck out there. Sec+ is hard for sure but don't stress about it to much. BMT is its own beast mentally and you will have tons of time to study in tech school if you use your time wisely lol.

[@Radio-sg3dh]

How is it it’s my first job on my list?

[@elijahmcrae8191]

@@Radio-sg3dh I love it. If you're interested in how networks operate and you plan on doing IT when you get out of the Air Force, it's the perfect job to have.

[@Radio-sg3dh]

Elijah McRae sounds good any idea on how it is outside of the military such as pay?

[@elijahmcrae8191]

@@Radio-sg3dh I can't give you a good range. But, I have worked with people who got out and their making 80k a year

[@AnonyMoose.]

Are you allowed to have notes for the test? Or do you just cram what you’ve learned right before and then go lol.

[@sethlikespeed2013]

Been watching your videos and i have one question did you get your secuirty+ certificate while in dep or before you enlisted or even took the ASVAB?

[@Sk8Gnarley]

I got it while I was at tech school, just the standard pipeline route, its part of graduating. Also everybody takes the asvab to move along the process, thanks for watching!

[@travisbusgith1821]

What about going in with a security+ already would you just bypass this step I’m transferring from army

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Yeah you just go through the other 6 job related classes and when you pass those you get out of there. Way more fun when you are a prior and have the freedom to leave too I hear.

[@mistersadaimusic]

Here's a question. I'm in college right now and my degree is focused around IT and I believe I'll have Sec+, A+, MS, and some other certifications upon graduation. I was wondering in your opinion if it would be more beneficial to join as an officer or enlisted?

[@Sk8Gnarley]

CallMeCraig I dont know to much about the officer side of things I would talk to a recruiter about that, but the basics would be if it suits you and its what you want to do thats all you. Its all based on the air forces needs as well

[@Yamaha519VX]

Coming in as a 17D officer would get you paid extremely well, a lot would be expected and you would be thrown straight into management. However, if you want to be hands on and get technical with the equipment I would find the 3D enlisted job that suits you best. There's always options to submit for officer packages later on in an enlisted career.

[@mistersadaimusic]

yamaha519vx I'm following your advice. I only have to lose 15 more pounds, then I'll be ready to go. Still working on getting my running times down though.

[@Imlejj]

was the tech school for this job hard ? And if you’re at your first duty station yet, do you enjoy your job so far ?

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Tech school is easy if you put the time in to effectively study. Passing Sec+ was the hardest part but it can be done if you study enough! I have a few videos about my job check them out.

[@aidantracy2434]

What is the pay like for BMT/ tech school? Are there normally signing bonuses for these jobs?

[@mgoblue25jac]

I have Security+. But its good for life. would I still need to take it again?

[@jonanddy]

No, from what I read it’s a certificate recognized by the US government, so if you get it once (anywhere) then you’re good.

[@mendezedd]

Hey Thanks for the great videos man!, I will be taking the Security + test the 20th of July, 2018 after completing the Cyber Systems Ops School (3D0X2) at Keesler, AFB. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if by that date the will be giving the SY0-401 or the SY0-501 Test or If I would be able to choose. I was looking forward to buy the book in the next couple of days. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[@Sk8Gnarley]

I asked an Airman who left tech school 3 months ago and he said they were still testing 401. Any information you get could change by the time you graduate and make it to tech school let alone going through about 3.5 months of block testing because the sec+ class is only 2 weeks long. You will have a pretty long time to study even if you dont start now. Also at tech school there are tons of Airman leaving and coming all the time so books usually get traded around a lot so there is a good chance you will have study material when you get there if you look hard enough. If I was you with this uncertainty I would look at the CompTia site and find test objectives for 401 and 501 and study the things that overlap between tests like basic cyber security etc. The tests are literally based on those objectives so whatever you cant study now you can master later. Thanks for the comment.

[@mendezedd]

Thanks a lot for your advise!

[@UlyssesPrime]

E. Méndez you'll most likely be 501. Regardless, some or the questions they use on 401 now are drifting into 501 territory

[@mendezedd]

UlyssesPrime thanks for your reply!

[@BogusJesus]

SY0-401 expires July 31, 2018. Make sure you study for the right exam and take the right exam.

[@Manu-gq5ke]

So if I want to become air traffic controller do I have to do this test or is this for only cyber jobs? If not what’s the process for being air traffic controller in Air Force?

[@Sk8Gnarley]

PogoLeader ATC does not take this test only cyber. ATC is at a different squadron at Keesler and im not sure what the process is for that because I’ve never done that job. Thanks for the comment!

[@Manu-gq5ke]

Sk8Gnarley thank you for replying and I will do more research becoming atc in Air Force because that’s the only thing I want to do or anything that is aviation related 👍.

[@benwander6257]

I don't know why I'm watching this. I already have Sec+.

[@k.o6715]

What is the service period?

[@joemilner206]

For "top security clearance required" jobs do they check your mental history background?

[@noshei21]

They check Everything. I got calls or messages from people that I didn't put down on the paperwork and no one one I put down mentioned. Its a little scary how detailed they go. As far as mental health history, they aren't going to worry about stuff from childhood (like under 10), but I wouldn't recommend trying to hide anything.

[@cristinan8648]

Do you have to pass a test at meps to get a cyber job?

[@Sk8Gnarley]

for cyber ops I didnt have to take a test at meps for cyber, some you do though. I think its for the programmers if I remember right

[@themustardseed6920]

what can you tell me about duel citizenship

[@Sk8Gnarley]

TheMustardSeed I don't know anything about duel citizenship lol

[@omardiaz2151]

I got cyber system operations and I had to renounce my if I wanted any top clearance jobs. Hope this helps

[@nigel2373]

I had a buddy who passed his a+. n+, and s+ in afgan.. they all cheated hahaha trying to join the usaf but ive already got my CCENT... im wondering if I should enlist, or just stick it out in the civilian world.

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Its all based on what you want to do with your life! Good luck!

[@Luis-lt2gl]

Do you know if Security + is still the requirement for tech school? Or has it changed? Thanks in advance!

[@smgalien4178]

Yes

[@Adventure_Food_Fun_US]

Do you know if I need to take the Sec+ of I already have a CySA+ ?

[@Sk8Gnarley]

I think you'll still probably need to take it, it also wouldn't hurt. You might be able to get a waiver, probably a question for when you're at tech school though, your recruiter not gonna know what any of that shit is most likely haha. Could be worth asking though. (assuming you're still in the beginning phases)

[@Adventure_Food_Fun_US]

@@Sk8Gnarley thank you so much for replying. Then I might go ahead and take the test before I ship out. I’m still dealing with a few wavers but have done the MEPS and have taken the ASVAB. Hopefully soon my wavers will be approved and I’ll get to start the process. By the way, I’m enlisting in the Space force but I’m sure it’ll be similar to the Air Force.

[@Sk8Gnarley]

@@Adventure_Food_Fun_US yeah SF is just the AF from what I know haha, testing early for sec+ really just lets you go home about 2 weeks early, it might be worth it to do it before you go, but might not then they'll pay for it. Good luck!

[@Adventure_Food_Fun_US]

@@Sk8Gnarley thank you so much! I couldn’t be more excited!! My recruiter probably hates me for calling her everyday. Good luck to you as well.

[@gijoe5508]

I have someone who denies me on forum from army. Seriously, I don’t insult but I started programming at 8 years old. I am patient. However, he can call police but if I want to search something in a network, he can ‘t do nothing. I wonder if army has a minimum respect for computer science experts. They only think about manager with mba. Army rank is not matter. You are officers or soldiers because you study and make some effort. If you want power, this is not a machine. Knowledge is power.

[@Yendi233]

I tried figuring out what the cyberspace operations officer job entails exactly, but it’s not very clear. I’m not sure if you need sec+ for that either 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@elizabethfernandez9143]

I recently enlisted in the Air Force and I ship for BMT in September. Unfortunately they didn't have cyber security jobs available for me so I ended up with something else. My question is, if I get a Security+ certification on my own time, and it comes time for me to cross train, can I just move right into cyber operations? Or do I need to go through the tech school again? How does that work? Thank you!

[@Sk8Gnarley]

No matter what you cross train for you are gonna have to go to tech school for it because thats how you get your occupational level started for that career field. If you have Security+ tech school will be a hell of a lot easier because that is literally the number one stress. The other 6 class related tests you have to take are a cake walk. That is assuming you are talking about my career field which is 3d0x2. Other jobs have different classes but all cyber requires Sec+ like you know. Good luck and have fun!

[@elizabethfernandez9143]

Sk8Gnarley Thank you so much! :)

[@youngking4575]

Does the air force pay for all the education leading up to a PhD?

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Chandler Lawrence I'm not sure about that, I know little about that stuff to be honest Im not the best source for that.

[@Psycoholic2008]

The "Military" offers roughly $88,000 USD for your education. If you get a PHD with that much money congrats, if you waste it all without even getting an Associate, that is on you my friend. I will say I got my Associate before the military with roughly 15k. So I would say with 88k you should be able to get a Master's if you take it seriously.

[@JAE77518]

How long is tech school?

[@Sk8Gnarley]

For 3d0x2 its about 4 months, all the tech school lengths are on the air force website as well

[@JAE77518]

Jonathan Sullivan thanks! Just looked it up and it said 56 days. That’s not bad I was thinking of going that route with the Gaurd to help boost me in the civilian sector. What are your thought?

[@Sk8Gnarley]

Yeah the guard is awesome! You will probably get a lot more work experience the active route! just for the record, however sometimes I wish I would have went guard haha

[@MeltingpotofGhost]

I know this is an old comment, but 52 academic days is correct. Another thing, your courses will be self-paced as well, so you can done much sooner if you're comfortable with the material.

[@jeffreypaula2739]

Study on my dime instead of the Air Force's dime? No thanks. Rather get Certified for free.

[@juliankenzo]

Right now, you can get a $15,000 bonus if you sign up for 6 years and have Security+

[@jeffreypaula2739]

@@juliankenzo thanks for the inside scoop. Okay I'll pay the 300 fee

[@juliankenzo]

@@jeffreypaula2739 Just double check with your recruiter if it applies to you because I was informed by my recruiter about it.