Let me be honest with you—prepping for the CompTIA CySA+ exam was one of the most humbling experiences of my cybersecurity journey. I had already knocked out Security+, felt pretty confident in my abilities, and thought CySA+ would be a natural next step. Turns out, confidence without the right strategy is a recipe for stress.
If you’re eyeing this mid-level comptia cybersecurity credential, you’re probably already in the trenches of SOC work, vulnerability management, or threat analysis. You know the basics—but the CySA+ digs deeper. And to pass the exam (and not waste months of your life), you need to prep smart.
Here are the top 6 mistakes I (and many others) made during CySA+ exam prep—and how you can avoid them like a pro.
1. Underestimating the Exam’s Depth
Let’s clear this up: the CySA+ certification is not just a “Security+ v2.” It expects you to understand real-world application—not just definitions.
Many people think because they’ve passed Security+ or work in IT, they can just skim through the material and wing it. I made that mistake and bombed my first practice test.
Fix it:
Treat the CySA+ course like a true upskill opportunity. Focus on SIEM, log analysis, threat detection, and incident response workflows. This isn’t about memorizing acronyms—it’s about understanding how systems behave during real incidents.
2. Relying on One Resource
Some learners think watching a few YouTube videos or reading one book is enough. But here’s the problem: CompTIA CySA+ covers a broad range of topics. No single resource covers it all in the depth you’ll need.
Fix it:
Use a blend of materials:
- A structured https://sprintzeal.com/course/comptia-cysa-certification-training program for accountability
- Practice tests for knowledge checks
- Flashcards or apps for on-the-go review
- Online communities for real-time support
Mixing formats helps reinforce your understanding from different angles—and keeps things from getting boring.
3. Skipping Hands-On Practice
Reading about malware behavior is not the same as seeing it in a log file. I learned this the hard way when the exam threw scenarios at me that required actual analytical thinking, not textbook answers.
Fix it:
Find a lab platform or build your own using free tools. Try:
- Analyzing logs in Wireshark
- Playing in a free SIEM sandbox like Splunk or Elastic
- Exploring open-source tools used in real-world cybersecurity environments
Hands-on skills aren’t just helpful for passing the exam—they’re vital in the job.
4. Neglecting the Exam Objectives
I remember breezing past the official exam objectives the first time I downloaded them—big mistake. Later, I realized that some of the trickiest questions came straight from sections I didn’t even study because I wasn’t tracking the blueprint.
Fix it:
Print the official CompTIA CySA+ exam objectives and use them as a checklist. Track your confidence level for each domain and subdomain. This keeps your study sessions focused and ensures you don’t miss hidden landmines.
If you’re enrolled in a comprehensive cysa+ course, check how well it maps to the objectives—you want training that aligns tightly with the exam.
5. Cramming Right Before the Exam
Cramming is like trying to install a firewall after the breach. You might feel productive, but you’re probably not absorbing much. I crammed for 8 hours straight before my first CySA+ attempt, and let’s just say my brain was mush by the time the exam started.
Fix it:
Start early, break the content into weekly goals, and leave the last 5–7 days for review only. Use spaced repetition techniques and take short quizzes regularly to reinforce what you’ve already studied.
A well-paced comptia cysa+ training program—especially from providers like Sprintzeal—can help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
6. Not Simulating the Real Exam Environment
Here’s the deal: the real cysa+ exam includes performance-based questions (PBQs). These aren’t your typical multiple-choice questions—they test how well you can apply knowledge in practical situations.
I skipped doing PBQ simulations during my prep and froze when I saw one in the actual test.
Fix it:
Include PBQ-style practice in your prep. Some quality training programs and premium test banks offer this. Try to:
- Simulate exam conditions (timed, distraction-free)
- Practice navigating scenarios quickly and logically
- Focus on understanding why the correct answer is right—not just memorizing it
The more you simulate exam pressure, the more confident you’ll be on test day.
Final Thoughts: Smarter Prep = Higher Pass Rates
If you’re aiming for the CySA+ certification, your biggest challenge isn’t learning new concepts—it’s avoiding the traps that waste your time and energy. Learn from the mistakes of others (myself included), and you’ll save yourself from frustration—and potentially from a failed attempt.
Whether you’re already working in a SOC or trying to break into threat analysis, the CompTIA CySA+ is a powerful credential. And with structured , solid study habits, and smart planning, you can absolutely pass it with confidence.
Your future in comptia cybersecurity awaits—just don’t trip on the small stuff along the way.