Two Things I Did to Prepare for My Security+ Exam and Pass It—Even with Limited Time

My Security+ certification was up for renewal recently, and as I prepared for it, I found myself reflecting on the circumstances under which I first took the exam—and what I did to pass.

At the time, I was on maternity leave with my first baby, preparing to return to work while figuring out what the next steps in my career should look like. It was a challenging period—caring for a newborn while trying to upskill is no joke! I barely had time to get through a full night’s sleep, let alone study for a certification exam.

But I knew one thing for sure: I wanted to grow in my career. Security isn’t just an IT problem—it’s a critical factor in building great products. As a Product Manager, I wanted to better understand security fundamentals to make smarter product decisions, collaborate effectively with engineers, and ensure that security was built into the products I worked on.

If You’ve Been Putting Off That Certification…

I get it. Life gets busy. Whether it’s work, family, or just feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day, it’s easy to push things like certifications aside. But I also know this: there will never be a perfect time.

What worked for me was making the most of the little time I had—and finding the right resources that made studying efficient and effective.

How I Prepared and Passed Security+ With Limited Time

I focused on two key resources that made all the difference:

Professor Messer’s Free Security+ Playlist on YouTube

• If you’re on a budget or just need clear, structured lessons, Professor Messer is a lifesaver. His free YouTube playlist covers all the Security+ topics in a simple, engaging way.
• The best part? I could listen while doing baby-related chores—feeding, rocking to sleep, or even during those rare quiet moments.
• Here’s the playlist: Professor Messer’s Security+ Playlist

Jason Dion’s Security+ Course on Udemy

• To reinforce my learning, I invested in Jason Dion’s Security+ course on Udemy, which came with practice exams.
• Taking mock exams was a game-changer. It helped me identify weak areas and get comfortable with the exam format.
• Here’s the course link: Jason Dion’s Security+ Course

• By combining structured video learning with hands-on practice, I felt confident walking into the exam—and I passed!

You Can Do This Too!

If you’ve been wanting to take Security+ (or any certification) but feel constrained by time, here’s what I want you to know:

?? You don’t need endless hours—just a strategy. Even if you have only 30 minutes a day, you can make progress.

?? Find the right study tools. Not all resources work for everyone. The key is to find ones that fit your learning style and schedule.

?? Small steps add up. Even on the hardest days, one video, one practice question, or one page of notes gets you closer to your goal.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a Product Manager, Engineer, or Tech Professional, understanding security sets you apart. Certifications like Security+ can open doors to new roles, career growth, and deeper expertise in your field.

If you’ve been thinking about it—take the first step today. You won’t regret it.

Have you taken Security+ or another certification? What challenges have you faced?

Keep pushing forward, I'm rooting for you!

Hi ?? my name is Stephanie and I guide people through the complexities of building a fulfilling career and coaching business! book a 1:1 call with me