How I'm Studying for the CompTIA Network+ Exam: My Step-by-Step Approach

 Right now, I'm deep into preparing for the CompTIA Network+ exam, and while I haven’t passed yet, I’ve found a study routine that works for me, and I’m feeling more confident each day. There’s a lot of material to cover, but breaking it down into manageable steps has made the process feel much more doable. If you're gearing up for this certification as well, here’s the approach I’m taking—step-by-step—to help me stay organized and focused.

1. Start with Udemy Videos

To begin, I rely on Udemy courses for my initial understanding of the topics. These videos break down all the key concepts in a way that’s easy to follow. I like the structure of video lectures because they give me a visual and auditory learning experience, which really helps me absorb the information. I’ve chosen a highly-rated Network+ course, and it covers everything from network types to troubleshooting techniques.

Why I do this:
I find that watching a video first gives me a broad overview of the material without getting bogged down by details. It’s a great way to familiarize myself with new topics and get a sense of how everything fits together.

2. Watch Again While Taking Notes

After watching each video, I immediately go back and rewatch it while taking detailed notes. This is where I really start to internalize the material. Writing things down helps me focus and makes the concepts stick in my mind more effectively than just passively watching. Plus, it allows me to create a personalized study resource that I can refer back to as I continue preparing.

Why I do this:
This step is crucial because it forces me to engage with the material actively. It also lets me identify key points that I might have missed during the first pass.

3. Highlight Key Concepts in My Notes

Once I’ve completed my notes, I go through them again with a highlighter. I mark the most important concepts, definitions, and steps. This is my way of visually organizing the information, making it easier to review later on.

Why I do this:
The act of highlighting helps reinforce important details and makes it quicker to find key points when I need to review. When it’s time for a final review, I can focus on the highlighted sections and brush up on areas that need extra attention.

4. Review the Notes Regularly

The next step is reviewing my notes on a consistent basis. I’ll revisit them each day, focusing on the highlighted portions, until I feel confident in my understanding. This helps me avoid forgetting what I’ve learned and ensures that the material stays fresh in my mind.

Why I do this:
Regular review is essential for long-term retention. By going over my notes multiple times, I’m reinforcing the material and improving my ability to recall information during the exam.

5. Do Practice Tests to Assess My Progress

Once I feel comfortable with the material, I start doing practice tests. I’ve been using various sources, including practice exams provided by Udemy, as well as other sites like ExamCompass and MeasureUp. The practice tests simulate the real exam experience and help me gauge how much I’ve retained.

Why I do this:
I want to get used to the format of the test and identify areas where I still need improvement. Practice exams are also a great way to reinforce what I’ve learned and to familiarize myself with the timing constraints of the actual exam.

6. Refine My Knowledge Based on Practice Test Results

After each practice test, I review my incorrect answers and dig deeper into those topics. I’ll go back to my notes or watch specific video lessons to make sure I fully understand the concepts that I struggled with. This helps me focus my studies on weak areas and ensures I’m constantly improving.

Why I do this:
Focusing on the areas I’m weakest in helps me prioritize my study time. It’s tempting to focus on what I already know, but pinpointing gaps in my knowledge is a more effective way to boost my chances of passing the exam.

7. Repeat Until the Exam Day

As the exam date approaches, I’ll continue going through this cycle of practice tests, reviews, and video lessons. By this point, I should feel more confident with the material, and the repetition will ensure that I’m prepared for anything that comes up on exam day.

Why I do this:
Repetition is key to reinforcing everything I’ve learned. I want to walk into the exam feeling confident and well-prepared, so I’ll continue practicing until I can consistently score well on the practice tests.

Final Thoughts: Trusting the Process

I’m not there yet, but by sticking to this approach—watching videos, taking notes, highlighting, reviewing, and doing practice exams—I’m setting myself up for success. It’s a methodical process, and while it takes time, I’m already seeing improvement in my knowledge and understanding of networking concepts.

If you’re studying for the CompTIA Network+ exam, I highly recommend giving this method a try. It’s working for me so far, and I’m confident that it will continue to help me as I prepare for the test. Stay consistent, keep reviewing, and don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy as you go. With enough dedication and focus, I’m sure we’ll all be ready to pass the exam when the time comes!