Getting certified is a great feeling, especially when you’ve dedicated weeks or even months of study to mastering the material. Many IT professionals proudly share their success stories, and certifications are a badge of honor for good reason. They reflect commitment, understanding, and technical ability.
However, what’s often missing from the conversation are the stories of those who didn’t pass on their first try. Failing an exam isn’t something many are eager to talk about, yet it’s through failure that some of the most valuable lessons are learned. There’s immense benefit in understanding why you didn’t succeed the first time — whether it’s your approach, study habits, mindset, or simply timing. In this section, we’ll dive into what it means to fail an exam like CompTIA Security+, and why that failure can be a stepping stone to greater success.
The Decision to Pursue Security+
When I first decided to pursue CompTIA Security+, it wasn’t a random choice. I already had a CompTIA Network+ certification under my belt, which provided a solid foundation in networking concepts. I also had more than fifteen years of hands-on experience troubleshooting and repairing computers. With this background, pursuing CompTIA A+ didn’t seem necessary.
What piqued my interest was cybersecurity. Security+ is widely recognized as an entry-level certification that introduces foundational security concepts. More than that, it is a Department of Defense (DoD) approved certification, meaning that holding it could open the door to career opportunities in federal contracting or government IT roles.
But there was another reason I chose Security+: I needed a way to ease myself back into studying for certification exams. It had been years — since 2007, in fact — since I last sat for a formal test. Back then, I had passed Network+, but more than a decade later, my test-taking skills were rusty, and my study strategies were outdated. I knew this would be a challenge.
Setting Up My Study Plan
I approached my Security+ preparation with genuine enthusiasm. I committed myself to studying and made sure to stay organized. I printed out the official CompTIA Security+ exam objectives and used them as a checklist. Every time I watched a video, read a section, or practiced a topic, I would mark off the related objective. My goal was to leave no stone unturned.
To retain what I learned, I took meticulous notes — pages and pages of them. I filled entire notebooks with shorthand summaries, diagrams, definitions, and reminders. This wasn’t just a casual effort. I was all-in. I even revisited topics like IPv4 subnetting and binary-to-decimal conversions, which I hadn’t touched in years. Rewatching tutorials and working through problems brought back memories and helped solidify the concepts.
When I was about halfway through the material, I began taking online practice exams. I didn’t expect to pass these right away. I wanted to fail a few of them. My reasoning was simple: failing early practice exams would show me what I didn’t know and motivate me to work harder. My first score? A disappointing 58%. But I wasn’t discouraged — I analyzed my mistakes and went back to my notes.
As I progressed, my scores gradually improved. I began scoring in the 90s on practice exams. That boost in confidence was the final push I needed. I scheduled my Security+ exam, believing that I was ready.
The First Attempt — What Went Wrong
Test day arrived, and I was as prepared as I thought I could be. But it quickly became apparent that this was a different kind of test. The performance-based questions at the beginning threw me off. They were not necessarily difficult, but they were time-consuming. Instead of pacing myself, I got caught up trying to perfect each answer.
That early stumble disrupted my focus. I started to feel flustered and rushed. I committed the classic mistake of not reading the questions thoroughly. I knew this was dangerous. IT certification exams, especially Security+, are notorious for their subtle wording. A question might have two seemingly correct answers, but only one is truly aligned with what the question is asking.
This is where I slipped. I overlooked keywords. I assumed too much. And I moved too quickly. Those little mistakes added up.
Analyzing the Aftermath
When the exam ended and I received my score — 715 out of the 750 needed to pass — it felt like a punch to the gut. I was close. Just a few more correct answers would have gotten me through. I immediately called my boss to let him know. To his credit, he was supportive, but I couldn’t help feeling like I had let myself down.
CompTIA provides a score breakdown at the end of the exam, and mine confirmed what I had suspected. I had weak areas in cryptography and basic command-line troubleshooting. These were both topics I thought I understood, but not well enough.
Despite the frustration, this breakdown was invaluable. It gave me a precise map of what I needed to improve. And I didn’t wait. I scheduled my second attempt for the very next day. I knew the material was fresh in my mind, and I didn’t want to lose that momentum.
Failure
Failure, especially when it’s so close to success, is incredibly frustrating. But it’s also a powerful motivator. It’s humbling. It forces you to look inward, to acknowledge your weaknesses, and to rise above them. I learned that passing isn’t just about how much you study — it’s about how you study. It’s about mindset, pacing, and exam strategy.
Too often, people focus only on the result. But the journey matters just as much. Failing Security+ on the first attempt taught me lessons that a pass never could have. And those lessons didn’t just help me pass on the second try — they made me a better learner, a better test taker, and ultimately, a better professional.
Overcoming Setbacks: How I Failed and Redeemed Myself
The Journey of Learning and Failing
Getting certified in any field is no easy feat. It’s not just about passing an exam; it’s a rigorous process of absorbing vast amounts of information, understanding new concepts, and applying them practically. As much as the achievement of earning a certification can be fulfilling, the process of working toward it can sometimes be riddled with challenges, mistakes, and, at times, failure.
I realized the hard way that failure is not only a part of the journey, but it can also be one of the most profound learning experiences. It’s all too easy to hear success stories, but failure teaches you things success cannot. In the case of the CompTIA Security+ exam, my failure became the catalyst for much deeper insights into my approach to studying and test-taking.
When I failed the exam, I initially felt crushed. It was a humbling moment because I had invested weeks into study, following a well-structured plan, and yet it wasn’t enough. But, the reality of failure made me reflect on my preparation, my mindset, and my approach to learning. It pushed me to dig deeper and reevaluate my strategy. There were critical lessons in that failure that helped me reframe my journey and ultimately succeed on my second attempt.
The First Attempt: My Approach and Mistakes
In preparation for the Security+ exam, I followed a fairly traditional study plan that combined watching instructional videos, reading, and taking practice exams. The tools I used were useful, but they weren’t enough to ensure that I had fully grasped every concept required for success. One of the biggest mistakes I made was underestimating the complexity of some of the topics, especially when it came to security protocols and encryption mechanisms.
Despite being fairly confident in my preparation, the exam didn’t go as planned. I encountered a few unexpected hurdles during the test, the most notable of which were the performance-based questions. These questions, which require applying knowledge in a real-world context, were the ones I struggled with the most. Although I had studied the theoretical aspects, applying that knowledge in a simulated environment felt much more difficult.
But there was a specific moment during the exam when things went from bad to worse. It was when I failed to properly read and understand the wording of the questions. As simple as it sounds, this was the key mistake I made. Many of the questions were nuanced, and while I thought I had understood the underlying concept, the phrasing of the question often made the answer seem ambiguous. I rushed through the questions, thinking that I could always go back later. But time became my enemy, and I missed important clues within the questions that could have led me to the correct answers.
My failure wasn’t the result of a lack of knowledge, but of poor exam strategy. The truth is, I had prepared myself well, but I was not prepared for how critical it would be to fully understand the language of the exam itself.
The Immediate Aftermath: A Call to Action
After receiving the results, I felt the sting of disappointment. Scoring a 715, just short of the passing mark of 750, was frustrating because I knew I had been so close. But rather than dwelling on the negative, I chose to view this setback as a stepping stone. I decided to call my manager immediately and let them know I had failed. While he was understanding, it was clear that I needed to go back and address the gaps in my knowledge.
It was in the aftermath of this first attempt that I decided to take a more structured and reflective approach to my preparation. The exam results provided a detailed breakdown of the areas I had struggled with, and I could see exactly where my knowledge was lacking. One of the key areas that stood out was my lack of understanding of cryptography, specifically public-private key exchanges. This was an area that I thought I had grasped but had not mastered.
Additionally, I had overlooked some of the basic troubleshooting commands that were covered in the Security+ exam objectives. This realization was a key turning point. It wasn’t just about learning; it was about ensuring I understood the practical application of the material, which would help me solve real-world problems.
Rebuilding the Foundation: The Strategy for Redemption
The decision to retake the exam was made almost immediately. I knew that I couldn’t let failure define me. The first step in my redemption was going back to basics. I spent the next few days thoroughly reviewing my notes and the exam objectives. This time, I focused on the areas I had glossed over, especially cryptography and security protocols.
I also rewatched the videos that I had initially skipped or rushed through. Repetition is key in retaining knowledge, so I found myself absorbing the material better the second time around. But the most significant change was my mindset. I understood that passing the exam wasn’t just about memorizing facts or solving problems; it was about building the skills to apply that knowledge under pressure. I needed to embrace the challenge of the exam as a whole rather than just focusing on individual topics.
At this point, I also revisited my study tools. While they had helped me prepare, I realized that I needed more real-world practice. I began focusing on taking more practice exams and ensuring I was familiar with every type of question, especially the performance-based ones. I practiced setting up environments and troubleshooting scenarios, which made me feel more comfortable with the format and the content.
I also implemented a better study schedule that allowed for more focused and structured review sessions. This approach helped me cover all the areas that I had missed before and reinforced what I already knew.
Taking the Exam Again: Applying Lessons Learned
On the day of the second attempt, I was much more prepared both mentally and technically. This time, I approached the exam with a calm demeanor, knowing that I had prepared more thoroughly and that I understood the exam’s structure better. I knew where I had gone wrong last time, and I was determined to avoid making the same mistakes.
One of the first things I did differently was to flag the performance-based questions and come back to them at the end of the exam. In my previous attempt, I had spent too much time on these questions, which had left me rushed toward the end of the exam. By tackling these questions last, I was able to approach them with a clear mind and take the time to think through each one carefully.
Reading Each Question
I also made sure to take my time reading each question thoroughly. Last time, I had rushed through questions, assuming that I understood them without properly analyzing the phrasing. This time, I was much more methodical. I read each question at least twice and carefully considered all possible answers before making a decision.
As the exam progressed, I felt more confident with each section. The cryptography questions, which had caused me the most anxiety before, now seemed clear. I knew the public-private key exchange mechanisms inside and out, and I was able to apply that knowledge effectively.
When I clicked “Submit” at the end of the exam, I felt a sense of calm rather than anxiety. I knew that I had done everything I could to prepare, and I had applied the lessons learned from my failure. A few moments later, the screen displayed my score: 782. I had passed.
Failure Is Not the End
The second attempt was not just a success in passing the exam but also a personal victory. It was a reminder that failure is not an endpoint but a process of learning and growth. The lessons I learned from my failure shaped my approach to studying and my attitude toward challenges. I realized that in the world of IT certifications, persistence is key. One failure does not define you; what matters is how you respond to it.
In the end, earning the CompTIA Security+ certification was a great achievement, but the journey there taught me far more than just the content covered in the exam. It taught me the value of resilience, careful preparation, and maintaining a growth mindset. These are the qualities that will carry me forward as I continue to pursue more certifications and deeper expertise in cybersecurity.
For anyone who is struggling with failure or feeling disheartened after a setback, I offer this advice: use the experience as fuel for growth. Understand that setbacks are a part of the learning process. Every failure is an opportunity to become better and stronger. With the right mindset and persistence, success is not just a possibility — it’s inevitable.
Building Confidence and Preparing for Success
The Power of Positive Mindset: Overcoming Self-Doubt
One of the most significant challenges I faced in the wake of failing the Security+ exam was managing the emotional and psychological toll it took on my confidence. It’s easy to be your worst critic, and after receiving the results, I began to question my abilities. However, I realized that self-doubt was the biggest barrier to my success. To overcome this, I needed to shift my mindset.
I came to understand that failure isn’t a reflection of my capabilities, but rather a natural part of the learning process. Everyone faces challenges, and what truly matters is how you respond to them. I had to remind myself that I was not defined by this one setback. This experience was a valuable opportunity to grow and improve.
I began actively working on my mental approach. This included practicing self-compassion and allowing myself the grace to make mistakes. When I looked back on my study materials, I saw that I had already gained a solid foundation in many areas. Rather than focusing on my shortcomings, I started celebrating the progress I had made.
By reframing my failure as a stepping stone rather than an obstacle, I regained the confidence to move forward. Positive affirmations became part of my routine. Whenever I doubted myself, I reminded myself of how much I had learned and how much further I had come since starting my journey.
Leveraging a Support System
Another crucial part of my recovery process involved reaching out for support. The decision to fail is often personal and isolating, but I quickly realized that the best way to overcome failure was to lean on others. I started discussing my setbacks with my peers, mentors, and even fellow exam takers.
Talking with others who had already taken the exam or those who were in similar positions gave me a sense of camaraderie. It was encouraging to hear how others had also faced difficulties, but had overcome them through persistence and better strategies. I received useful tips and advice, such as time management techniques for the exam, strategies for approaching multiple-choice questions, and how to better grasp complex topics like encryption and risk management.
Additionally, I sought mentorship from someone who had already passed the exam. Having a mentor provided me with direction and accountability. They were able to give me a fresh perspective on my approach and offer targeted advice that addressed the gaps in my preparation.
Creating a support network not only helped me academically but also emotionally. The journey toward certification can be draining, and knowing that others believed in my ability to succeed made all the difference. Their encouragement gave me the motivation to keep pushing forward.
Developing a More Effective Study Plan
Reflecting on my original study plan, I identified several areas that needed significant improvement. Initially, I was diligent about reading the textbook and watching instructional videos. However, I soon realized that my methods lacked variety and active engagement. I had not fully implemented diverse study techniques that could have elevated my understanding and retention of the material.
After facing failure in my first attempt, I came to understand a critical truth: mastering the content is only half the battle. The other half lies in developing effective study habits and strategies. This realization prompted a complete overhaul of my study approach. I shifted from passive learning to a more active, structured, and intentional method that incorporated proven learning techniques.
Transitioning to Active Learning Strategies
One of the most important changes I made was the transition from passive to active learning. Instead of merely reading and watching, I began engaging with the content in a way that required me to think, recall, and apply what I was learning. This change was instrumental in helping me retain information more effectively and build confidence in applying it during assessments.
Practice Tests and Simulated Exams
A cornerstone of my new approach was integrating practice tests into my regular study schedule. These exams played a crucial role in helping me understand the format and structure of the actual test. They gave me insight into the types of questions that might appear, particularly performance-based questions, which I had previously struggled with.
I also made it a point to simulate exam conditions by timing myself during these practice tests. This was incredibly helpful in building my test-taking stamina and improving my time management. Practicing under realistic conditions helped reduce anxiety and improved my ability to think clearly under pressure. Over time, I saw measurable improvements in both my accuracy and speed.
Implementing Active Recall and Spaced Repetition
To further reinforce learning, I adopted two highly effective techniques: active recall and spaced repetition. Rather than re-reading my notes or watching videos repeatedly, I tested myself regularly on key concepts. Flashcards, self-made quizzes, and even mental recall exercises became part of my daily routine.
Spaced repetition, in particular, was transformative. By reviewing material at increasing intervals, I was able to retain information for longer periods. This technique also allowed me to identify and focus more on the topics I found difficult, without wasting time on areas I had already mastered. Together, these strategies significantly improved my long-term memory retention and reduced the need for last-minute cramming.
Engaging with Hands-on Labs and Realistic Simulations
One of the biggest challenges I had faced previously was dealing with the practical components of the exam. Understanding theoretical knowledge is one thing, but being able to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios is entirely different.
To bridge this gap, I turned to hands-on labs and virtual simulations. Platforms like Practice Labs and certain online course environments provided the tools I needed to practice real-world configurations and problem-solving. These resources allowed me to interact with virtual machines and security tools in a controlled yet realistic setting.
This shift towards practical experience not only built my technical skills but also gave me the confidence to handle performance-based tasks on the actual exam. I could now visualize scenarios, apply appropriate solutions, and troubleshoot issues effectively—all essential skills for success.
Joining Study Groups for Collaborative Learning
Another valuable addition to my study routine was joining a study group. Initially, I was hesitant, as I preferred studying alone. However, I soon discovered that group study sessions could be incredibly enriching. Discussing complex topics with peers gave me new perspectives and often clarified concepts I had struggled with on my own.
The act of teaching others what I had learned was especially beneficial. Explaining a concept forced me to process it more deeply and organize my thoughts. It also exposed any gaps in my understanding that I needed to revisit. Moreover, receiving feedback from others helped me refine my approach and fill in knowledge gaps I hadn’t noticed.
Breaking Down Material into Manageable Chunks
During my first attempt, one of the major mistakes I made was trying to absorb large volumes of information all at once. This approach quickly became overwhelming and led to burnout. I learned the importance of breaking the study material into smaller, manageable sections.
For my second attempt, I developed a study plan that included clear objectives for each session. Instead of trying to cover everything in one go, I focused on mastering one topic at a time. This approach made my study sessions more focused and productive. It also gave me a sense of progress, which kept me motivated throughout the process.
Maintaining a Structured and Adaptable Routine
One of the key factors in the success of my new study plan was the structure I created around it. I set aside specific times each day for study, ensuring consistency and discipline. My plan also included regular reviews, breaks to avoid fatigue, and a rotation of study methods to keep things engaging.
At the same time, I built flexibility into my routine. If something wasn’t working or if I hit a wall with a particular topic, I gave myself the freedom to adjust the plan. This balance between structure and adaptability helped me stay on track without feeling trapped or discouraged.
A Transformative Approach to Learning
By reevaluating my initial study plan and embracing more effective learning strategies, I was able to transform my approach entirely. Each new element I introduced—practice tests, active recall, hands-on labs, study groups, and structured planning—played a role in building a more comprehensive and effective preparation process.
This journey taught me that success isn’t just about hard work, but also about working smart. Developing a study plan tailored to my learning style, strengths, and weaknesses made all the difference. In the end, I didn’t just feel more prepared, I felt empowered and confident in my ability to succeed.
Mastering the Exam Day
As I approached my second attempt at the Security+ exam, I realized that preparation wasn’t just about what I had done in the months leading up to the exam — it was also about how I managed the day of the test. Mental preparation was just as important as academic preparation.
The night before the exam, I made sure to get a full night’s rest. I had learned the hard way that fatigue was one of the factors that had caused me to rush through questions and overlook important details in my first attempt. On exam day, I woke up early, had a healthy breakfast, and arrived at the testing center with plenty of time to spare.
When I sat down to take the exam, I applied everything I had learned: I managed my time efficiently, carefully read each question, and stayed calm throughout. The performance-based questions no longer seemed like insurmountable challenges; I tackled them with confidence, knowing that I had the practical experience and knowledge to solve them.
Instead of rushing through the questions, I took the time to analyze each one thoroughly. I trusted my preparation, and this time, I didn’t let the fear of failure cloud my judgment. I took a few deep breaths when I felt nervous and reminded myself that I had already put in the hard work. This mental clarity helped me stay focused throughout the exam.
When the test was over, I felt a sense of accomplishment, regardless of the outcome. But when I received my score, I saw that I had passed with flying colors. My hard work, new strategies, and positive mindset had paid off. I had achieved what I initially thought was impossible after my first attempt.
The Lasting Impact: Building Confidence for Future Challenges
The experience of failing and then redeeming myself in the Security+ exam didn’t just make me a more knowledgeable and prepared cybersecurity professional — it fundamentally changed the way I approach challenges. I now understand that setbacks are not the end of the road but an essential part of the growth process. I no longer fear failure but instead embrace it as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow stronger.
I also learned the value of self-compassion. Too often, we beat ourselves up over mistakes, but I’ve realized that giving yourself the space to fail and learn is one of the most powerful things you can do. It’s the willingness to pick yourself back up and try again that defines success.
The confidence I gained from passing the Security+ exam has not only bolstered my technical skills but also instilled a sense of resilience and determination. This new confidence has allowed me to approach future exams and challenges with a calm and steady mindset, knowing that failure is simply part of the journey.
In the end, the process of failing and then succeeding has made me a more capable professional and a stronger individual. It’s a reminder that success is built on perseverance, learning from mistakes, and continuously improving. And when I look back at my journey to passing the Security+ exam, I no longer see it as a test of knowledge alone. It was a test of character, resilience, and the belief that no setback is too great to overcome.
