Passing a cyber security certification takes work. Hard work. But what if you’re short on time? Like REALLY short? I passed a cyber cert from SANS in under 5 days just to see if it could be done. And here’s what I learned:

SANS cyber training and GIAC certs are two gold standards in cyber security. Weighing in over $7000, they’re what employers look for when hiring cyber talent.

Failure can be an expensive option. So whether you’re long or short on time, good prep and planning makes all the difference.

Cyber security certifications are hard because there’s so much info to learn. Students often describe cyber security training from SANS as drinking from a firehose. There’s so much content that the GIAC exams are open book!

So where should you even start? Here’s some of study tips I like to use:

- Backwards plan a study routine from test day
- Create tabs, index, and note sheets
- Most of your learning happens during sleep
- Do something active during breaks
- Rehearse practice tests like it’s real
- Repeated exposure over time

At the end of the day, certs aren’t the most important thing in cyber security. Strong skills and relationships will make you much more successful.

When it comes to cyber security certifications, invest in the study process to gain foundational knowledge. Then apply that knowledge in the workplace or home lab.

00:00 SANS and Cyber Security Certs In a Nutshell
01:24 The 5 Day Challenge
03:03 How to Backwards Plan Your Exam
04:08 The Best Way to Study for a SANS Test
06:54 Dealing with Distractions and Losing Motivation
08:30 Tips from a SANS Instructor
09:38 What to do When You Fail
11:34 The No Books Challenge
13:12 Lessons Learned from the Certification

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