How To Pass a SANS Cyber Security Exam in 5 DAYS (No books…)

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

👍 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!

[gg.wellplayed]

Pass in 5 days then after 2 weeks with out practicing you will forget what you've learned, that's what you called Paper Certified

[goodyear]

Such a Great Video! I’ve never seen such high quality in the cyber security community before.

Tank you and greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[Cyberspatial]

Let’s keep it real. Certs only prove knowledge. Not competence or experience.
Knowledge is fleeting. What are your go-to study tips?

[globalgeographic]

i am not skipping any addvertisement so that you receive more reward. this is my small support your channel

[Joshua_sc]

Those last couple minutes were the most valuable to me.
Thank you, Ricky!

[Slagsh]

this is spot on. I have my 2nd sans exam in 3 weeks, time to get started on that index. To answer your question, certs get you in the door the home labs and practical use keeps you there. In my time in cybersec the certs really only get you past the HR departments.

[lionhardt]

Good, solid advice, man, especially about "There's only so much your mind can absorb" part. I hold several GIAC certs, you need to let the "other parts" of your brain do some thinking about what you're trying to understand. I love your emphasis on allowing for sleep to help you. It is probably the most important part of the whole process "The process is much more important..." #facts.

[treefiddy]

This was one of the realest videos I’ve seen in a while! I’m taking my sans gcih cert in 3 weeks and I don’t feel that prepared and haven’t got to all the books… I’ll try out the tips you suggested and thanks 🙏🏾

[JosephBerru]

Awesome presentation! This works for the younger and the older student, and not just for studying for a SANS cert! You need to my Cybersecurity FTO (Field Training Officer)! Something tells me you would keep me very focus and on the right path to passing that cert exam the first time! Great job!

[crazybabie]

Loved this! Happy I watched until the end. Very entertaining and informative

[JAYCIIEE]

For an old dog learning new tricks, I found this video very helpful and have gained more confidence, as I am about to commence my second SANS course (GSLC). Thanks again for the watch, more content like this in future would be greatly appreciated.

[CaptonTypo]

How funny that I found your channel when I did. First, amazing content. Secondly, I too had to cram for my SANS exam. Mine was the SEC510. I wish I had found this sooner, but was still able to implement some of your suggestions. I took my exam yesterday and Passed! I believe this is in part to your suggestions. Thank you sir!

[sjporter]

Thank you for this video! I used your method to pass 3 SANS certification exams!

[AchwaqKhalid]

We miss you man! Keep those videos coming on the regular please 🙏

[disful]

i think you are a genius, passed w/o book, and score above 90%. Thanks for the channel for building better community.

[pawbard]

Consistently surprised by the high quality of your videos. Thanks!

[jlprescott]

Thanks for this video! Just passed the GFACT exam and made sure I did not forget my books and book outline and notes. Cheers!

[CFH]

I've created a detailed outline of book topics with index and tab headers. I include definitions/notes within my index, too. It's at least 30+ pages for my index, but I rarely have to open my books because I can almost always reference my massive index every time. I am not a big fan of "Keyword, Book/Page Number" indexes. Great video!

[oliverwindsor]

Don't believe him, he is misleading the test takers to under estimate the difficulty of GIAC tests. Always bring your books, and most importantly make a detailed index.

[bullitt]

i’ve never seen anyone in my life who’s shit is more together than this man. bravo you are winning at life