Exam Tips5 min read

Last-Minute Exam Prep Checklist

What to review in the final 48 hours before your CompTIA exam for maximum retention and confidence.

⚠️ The Golden Rule

DO NOT try to learn new material! The last 48 hours are for review and consolidation only. Learning new topics will create confusion and increase anxiety. Focus on strengthening what you already know.

48 Hours Before: Light Review

  • 1.
    Take a final practice exam under timed conditions. This accomplishes three things:
    • • Identifies any remaining weak spots
    • • Builds confidence if you score well (85%+)
    • • Familiarizes you with the time pressure
  • 2.
    Review weak areas only - topics where you scored below 80% on practice tests. Spend 30-60 minutes max per weak domain.
  • 3.
    Skim your notes - don't re-read textbooks. Just review your personal notes and flashcards for quick memory refreshers.
  • 4.
    Practice 1-2 PBQs to remind yourself of the interface and common tasks. Don't do more than 2-3 to avoid fatigue.
  • 5.
    STOP studying by 6 PM - give your brain a break. Watch a movie, exercise, or do something relaxing.

24 Hours Before: Final Polish

What to Review

Acronyms & Definitions

Create a quick reference sheet with:

A+:
  • • RAM types (DDR3/4/5)
  • • Storage interfaces (SATA, NVMe)
  • • Windows commands (ipconfig, sfc, chkdsk)
  • • Common ports (80, 443, 22, 3389)
Network+:
  • • OSI model layers
  • • Port numbers (know top 20)
  • • Subnetting shortcuts
  • • Wireless standards (802.11)
Security+:
  • • CIA triad, AAA framework
  • • Attack types (phishing, DoS, etc.)
  • • Security acronyms (IDS, IPS, SIEM)
  • • Incident response lifecycle

CompTIA Troubleshooting Methodology

Most exams test this. Memorize the steps:

  1. 1. Identify the problem
  2. 2. Establish a theory of probable cause
  3. 3. Test the theory
  4. 4. Establish a plan of action
  5. 5. Implement the solution
  6. 6. Verify full system functionality
  7. 7. Document findings

What NOT to Do

✗Don't cram new material - this creates confusion
✗Don't take full practice exams - you'll tire yourself out
✗Don't study past 6 PM - your brain needs rest
✗Don't panic if you forget something - trust your preparation

Night Before: Prepare & Relax

✓ Logistics Checklist

  • □Valid government ID ready
  • □Exam confirmation email saved/printed
  • □Testing center address/route confirmed
  • □Alarm set (multiple alarms!)
  • □Clothes laid out (comfortable, layered)
  • □Healthy breakfast planned

✓ Mental Preparation

  • □Review ONE page of key notes (max 10 min)
  • □Practice breathing/relaxation exercises
  • □Visualize yourself succeeding
  • □Stop all studying by 8 PM
  • □Get 8 hours of sleep (crucial!)

Exam Morning: Peak Performance

2-3 Hours Before Exam

  • •Wake up with enough time to avoid rushing
  • •Eat a healthy breakfast (protein + complex carbs, avoid heavy/sugary foods)
  • •Hydrate well, but not excessively (you can't pause the exam easily)
  • •Review ONE page of key notes while eating (optional)

1 Hour Before Exam

  • •Stop all studying - trust your preparation
  • •Arrive at testing center 30 minutes early (or start online check-in)
  • •Use the bathroom
  • •Do breathing exercises to calm nerves
  • •Remind yourself: "I've prepared well. I'm ready."

Quick Reference: Must-Know Items

Common Ports

FTP: 20/21
SSH: 22
Telnet: 23
SMTP: 25
DNS: 53
DHCP: 67/68
HTTP: 80
POP3: 110
IMAP: 143
HTTPS: 443
RDP: 3389

Cable Categories

Cat 5e: 1 Gbps
Cat 6: 10 Gbps (55m)
Cat 6a: 10 Gbps (100m)
Cat 7: 10 Gbps+
Fiber: 100+ Gbps

Wireless Standards

802.11a: 5GHz, 54Mbps
802.11b: 2.4GHz, 11Mbps
802.11g: 2.4GHz, 54Mbps
802.11n: 2.4/5GHz, 600Mbps
802.11ac: 5GHz, 1.3Gbps
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6): 2.4/5/6GHz

You're Ready!

If you've completed your study plan and scored well on practice tests, you're prepared. Trust the process, stay calm, and show what you know. Good luck! 🚀

Final Practice Session