This Week 1 vlog launches the first installment of Starla Condes’ Security+ Certification Review Vlog Series. Starla, Portfolio Manager of Talent Acquisition, documents her journey of going from zero experience to certified in 90 days. In this vlog series, she breaks down what it really takes to earn the certification with little to no cybersecurity experience and a schedule that’s already overflowing. It’s a realistic look at how learning fits into real life; everything from late nights, early mornings, and all that’s in between.

Why Security+

For Starla, earning the CompTIA Security+ wasn’t about a career change but about improving the work she already does in Talent Acquisition. As a recruiter who supports government contracts, she works closely with cybersecurity professionals and hiring managers. The more she understands their world, the better she can connect the right people to the right roles.

The Security+ stood out because it covers all the essentials—network security, risk management, and access control—without requiring a deep technical background. It’s recognized across government and defense sectors, making it a smart credential for anyone working around cyber or IT programs.

The Security+ Certification is ideal for:

• Professionals who need a foundation in cybersecurity

• Recruiters, managers, and program staff who work with technical teams

• Anyone preparing for 8140.03-compliant roles

The First Week

Starla’s first week focused on building a study routine. She started with Professor Messer’s videos and webinars, which are free and beginner-friendly. However, she also purchased Professor Messer’s study notes and practice exams for $50 the first night she started to have structured materials.

Her plan included attending a two-week exam prep course through ACI Learning Tech Academy later in her journey. Though not during Week 1, she had already built it into her study plan. The goal was to cover all five Security+ domains before starting that class, which would then provide even more practice tests and reading materials.

Most of her studying happened late at night after work and family time. It wasn’t easy, but the structure of the materials made it possible to keep moving forward. She’s already learning that studying for this certification isn’t necessarily “hard” — it’s steady, focused work that adds up quickly.

Early Impressions

• Difficulty: Moderate for beginners, easier with consistent practice

• Time commitment: About 10–15 hours per week to stay on track for her 90-day goal of going from zero to certified

• Cost efficiency: While early materials were affordable, the exam prep course cost about $2,900, which included two exam vouchers (Spoiler Alert: she only needed one)

• Biggest challenge: Finding uninterrupted time to study and keeping pace with an ambitious schedule

Takeaway for the Security+ Curious

If you’ve been considering becoming Security+ Certified, Starla’s vlog series will show you exactly what realistic commitment looks like. You don’t need a cybersecurity background to start, but you do need time and consistency.

• Expect several hours a week. Starla studied roughly two hours a day, five to seven days a week.

• Use reliable resources. Free options like Professor Messer’s content can get you started, and structured classes can help if you need accountability.

• Plan for both speed and steadiness. For Starla, it wasn’t one or the other, maintaining consistency is what allowed her to move fast.

Week 1 set the tone: balancing life, learning discipline, and building momentum.

Stay tuned to follow Starla’s Security+ journey as she works her way through the certification and shares what it really takes from start to finish.