Introduction
Imagine this: you're career-switching, curious about cybersecurity, and wondering if you can dive straight into the CompTIA Security+ certification—even if you've never set up a server or cracked open a network cable. You’ve stumbled upon conflicting advice: some say it's impossible, others swear they did it cold. I felt the same spike of anxiety before my own exam, so let’s unpack what real people (thanks, Reddit!) experienced—and what that means for someone like you, ready to Boost Your Career.

 You Can Pass It… But There’s a Catch

Some Redditors share inspiring success stories:

“I had no prior experience/knowledge… and recently passed with a 780”
“I passed the Security+ exam with a 789… I’m a pharmacist… otherwise I have no professional IT experience”These stories prove it’s absolutely possible. With dedicated study—think two to three months—and the right resources (Professor Messer, Jason Dion, practice exams, and hands-on labs), people are clear that the exam is teachable, even without an IT background.

 But Hiring? That’s a Different Game

However, Reddit also emphasizes the career reality:

“Without experience, the best you can hope for is an entry‑level service desk position “Cybersecurity isn’t an entry‑level position… start with help desk”

In other words: yes, you can earn the cert. But your first role is likely to be helpdesk, desktop support, or a junior admin—because cybersecurity jobs demand proven IT fundamentals. A common roadmap emerges: → hands-on roles.

Real-World Advice from Redditors

1. Start small, think big
   A Redditor candidly shared:
   
   
   “Get the A+. Security+ is useless without experience.”
   A+ gives you core concepts that are interview favorites.
   
   
   

2. Experience trumps certs alone
   Another voiced it plainly:
   
   
   “Employers won’t care about GPA… they will care about your experience and certifications.”
   
   

3. Building labs = building confidence
   Setup a home network, firewalls, VMs—something you can demo. It shows you get it.
   
   

4. Study smart with varied materials
   One guide on Reddit outlined a winning formula: Messer videos, supplemented by Chapple & Seidl’s textbook; practice exams on Exam Compass, Dion/Udemy; quiz apps and labs. More sources, deeper understanding.
   
   

Your Step-by-Step Game Plan

Step

What to Do

Why It Matters

1️⃣

Study Security+ prep materials

Build exam knowledge and theory—Messer, Dion, Chapple/Seidl

2️⃣

Tackle A+ before or after

Boosts interview currency with foundational IT skills

3️⃣

Create a home lab

Practice hands-on tasks—firewall setup, VLANs, etc.

4️⃣

Take practice tests religiously

Learn question formats, timing, and exam tricks

5️⃣

Apply for real IT roles

Helpdesk, desktop support, junior sysadmin—get your foot in the door

6️⃣

Plan next cert or path

Go for Network+, Azure, CCNA, or CySA+ after Security+

 Thinking of Skipping A+? Here's the Reality

Yes, you can study Security+ first—but Reddit warns it may cost you during interviews. Hiring managers look for tangible IT experience, especially when they have candidates with A+ and helpdesk background.

But if you're switching from a non-IT field (like pharmacy) and pursued a focused self-study with labs, you still can land an entry-level role—especially if you frame your story well and show you're eager to Boost Your Caree

Example Story: From Pharmacist to Cyber Student

a pharmacist by trade:

1. Studied 2 months using Messer, Dion, GCGA, TryHackM
   

2. Balanced exams with a full-time job and family

3. Scored 789—well above the passing mark

4. Next steps: Network+, building labs, applying internally for cybersecurity roles

This example shows it's not about shortcuts—it’s about structured effort and positioning your certification for real : You’ve Got This—with Strategy

Can you pass Security+ with zero IT experience? Absolutely, if you commit to focused study and real-world practice. But passing the exam is just stage one. To break into cybersecurity confidently:

1. Gain core hands-on skills (consider A+ or helpdesk experience).

2. Build a small lab you can demo.

3. Take more certs (Network+, CySA+, etc.).

4. Treat your certification as the ticket, not the endgame.
   Of course, there’s no single path. Whether you start with Security+ or A+, your mindset of continuous learning and real application will put you ahead. Keep networking in Discord/Reddit communities, join a local study group, and start building your portfolio—those steps all help you Boost Your Career
   Can you pass Security+ without IT experience? Real Reddit stories show it’s possible—but here’s how to study smart, build concrete skills, and land your first IT role.