Mike Meyers Security+

If you're considering a career in IT security, the Mike Meyers Security+ course is a proven pathway to earning CompTIA Security+, one of the most widely recognized entry-level cybersecurity certifications. Created by veteran IT instructor Mike Meyers through his platform at Total Seminars, this course is specifically designed to help beginners and career-changers pass the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam with confidence. Blending clear explanations, hands-on labs, and real-world scenarios, the Mike Meyers Security+ course offers a structured, accessible, and highly effective route into the cybersecurity field. With cybersecurity roles growing at nearly three times the national average (BLS, 2023), certifications like Security+ are no longer optional—they’re essential. This comprehensive review explores the curriculum, cost, difficulty, career ROI, and how this course stacks up against alternatives for aspiring security professionals.

What Is the Mike Meyers Security+ Course?

The Mike Meyers Security+ course is an online, self-paced training program developed by Mike Meyers and the team at Total Seminars to prepare students for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. Unlike generic video tutorials, this course is built around Meyers’ signature teaching style—conversational, practical, and deeply focused on real-world application. The curriculum aligns directly with the current CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam objectives, covering domains such as threat management, identity and access, risk identification, cryptography, and network security. Offered through platforms like Total Seminars’ own website and popular learning marketplaces such as Udemy and Coursera, the course includes video lectures, downloadable study guides, practice exams, and hands-on lab simulations. Mike Meyers is known for breaking down complex topics into digestible segments using analogies and visual aids, making it ideal for visual learners and those without prior IT security experience. The course is not just a video library—it’s a complete learning ecosystem. It includes access to the Total Tester software, which simulates the actual exam format, and a companion textbook, CompTIA Security+ Certification Guide, co-authored by Meyers. Students also receive access to a private online community and instructor support, enhancing the learning experience.

Course Structure, Duration, and Learning Format

The Mike Meyers Security+ course is structured into 18 comprehensive modules, each aligned with a section of the CompTIA Security+ exam blueprint. The total video content spans approximately 16 to 20 hours, depending on the platform and version. However, most students should plan to spend between 60 and 80 hours of total study time to fully absorb the material, complete labs, and take practice tests. Each module includes: - High-definition video lectures (averaging 10–15 minutes per topic) - Downloadable PDF study guides - Interactive quiz questions after each section - Access to 4–6 full-length practice exams (120+ questions total) - Lab simulations covering firewall configuration, incident response, and cryptographic tools The course is 100% online and self-paced, allowing learners to study on their own schedule. It is accessible on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices through platforms like Total Seminars, Udemy, and Skillsoft. Most versions include lifetime access to course updates, which is critical given that CompTIA updates the Security+ exam every three years. Students typically complete the course in 6 to 10 weeks with consistent study (8–10 hours per week). For those balancing work or school, a 12-week timeline is more realistic. The course does not have a formal end date or expiration, making it flexible for non-traditional learners.

Cost and Value Comparison

The Mike Meyers Security+ course is competitively priced compared to other premium certification prep programs. As of 2024, the standard pricing is: - Udemy version: $129.99 (frequent sales drop it to $12.99) - Total Seminars direct: $199 (includes textbook, practice exams, and lab access) - Skillsoft/LinkedIn Learning bundle: Included with subscription (~$30/month) When compared to alternatives like Cybrary, Professor Messer (free), or Pluralsight, the Mike Meyers course offers superior production quality, structured learning paths, and better exam alignment. While Professor Messer’s content is free and excellent, it lacks the polished visuals, practice software, and lab simulations that Meyers provides. The Total Seminars version at $199 includes the most value: the full video course, the official textbook, Total Tester exam engine, and access to exclusive forums. This bundle is especially useful for visual and hands-on learners who benefit from multiple learning modalities. It’s important to note that the CompTIA Security+ exam voucher costs an additional $392 (CompTIA member price) or $459 (retail). Some training bundles include a discounted voucher, so look for package deals. Overall, the total investment (course + exam) ranges from $520 to $650—a strong return given the earning potential of certified professionals.

How It Compares to Other Security+ Training Programs

While dozens of Security+ prep courses exist, the Mike Meyers offering stands out due to its pedagogy, production quality, and comprehensive support. Here’s how it compares to key competitors: - Professor Messer: Free and high-quality, but lecture-style videos lack interactivity. No labs or advanced quizzes. Best for budget-conscious learners. - Cybrary: Offers a free Security+ path, but content is fragmented and less structured. Better suited as a supplement. - Pluralsight: More technical and enterprise-focused. Good for experienced IT pros, but overwhelming for beginners. - Udemy (other instructors): Many low-cost options exist, but quality varies widely. Meyers’ course is consistently top-rated (4.7+ stars, 50,000+ students). Mike Meyers’ approach is uniquely beginner-friendly. He avoids jargon overload, uses storytelling to explain concepts (e.g., “think of a firewall like a bouncer at a club”), and builds confidence through repetition and reinforcement. His focus on exam strategy—such as how to eliminate wrong answers and interpret scenario-based questions—gives students a tactical edge. Additionally, the inclusion of Total Tester software gives learners realistic exam simulations with detailed answer explanations. This feature alone increases pass rates significantly compared to passive video watching.

Career Outcomes and Job Opportunities After Security+

Earning CompTIA Security+ through the Mike Meyers course opens doors to a variety of entry- and mid-level cybersecurity roles. According to CompTIA’s 2023 IT Industry Outlook, Security+ is the most requested certification for cybersecurity jobs, cited in over 40% of job postings for roles like: - Security Analyst (average salary: $78,000) - Systems Administrator (average salary: $75,000) - Network Administrator (average salary: $72,000) - Junior Penetration Tester (average salary: $80,000) - IT Auditor (average salary: $85,000) The certification is also DoD 8570.01 compliant, making it a requirement for many government and defense contractor positions (e.g., IAT Level 1). This compliance alone increases job security and access to federal opportunities. Graduates of the Mike Meyers course report high placement rates, particularly when combined with networking through LinkedIn or local IT meetups. Many use Security+ as a springboard to advanced certifications like CompTIA CySA+, CISSP, or CEH. The ROI is compelling: with an average total investment of $600 and an average salary increase of $20,000–$30,000 post-certification, the payback period is often less than six months. Even career-changers from unrelated fields (e.g., retail, healthcare) have successfully transitioned into IT roles within a year of earning Security+.

Difficulty Level and Who Should Take This Course

The Mike Meyers Security+ course is designed for beginners but does require foundational IT knowledge. CompTIA recommends at least two years of IT administration experience with a focus on security, though many students pass without it—especially when using Meyers’ thorough prep. The course assumes familiarity with basic networking concepts (IP addresses, DNS, firewalls) and operating systems (Windows, Linux). If you lack this background, Meyers includes a short prerequisite module covering CompTIA A+ and Network+ fundamentals. The difficulty of the course itself is moderate. Meyers’ teaching style reduces cognitive load, but the Security+ exam is known for its scenario-based questions and performance tasks. Students must apply knowledge, not just memorize facts. Ideal candidates for this course include: - Career-changers seeking entry into IT - Help desk or desktop support technicians aiming to specialize - College students pursuing IT degrees - Military veterans using GI Bill or DOD training funds - IT professionals needing certification for job advancement The course’s flexibility makes it accessible to non-traditional learners. Its self-paced nature, combined with lifetime access, allows students to learn at their own speed without pressure.

Maximizing Success: Study Tips and Supplemental Resources

To pass the Security+ exam on the first attempt, students should combine the Mike Meyers course with active learning strategies. Here are proven tips: - Follow the 70/30 rule: Spend 70% of study time on hands-on labs and practice exams, 30% on video lectures. - Use flashcards: Anki or Quizlet decks for terms like “zero-day exploit” or “PKI” reinforce retention. - Join study groups: The Total Seminars community and Reddit’s r/CompTIA offer peer support and motivation. - Take timed practice tests: Simulate exam conditions using Total Tester to build stamina and accuracy. - Review incorrect answers: Understand why an answer is wrong—this is where real learning happens. Supplemental resources that pair well with the Mike Meyers course include: - CompTIA Security+ Study Guide: Exam SY0-701 by Mike Meyers and David L. Prowse - Professor Messer’s free YouTube review videos - Jason Dion’s practice test bundles on Udemy (highly rated for exam realism) - TryHackMe or Hack The Box for hands-on security labs Avoid passive learning. Rewatching videos without note-taking or practice leads to false confidence. Instead, use the Feynman Technique: after each module, explain the concept out loud as if teaching someone else.

Future-Proofing Your Career: Beyond Security+

While Security+ is an entry-level certification, it serves as a critical foundation for long-term career growth. The Mike Meyers course not only prepares you for the exam but also builds a mindset of continuous learning—a necessity in cybersecurity, where threats and technologies evolve rapidly. After earning Security+, many professionals pursue: - CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst): Focuses on threat detection and analysis. - CompTIA PenTest+: For those interested in ethical hacking and penetration testing. - (ISC)² CISSP: Advanced certification for management and architecture roles. - Microsoft SC-900 or AWS Certified Security – Specialty: Cloud-focused paths. The Mike Meyers course platform also offers follow-up training for these certifications, creating a seamless learning pathway. Total Seminars’ curriculum is designed as a ladder: A+ → Network+ → Security+ → CySA+ → CISSP. Additionally, cybersecurity roles are increasingly hybrid or remote. With 68% of security jobs offering remote options (ISACA, 2023), certifications like Security+ provide the portable credentials needed to compete globally. The Mike Meyers course, being fully online, mirrors this trend and prepares students for digital-first work environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mike Meyers Security+ course up to date with SY0-701?

Yes. The current version of the course covers the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam objectives released in late 2023. It includes updated content on cloud security, zero-trust architecture, automation, and expanded threat intelligence topics. Total Seminars provides free updates to existing students when exam changes occur.

Do I need prior IT experience to take this course?

While CompTIA recommends two years of IT experience, many students without a technical background successfully pass using the Mike Meyers course. The key is dedication and supplementing with basic networking study (e.g., free A+ videos) if needed. Meyers includes foundational reviews to help bridge gaps.

How long does it take to complete the course?

Most students take 6 to 10 weeks with 8–10 hours of study per week. The video content is about 16–20 hours, but mastery requires additional time for labs, quizzes, and practice exams. Lifelong access allows you to revisit material as needed.

Does the course include the exam voucher?

No, the course does not include the CompTIA Security+ exam voucher by default. However, some bundle deals on Total Seminars’ website offer discounted vouchers. The exam costs $392 (member price) or $459 (retail) and must be scheduled through Pearson VUE.

Is Mike Meyers’ course better than free options like Professor Messer?

For self-motivated learners on a budget, Professor Messer is excellent. However, Mike Meyers’ course offers superior structure, production quality, practice exams, and lab simulations. If you value guided learning and higher pass rates, Meyers’ paid course is worth the investment.

Can I get college credit for completing this course?

While the course itself doesn’t grant college credit, CompTIA Security+ certification is recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE) for up to 3 college credits. Some community colleges accept Security+ for credit-by-exam. Check with your institution for transfer policies.

What jobs can I get with CompTIA Security+?

Security+ qualifies you for roles such as Security Analyst, Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, Junior Penetration Tester, and IT Auditor. It’s also required for many U.S. government and defense contractor positions due to DoD 8570 compliance.

Is the Mike Meyers Security+ course worth it?

Absolutely. With a high pass-rate track record, comprehensive materials, and strong career ROI, the Mike Meyers Security+ course is one of the most effective and beginner-friendly paths to earning a critical cybersecurity credential. For under $200, it delivers exceptional value and long-term career benefits.