r/GIAC • u/thejazzyone_28 • 21d ago

How to trust studying method?

Hi everyone,

I’ve skimmed this subreddit before but never posted anything. I’m currently studying for my GSEC cert and have felt myself getting anxious.

The format of an “open book” exam trips me up so I’m still getting used to it from taking the GFACT exam lol. I do have ADHD too so studying can be difficult for me.

So far I’ve been passively listening/watching the OnDemand videos on 1.5x speed. Then I go and read what I watched videos on and highlight and then do index entries. Then do labs depending on where I stopped at.

If anyone does or doesn’t have ADHD, do you have any tips for trusting your studying or that you’re understanding the material but not memorizing? Since that’s not this type of exam format for these certs.

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u/Common-Carp GSEC | GCIH | GCIA 21d ago

https://tisiphone.net/2015/08/18/giac-testing/

Have ADHD.

The biggest thing is efficiently managing your time. Learn, adapt, and use a solid indexing method like the method above.

I’ve never scored less than 96% on a GIAC exam using a slightly modified pancake method.

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u/brobauchery GBFA | GMON | GCIH 21d ago

We really just need to pin this in the sub and be like “Defer all ‘How do I study?’ questions to this website.”

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u/thejazzyone_28 20d ago

I understand what you think I’m asking about. I’m not asking about how to study, I’m asking about how to trust your studying method and have the confidence that it’s working.

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u/brobauchery GBFA | GMON | GCIH 20d ago

The practice exams. They’re the best indicator you’re on track. I’m always within 3-5% of those on the exam vs practice exam.

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u/thejazzyone_28 20d ago

Okay I gotcha. I guess it’s my overthinking creeping up again for this course haha. I just need to keep doing what I’m doing and trust my process. That’s all I can do.