Hello All. I recently cleared the CREST CPSA exam and while preparing i too faced the same issue that you reading this post might be facing — There is no proper guide to what to expect in the exam.

In this post I'll share how I prepared for this exam using AI and how I built my confidence in clearing this first.

Towards the end of the article, I’ll share few AI generated MCQ questions which you can try. It will surely help you in your exam preparation.

If you are someone who already knows what is the exam, and have the notes etc, you can directly go to the AI MCQ Section.

First Lets understand what exactly is CREST CPSA ?

CREST CPSA is one of the foundation certification by CREST. CREST is highly recognised in many countries. In few countries it acts as an compulsory requirement if you want to do pen test. Hence its is advised to clear this exam.

The exam is conducted in MCA format and often the questions asked are of easy to medium difficulty and few tricky questions but often the pros sometime finds it difficult to clear as they are not clear with the basics.

CREST CPSA Exam Format

Type : MCQ questions

Time : 120 Minutes + 15 min for reading instructions

Number of Questions : 120

Negative marking : No

Pass percentage : 60% (Need to score 72 marks out of 120)

This exam cannot be given from your home. You need to go to a pearson Vue centre to give the exam.

Exam Syllabus

CREST have shared the syllabus and recommended books to study in their official website which you can refer here : https://www.crest-approved.org/skills-certifications-careers/crest-practitioner-security-analyst/

The exam have questions on these topics :

Soft Skills and Assessment Management
Core Technical Skills
Background Information Gathering and Open Source
Networking Equipment
Microsoft Windows Security Assessment
Unix Security Assessment
Web Testing Methodologies
Web Testing Techniques
Databases

Exam Guide

If you go through all the material and AI mock test shared in this post, you will not need to buy any other courses or material.

1. Read the notes shared by Ravi Solanki : https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ravi-solanki-876089132_cpsa-note-activity-7137213221098168320-7iyn . The best part about this notes is that he have added a section called important. If you don’t have much time you can go through the important section but i highly recommend to study the whole guide.
2. Once you are done with the notes, You can you through these flashcards. These flash cards will help you know where are you lacking and what you need to study

Flashcard 1 : https://quizlet.com/gb/593163176/final-cpsa-flash-cards/

Flashcard 2 : https://quizlet.com/gb/593163176/final-cpsa-flash-cards/

Flashcard 3 : https://quizlet.com/897061886/cpsa-study-notes-flash-cards/

AI Mock Test

During my exam preparation, I used Gemini to prepare mock test based on the exam syllabus to know how well I’m prepared for the exam. And to my surprise it helped me a lot. I have shared few mock that that I prepared in gemini based on the syllabus shared by crest. You can create your own.

Each question will give you hint and also tell you why your answer is correct / wrong

Please note each of the mock test cover a different topic hence its important that you try out all. Each of the mock test will have 30–40 questions

1. Ports and services : https://gemini.google.com/share/9a93e738ffb3
2. Databases and Unix Security : https://gemini.google.com/share/78b2d90d09c4
3. Web Testing Terminologies : https://gemini.google.com/share/a59367c8dedc
4. Networking and Open source tools : https://gemini.google.com/share/20ddaeab7771

You can also create your own customised mock test using Gemini. Turn on Canvas mode in Gemini and give this prompt.

Here is the prompt :

Create a 30 MCQ question related to [Insert topic names]. I’m preparing for CREST CPSA so keep the format related to it.

You can create MCQ questions related to topics you are not so confident about and it can help you prepare well.

Once you are done with all the above mentioned guides, tips, flashcards and mock test I'm sure you can clear the exam.

On the day of the exam

Try to reach the exam centre at least 45 min before the exam so that you are relaxed. Make sure you take 2 ID proofs. When you are assigned a computer, read the instructions well. Once the exam starts you have 120 minutes, which is 1 minute per question.

Overall you don't need 120 minutes in most cases. Questions where you are not sure about the answers you can mark it for review and check later.

You get the results instantly after your exam is over. The exam co-ordinator will give you a print out with your performance.

After the exam

If you have followed all everything shared in this post you will for sure clear the exam. You can connect with me on Linkedin and let me know. This way i’ll know if my article actually helped people.

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/indrajeetbhuyan/

Also if you think this article helped you clear the exam you can buy me a coffee :D

CREST and OffSec Certification Equivalency Recognition Programme

If you have done OSCP in last 3 years then you can get CREST CRT certification directly. Thanks to the CREST and Offsec certification equivalency.

You need to fillup the form here : https://www.crest-approved.org/skills-certifications-careers/certification-equivalency-recognition-programmes/

Once the form is filled, CREST will review your application and once everything is verified you need to make a payment of £100 and get your CREST CRT certificate.

All the best !!