For colleges and universities preparing students for careers in IT and cybersecurity, one challenge stands out: bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry certification success. Certifications like CompTIA Security+ are often the ticket to employment, yet even capable students struggle without focused, individualized exam prep.
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) recognized this challenge and, three years ago, adopted Pocket Prep to better prepare their students for the Security+ exam. With more than 300 students benefiting since adoption, the results have been clear: higher engagement, stronger confidence, and more career-ready graduates.
Studying for The Security+ Before Pocket Prep
Before Pocket Prep, students leaned on traditional study tools like textbooks, static practice exams, and self-directed review. These methods weren’t always enough:
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Low engagement: Dense material made it tough to stay motivated.
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Unclear weak spots: Students didn’t always know where they were struggling.
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Theory vs. application: Memorizing facts was easy—applying them to exam scenarios was harder.
As Amy, a cybersecurity instructor at TSTC, explained: “Attention spans among students are decreasing, which has necessitated breaking learning into smaller, more manageable segments. Since today’s students have grown up in a digital world, they prefer interactive, on-demand content. Pocket Prep’s quiz modes allow them to take short quizzes, which really adds up over time in terms of retention and engagement.”
“Pocket Prep’s quiz modes allow them to take short quizzes, which really adds up over time in terms of retention and engagement.”
Why TSTC Chose Pocket Prep
Amy’s decision to bring Pocket Prep into her program was backed by personal experience.
“I’ve been obtaining certs for 10+ years, and this is by far the best tool I’ve used,” she said. “I’m really glad I attended the conference where I discovered Pocket Prep. I knew it was something our students needed.”
Pocket Prep stood out as a mobile-first, customizable solution designed to mirror the Security+ exam. It offered the realistic practice, personalized feedback, and convenience that traditional resources couldn’t provide.
“While remembering facts is easy, applying those facts to real-world scenarios is much more difficult for students—and for us to teach without solid examples. Pocket Prep gives students exposure to those scenario-based questions they’ll likely encounter on the actual exam.”
How TSTC Integrated Pocket Prep
TSTC fully embedded Pocket Prep into ITSY 1342, a course built for Security+ preparation.
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Independent practice: Students use the app outside class—fitting short quizzes into study breaks, commutes, or downtime.
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Collaborative learning: Informal study groups formed with Pocket Prep as the shared tool to discuss progress and tough questions.
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Assigned Benchmarks: The course is broken into modules that align with exam domains. At the end of each module, students must complete students complete a custom 100-question Pocket Prep quiz, with an 80% mastery threshold required to move forward.
This hybrid approach created accountability while giving students ownership of their study journey.
Pocket Prep Features That Made the Difference
Students consistently highlighted the features that supported their success:
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Custom quizzes targeting weak areas.
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Detailed answer explanations that turned mistakes into learning moments.
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Weakest subject tracking to identify gaps.
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Mobile access for studying anytime, anywhere.
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Progress tracking and reminders to build consistent habits.
One student summed it up perfectly: “It’s designed to be idiot-proof. It makes it easy… Having something that’s easy is the best.”
Another added: “I really like being able to see where my weak spots are in the ‘weakest subjects’ breakdown. I plan to continue using Pocket Prep after this class.”
The Results: Confidence & Career Readiness
While TSTC doesn’t track official pass rates (the exam was not previously required), faculty and students report significant increases in confidence, engagement, and readiness among those who did pursue certification.
Amy has seen the difference firsthand: “By combining a CompTIA Security+ certification with immersive, performance-based learning, my students gain the skills and credentials that consistently place them at the top of the resume stack. They feel more confident walking into the exam—and more confident stepping into interviews.”
“Pocket Prep is one of the best tools I’ve seen for helping students make that leap.”
Pocket Prep succeeds because it blends exam-aligned practice with personalized learning in a mobile-friendly format.
As Amy put it: “It offers personalized learning with clear explanations and frequent practice. Compared to other tools, it strikes a great balance between quality, cost, and usability.”
For modern learners who thrive on short study bursts and real-time feedback, Pocket Prep is more than a study tool—it’s a system for success.
For institutions considering Pocket Prep, Amy’s advice is simple: “Focus on translating theory into real-world practice so students don’t just know the material—they understand how to apply it. Pocket Prep is one of the best tools I’ve seen for helping students make that leap.”
The TSTC success story shows how Pocket Prep can solve a problem shared across higher education: preparing students not just to learn—but to pass their exams and step confidently into their careers
