Important Details on CompTIA Security+ Certification

This certification will establish the core knowledge of any cybersecurity role and provides a way to the intermediate level cybersecurity jobs. The Security+ certification is the first cybersecurity certification that professionals look for because it creates a firm foundation for them.

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CompTIA, Security Certification

If you want to pursue a career in IT and that too in the security field, CompTIA is the right place to start. The CompTIA Security+ certification will validate your skills and open up the pathways for you. This certification will establish the core knowledge of any cybersecurity role and provides a way to the intermediate level cybersecurity jobs. The Security+ certification is the first cybersecurity certification that professionals look for because it creates a firm foundation for them. In this article, we will discuss the certification details and also tell you about CompTIA (for those who have never heard its name).

What is CompTIA?

CompTIA’s full form is The Computing Technology Industry Association. It is a not for profit trade-association which issues professional certifications for the IT industry. CompTIA certification exam can be attempted by students, teachers, professionals or geeks who want to get expertise in IT. It has got all sorts of programs for the people who want to develop their career in the digital world. An amazing fact related to CompTIA is that it has issued 2.2 million certificates since its establishment in 1982 and the number is ever increasing.

Overview of the CompTIA Security+ certification

The CompTIA Security Plus Practice Test evaluates baseline cybersecurity skills. The exam consists of performance-based questions on the exam. The certification focuses on hands-on practical skills and ensures that the security professional is better prepared to solve the security issues. It focuses on the latest techniques used in risk management, threat management, mitigation, and intrusion detection. The certification also covers the Junior IT Auditor/ Insertion Tester job role along with the previous job roles for System Administrator, Network Administrator, and Security Administrator. This certification will boost your skills and confidence level in managing and maintaining the security of the devices and networks.

What kind of jobs are available after the completion of CompTIA Security+ certification?

There are plenty of job roles that require the CompTIA Security+ certification. Some of them are as follows:

  • Systems Administrator
  • Network Administrator
  • Security Administrator
  • Junior IT Auditor
  • Penetration Tester
  • Security Specialist
  • Security Consultant
  • Security Engineer

 What skills will be covered in the certification?

  • Concepts of Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities

You will be able to find various types of security threats and have knowledge of penetration testing. You will also gain vulnerability scanning knowledge.

  • Configure Technologies and tools

You would be able to install, configure and extend network elements while imposing and troubleshooting problems to help organizational safety.

  • Understand Architecture and Design

You would be able to Perform reliable network design ideas and systems configuration.

  • Install Identity and Access management

You would be able to install and configure identity and access services. You would also be able to establish management controls.

  • Understand the concept of Risk Management

You would have a good understanding of the risk management best practices and the impact on business. You would be able to implement and summarize risk management.

  • Cryptography and PKI

You would be able to Install and configure radio security environments and complete public key base.

 

The Exam details

There are two exams that fall under the CompTIA security+ certification. One is the SY0-401, it was launched in the year 2014 and the other is SY0-501, it was launched in 2017. The exam consists of 90 questions and you will get 90 minutes to complete the exam. The questions will be based on multiple choice type. If you pass this exam, then it will validate that you have-

  • The skills required to install and configure systems to secure networks, applications, and devices.
  • The skills to perform warning report and react with proper mitigation procedures.
  • The awareness of applicable laws, regulations, and policies to operate on risk management activities.

The passing score for the exam is 750 on a scale of 100-900. The recommended experience for this exam is two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus and the CompTIA+ network certification.

The exam is available in English, Japanese, Portuguese and Chinese languages. You will have to pay $330 USD to appear for the exam. For more details, you can visit CompTIA’s official website or follow the given link.

How to purchase the exam?

If you visit the official website of CompTIA and select the Security+ certification. You will be redirected to a page where all the details of the exam are mentioned. Under the CompTIA Security + Purchase options you will see there are three categories as follows:

  • CompTIA Security+ Voucher- It costs $330 USD and only has the exam voucher.
  • CompTIA Security+ Deluxe Bundle- It costs $429 and has exam voucher, exam retakes voucher, and practice materials.
  • CompTIA Security+ Premier Bundle- It costs $519 and has all the features that Deluxe bundle contains along with eBook.

Select the option that you find is suitable for you and then click on the buy now button. You will be then directed to another page in which you will be asked to select your region. Once you select your country then you will be directed to another page that will contain the payment options. The price of the exam may vary from country to country.

How to prepare for the exam?

For preparation you will have two options - one is classroom training and the other is online learning from CertMaster. You can find both the options under the preparation section of the official website of CompTIA. You can also purchase ebooks separately.CertMaster is a brilliant online learning platform. It will help you prepare well for the Security+ exam. The classroom learning option is also not a bad idea. But for that, you will have to find a CompTIA authorized training provider partner. To find a classroom, click on the classroom training tab under the preparation section and then select your country and state. The classroom training program will be beneficial because the instructor-led training provides a comfortable teaching and learning environment. The instructors guiding you are already familiar with the certification process and therefore can help you master the exam.

Comptia Security Certification