Learn more about this popular entry-level credential and how to earn it.
The CompTIA Security+ certification is an internationally-respected cyber security certification that focuses on specialised knowledge required by information security professionals. For many aspiring cybersecurity professionals, earning this popular entry-level certification can be a first step toward a rewarding, in-demand career.
Security+ is the entry-level cyber security credential offered by non-profit trade association CompTIA. This certification was launched based on the need for a specialised certification for information security professionals. It builds on foundational knowledge gained in CompTIA certifications such as A+, Network+, and Server+. However, you do not need to obtain any previous certifications to take the Security+ exam.听
Security+ is typically the first certificate many IT security professionals earn and is often considered a baseline requirement for roles in the IT field. By showing potential employers that you have the core skills required for a cybersecurity role, you may find more job opportunities as a more competitive candidate.听
The CompTIA Security+ ranks as one of the most popular certifications for cybersecurity professionals. It focuses on hands-on, practical security skills in six major domains. Preparing yourself for the exam gives you a broad base of practical knowledge and skills you鈥檒l need to handle real-world security situations. Here鈥檚 a list of the domains and topics covered on the exam:
Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities include social engineering attacks, newer denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and vulnerabilities found in the Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded devices.
Architecture and design: Focuses on enterprise, cloud, and hybrid environments.
Implementation: This domain covers topics like identity and access management, cryptography, end-to-end security, and public key infrastructure (PKI).
Operations and incident response: This section tests your knowledge of incident response procedures, including threat detection, security controls, risk mitigation, and digital forensics.
Governance, risk, and compliance: Make sure to understand major risk and compliance regulations, including HIPAA, GDPR, SOC, NIST, CCPA, FISMA, and PCI-DSS.
There are no formal requirements to take the Security+ exam. CompTIA recommends that you have two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus. Having an up-to-date CompTIA Network+ or Server+ certification may also be a good idea.
Earning your Security+ certification requires passing a certification exam. Let鈥檚 take a closer look at the details of this exam as of April 2023.
Exam code | SY0-601 |
---|---|
Cost | 拢233 |
Number of questions | 90 |
Passing score | 750 (from 900 possible) |
Test length | 90 minutes |
Prerequisites | None |
Recommended Experience | CompTIA Network+ and two years of experience in IT administration and security |
You鈥檒l find two types of questions on the latest version of the Security+ exam, traditional multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs test your ability to solve security problems in a simulated environment; for example, you might be asked to install and configure a firewall or set up a wireless network.
PBQs often appear toward the beginning of the exam. If you get stuck on a question, you can flag it for review and return to it if you have extra time at the end of the exam. All of your work will be saved. Some PBQs may offer partial credit, so it鈥檚 a good idea to complete as much of the question as you can.听聽
Complete the on the CompTIA website before your exam so you鈥檒l have a better idea of what to expect.
The latest version of the Security+ exam was launched in November 2020. This version covers five domains, including three new or updated domains from the last exam. These new domains鈥擨mplementation; Operations and Incident Response; and Governance, Risk, and Compliance鈥攔eflect the evolving industry. As you prepare for the exam, be sure your materials cover the 601 exam objectives.听
Passing the Security+ exam often requires an investment of both time and money. The return on your investment will depend on your personal career goals. If you鈥檙e interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, having a credential like Security+ on your resume could give you a competitive edge as you apply for jobs.听
But there are other potential benefits as well. Preparing for the exam can be a good way to develop your cybersecurity skills, giving you greater confidence in your ability to handle real-world security threats. Taking the CompTIA Security+ exam in the UK will cost 拢233.
Many jobs in the information security field use the skills and knowledge tested by Security+. Here鈥檚 a look at some available job titles on LinkedIn that request or require this certification, along with average salaries in London, UK, from Glassdoor as of April 2023:
SOC analyst (UK): 拢39,485 []
Systems administrator (UK): 拢41,254 []
Vulnerability analyst (UK): 拢40,126 []
Database administrator (UK): 拢43,708 []
Cyber security consultant (UK): 拢53,472 []
Information security analyst (UK): 拢49,852 [闭听
Information systems architect (UK): 拢68,638 []
There鈥檚 more than one way to prepare for the Security+ exam. How you choose to prepare will depend on your previous experience, current knowledge, and learning style. Here are some options to consider.听
Several organisations offer exam preparation courses specifically for the Security+ exam (including CompTIA). Registering for a course can structure your learning and help ensure you cover all the required topics. As you鈥檙e researching courses, make sure to find one that covers the latest version of the exam (SY0-601).
Taking a practice test can help you identify what topics you might need to study for the test. This could help you be prepared for the test day. CompTIA offers a for the Security+, though you can find many others with a quick internet search.听
If you鈥檙e preparing for the exam on your own, it might help to take a practice test early in your preparation to assess your knowledge, then again a couple of weeks before your exam date to determine where you still need to study.
If you鈥檇 prefer to build your own program to prepare for the exam, you鈥檒l find no shortage of resources鈥攅verything from books and website articles to blogs and podcasts. Here are a few resources recommended by those who鈥檝e passed the exam:
Professor Messar: This popular YouTube channel features 177 free videos specifically for the latest Security+ exam. They鈥檙e also available as a podcast.
CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-601 Study Guide: This book by Darril Gibson, available as an ebook or paperback, covers the exam objectives with more than 300 practice test questions with detailed explanations.听
Quizlet: Build your own set of flashcards to study acronyms.
No matter how you choose to prepare for the certification exam, here are some tips to help you succeed.
Print out the and use them as your study checklist.
Use flashcards to help you memorise acronyms and port numbers.
Read all the answer options in multiple choice questions carefully, and eliminate the ones you know are wrong before choosing your answer.
If you鈥檙e unsure about a question, flag it for review and come back to it later if you have time.
Pay attention to words like 鈥渂est,鈥 鈥渕ost,鈥 and 鈥渓east鈥 in the test questions. These can sometimes help you narrow down your answer options.听
Take sample tests from more than one vendor. Continue preparing until you can reliably pass with an 80 or 90 per cent.
Answer every question, even if you have to guess. CompTIA does not penalise your score for wrong answers.
You can reschedule your exam up to 24 hours before your appointment time. Feel free to take advantage if you feel you need more time to prepare.
Join the CompTIA groups on Reddit and Discord to connect with others studying for the exam.
Earning your Security+ is a major accomplishment. It could also be the first step in a long career in cybersecurity. As you advance in the field, you may pursue other certifications to qualify for better opportunities.听
If you鈥檙e interested in starting a career in cybersecurity or information technology, consider building essential skills with the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on 糖心vlog官网观看. Build job-ready skills at your own pace as you learn how to protect networks, devices, people, and data from unauthorized access and cyberattacks.
Glassdoor. 鈥, https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/london-england-soc-analyst-salary-SRCH_IL.0,14_IC2671300_KO15,26.htm.鈥 Accessed April 28, 2023.
Glassdoor. 鈥, https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/london-england-uk-systems-administrator-salary-SRCH_IL.0,17_IC2671300_KO18,39.htm.鈥 Accessed April 28, 2023.
Glassdoor. 鈥, https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/london-england-vulnerability-analyst-salary-SRCH_IL.0,14_IC2671300_KO15,36.htm.鈥 Accessed April 28, 2023.
Glassdoor. 鈥, https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/london-england-database-administrator-salary-SRCH_IL.0,14_IC2671300_KO15,37.htm.鈥 Accessed April 28, 2023.
Glassdoor. 鈥, https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/london-england-cyber-security-consultant-salary-SRCH_IL.0,14_IC2671300_KO15,40.htm.鈥 Accessed April 28, 2023.
Glassdoor. 鈥, https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/london-england-information-security-analyst-salary-SRCH_IL.0,14_IC2671300_KO15,43.htm.鈥 Accessed April 28, 2023.
Glassdoor. 鈥, https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/london-england-information-systems-architect-salary-SRCH_IL.0,14_IC2671300_KO15,44.htm.鈥 Accessed April 28, 2023.
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