CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level credential that shows certification holders have a deep understanding and core skills about network and security, which is essential for a career in IT Security.
Cybersecurity professionals must earn this entry-level certification to enhance their core skills to achieve a rewarding and in-demand career.
What is Security plus?
CompTIA is a non-profit trade association that offers entry-level Security+ certification.
This is the first cyber and network security certification that an information professional must take.
It validates that an employee with certification has the core skills required for an IT security job profile and may help find other job opportunities.
Eligibility and process for Security+ certification
Candidates who want to earn CompTIA Security+ certification have to go through an eligibility exam which is connected by CompTIA.
No prerequisites or IT professional education is required to appear in the exam.
However, having work experience in IT administration and security adds value, increasing the chances of clearing the test.
What does the exam cover?
CompTIA Security+ certification is one of the most popular credentials for network and cybersecurity professionals.
This exam majorly focuses on hands-on and practical security knowledge in six important domains of IT security.
CompTIA Security+ exam provides you with a clear vision of practical knowledge and skills during the preparation, which is essential to handling real-world security problems.
Here is a detailed illustration of the domains and topics covered in the exam:
Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities:
This domain provide information about the different type of threats and attacks, including social engineering attacks, newer denial of service ( DDoS) attacks, and vulnerabilities found in the Internet of Things (IoT) and other embedded devices.
Architecture and design:
This domain mainly focuses on enterprise, cloud systems, and hybrid environments.
Implementation:
Covers the concepts related to cryptography, end-to-end security, multiple ways of authentication, identity and access management, and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
Operation and incident response:
Digital forensics, security control, risk mitigation, threat detection, and incident response procedure are covered in this domain, and make sure you have knowledge of these factors.
Governance, risk, and compliance:
This section tests your understanding of significant risk and compliance regulations, including HIPAA, GDPR, SOC, CCPA, NIST, PCI-DSS, etc.
Security prerequisites
There are no educational criteria to appear in CompTIA Security+ exam. It recommends that candidates have two or more 2 years of work experience in IT Security administration.
However, some experts guide you to take up-to-date CompTIA Network+ certification before taking the Security+ exam.
CompTIA Security+ details
CompTIA conducts a Security+ certification exam multiple times yearly, costing $370 for application. The exam consists of a total of 90 questions based on domains.
The exam duration is 90 minutes, and the total weightage of questions of 900. Candidates must earn at least 750 out of 900 to pass the exam.
Candidates will find 2 types of questions in the exam, which are based on the latest version of the Security+ exam multiple choice questions (MCQ) and performance-based questions (PBQs).
Performance-based questions ideally test your skills and ability to solve Security-related problems in a particular situation; for example, they can ask about the installation process and configuration of a firewall or set up the wireless network.
PBQs have significantly higher marks weightage than multiple choice questions, so it is best to solve PBQs as much as possible. Generally, these PBQs questions are asked at the start of the exam.
Is the CompTIA Security+ certification worth it?
There is huge potential for CompTIA Security+ certification as it boosts your career in IT professionals and Cyber Security.
The preparation for the Security+ exam creates the ability to handle real-world security problems and cyber threats and provides greater confidence in your cybersecurity skills.
Job profiles for Security+
There are various job profiles and organizations' roles in information security and networking in which the skills and knowledge are measured by Security+ certification.
Here is the list of some popular job titles which are in high demand in the field of Security:
- VSOC Analysts
- System Administrator
- Vulnerability Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Cyber Security Consultant
- Information Security Analyst
- System Architect
- Cyber Threat Hunter
Other entry-level cybersecurity certifications
The CompTIA Security+ is counted in 7 certifications approved by the US Department of Defence as an Information Assurance (AI).
By achieving this Security+ certification, candidates are eligible to apply for IAL level II jobs.
About other certifications
CompTIA Security+ is not the only entry-level certification to achieve. Various certification providers are worth considering having bright careers in the IT security sector, such as ISC2, EC-Council, and GIAC, apart from Security+.
All the mentioned certification providers are focused on general security knowledge, but EC-COUNCIL is more focused on penetration testing.
Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH) IT professionals have higher chances of getting the job title of a penetration tester, which is the highest paying role in cybersecurity and networking.
The application cost from 259 US dollars to 2400 us dollars. CompTIA's Security+ application cost is $370, which is also an excellent reason to choose CompTIA Security+ over other certifications.
Conclusion
Getting the Security+ certification is the most significant accomplishment for any IT security professional because there are various potential benefits.
Preparation for the Security+ exam is the best way to develop your networking and knowledge of cybersecurity and skills, which will bring you outstanding opportunities and job offers.
While preparing for the Security+ exam, you do not have to worry about your career anymore as there are thousands of organizations who are looking for suitable candidates with Security+ certification.
System architects, cyber threat hunters, vulnerability analysts, and system administrators are among the highest-paying roles on avg. Salary of 100K US dollars. Earning a Security+ certification will enhance your resume, certification portfolio, and many govt. IT jobs demanding Security+.
So this has the potential to boost your IT professional career and is worth earning it.
