As the cyber security industry continues to grow, more and more people are trying to become cyber security engineers and cybersecurity analysts. To keep up with the growing competition for qualified security professionals, your resume could benefit from CompTIA Security+ training and certification.
CompTIA is one of the most highly regarded accreditors of IT skills, and its Security+ certification has quickly become an industry standard. Earning this CompTIA certification requires you to pass an exam, which consists of multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
Upon completion of the exam, you will be considered an information security expert. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. To stand the best chance of acing the test, you should first choose which CompTIA Security+ classes to take.
What Is CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that proves your ability to perform core security operations, validates your skills, and sets you up for an IT security career. If you aspire to become an IT professional, CompTIA Security+ is the best security certification you can earn.
CompTIA Security+ certification is provided by CompTIA. Established in 1982 and headquartered in Illinois, CompTIA is a non-profit organization responsible for issuing industry-grade certifications for several information technology industries. Its members and its influence span the globe, with over 2.2 million certifications issued worldwide.
What Are the Benefits of the CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ is one of the best certifications out there and has several benefits over other certifications. Some key benefits of this exam are outlined below.
- Approved by the US Department of Defence. The CompTIA Security+ certification has been mandated and approved by the United States Department of Defence. There it is also called the DoD 8570. It is now customary for a government employee working in cyber security to be CompTIA Security+ certified.
- Low cost. This certification is cheaper than most. But more on that a little later.
- No experience necessary. Unlike many available certifications, Security+ doesn’t have any prerequisites and hence requires no prior experience. All you need is knowledge.
- Only one exam. Unlike other information technology certifications, CompTIA requires only one exam. Just be aware that you need an exam voucher to be able to take the test.
Earning Your CompTIA Security+ Certification
You can earn your CompTIA Security+ certification by passing a single exam. Although there are no official prerequisites, CompTIA prefers that test takers have two years of experience as system administrators with a security focus.
Admittedly, earning your CompTIA Security+ certificate can be a bit of a hassle. To make it easier, we have put together this comprehensive guide covering every aspect of getting CompTIA Security+ certified.
How Long Does It Take to Become CompTIA Security+ Certified?
According to many student forums, CompTIA Security+ certification exams are easier than other IT certifications and take less time to prepare. Every person goes at their own pace, but generally, it takes 30 to 45 days of preparation to crack the Security+ exam.
How Much Does the CompTIA Security+ Cost?
Certification exams are usually expensive, but at around $300, the CompTIA Security+ exam is the cheapest option on the market. The precise cost varies by state, but it can go as low as $200 in some regions.
CompTIA Security+ Requirements
Even though the exam has no specific requirements, you are expected to have at least two years of work experience in a career path related to information technology before taking the exam. As for the exam itself, figuring out the gap between what you already know and what your study materials say you need to know will make all the difference.
Security+ certifications conferred on or after January 1, 2011, are good for three years. To renew it at the end of each three-year cycle, you are required to complete additional training, pass another exam, or participate in continuing education activities worth at least 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Read more about CEUs on the CompTIA website.
CompTIA Security+ Exam Syllabus
The CompTIA Security+ exam syllabus comprises a list of topics including firewalls, VPN connectors, and much more. The official website publishes the full list of topics covered on the exam, and you should check the website regularly for updates to the syllabus. The exam takes 90 minutes to complete, and the passing score is usually 750 out of 900.
How to Become CompTIA Security+ Certified: Step-by-Step
Passing this exam requires a lot of hard work. Below is a list of step-by-step instructions that, followed closely, may assist hugely in your journey.
- Understand the exam. Knowing the structure and contents of the exam is very important. You have to understand what you are expected to be fluent in.
- Understand your weaknesses. The first step to solving a problem is to realize that there is one. Everyone has some topics that they do not know well. Identify them.
- Turn weaknesses into strengths. Once you understand the problem, the next step is to work towards rectifying it. Nothing is impossible. If you work hard enough and are patient enough, you will fill the gaps in your knowledge.
- Gain experience and practice. Either you have the two years of suggested experience or you don’t. But you can make up for a lack of experience by taking additional practice exams.
The Best CompTIA Security+ Training Programs
Training programs are essential to learning any skill. They educate us in a given field and provide us with the necessary knowledge and skills to pass an exam. Some of the best courses and practice exams are provided below for your convenience.
Best CompTIA Security+ Practice Exams
Practice exams are very important because they provide you with much-needed perspective and experience. The following three rank among the most highly-rated of the bunch.
Udemy
- Exam: Total CompTIA Security+ Practice Tests
- Time: 3 days
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: $100
This highly-rated set of practice exams is offered by Udemy, which has lifetime validity. Each exam is timed and includes content from previous certification exams to give you a stronger sense of the CompTIA style of questioning.
CompTIA
- Exam: Free Practice Test for Security+
- Time: 90 minutes
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Free
CompTIA offers this free practice test to all those preparing for the Security+ certification. It contains all the necessary questions and will provide you with the right mindset for the exam.
ExamCompass
- Exam: Security+ Practice Tests
- Time: 90 minutes
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Free
ExamCompass is the leading destination for any and all kinds of mock exams, especially in technical fields. It has more than twenty tests available, all timed to give you a feel for the real deal and to help you build a practice habit.
Best CompTIA Security+ Training Programs
Training programs are essential preparation for any course, providing you with the right knowledge and guidance for your journey. The training programs listed below are two of the best.
Pluralsight
- Course: Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities for CompTIA Security+
- Time: 4 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Free
Pluralsight provides this CompTIA Security+ class to give beginners better insight into the CompTIA Security+ certification. It takes approximately four hours to complete and is completely free, so you should definitely give it a go.
Learning Tree International
- Course: CompTIA Security+ Training
- Time: 1 year
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: $1,290
This intermediate-level training program offers an instructor-led training option. It costs $1290 for a year, but you can finish the training sooner depending on your understanding of the basics. This course is especially attractive to students who require extra help with certain topics.
Best CompTIA Security+ Online Courses
There are a wide variety of online courses available to help you study and prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam. Two of the best are listed below.
Koenig
- Course: CompTIA Security+ Certification Training
- Time: 10 days
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: $1,000
This is one of the most highly-rated online courses for CompTIA Security+ certification. It is taught by certified professionals who have already passed the exam and hence are well-positioned to teach you the main exam objectives.
KnowledgeHut
- Course: CompTIA Security+ Training
- Time: 8 weeks
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Free
This highly-rated course is provided by KnowledgeHut, one of the most well-respected online training websites for CompTIA Security+ certification. It provides authorized training to crack the exam and pursue a career in information security. It also teaches the values of risk management.
Best Online CompTIA Security+ Resources and Study Guides
The Internet is an ocean of resources, overflowing with study guides and informal tutorials for anyone interested in pursuing the Security+ certification. Below are some of the best resources and study guides out there.
Online Study Resources
There is a pool of resources on the Internet that you can access for free.
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CompTIA Official Website
Using the CompTIA website to practice and understand the concepts for the exam is a must. Head over to the resources page, where you can access mock tests and study guides featuring content from previous years. Take advantage of these generous resources and practice for the exam as much as you can.
CompTIA started this service just a few years ago in response to all of the websites that were charging exorbitant prices for counterfeit materials.
YouTube
As we’re sure you’re aware, YouTube is the largest resource library in the world. The hours and hours of video lectures on the CompTIA Security+ certification exam is considered a top option for beginners as well as experts.
Some videos explain each and every detail about the exam. Others feature previous exam takers just sharing their experience, which is very beneficial for anyone hoping to reduce uncertainty.
Best Study Guides For CompTIA Security+
Study guides play a crucial role in the development of any skill. Some of the best study guides are mentioned below.
CompTIA Security+ Study Guide, By Darrell Gibson
This is the best study guide on the market and the go-to guide for everyone preparing for Security+ certification.
In addition to a great summary of topics, the book includes footnotes about common stumbling blocks, which helps to guide readers through their preparation. It’s a must-read for everyone hoping to ace the exam.
CompTIA Security+ All-In-One Exam Guide, By Gregory White
Gregory White’s book is a masterpiece. It contains complete coverage of all Security+ exam objectives. You can use it as a study tool or for job reference with equal ease. It is filled with practice questions and in-depth explanations of topics covered in the certification exam.
CompTIA Security+ Certification Kit, By Emmet Dulaney
Emmet Dulaney’s complete Security+ exam kit contains complete professional coverage of all five exams. It covers theoretical papers as well as practical experience, making it one of the most useful guides for the exams. This book will help you identify and overcome your weaknesses.
Why Should I Become CompTIA Security+ Certified?
Certification is the best way for employers to verify your skills. It functions as written proof that you are an expert in the field and that you are ready to be employed.
As far as information security is concerned, the Security+ certification is the industry standard. It is accepted for all kinds of job roles around the globe and is essential for people starting their journey in cyber security.
CompTIA Security+ Job Possibilities
Having a CompTIA Security+ certification is more valuable than an entire curriculum of cyber security courses. It is a very promising sector in terms of job market growth. The demand for cyber security professionals as well as for network administrators is constantly increasing. As more and more businesses continue to go online, the demand for cyber security experts will increase proportionally.
CompTIA Security+ Salary
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a cyber security expert is about $69,123. On average, there are about 165,000 job vacancies for cyber security experts in the United States every year. In the near future, such jobs are expected to grow by 25 percent.
These figures interpret themselves. If you’re still on the fence about taking the Security+ certification exam, the prospects for industry growth alone should be enough to push you over the edge.
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