Anyone interested in pursuing a cybersecurity career can immediately unlock new and higher-paying opportunities with a CompTIA Security+ certification. In many ways, CompTIA Security+ is a cybersecurity gateway.
So, how do cybersecurity professionals train for and take the CompTIA Security+ exam? Our ultimate guide will prepare you with everything you need to know to begin advancing your cybersecurity career.
CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized certification. It demonstrates that an individual has the baseline knowledge necessary to pursue an IT security career. It’s overseen by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).
The certification focuses on the core cybersecurity competencies and is acknowledged worldwide, including at governmental defense department levels. That’s why it’s generally the first cybersecurity certification professionals will earn.
The training and exam emphasize pragmatic skills building when working toward a CompTIA Security+ certification. Undergoing that training tells hiring organizations that you can recognize cybersecurity incidents and fully protect against and mitigate them.
Although two years of IT administration experience are recommended, there are no prerequisites for pursuing CompTIA Security+ certification.
CompTIA Security+ certification is for IT professionals with knowledge and experience covering networking and administrative skills in Windows®-based Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) networks.
Certification enables them to pursue career advancement and promotion opportunities for roles (and salaries) such as:
(Keep in mind that the salaries above are US national medians, weighted for location. For ranges more accurate for your specific location, try to refine the filters available on the site linked above).
CompTIA Security+ exam takers must answer up to 90 questions in 90 minutes on topics from one of five “domains”:
The exam is graded on a scale of 100-900. Successfully earning certification requires a minimum score of 750. Once an individual has passed the exam, their CompTIA Security+ certification remains active for three years.
Pursuing additional certifications and training in those three years and earning 50 “continuing education units” (CEUs) will qualify for Security+ renewal.
Beginners and students of all skill levels can pursue CompTIA Security+ certification.
However, it is generally recommended that they have accrued two or more years of professional experience in an IT administration role—particularly emphasizing security responsibilities.
Once a beginner has some experience, achieving CompTIA Network+ certification would certainly benefit future opportunities.
CompTIA Security+ certification is very much worth the effort and expense for professionals interested in pursuing a cybersecurity career. As it’s considered one of the first professional certifications earned within the field, all but entry-level job opportunities may be automatically denied without it. Even some entry-level jobs may require it.
Furthermore, maintaining CompTIA Security+ by attaining 50 CEUs is relatively easy for professionals active in the cybersecurity field.
So, passing the initial exam and periodically attending additional certifications and training should help any individual maintain their Security+ credential as long as they choose.
Additional CompTIA certifications are also available to further specialize in a cybersecurity subfield or pursue advanced-level knowledge. New Horizon also provides CompTIA Security certification training for:
New Horizons’ five-day CompTIA Security+ course costs $2,475 and runs two (sometimes three) times per month, allowing for busy schedules. The complete course comprises 21 modules that cover:
After completing the course, you’ll be prepared to take the Security+ certification exam, although a practice exam is recommended.
CompTIA advises that it takes roughly six weeks to prepare for the Security+ exam, with studying efforts mirroring any standardized testing scenario. Once you’ve developed a basic knowledge of the exam topics and have committed to pursuing certification, you’ll want to:
Put your CompTIA Security+ certification to good use by prominently placing it with other professional credentials on your resume. Given the widespread recognition throughout the cybersecurity industry, nearly anyone familiar with hiring requirements in the field will recognize it.
As a globally acknowledged certification, achieving the CompTIA Security+ will immediately showcase core competency skills in cybersecurity regardless of other professional or educational experience.
Certified individuals should leverage their achievement for higher-paying, more-advanced cybersecurity career opportunities or to demonstrate continuing education.
When you’re ready to get started pursuing your CompTIA Security+ certification and progress in your cybersecurity career, New Horizons is here to help you with everything you need. We offer comprehensive training and certification for CompTIA Security+ and numerous other professional IT certifications.
Come exam date, we’ll have you ready to take the test with complete confidence.
Cyber attacks continue to evolve every day, resulting in a need to be constantly improving and implementing new cybersecurity measures. This concept can be overwhelming for any cybersecurity team, no matter how big or small. That's why we've created a free ebook to help you design a comprehensive cybersecurity plan.
Click here to download the ebook. >>
Sources:
CompTIA. Free Practice Tests for A+, Security+, & Network+ & More. https://www.comptia.org/training/resources/practice-tests
CompTIA. Get IT Done: 6 Weeks to Upskill. https://www.comptia.org/blog/6-weeks-to-upskill
Salary.com. Entry Level Security Engineer Salary in the United States. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/entry-level-security-engineer-salary
Salary.com. Network Administrator I Salary in the United States. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/network-administrator-i-salary
Salary.com. Penetration Tester Salary in the United States. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/listing/penetration-tester-salary
Salary.com. Security Administrator Salary in the United States. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/security-administrator-salary
Salary.com. Security Consultant Salary in the United States. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/security-consultant-salary
Salary.com. Security Specialist Salary in the United States. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/security-specialist-salary
Salary.com. Systems Administrator I Salary in the United States. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/systems-administrator-i-salary