Shaun Donaghy
Head of Innovation at Portland Training
In an era where cyber security threats are growing in sophistication and frequency, the need for skilled professionals to secure digital infrastructure has never been greater. CompTIA Security+ is a widely respected certification that equips individuals with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the field of cyber security. Whether you’re an individual aiming to upskill or a business looking to enhance the expertise of your workforce, this guide will provide everything you need to know about CompTIA Security+.
Contents
2. How Much Does CompTIA Security+ Cost?
3. Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It?
4. What Jobs Can You Get with CompTIA Security+?
5. What Does the CompTIA Security+ Exam Involve?
6. How Hard is CompTIA Security+?
7. How to Prepare for the CompTIA Security+ Exam
8. Does CompTIA Security+ Expire?
9. Can You Take CompTIA Security+ Online?
What Is CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ is a vendor-neutral certification that serves as a benchmark for foundational cyber security skills. It is globally recognised and particularly well-suited for professionals entering the field of IT security or expanding their technical repertoire.
The certification validates skills in:
· Threat identification and management: Learn how to recognise, respond to, and mitigate threats and vulnerabilities.
· Network security: Gain expertise in securing communication systems and devices.
· Identity management: Understand how to manage user access to critical systems securely.
· Compliance and risk management: Develop knowledge of regulations, standards, and risk mitigation techniques.
Unlike other certifications that assume advanced knowledge, CompTIA Security+ starts at a foundational level, making it an ideal stepping stone for professionals new to cyber security.
How Much Does CompTIA Security+ Cost?
The cost of earning the CompTIA Security+ certification can vary depending on your chosen study and preparation method.
· Exam Fee: While the certification exam itself has a fixed cost, this can vary slightly depending on your location or the exam provider.
· Study Materials and Training: Investing in the right preparation is key to success. Costs can differ depending on whether you choose self-study, online resources, or professional training courses.
At Portland Training, we offer an all-inclusive bundle designed to take the stress out of your preparation. Our package includes:
· Comprehensive instructor-led training from industry experts.
· Practice exams to help you build confidence and assess your readiness.
· An exam voucher included in the course price, so you don’t have to worry about additional costs.
· Ongoing support to guide you through every step of your certification journey.
This tailored approach ensures you’re fully prepared to pass your exam and achieve your certification efficiently and effectively. Businesses looking to upskill their teams can also take advantage of our group training options, which are cost-effective and scalable for organisations of any size.
Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It?
Yes, CompTIA Security+ is worth it for both individuals and businesses. Here’s why:
For Individuals
· Career prospects: Security+ is often listed as a requirement for IT security jobs such as Security Analyst, Systems Administrator, and Network Engineer.
· Salary boost: Professionals with Security+ certification typically earn higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts.
· Beginner-friendly: Unlike more advanced certifications, Security+ does not require extensive prior experience.
For Businesses
· Workforce expertise: Employees with Security+ certification bring valuable skills to secure your organisation’s systems.
· Compliance: In industries like finance and healthcare, having certified staff can help meet regulatory requirements.
· Reduced risk: Certified employees are better equipped to identify and respond to cyber threats, reducing potential downtime or data breaches.
What Jobs Can You Get With CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ is designed to open doors to entry- and mid-level IT security roles. Examples include:
· Security Analyst: Monitor and protect organisational networks from potential breaches.
· Network Administrator: Maintain and secure network hardware, software, and systems.
· Systems Administrator: Ensure that all IT systems within an organisation are secure and functioning efficiently.
· Penetration Tester: Simulate cyber-attacks to test the resilience of an organisation’s systems.
Security+ is highly regarded in both public and private sectors, particularly in industries such as finance, government, and healthcare, where security is a critical concern.
What Does the CompTIA Security+ Exam Involve?
The Security+ exam tests your knowledge and practical skills across several key areas of cyber security.
· Exam format: The test includes up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
· Duration: You’ll have 90 minutes to complete the exam.
· Passing score: A scaled score of 750 out of 900 is required to pass.
Key Exam Topics
1. Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities
2. Identity and access management
3. Cryptography and public key infrastructure (PKI)
4. Secure networks and wireless communication
5. Incident response and governance
The certification is regularly updated to align with industry standards. Currently, SY0-601 is the most widely used version, but new versions like SY0-701 are emerging.
How Hard Is CompTIA Security+?
The difficulty of the Security+ exam depends on your background. For professionals with prior IT knowledge, it’s challenging but manageable with preparation. Those new to IT may find it more demanding.
Tips for Success
· Practice regularly: Hands-on experience with labs and simulations makes a significant difference.
· Use multiple resources: Combine books, online courses, and practice exams for comprehensive preparation.
· Focus on weak areas: Identify topics you find difficult and dedicate more study time to them.
How to Prepare for the CompTIA Security+ Exam
Preparation is key to passing the Security+ exam. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Understand the objectives: Download the official exam objectives to know exactly what to study.
2. Take practice exams: Simulate the exam environment to assess your readiness.
3. Join a study group: Collaborating with others can help clarify complex topics.
Does CompTIA Security+ Expire?
Yes, CompTIA Security+ certification expires after three years. To maintain your certification, you must earn 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through activities such as:
· Completing higher-level certifications.
· Attending cyber security training or events.
· Taking additional CompTIA-approved courses.
Alternatively, you can renew your certification by retaking the latest Security+ exam. Rest assured, Portland Training will be on had to help you with any certificate renewal needs.
Can You Take CompTIA Security+ Online?
Yes, CompTIA offers the option to take the Security+ exam online. The online exam is proctored to ensure integrity and is ideal for those who cannot access an in-person testing centre.
Tips for Online Testing
· Ensure you have a quiet, distraction-free environment.
· Check your equipment and internet connection before the exam.
· Follow all proctoring instructions carefully to avoid disqualification.
Portland Training’s CompTIA Security+ course is fully online, led by our experienced industry instructors. This allows you the flexibility to complete the course from anywhere. For businesses, this also allows your staff to complete the course from your premises.
What’s Next After CompTIA Security+?
Once you’ve earned your Security+ certification, you might consider advancing your skills with higher-level certifications like:
· CompTIA CySA+: Focused on cyber security analytics and threat detection.
· CompTIA CASP+: Ideal for professionals in leadership or architecture roles.
· CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional): For senior roles requiring advanced expertise.
Additionally, you can explore specialisations in areas like cloud security, ethical hacking, or compliance.
Conclusion
CompTIA Security+ is a valuable certification for professionals looking to establish or strengthen their careers in cyber security. Its broad coverage of essential security topics makes it an excellent starting point for individuals and businesses alike. Whether you’re pursuing a career change or aiming to fortify your organisation’s IT defences, Security+ provides a solid foundation for success.
Ready to take the next step? Start preparing today and secure your future in the ever-growing field of cyber security with Portland Training’s CompTIA Security+ course. Click the link below to see our upcoming courses.
