Share this post: Introduction to CompTIA Security+ Certification
CompTIA Security+ certification has been recognized as the industry standard for cybersecurity certifications. The Security+ certification, which has been widely recognized since 2002, is the internationally trusted certification to validate foundational, vendor-neutral IT Security knowledge and skills. Security+ certification, also known by Sec+, covers essential principles of network security and risk management.
The Security+ certificate, which is vendor-neutral, is based upon six core fundamentals:
Network security
Operational security and compliance
Threats and vulnerabilities
Application, data, host security
Access control and identity management
Cryptography
Career Options for Those Who Achieve Certification
The Security+ certification is a great entry point to a career in IT security. CompTIA reports that certificate holders are most likely to take on the following roles:
Security Architect
Security Engineer
Security Consultant
Security Specialist
Security or Systems Administrator
The current and projected shortage of certified cybersecurity professionals to deal with the ever-growing threats from bad actor are making it difficult for qualified cybersecurity professionals to find work. However, the average salary and career opportunities are very bright. Six-figure salaries are the norm, not an exception.
This infographic shows the top 10 most in-demand IT jobs for 2018 and their respective salaries.
How the Test Structured
The 90-minute test includes 90 questions, which can be performed-based or multiple-choice. The exam covers the following topics:
Common security threats
Common security flaws
Common security flaws
Security tools and methods
Access control and identity management
Education and protection of the user
Physical and hardware security measures
Cryptography
The Security+ test is structured in the following:
Threats, Attacks and Vulnerabilities (21%).
Technologies and Tools (22%).
Architecture and Design (15%)
Identity and Access Management (16%)
Risk Management (14%)
PKI and Cryptography (12%)
How to prepare for CompTIA Security+ Certification Test
I would like to give a tip to the Boy Scouts for their always relevant motto, “Be Prepared”. Flying by the seat of your pants is not advisable. There are many ways to prepare for CompTIA Security+ certification test. These approaches vary depending on how people learn and retain new knowledge. Some people excel by self-study while others are better at practicing the test, while others require sensory input such as audio and video to fully absorb and process the material.
Get Security+ training for free from ITProTV.
There is no one-size fits all approach to preparing for the test. Security novices are especially encouraged to prepare for the test. CompTIA or any other vendor such as ITProTV, which offer a variety of online IT training videos for the CompTIA security+ certification, recommends that you take a prep course.
Part 2: Steps to Success – How to Ace CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam