CompTIA Security+ Courses

The CompTIA Security+ certification is an entry-level certification for information technology security professionals, so it is the first certificate a candidate on the CompTIA+ cybersecurity career path should take. Although this is an entry-level certificate, there are some things you should know to ensure you can succeed at taking the Security+ exam. You should have a fundamental knowledge of computer and networking concepts. It will also help if you already have the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications or equivalent knowledge. You should have some on-the-job experience in the IT field as well. It is recommended that you have six to nine months of networking experience and two years of IT administration experience before you take the exam.

The CompTIA Security+ exam is a vendor-neutral exam that tests applicants' knowledge of IT security and their ability to perform core security functions. Around 20% of the questions will cover the topics of threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks. Applicants will have to understand various types of compromise and understand penetration testing and vulnerability scanning. An equal portion of the test will cover the technologies and tools a security professional will use to accomplish security tasks. Next, about 16% of the test will be questions that test a candidate’s knowledge of identity and access management. Around 15% of the exam will cover secure network concepts, architecture, and design. The remaining portion of the exam will validate an applicant's knowledge of risk management best practices, cryptography, and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

The CompTIA Security+ certification is the industry standard for testing the minimum skills that an IT security professional needs on the job. This certificate complies with ISO 17024 standards and meets the directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements of the Department of Defense. This certification covers the role of junior IT auditor/penetration tester. Another job title an applicant with a Security+ might pursue is system administrator, whose responsibilities include maintaining user accounts and access, which requires a knowledge of enterprise security. Network administrator and security administrator jobs may also require that applicants have CompTIA Security+ certification. Of course, any hiring manager looking to fill positions that involve IT security, like security specialist, security consultant, or security engineer, would most likely consider Security+ certification a bonus.