The growing incidents of data breaches have compelled the large as well as small businesses to make huge investments in the domain of cyber security. Professionals skilled in cyber security are not only needed in the information technology sector but also in other industrial sectors that have an online presence like banking, healthcare, retail, travel, communication, entertainment, and more.
To enter the field of cyber security, the best option for aspirants is to pursue an entry-level certification from renowned certification bodies related to information security. While there are institutes like the EC-Council, (ISC)2, and ISACA whose certifications are acknowledged by companies all over the world, beginners in this field can go for CompTIA certifications.
CompTIA is a non-profit organization recognized globally for providing professional certifications in the field of information technology. One of the best certifications it offers is the CompTIA Security+ certification. The certification is ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 accredited and focuses on imparting practical skills required to perform core security functions.
Continue reading to get a complete overview of the Security+ certification, what does it cover, eligibility criteria for the exam, and how to achieve the certification.
CompTIA Security+ Certification
For a successful cyber security career, CompTIA Security+ Certification is the perfect starting point. It is different from other entry-level certifications as it covers questions that are more of performance-based and not only the ones that test your theoretical knowledge of cyber security concepts. The certification includes topics ranging from vulnerability scanning, deploying network components to implementing secure network architecture, public key infrastructure, and more.
To earn this credential, candidates need to pass the CompTIA Security+ exam. The exam details, as well as the eligibility criteria, is discussed below.
CompTIA Security+ Exam
The CompTIA Security+ exam SY0-501 consists of a maximum of 90 questions that need to be solved in 90 minutes. The passing score of the exam is 750 on a scale of 100 to 900.
The Security+ exam tests your knowledge in the following domains as per the mentioned percentage of exam:
● Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities – 21%
● Technologies and Tools – 22%
● Architecture and Design – 15%
● Identity and Access Management – 16%
● Risk Management – 14%
● Cryptography and PKI – 12%
To get the complete details of the topics covered in the given domains, you can go through the Security+ exam objectives.
Eligibility Criteria
While it is not mandatory, CompTIA recommends pursuing Network+ certification to prepare better for the Security+ exam. It is ideal for IT professionals who have at least two years of experience in IT administration and networking support. Prior knowledge of basic network terminology, TCP/IP addressing, and troubleshooting tools is also beneficial.
Target Audience
The CompTIA Security+ certification is best suited for Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, Security Administrator, Junior IT Auditor/ Penetration Tester, Security Specialist, Security Consultant, and Security Engineer.
How to Prepare for the Exam?
Now that you know what the Security+ exam will cover, the next step is to prepare for the exam. Here are some useful tips that one can follow:
Refer the official training material provided by CompTIA
Apart from providing a detailed description of the topics covered in the exam, CompTIA also offers the exam preparation material in the form of the e-learning program, interactive virtual labs to execute basic to advanced tasks, study guide, flashcards and more. All of these study materials are very useful to take the exam with better confidence.
Master the important topics
While an exam covers varied topics from each of the domains, there are some critical topics for which you need thorough preparation. Some of those topics include cryptography, crypto-malware, security threats, ransomware, network attacks, malware-as-a-service, and vulnerabilities. That said, do not ignore the other topics as the questions can sometimes focus on lesser-known concepts as well.
Appear for Mock Tests
While a thorough preparation using the best exam materials is the first step in the preparation, the next step is to verify the knowledge that you gain through mock tests. There are a few reliable resources available online that offer practice tests including CompTIA itself. You can take these practice tests to analyze your strengths and weaknesses, as well as to reinforce your learning.
Take up a training course
This option is the best for aspirants who are already working in any organization and don’t have sufficient time to research how to find the study materials and create a study plan. The training providers make it easy for them by creating a comprehensive study plan and covering each topic step-by-step in detail. Moreover, the courses are headed by industry experts who have in-depth knowledge of the subject and have faced the actual exam.
Join a Learner Community
One of the advantages that you get while preparing for a globally-recognized certification is the availability of online communities where you can connect with other aspirants. It helps you post questions, share study resources, and know about the exam experience of other candidates who have successfully cleared the exam. So, forums are a great way to know what all mistakes one can avoid during the exam time.
Salary Prospects and Career Growth
According to Payscale, professionals who have CompTIA Security+ certification earn an average annual salary of ₹513,000 in India. The salary varies from ₹300k to ₹600k for positions of network engineers to information security analysts. With more and more companies undergoing digital transformation, the world of cyber security is advancing and job prospects in this field will continue to rise.
The CompTIA Security+ also acts as the first step towards achieving mid to senior-level positions. As you will have a thorough understanding of the basic concepts after earning the Security+ credential, preparing for advanced certifications like Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification would be much easier. So take the first step in your cyber security career today, and land your dream job!
