What Is the CompTIA Security+ (Plus) Certification? 2024 Guide

The CompTIA Security+ certification validates that you have the core skills necessary for a career in IT security. For many aspiring cybersecurity professionals, earning this popular entry-level certification can be a first step towards a rewarding, in-demand career.

What is Security+?

Security+ is the entry-level cybersecurity credential offered by the non-profit trade association CompTIA. It’s often the first certification in information security that an IT professional earns. By showing potential employers that you have the core skills required for a cybersecurity role, you may find more job opportunities as a more competitive candidate.

What does the exam cover?

For a good reason, CompTIA Security+ ranks as the most popular certification for cybersecurity professionals. It focuses on hands-on, practical security skills in six major domains. Preparing for the exam gives you a broad base of practical knowledge and skills to handle real-world security situations. The list below highlights the domains and topics covered on the exam:

• Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities: This includes social engineering attacks, newer distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and vulnerabilities found in the Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded devices.

• Identify and access management: Be prepared to show your ability to distinguish between common management practices and apply identity and access management controls.

• Technologies and tools: The exam validates your knowledge of tools to prevent data loss and secure networks.

• Risk management: You should be able to explain the significance of implementing policies and procedures for maintaining organisational security. 

• Architecture and design: Expect a focus on enterprise, cloud, and hybrid environments.

• Cryptography and PKI: This domain covers identity and access management, cryptography, end-to-end security, and public key infrastructure (PKI).

Security+ prerequisites

You don't need any formal qualifications to take the Security+ exam. However, CompTIA recommends that you have two years of experience in the role related to security and systems administration. You also may find it helpful to have an up-to-date CompTIA Network+ certification first.

CompTIA Security+ exam details

To earn your Security+ certification, you must pass a certification exam. Take a closer look at the details of this exam as of June 2024.

Types of questions on the Security+ exam

You’ll find two types of questions on the latest version of the Security+ exam: traditional multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs test your ability to solve security problems in a simulated environment; you might need to install and configure a firewall or set up a wireless network, for example.

PBQs often appear towards the beginning of the exam. If you get stuck on a simulation PBQ, you can flag it for review and return to it if you have extra time at the end of the exam. You must answer virtual PBQs when presented. All of your work will be saved. Some PBQs may offer partial credit, so it’s a good idea to complete as many questions as possible.  

Complete the sample PBQ on the CompTIA website before your exam so you’ll have a better idea of what to expect.

What’s new on version SY0-701

CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 retired on July 31, 2024. The latest version of the Security+ exam, SY0-701, was launched in November 2023. This recent release should equip you with top-rated skills regarding present-day threats, automation, zero trust, IoT, risk factors, and more. 

Is the Security+ certification worth it?

Passing the Security+ exam often requires an investment of both time and money. The return on your investment will depend on your personal career goals. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, having a credential like Security+ on your resume could give you a competitive edge as you apply for jobs. 

However, there are other potential benefits as well. Preparing for the exam can be a good way to develop your cybersecurity skills, giving you greater confidence in handling real-world security threats. 

Jobs that hire for Security+

Many jobs in the information security field use the skills and knowledge tested by Security+. Take a look at some available job titles on LinkedIn that request or require this certification, along with their average yearly pay, according to Glassdoor (as of September 2024):

• SOC analyst: ₹5,64,045

• Systems administrator: ₹5,77,500

• Vulnerability analyst: ₹9,11,085

• Database administrator: ₹8,53,032

• Cybersecurity consultant: ₹11,00,000

• Information security analyst: ₹8,31,656

• Information systems architect: ₹25,60,416

• Cyber threat hunter: ₹5,38,013

Other entry-level cybersecurity certifications

The Security+ isn’t the only entry-level certification worth considering. Below is a quick comparison of some other popular options.

How to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam

How you prepare will depend on your previous experience, current knowledge, and learning style. The following are some options to consider. 

1. Exam prep courses

Several organisations offer exam preparation courses for the Security+ exam (including CompTIA). Registering for a course can structure your learning and help ensure you cover all the required topics. As you’re researching courses, make sure to find one that covers the version of the exam you’re attempting (SY0-701).

2. CompTIA Security+ practice tests

Taking a practice test can help you identify what topics you might need to study while giving you a feel for what it’s like to take the test. This could have the added benefit of calming nerves on test day. CompTIA offers a free practice test for the Security+, though you can find many others with a quick internet search. 

If you’re preparing for the exam on your own, it might help to take a practice test early in your preparation to assess your progress and again a couple of weeks before your exam date to determine where you still need to study.

3. Books, blogs, and websites

If you’d prefer to build your programme to prepare for the exam, you’ll find no shortage of resources to help you—everything from books and website articles to blogs and podcasts. Below are a few resources recommended by those who’ve passed the exam to get you started:

• Professor Messer: This popular YouTube channel features 177 free videos for the latest Security+ exam. The videos are also available as podcasts.

• CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-701 Study Guide: This book by Darril Gibson, available as an ebook or paperback, covers the exam objectives with more than 300 practice test questions with detailed explanations. 

• Quizlet: Build your own set of flashcards to study acronyms.

4. Exam tips

No matter how you prepare for the certification exam, these tips can help you do your best.

• Print out the certification objectives and use them as your study checklist.

• Use flashcards to help you memorise acronyms and port numbers.

• Read all the answer options in multiple choice questions carefully, and eliminate the ones you know are wrong before choosing your answer.

• If you’re unsure about a question, flag it for review and come back to it later if you have time.

• Pay attention to words like “best,” “most,” and “least” in the test questions. These can sometimes help you narrow down your answer options. 

• Take sample tests from multiple vendors (if your budget allows). Continue preparing until you can reliably pass with an 80 or 90 percent.

• Answer every question, even if you have to guess. CompTIA does not penalise your score for wrong answers.

• You can reschedule your exam up to 24 hours before your appointment time. If you need more time to prepare, feel free to take advantage.

• Join the CompTIA groups on Reddit to connect with others studying for the exam.

What’s next: Cybersecurity certification paths

Earning your Security+ is a major accomplishment. It could also be the first step in a long career in cybersecurity. As you advance in the field, you may pursue other certifications to qualify for better opportunities. Read more about some of the most popular certifications (and how to get them).

Get started in cybersecurity.

The CompTIA Security+ certification verifies the essential skills needed for a career in IT security and acts as an entry point for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Covering practical security skills across six major domains, this credential enhances job prospects and provides a solid foundation for handling real-world security challenges.

As you start a career in cybersecurity, consider the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera. This programme can help individuals with no previous experience find their first job in the field of cybersecurity, all at their own pace. The courses cover topics such as security models, tools that are used to access and address threats, networks, and more. When ready, the CompTIA A+_Cyber Specialisation can help you prepare for the CompTIA Security+ certification.