What is CompTIA Security+?

The CompTIA Security+ certification is an industry-wide standard for baseline computer security knowledge for information technology (IT) professionals. It is a vendor-neutral certification and has earned the status of being accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). So, what is CompTIA Security+, and what does it entail? Keep reading to learn more.

 

What is CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ exam verifies a candidate's knowledge of the fundamentals of IT security and their ability to perform core security functions.

CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level certification that every IT professional should aim for because it lays the groundwork for fundamental security skills necessary for any kind of cybersecurity job. By focusing on practical skills, the exam certifies that the certification holder is better equipped to deal with a wide range of security issues. Certified CompTIA Security+ professionals aren't just able to recognize security incidents; they also know how to resolve them.

A CompTIA Security+ certification can help you stand out from other candidates and make you more attractive to employers who are looking for someone with both technical skills and practical experience.

Is the CompTIA Security+ Certification Worth It

Attaining this certification demonstrates that someone has knowledge about security controls and how to implement them. CompTIA's website states, "CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career."

The exam tests a candidate's knowledge with best practice and knowledge-based questions in the areas of network security, secure application development, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, application, data and host security, access control and identity management, risk management, cryptography and PKI, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.

The Security+ certification is an industry-recognized certification that indicates an individual's proficiency in cybersecurity solutions and practices. It can be used as a stepping-stone to other certifications like CISSP or CASP. After passing the exam, candidates are eligible for jobs in government agencies, IT security consulting firms, or any company that needs to implement IT security policies.

Career: Job Roles and Outlook

The job outlook for security professionals is good as there is a shortage of IT cybersecurity professionals around the world.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for information security analysts are expected to average around 19,500 per year over the next decade, which means that there will be plenty of opportunities for professionals who have earned CompTIA's Security+ certification.

At a time when business continuity is so critical and the frequency of data breaches is on the rise, professionals who are certified in security are highly sought after by organizations. Most organizations know they need to bolster their employee training programs and hire only the best, most skilled IT cybersecurity professionals.

In addition to its popularity as an entry-level certification in the field of IT security for non-governmental organizations, it is also recognized by various government agencies as an approved credential for those wishing to work in IT security positions within the government or military.

Here are just a few common job roles of those who have earned this certificate:

• Junior IT Auditor/Penetration Tester
• Network Administrator
• Systems Administrator
• Security Administrator
• Security Specialist
• Security Consultant
• Security Engineer

Expected Salary Range

Like with many roles in the technology sector, the salary ranges of CompTIA Security+ holders can vary widely based on factors such as the company's size, the location of the company, and the responsibilities of the position.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salary ranges fall into the following percentiles:

• 25th Percentile: $63,020
• 50th Percentile: $81,100
• 75th Percentile: $104,460
• 90th Percentile: $130,200

Who Should Pursue CompTIA Security+

If you're already implementing IT security controls in your organization or aspire to be an IT Security professional, you may be an ideal candidate for CompTIA Security+ certification. Also, if you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd during a job search, the CompTIA Security+ certification is for you.

Taking the CompTIA Security+ exam is a great way to show employers that you have the knowledge and skills to protect their systems and data. It is approved as an 8570-compliant baseline security certification for certain position categories or specialties in the government or military.

Additionally, the exam is an essential first step for professionals seeking advanced security certifications such as the SSCP and CISSP. It provides an excellent foundation for IT and non-IT security professionals who want to learn more about computer security.

The CompTIA Security+ exam is challenging, but there are no prerequisites to take the test. However, CompTIA recommends that you have at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus and have earned the CompTIA Network+ certification or have equivalent networking experience. If you meet this recommendation, you have a greater chance of passing the exam.

Summary

CompTIA Security+ is one of the most prominent certifications in IT security and is designed to measure the skills and knowledge required for a career in IT security. This guide covers the basics of CompTIA Security+ and the career options available to those with a Security certification. We hope this helps as you begin your journey toward achieving this important industry-wide baseline standard.