The growing demand for the security professionals has attracted the attention of many cyber security certificates.
The specialists ask questions about the impact of specific certifications on their career prospects.
In this guide, we will look at CompTIA Security + and the reasons why it is one of the most popular cyber security credentials.
So, is CompTIA Security + really worth it? To answer this question, we will consider some aspects of this certification that make it one of the favorites of both professionals and recruiters.
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CompTIA Security+ is approved and certified by the U.S. DoD to fulfill the 8570 requirements
The U.S. DoD has provided the guideline, known as 8570. This guide highlights the prerequisites that the employees of the Department of Defense must fulfill as well as the training and certification they should have if they are functioning in information assurance or cybersecurity roles.
CompTIA Security Plus A+ 220-1001 – A+ 220-1002 Network+ N10-007 Certification Exam Questions has been approved by this directive to have met the baseline requirements of DoD.
This means that the experts with the Security+ certificate can take up job roles in the Department of Defense or any other government bodies, as well as security-focused organizations.
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There are no prerequisite for earning CompTIA Security+ certification
Unlike many cybersecurity certifications, CompTIA Security+ doesn’t have any prerequisite.
This means that if you are just starting out in the field of IT and you prefer to specialize in a cybersecurity domain, you can simply obtain this credential and be qualified to start out in the realm right away.
You don’t need to go through any training or take the previous certificates. All you need is to pass the required exam to get your Security+.
In fact, if you are serious and dedicated to earning your credential, you can be ready to take the test within two months, even without previous experience in the field of IT.
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Obtaining CompTIA Security+ certification is not expensive
Without a doubt, the IT certifications are not cheap and more so for the cybersecurity ones. Many network security credentials cost over Certbolt $500 per exam.
Now, paying the fee doesn’t guarantee that you will pass your test. Many candidates have failed their exams severally before finally passing them, and for every retake, you have to pay a new fee.
This means that if you have to take the test like three times, that’s some $1500 on an average. For the CompTIA Security+ certification, the cost is much lower.
You only need to pay $349 to take the SY0-501 exam and obtain your credential. It’s even possible to pay less if you have a discount voucher to use on your registration.
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You need to pass only one exam to get CompTIA Security+ certification
In spite of all the benefits and recognitions of the Security+ credential, you should pass one test to earn it.
This means that you just have to dedicate your time to studying the exam content of CompTIA SY0-501 and pass it.
The knowledge areas you need to develop prior to taking this test include computer networking, OSI model, port numbers, protocols, networking hardware components features, such as firewalls, switches, and routers.
If you don’t have prior knowledge and skills in these areas, you can gain competence in them through study.
After this single exam, you will be awarded your CompTIA Security+ certificate and are ready to take up any job role related to the field.
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Preparationresource for CompTIA Security+ certification are readily available
There are many study materials available online. The CompTIA website has the links to different training resources designed to equip the candidates with the knowledge and competence required to pass the SY0-501 exam.
In addition, there are various online courses offered by many platforms in the training industry.
The students in colleges and universities can also explore the training courses offered in their institutions to prepare for this certification test.
One thing you can be sure of is that there is no shortage of resources for you to prepare for your CompTIA Security+ exam.
Talking about training, so how much time do you need to dedicate to study in order to prepare for the CompTIA SY0-501 exam?
The effort you put into preparing for your test depends on a range of factors. Importantly is your existing knowledge and background experience in the field of network security and IT in general.
With average knowledge in the industry, you can be ready to take your exam with about 50-60 hours of dedicated study. Without basic IT knowledge, you will definitely require some more hours.
Conclusion
The CompTIA Security+ certification is worth your investment at different levels.
If you are looking to take up an intermediate job role in the field of cybersecurity, this credential will give you the competitive edge you need.
Although it is not a prerequisite, pursuing CompTIA Network+ before taking this certification is highly recommended, especially for the candidates with no prior experience in the IT sector.