The latest incarnation of this credential is the Security+ 2008, which replaces the now retired Security+ 2002.
Although there are no mandatory prerequisites for taking the exam, it is suggested by CompTIA that before candidates attempt the Security+ certification they should have at least two years of on-the-job networking experience with, preferably, some exposure to network security. Again, that is a suggestion only therefore anyone may take the exam when they feel they are ready.
To gain the Security+ certification a candidate needs to pass just one exam:
SY0-201 - Security+ 2008
The test consists of 100 multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions with a total of 90 minutes allowed. To pass, a candidate must score at least 750 points on a scale of 100 - 900. Up-to-date objectives for the exam can be downloaded from the CompTIA website, here.
Upon successfully passing the exam, the candidate is awarded the Security+ certification and that credential can then be used as a credit toward more advanced security-related certifications from companies such as IBM, Symantec and Microsoft.
If a candidate fails the exam on the first attempt, he or she may retake the exam at any time, even immediately (upon payment of the appropriate fee). If, however, a candidate fails for a second time, he or she must wait at least 14 calendar days before attempting the exam again.
Candidates who are already Security+ 2002 qualified who wish to update their credential to the 2008 version can do so by either successfully passing the full SY0-201 exam (as outlined above), or by successfully passing the Security+ bridge exam, BR0-001. The bridge exam consists of 50 questions with a time frame of 60 minutes. A candidate is required to score at least 560 on a scale of 100 - 900.
All CompTIA exams can be taken at any Pearson VUE or Thompson Prometric testing center. Keep in mind that there are discount vouchers available for the exam that not only reduce the cost of the exam but also include free training material (read more about Security+ exam vouchers). Discount vouchers can be bought directly from CompTIA, or from a third-party supplier.
