The Security+ certification from CompTIA is a foundation-level security certification suitable for those wishing to start out on an I.T. security career path. The Security+ exam is vendor-neutral which means general security concepts are tested, rather than vendor-specific topics. Domains tested by the exam include general security concepts such as communication, cryptology, infrastructure and operational security. Over the years the Security+ certification has become a popular stepping stone to more advanced security certifications with over 32,000 Security+ certified individuals worldwide.
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:
SY0-301 - Security+
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.
Successful candidates are awarded the Security+ certification credential which can then be used as a credit toward more advanced security-related certifications from companies such as 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. Before paying for the exam, candidates should check the official CompTIA website (and third-party suppliers) for any promotional offers or discount exam vouchers (read more about Security+ exam vouchers).
