CompTIA Security+ validates knowledge of communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, operational security, and general security concepts. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that is taught at colleges, universities and commercial training centers around the world. Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that CompTIA Security+ candidates have at least two years on-the-job networking experience, with an emphasis on security. The CompTIA Network+ certification is also recommended.
Because human error is the number one cause for a network security breach, CompTIA Security+ is recognized by the technology community as a valuable credential that proves competency with information security. Major corporations such as Sun, IBM/Tivoli Software Group, Symantec, Motorola, Hitachi Electronics Services and Verisign value the CompTIA Security+ certification and recommend or require it of their IT employees.
Benefits for becoming CompTIA Security+ Certified
- U.S. Dept. of Defense and Directive 8570: U.S. DOD employees or contractors engaged in work related to information security are required to be certified, as specified in a list of certifications included in the Directive 8570 manual, and CompTIA Security+ is one of the designated certifications.
-Healthcare industry and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): This Congressional Act of 1996 requires that standards be met in the security and privacy of data in the healthcare industry. One way that healthcare companies can demonstrate their compliance with the standards in this act is to verify certification of their network and information security staff.
-Financial industry and web-based attacks: The financial industry and its customers are vulnerable to attacks designed to gain access to personal account information. Those who provide network security are critical in this business, and the CompTIA Security+ certification is an assurance of baseline competency.
-All industries need trained security professionals to combat hackers and security threats. CompTIA Security+ shows employers you can maintain the integrity of their business communications, infrastructure and operations.
-74 percent of IT managers say a CompTIA certification is an important factor in considering an employee for a promotion.*
CompTIA Security+ Requirements
Requires passing a single exam.
The Security+ exam is presented as a 100 question, multiple choice exam to be completed in 90 minutes. The exam covers general security concepts, communications security, basics of cryptography, and operational/organizational security. Candidates sitting the test need a score of 764 in order to pass the exam, and that score is derived from a 100 - 900 scale. Test results are displayed as soon as you complete the exam and scores are denoted as PASS/FAIL, there is no actual score presented.
