You will earn the CompTIA Security+ certification by passing one exam consisting of multiple-choice and performance-based questions. Read on for some common-sense advice that can increase your chances of succeeding in your exam and achieving CompTIA Security+ certification status.
In its very basic nature, the CompTIA Security+ exam is not that much different from any other written test that you may have already taken. The exam uses various question types to verify your knowledge in specific areas of information security, including the following:
- Securing applications, networks, and devices
- Threat analysis and response
- Risk management
Being well-prepared remains your best bet to score a positive exam outcome, namely passing the test and being awarded the CompTIA Security+ certification.
Preparing for your CompTIA Security+ exam
While individual preferences for preparing for a test may differ in detail, a simple strategy can help you start and stay organized during the exam preparation process.
Step 1: Understand what’s expected of you
Not knowing what’s on the exam is like driving blind into a snowstorm. A better approach is to spend some time reading about CompTIA Security+ and what it takes to pass the exam. The more details you know about the questions you must answer, the better you can judge what you already know and what you still need to learn.
To get a general understanding of what’s on the exam, you should:
- Review the CompTIA Security+ product page
- View the CompTIA Security+ exam objectives
Step 2: Understand the gap between what you already know and what’s expected of you
CompTIA Security+ exam takers come from all walks of life and have various experience levels in IT and security. Although there are no prerequisites for CompTIA Security+, we recommend at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus and earning the CompTIA Network+ certification before taking the exam.
The degree and quality of experience in network and security that you’ve already acquired substantially impact the knowledge gap between what you know and what you still need to learn. While some exam takers may have very little additional knowledge they need to acquire, others may have to invest significant time and effort in their exam studies.
Regardless of experience, it’s advantageous to take inventory of the exam areas you don’t know or know little about. Being honest with yourself will help you focus on what you need to learn and, ultimately, make your studies more effective.
Step 3: Understand how you can close your knowledge gap
Our CompTIA Learning and Training offering is a set of comprehensive learning resources to support our certifications, such as CompTIA Security+. This portfolio of products includes books, eLearning, labs, and exam prep software. CompTIA developed it in-house based on feedback from learners like you. These resources provide you with various ways to acquire all or some of the knowledge outlined in the CompTIA Security+ exam objectives.
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Self-study and test preparation
The self-study guide will teach you the fundamental principles of installing and configuring cybersecurity controls and participating in incident response and risk mitigation. It will prepare you to take the CompTIA Security+ exam by providing 100 percent coverage of the objectives and content examples listed on the syllabus. Browse our store to learn more.Another great way to know what questions to expect is to download a set of practice questions. Remember that these practice questions are not questions that will be on the actual test and that there are different kinds of questions.
The CompTIA CertMaster brand is now a suite of products that helps candidates learn the skills needed for a career in technology and prepare for their exams with confidence. The products that accompany CompTIA Security+ are now available!
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Classroom training
For some, self-study isn’t the way to go, and classroom training is either available to them or simply the better choice. CompTIA Security+ certification training is offered by many public academic institutions, such as colleges, as well as private academic institutions, such as professional training centers.Classroom training costs depend on your choice and can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. You can find classroom training in your area on your classroom training page. CompTIA offers classroom training for organizations looking for instructor-led training.
How long will it take me to get CompTIA Security+?
In short, there’s no simple answer to this question because it all depends on how much you already know, how much you have to learn, how quickly you will learn, and when you feel confident enough to pass the exam.
For example, some classroom training teaches all CompTIA Security+ material in one week, while others span several months. If you choose to learn on your own, you may be able to acquire the necessary knowledge within a few days, weeks, or months; it all depends on how much knowledge and security experience you already have.
While we cannot tell you how long it will take you personally to get your CompTIA Security+ certification, we recommend investing enough time in your exam preparation and ensuring you know what gaps exist instead of racing through the curriculum.
How do I take my CompTIA Security+ exam?
Our high-stakes exams are proctored at a Pearson VUE testing center in a highly secure environment. Visit Pearson Vue to find a testing center near you. However, here’s what you should know about the testing process and what steps you need to take.
Step 1: Buy your voucher or voucher/training bundle
When you’re ready to take the exam, purchase your Security+ voucher from the CompTIA Store. A voucher is a code that will enable you to sign up for your exam. Not sure what cost to expect? Read more on our What does CompTIA Security+ cost? page.
Remember that you can also purchase a bundle and combine CertMaster Learn, CertMaster Practice, and the CompTIA Official Study Guide in one package, saving a good chunk of money on the way to your CompTIA Security+ certification.
Step 2: Schedule your exam
Next, you must take your CompTIA Security+ exam from an approved location. As mentioned above, CompTIA works with Pearson VUE testing centers with locations worldwide where you can schedule an appointment to take the exam. Members of the U.S. military may be eligible to take the CompTIA Security+ exam from an on-base testing center.
How long does the CompTIA Security+ exam take?
We frequently get questions from test takers about how long they should plan for their exam. The allotted time for the exam is 90 minutes. Everyone is different, and passing the exam is not about speed. Go into your exam with confidence and answer the questions at a pace that you feel comfortable with while remembering that the CompTIA Security+ exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions.
Ready for a career in Security?
CompTIA now offers several exam training options for CompTIA Security+ to fit your particular learning style and schedule. Many of these may be used in combination as you prepare for your exam.
There’s a wealth of information to take you from deciding if CompTIA Security+ is right for you to taking your exam. We’re with you every step of the way!