You will earn the CompTIA SecurityX certification by passing one exam that includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions. While there isn’t one right way to pass the exam, some common-sense advice can increase your chance of succeeding in achieving SecurityX certification status.
In its very basic nature, the SecurityX exam is not much different from any other written test you may have already taken. The exam includes a variety of question types to verify your knowledge in specific areas of cybersecurity, such as the following:
- Risk management
- Enterprise security operations and architecture
- Research and collaboration
- Integration of enterprise security
Being well-prepared remains your best bet to score a positive exam outcome, namely passing the test and being awarded the SecurityX certification.
Preparing for Your SecurityX Exam
While everybody prefers to study in different ways, this simple strategy can get you started and make it easier to keep yourself organized during your exam preparation process.
Step 1: Understand what is 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 SecurityX and what it takes to pass the exam.
SecurityX is a performance certification, meaning you will be expected to answer multiple-choice questions and demonstrate the hands-on skills associated with a specific job or responsibility through performance-based questions.
The following will help you to get a general understanding of what’s on the exam:
- Review the SecurityX product page
- Download the SecurityX exam objectives
- Go through the SecurityX practice questions.
- Read about what is on the SecurityX exam.
Step 2: Understand the gap between what you already know and what’s expected of you
SecurityX exam takers come from all walks of life and have in-depth experience in IT and cybersecurity. Although there are no prerequisites for SecurityX, we recommend a minimum of 10 years of experience in IT administration, including at least 5 years of hands-on technical security experience, before taking the exam.
The degree and quality of cybersecurity experience you have already acquired substantially impact the gap between what you already know and what you need to learn.
Regardless of experience, everyone needs to take inventory of the exam areas they 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
CompTIA now offers a comprehensive set of learning resources that include books, eLearning, labs, and exam prep software. These resources are developed in-house by CompTIA based on feedback from learners like you and provide you with a variety of ways to acquire all or some of the knowledge outlined in the SecurityX exam objectives.
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Self-study and test preparation
The self-study guide will teach you the fundamentals of analyzing and applying advanced security concepts, principles, and implementation. It will prepare you to take the SecurityX exam by providing 100 percent coverage of the exam objectives and content examples in the syllabus.Another great way to get an idea of 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.
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Classroom training
For some, self-study isn’t the way to go, and classroom training may be the better choice. SecurityX certification training is offered by many public academic institutions, such as colleges, as well as private academic institutions, such as professional training centers.The cost of classroom training can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. For organizations looking for instructor-led training, CompTIA also offers classroom training for organizations.
How long will it take me to get SecurityX?
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 will feel confident enough to take and pass the exam.
For example, some classroom training teaches all CompTIA SecurityX material in one week, while others stretch over several months. If you choose the path to learn on your own, you may similarly be able to acquire the necessary knowledge within a few days, weeks, or months – depending on how much knowledge and security experience you already have.
While we cannot tell you how long it will take you to get your SecurityX certification, we recommend that you invest enough time in exam preparation and ensure you know what gaps exist instead of racing through the curriculum.
How do I take my SecurityX 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 SecurityX voucher. A voucher is a code that will enable you to sign up for your exam. Not sure what cost to expect? Read more about what SecurityX costs.
Keep in mind that you may be able to purchase a bundle and combine training with your voucher to save a significant amount of money on your way to your SecurityX certification.
Step 2: Schedule your exam
Next, you must take your SecurityX exam from an approved location. As mentioned above, CompTIA works with Pearson VUE, which has testing centers around the world where you can schedule an appointment to take the exam. Members of the U.S. military may be eligible to take the SecurityX exam from an on-base testing center.
How long does the SecurityX exam take?
We frequently get questions from test takers on how long they should plan for their exam to take. The allotted time for the exam is 165 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 you feel comfortable with while remembering that the SecurityX exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions.
Ready to advance your skill level in cybersecurity?
CompTIA now offers several exam training options for SecurityX to fit your particular learning style and schedule, many of which may be combined as you prepare for your exam.
There’s a wealth of information to take you from deciding if CompTIA SecurityX is right for you all the way to taking your exam. We’re with you every step of the way!