It comes as no surprise that cybersecurity continues to be one of the most sought-after IT job roles in the tech industry. Perhaps you're currently working as a help desk technician, and you've gotten a glimpse into a few cybersecurity projects that have sparked your interest. You're ready to take that next step. Regardless of whether you're already in a cybersecurity-specific role or you're doing cybersecurity tasks in a more general IT role, tech pros need cybersecurity skills to succeed.
Cybersecurity careers outlook
According to the 2025 State of Cybersecurity report, there were nearly 470,000 U.S.-based job openings with cybersecurity-related skills between May 2023 and April 2024, demonstrating the broad demand for cybersecurity skills across many different job roles.
As you begin your cybersecurity career, you'll want to obtain a broad knowledge of security skills to build a foundation for your future where you may narrow in on your specific cybersecurity interests.
Beginners in cybersecurity will want to know how to:
- Scan and assess the network for vulnerabilities
- Monitor network traffic for unusual activity
- Investigate a violation when a breach occurs
- Install and use software to protect sensitive information
- Prepare reports that document security breaches
- Research new security technology
- Help end users when they need to install or learn about new products and procedures.
Learn about the CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway
A career in IT is extremely exciting, and working in the cybersecurity field is no exception. Cybersecurity jobs offer high-paying and rewarding salaries, with only room to grow as you add certifications and gain experience.
A brief overview of CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ proves that you have the foundational cybersecurity skills needed to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career, making it a strong starting point into other higher-level cybersecurity certifications. It tests your ability to safeguard networks, detect threats and secure data—helping you become a trusted defender of digital environments.
Read about the Best Jobs in Cybersecurity and How To Get One
Why CompTIA Security+ is important
CompTIA Security+ is the most widely adopted ISO/ANSI-accredited early career cybersecurity certification on the market, and it has hands-on, performance-based questions on the certification exam. Additionally, CompTIA Security+ maps to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) work roles, as well as their respective DoD DCWF work roles.
The Security+ exam verifies that the candidate has the knowledge and skills required to:
- Assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions
- Monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, Internet of Things (IoT) and operational technology
- Operate with an awareness of applicable regulations and policies, including principles of governance, risk and compliance
- Identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents
How to study for CompTIA Security+
To successfully study for CompTIA Security+, follow these steps:
Step 1: Create a plan
Once you've made the decision to earn CompTIA Security+, the first step is to create a plan before you jump right into your CompTIA training solutions.
To know what to study, begin by viewing the exam objectives for free. Doing so will help reveal your areas of strength and weakness, which will determine the topics you need to prioritize when studying.
The latest version of CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) includes both performance-based and multiple-choice exam questions across five domains:
|
Domain |
Exam Weights |
|
General Security Concepts |
12% |
|
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations |
22% |
|
Security Architecture |
18% |
|
Security Operations |
28% |
|
Security Program Management and Oversight |
20% |
The topics covered by CompTIA Security+ align directly with early-career cybersecurity jobs.
Step 2: Build your knowledge
Now that you've reviewed the exam objectives and have an idea of what you need to prioritize, it's time to study.
eLearning
If you enjoy eLearning at your own pace, then CompTIA CertMaster Learn may be an excellent cybersecurity training option for you. It includes interactive lessons with flashcards and performance-based questions, videos that demonstrate key concepts and processes, self-assessments, and progress analytics and reporting.
Check Out CertMaster Learn for CompTIA Security+
Instructor-led training
You might learn best with the guidance and accountability of an instructor and a classroom while having the flexibility of learning from the comfort of your home.
Receive guided learning, hands-on training, live instruction, real-time support from a CompTIA training partner.
Step 3: Practice your skills and get hands-on experience
Learning is just the beginning. Once you've acquired the knowledge, you need to know how to apply it.
Virtual labs are interactive online environments or platforms that allow individuals to learn and practice skills in a simulated setting. What sets CompTIA CertMaster Labs apart is that you're working on actual equipment and software—not just in a simulation. You can use CertMaster Labs in two ways—with instruction, so you can learn new skills, or on your own, practicing what you already know.
Get Started With CertMaster Labs for CompTIA Security+
When integrated with CertMaster Learn, learners experience both knowledge acquisition and hands-on skills development through a single login and seamless workflow.
Step 4: Get exam ready
When it comes to IT certifications, studying is only half the battle. Preparing for the exam process under simulated testing conditions will get you the rest of the way there. CompTIA CertMaster Practice is an adaptive training tool that assesses your knowledge and exam readiness by finding knowledge gaps and helping you fill them quickly.
Studying for an exam is difficult if you have no idea what you're facing. That's why CertMaster Practice offers a complete, timed practice test experience, including scenario-based multiple-choice and performance-based questions that you'll encounter when taking the CompTIA Security+ exam, so you'll feel more prepared and confident on test day.
Get Exam Ready With CertMaster Practice for CompTIA Security+
Get started with cybersecurity training
With a successful training approach, you can test with confidence, pass your exam, and get certified. Plus, these skills will serve you well on any CompTIA exam you decide to pursue.
CompTIA training products use a multi-faceted approach, are designed to follow exam objectives, and offer a variety of options to meet the needs of different types of learners at various stages of their training. So, no matter what method you choose, you know that what you're studying is what you'll see on the test – and what you need to know to help keep organizations secure.