Security Plus (+) Certification
 | |
| Abbreviation | Security+ |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2002 |
| Type | Non-profit |
Region served | Global |
Official language | English, Japanese, Portuguese and Simplified Chinese. |
| Website | certification |
The Security+ certification, part of the CompTIA organization's suite of certifications, provides an entry level certification for security.[1] The Security+ certification is widely considered one of the top entry level certifications because of it's low cost, comprehensive content, and worldwide recognition. Of the Business News Daily's top 5 security certifications, Security+ is the cheapest exam and is the third most employed certification. While two years of experience is recommended, it is not required to take the exam or become Security+ certified. [2] Security+ is recognized by the Government Department of Defense 8570.1 directive as one of their baseline certifications for IAT level 2.[3]
History[edit]
The Security+ exam started in 2002 as a result of a need for certified professionals who were able to address IT security needs. As technology grew, so did the need for securing and protecting it, so CompTIA created the SY0-101 exam. The initial exam focused on the security of systems and knowledge. The second version (SY0-201), launched in 2008, focused on systems security, network infrastructure, methods for access controls, etc. The third version (SY0-301), launched in May, 2011, focused on the formation of cloud computing, along with the other previously added topics. The current version (SY0-401) which was first launched in May, 2014, has an increased focus on access controls and identity management. This version is set to retire in July, 2018.[4]
| Exam Number | Launch Date | Retire Date |
|---|---|---|
| SY0-101 | 2002 | 2008 |
| SY0-201 | 2008 | 2011 |
| SY0-301 | 2011 | 2014 |
| SY0-401 | 2014 | 2018 |
Exam Details[edit]
There are a set of details a potential candidate should take into consideration when preparing to become certified:
•Number of questions = 90
•Length = 90 Minutes
•Cost = $330 USD
•Type of questions = Multiple Choice
•Passing score = 750 (based on 100-900 scale)
•Experience = Not required, but 2 years of IT Security experience is recommended
•Retirement = July 31, 2018[5]
A passing score in the allotted time, along with the payment of $330 are the complete requirements to become Security+ certified. There are many professional training organizations that offer training which is also recommended to ensure passing, but not required.
Training[edit]
There are a number of topics covered in the Security+ exam that a potential candidate must be prepared for. These topics include Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities, Cryptography and PKI, Risk Management, Identity and Access Management, Architecture and Design, and Technology and Tools.[6] CompTIA provides an official study guide and exam questions that cover 100% of the topics included on the exam. Training materials are also provided in most official training courses.
Continuing Education[edit]
The annual membership fee to stay certified in Security+ is $50 USD. Additionally, all certified members must attain 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within 3 years. Continuing education units can be achieved for CompTIA in a number of ways, and can be duplicated to other certifications. For example, if a member is certified in Security+ and CISSP and achieves 10 credits for attending a seminar, the member can use 10 credits for Security+ and 10 credits for CISSP. Some examples of CEU opportunities include live web seminars, college courses, IT volunteer activities, and professional conferences.[7]
References[edit]
- ↑ Roger A. Grimes. "Top cyber security certifications: Who they're for, what they cost, and which you need". CSO.
- ↑ Ed Tittel and Lindros. "Best Information Security Certifications 2018". Business News Daily.
- ↑ "DoD Directive 8570.1". CBT Direct.
- ↑ "CompTIA Security+ Certification: History of the Exam | Pentesting Experts". Penetration Testing Experts | Learn Pentesting from Professionals. 2017-07-14. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
- ↑ "CompTIA Security+". CompTIA.
- ↑ "Certification Exam Objectives: SY0-501" (PDF). CompTIA.
- ↑ "CompTIA Continuing Education Program" (PDF). CompTIA.
This article "Security Plus (+) Certification" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Security Plus (+) Certification. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
