Last Updated on June 24, 2024

CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized certification demonstrating an individual’s knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. It’s designed to ensure that professionals have the skills and knowledge to secure networks and devices and protect against cyber threats. Security+ certification is a key part of the industry.

The CompTIA Security+ exam is updated periodically to ensure that it reflects the current state of the field and the skills that are most relevant to cybersecurity professionals. As new technologies and practices emerge, the exam is updated to include these changes and ensure they remain relevant and useful.

The current version of the exam is the Security+ 701—the previous version –  Security+ 601 – is retired as of the end of July 2024.

Reasons for Change

There are several reasons why CompTIA might update the exam. For example, the organization may want to add new content that reflects the latest developments in cybersecurity, or remove content that is no longer relevant.

Additionally, CompTIA may update the exam to align with industry standards and best practices or to reflect changes in the job market and the skills that are most in-demand by employers.

Prerequisites

CompTIA does not have any specific prerequisites for the Security+ exam, but it is recommended that candidates have at least two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security. This experience can be gained through various roles and responsibilities, such as working as a network administrator, security administrator, or systems administrator.

Domains

The CompTIA Security+ SYO-701 certification exam covers five domains.  These domains are:

  1. General Security Concepts (12%)
  2. Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%)
  3. Security Architecture (18%)
  4. Security Operations (28%)
  5. Security Program Management and Oversight (20%)

Each of these domains covers a specific set of knowledge and skills relevant to the field of cybersecurity. For example, in the domain of Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations, candidates might be tested on their understanding of common types of vulnerabilities and the tools and techniques used to exploit them.

In the domain of Security Architecture, candidates might be tested on their knowledge of security technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and prevention systems, then asked to configure and manage these technologies.

Types of Questions

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam consists of multiple-choice and performance-based questions.

Multiple-choice questions are commonly used to test the candidate’s knowledge of key concepts. Performance-based questions require the candidate to solve a specific problem or perform a specific task in a simulated environment. These questions are designed to test the candidate’s practical skills and ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations; for example, a question might ask the tester to set up a firewall or a wireless network.

Exam Details

You might be wondering how long the CompTIA Security+ exam is. It consists of a maximum of ninety multiple-choice and performance-based questions and has a time limit of ninety minutes. To pass the Security+ SYO-701 exam, you must score at least 750 out of 900 points. The exam is scored on a scale of 100 to 900, with 900 being the highest score possible.

The exam is offered in various languages and can be taken at testing centers worldwide. It is administered by Pearson VUE, a leading provider of computer-based testing services. To take the Security+ 701 exam, you must register with Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location, but it typically costs $400.

In Conclusion

CompTIA Security+ is a widely recognized certification in the field of information technology and cybersecurity, and by obtaining it, individuals demonstrate their understanding of security concepts and their ability to implement and maintain secure systems. In many markets, the certification is required for numerous positions, so the value of passing the test can’t be overstated.

About The Author

Gary is an accomplished IT professional with over 20 years experience in implementing Microsoft technologies within large scale enterprise environments for both employers and private clients. Expert level instructor with a proven ability to lead and inspire students to understand a variety of Microsoft back office technologies and their application in real world scenarios. Nationally touring speaker for a Microsoft seminar training company, entrepreneur and creator of his own MSCE boot-camp style training program. Technical Trainer for the US Navy, systems administrator for the US Navy, consultant on a number of high level Microsoft migration projects in Southern California and a one of the most in-demand MCT’s in the country for over 13 years. Gary has a deep and broad pool of experiences to draw from and add to that a knack for quickly understanding new technologies and being able to communicate that knowledge effectively allows Gary to help people learn at a variety of levels.

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