CompTIA Security+ Certification Training

Demand for IT workers with security skills is on the rise, reports the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. CompTIA Security+ certification indicates a broad base of knowledge in security practices and technology.

CompTIA Security+ certification

Security+ is an intermediate-level, vendor-neutral credential that validates competency in computer system and network security fundamentals. Some of the topics covered in the Security+ exam include:

• Access control, including control model differentiation, authentication models and physical access security.
• Network infrastructure, including security threats and mitigation for ports and protocols, network devices, transmission devices and wireless components.
• Assessments and audits, including vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, monitoring methodologies and logging procedures.
• Cryptography, including hashing concepts, algorithm mapping, protocol implementation, encryption methods and certificate management.
• Organizational security, including disaster recovery and redundancy planning, incident response, environmental controls and organizational security policy.
• Systems security, including systems and peripheral security threats and security procedures for workstations and servers.

In order to pass the Security+ exam, candidates must demonstrate the ability to protect computer systems and networking devices by implementing security best practices and enforcing organizational security policies. The CompTIA Security+ exam lasts 90 minutes and involves 100 questions.

Preparing for the Security+ certification exam

Candidates for the Security+ certification exam generally have two years of technical networking experience with an emphasis on security. CompTIA also recommends completing its A+ and Network+ certifications before advancing to the Security+ exam.

To prepare for the exam, candidates have the option of self-study using CompTIA study guides, computer-based education through CompTIA eLearning courses or classroom training via a CompTIA Authorized Partner. Community colleges, vocational schools and private training programs offer Security+ training. Courses generally take five days or 35 hours to complete.

CompTIA Security+ in context

Security+ certification opens doors to advanced training and careers in the growing field of information systems security.

Advanced training. The mid-level certificate indicates competency beyond the basics of computer systems and network administration represented by the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications. Security+ qualifies practitioners for the advanced CASP (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner) certification. The credential may also qualify as an elective for Microsoft's MCSA: Security and MCSE: Security certifications.

Security+ technician careers outlook. Security+ certification opens doors to careers in information systems security, including:

• Security architect
• Security engineer
• Security consultant or specialist
• Information assurance technician
• Security administrator
• Wireless administrator
• Network administrator

Security+ certified technicians are in high demand in high tech, telecommunications, military and business consulting sectors. Major employers that recognize or require CompTIA Security+ certification include Booz Allen Hamilton, IBM, HP, Motorola, Symantec, Telstra, Hitachi, Ricoh, Lockheed Martin, Unisys, Hilton Hotels and General Mills. The U.S. Department of Defense also includes Security+ as one of four choices to fulfill a certification requirement.

Security+ salary premium. Security certifications are among the highest-paying certifications available, a sign of the high demand for this specialty. Certification magazine lists CompTIA Security+ among its "Top Certifications by Salary", with a 2009 mean salary of $82,450. According to the 2011 Skills and Salary Report by Global Knowledge, Security+ technicians earned $75,508.

Information security is a highly valued skill in today's digital economy. Security+ certification proves intermediate-level competency in the protection of sensitive data, computer systems and networks.