CompTIA Security+, as the name suggests, is a certification related to cybersecurity. Evidently, the certification is ideal for those who are applying for job roles like:
- Security Administrator
- Network Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- Security Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
- IT Auditors
- IT Project Manager
Well, before discussing the CompTIA Security+ certification and the career prospects associated with it, let us know why you should even bother about this credential.
We are living at the time of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is inclusive of disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence, 3D printing, virtual reality, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). We have witnessed the change moving from traditional methods to digital methods.
Many services are now available online, and you just need to share some information with the service providers to use them. Now here is the catch – millions of people are sharing their personal details online, be it their mobile number, address, contacts, and even credit card numbers.
The companies who are collecting such sensitive information have to ensure that it is safe. Unfortunately, malicious hackers have become quite sophisticated in launching cyberattacks and compromising that data. Many cyber attacks happen across the world daily.
This is an alarming situation and the need of the hour is to hire skilled cybersecurity professionals who can deal with ill-intended hackers and prevent any kind of threats.
Cybersecurity is all about the practices and steps taken by an organization to secure its data, systems, networks, and edge devices, identify the loopholes and vulnerabilities and correct them before they can be exploited. Professionals who are skilled in cybersecurity know about the standard security protocols that are followed, the latest techniques and codes used by hackers, and what could be the possible solutions to them.
A variety of credentials are designed for people who want to demonstrate their skills in cybersecurity. One of the popular certifications, as mentioned earlier, is the Security+ credential offered by CompTIA. Here is all you need to know about the certification and what job roles ask for this skill.
An Introduction to CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level certification that helps applicants establish the core knowledge required for any role in cybersecurity and gain hands-on practical skills.
It is trusted by organizations across the world to find candidates who have proven baseline security skills. What makes the Security+ certification unique is that it emphasizes hands-on practical skills, ensuring that the applicant is prepared to solve a variety of complex issues that organizations face.
By getting Security+ certified, aspirants become capable of assessing the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommending suitable security measures. They can monitor and protect hybrid environments like cloud, IoT, and mobile and know how to operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies along with principles of governance, compliance, and risk. Moreover, the certification is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and US DoD approved to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements.
The CompTIA Security+ exam consists of 90 questions of multiple-choice and performance-based type. The duration of the exam is 90 minutes, and the passing score is 750 (on a scale of 100-900). It is recommended that you have two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security before you take this exam. You’ll be tested on the following areas in the exam:
- Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities
- Architecture and Design
- Implementation
- Operations and Incident Response
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance
Career Prospects of CompTIA Security+ Certified Professionals
CompTIA Security+ is a vendor-neutral certification that is recognized across the world in the field of cybersecurity. As mentioned at the beginning, professionals embarking on a career as a security administrator, security consultant, network engineer, IT auditor, software developer, or systems administrator can achieve this certification. Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand today and command higher paychecks compared to similar IT roles.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics categorizes the job roles covered by Security+ under network and computer systems administrators. For these categories, the number of jobs is expected to grow more than 6% by the year 2026. If we look at the Top Highest Paying IT certifications of 2020 survey conducted by Global Knowledge, Security+ is the most popular cross-certification for CCP-V: Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization credential, whose average base pay is $117,069.
Overall, IT security offers various paths to satisfying jobs and rewarding careers. A CompTIA Security+ certification in your skillset will garner the attention of hiring managers as it is respected globally. For entry-level cybersecurity positions, you will be placed higher among the competitors. Companies will understand that you have gained expertise in the concepts and skills that act as the foundation of a cybersecurity career.
Your salary prospects will vary according to the role you apply for. It will also depend on your prior experience, commitment towards your job, and location. You may consider taking an online training program to prepare for the Security+ certification exam if self-study isn’t possible for you. Many rely on this option as they get all the related course materials and preparation tips from the training providers themselves. So when are you planning to get certified?
