CompTIA Security+ is one of the leading certifications for those planning to pursue a bright and reputable career in IT security. Offered by a global, non-profit entity, CompTIA or Computing Technology Industry Association, the company is a leading trade association known for their well-respected certifications related to information technology. And one notable certification in the field of IT security that always top the chart is CompTIA Security+.
About CompTIA Security+
Before anything else, you must know that this famed IT security validation tackles about your comprehension corresponding to core security functions, threat analysis, risk mitigations and other related software and hardware tools. Accordingly, this is considered as an entry-level designation for IT professionals on the hunt for the perfect cybersecurity job.
The popularity and worldwide recognition of CompTIA Security+ has been running for years, especially that it seems there’s no scarcity for individuals wanting to go up the cybersecurity career ladder. The demand is high, so as the competition. And if you’re ready to showcase your expertise and be of great asset to a network security organization, here’s a step-by-step guide in becoming a CompTIA Security+ certified. Time to have an awesome cybersecurity career!
CompTIA Security+ SY0-401 and SY0-501
As a vendor-neutral accreditation, CompTIA Security+ is embraced globally by different organizations as well as security professionals. Earning this credential means that you have successfully passed at least one of two equally hard yet functional exams— SY0-401 and SY0-501. In case you do not know, SY0-401 will be retired on July 31, 2018. Consequently, the organization has established another related certification, SY0-501, which brushes the extensive coverage of Security+. There are evident differences between the two exams, mainly about the percentage of the exam objectives. The latter points out the varying importance of cybersecurity movements and instructional design management. This means the exam now gives vital point of interest to risk management, attacks, and technologies and tools.
Since SY0-401 will soon be retired, let’s delve deeper with the new and more comprehensive exam, SY0-501, which gives more attention to practical knowledge and hands-on abilities essentially needed for a cybersecurity professional in a changing world.
SY0-501 Exam Objectives
The exam is comprised of six objectives, orbiting around tools and technologies (22%), threats, vulnerability, attacks (21%), identity and access management (16%), architecture and design (15%), risk management (14%) and PKI and cryptography (12%).
SY0-501 Target Candidates
One of the many reasons why IT professionals love this certification is that it does not require mandatory prerequisites. Unlike other cybersecurity certifications, you can step-up your career with the help of CompTIA Security+ as it is considered the entry-step to the field of network security. As long as you have at least two years’ experience in security administration and in-depth knowledge related to security implementation, technical support and everything in between, then you can take a good shot at the coveted exam. But remember, the certification is much more than a hardware or software repair. It is dubbed as the most important security certification that substantiates your core knowledge in a cybersecurity realm and further gives you the stepping ladder for intermediate-level cybersecurity roles. So, preparation is never a choice but a must.
SY0-501 Study Resources
Study Guides
Now that you know what CompTIA Security+ is all about and who it targets, it’s time to prepare for the exam. There are seriously plenty of study materials to help you pass the exam, but study guides are often some of the most imperative study references. CompTIA offers the most useful of them all-CompTIA Security+ Study Guide: Exam SY0-501. The book discusses all the fundamental principles about installation and configuration of different cybersecurity functions and interrelated tools and technologies. One of the advantages of using study guides is that you can make notes or highlights with your book.
Comprehensive Online Videos
With the upswing of virtual study materials, online videos will always make its way to the list of useful study tools. There’s an array of comprehensive online video selections to suit different types of candidates with unique learning styles and contrasting schedules. These study resources are ideally recommended for busy bees who don’t want to waste time, hence studying anywhere, at any time with their go-to online materials.
Classroom Training
If you want to try something more interactive, you’ll never go wrong with taking a classroom training. And good thing, CompTIA sets out two options— training for organizations and training for students. Training for your group is ideal for those wanting to study while having fun together with your colleagues. The hands-on training with an instructor is suitable if you want to have a more serious discussion without any disruptions from your classmates. Don’t worry, all the instructors are highly-qualified trainers that will help you every step of the way.
Braindumps
Braindumps may not be attractive for some, but these are functional and effective. Knowing some of the possible questions and answers ahead of time gives you more room to study the important aspects of the exam. It is advisable, however, to study braindumps only after knowing all the fundamentals and needed skills about cybersecurity or after reading the study guides and taking online training resources. Utilize braindumps as your way of testing your mastery and not your only study material.
Practice Tests
Just like braindumps, PrepAway CompTIA Security+ Certification Practice Test Questions Exam Dumps – SY0-501 practice tests are the best way to analyze your strengths and weakness so that you can give more focus on areas that need more improvement. Practice tests give you more confidence compared to those who just depend on books and online video. Candidates clearly need to take on practice tests and find out some series of questions to polish their mastery. Plus, these practice tests give you a glimpse of the possible set of questions that may appear during the exam. CompTIA also produces practice exams so as to make sure you are 100% ready before you take SY0-501.
Conclusion
Passing SY0-501 means that you are now CompTIA Security+ certified, and are all set to conquer the cybersecurity industry with your validated knowledge and certified abilities. The path may not be a walk in the park, but it’s definitely worth the sacrifices. So, are you up for the challenge and take the journey to become a CompTIA Security+ certified?