CompTIA FAQ

CompTIA FAQ in 2024: What Should You Know About CompTIA?

CompTIA has become a common IT exam. Top CompTIA FAQ is always the topic of interest for those who want to take this exam. Now, let's get started!

Updated at March 14, 2023

The CompTIA certification is a widely recognized credential that covers monitoring network security risks and attacks as well as fundamental network security principles. An information security engineer’s professional path includes certifications as a crucial stepping stone since they give authentication. You can find the most relevant and recent information regarding this certification exam in this section of the CompTIA FAQ.

Thousands of practice questions for the A+, Security+, and Network+ CompTIA certifications are available on this website. Our Test Prep has helped thousands of people succeed on their exams. Go to Passemall right away to begin preparing!

CompTIA FAQs

What is a Security plus certification?

Security is an important IT skill for any role, so you’ll be a priority among candidates if you hold a CompTIA Security+ certification. Specifically, CompTIA Security+ is an IT exam organized by CompTIA: Information Technology (IT) Certifications & Training. It is also suitable for those who want to pursue positions of network, system and security administrator, security specialist, entry-level IT auditor, security consultant, and security engineer.

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam will cover knowledge of threats, attacks and vulnerabilities, risk management, architecture and design, technology and tools, encryption and PKI, and identity and management access management. With a CompTIA Security+ certification, employers will know you have the ability to install and configure systems to keep apps, networks, and devices secure at a basic level.

The CompTIA Security+ certification is recognized worldwide as one of the basic information security certifications in the field of cybersecurity. The CompTIA Security+ certification is also approved by the ANSI (stands for the American National Standards Institute) organization and is created to demonstrate an individual’s understanding to use the knowledge, skills, and features required to comply. CompTIA Security+ certified IT professionals often have a better chance of getting a higher salary than their peers without the certification. It’s also important to note, however, that there are other factors that determine salary, and these factors relate to your level of experience and recognition.

How many questions are on the Security+ exam?

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam has exactly 90 questions in total. After completing the CompTIA Security+ certification exam, you’ll be inquired to fill out a few discretionary exit overview data regarding your tests and why you have chosen to be certified. This will comprise around 12 multiple-choice questions.

How many questions can you miss on the Security+ exam?

Obviously, since each question within the CompTIA Security+ certification exam isn’t weighted the same it may be more or less. but 16 can grant you a great run the show of thumb, particularly in case you’re similarly great or awful in all the zones. Let’s say the  CompTIA Security+ certification exam has 90 questions totaling 800 points (terminated on a scale from 100-900).

What is the latest version of CompTIA Security+?

Since the CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 educational modules and exams were presented, there has been a realization that expanded accentuation is required to be put on the central features of cybersecurity, counting security controls, occurrence reaction, and forensics. The proceeding slant toward half breed situations with cloud, portable, and IoT operations, has set a premium on sysadmins and arranged admins who are capable in all viewpoints of day-to-day security administration.

Because of this, the completely new version of CompTIA Security+ – the CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 is more centered but goes more profound than its forerunner. The new CompTIA Security+ exam has five main domains — one less than SY0-501 — and has fewer goals but has 25% more examples compared to the previous version of the CompTIA Security+ exam. In their SY0-601 certification exam goals archive, CompTIA states that the new format of CompTIA Security+ certìication is identical to 2 years of hands-on involvement working in a security or systems chairman work part. 

What does CompTIA Security+ cover?

CompTIA FAQ

While the SY0-501 version of the CompTIA Security+ certification exam has 6 domains in total, the current adaptation of the CompTIA Security+, SY0-601, has been accessible since December of 2020, and, once once more, the CompTIA adjusted CompTIA Security+ exam spaces to reflect what’s happening within the industry. This CompTIA Security+ exam comprises the below 5 specific domains:

  • Attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities (which accounts for 24% of the total number of questions) — Capacity to recognize and get the distinctive sources of dangers, sorts of assaults, and vulnerabilities that will be exploited 

  • Architecture and design (which accounts for 21% of the total number of questions) — Talent to apply security controls in practice to make a secure environment for company operations 

  • Implementation (which accounts for 25% of the total number of questions) — Competence in executing a secure framework plan to protect perspectives related to hardware/firmware security, working frameworks, and peripherals

  • Operations and incident response (which accounts for 16% of the total number of questions) — Skill to reply satisfactorily to a cybersecurity occurrence and plan fitting progression procedures that can give businesses a level of resiliency and operational protections to resist unforeseen threats 

  • Governance, risk, and compliance (which accounts for 14% of the total number of questions) — Recognition with a comprehensive administration, chance, and compliance (GRC) program that adjusts with the procedure to safely empower and back the commerce, both in terms of optimization and clarity

How much does Security plus cost?

The cost of the CompTIA Security+ certification exam is diverse for distinctive places just as the USA, Britain, Australia, Developing markets, etc. CompTIA Security+ certification exam costs USD 370 within the United States of America to purchase a voucher for this IT exam. There are numerous other plans like:

  • You’ll select the CompTIA Security+ certification exam conjointly retake for USD 549 and take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam bundle comprising of exam voucher, exam retakes, eBook, and the CertMaster for Security+ exam for USD 699 

  • Another choice contains the exam voucher, retake office, CompTIA Coordinates CertMaster Learn, and Labs for Security+ in USD 949. You can select according to your budget and prerequisites. 

  • The leading option that I will prescribe would be to purchase the voucher and take up an industry-grade CompTIA Security Additionally Certification to assist you to get up to speed. Moreover, have a look at the taking after video on Cyber Security Preparing to induce your basics to adjust.

What is a passing score on the Security plus exam?

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam features a maximum of 90 questions in total and you’ve got 90 minutes to total it. A passing score of the CompTIA Security+ certification exam is 750 on a scale of 100-900, which somebody has calculated to be around 83% to successfully pass.

How many times can you reschedule the CompTIA exam?

You’ll retake the CompTIA Security+ certification exam if you like since there’s no confinement on the number of limits on the exam or the holding-up period between the exams. So, in the event that you’re not beyond any doubt that you will pass the exam on the 1st endeavor, it’s superior to require the 2nd arrangement.

What certification should I get after Security+?

The CompTIA Security+ certification gives you a strong establishment for a career in IT security. What ought your following move be? After your Security+, you ought to consider seeking CompTIA Security+ certification with this cybersecurity career pathway. After CompTIA Security+, cybersecurity experts can go on to IT intermediate-level certifications such as CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (often known as CySA+ for short) or CompTIA PenTest+.

For more information, you can read the article “Next cert after Security+ You Should Get” to get a closer view of this issue.

CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (also known as CySA+) CS0-001 certificate is a type of neutral certificate that is not unique to any company. The CompTIA CySA+ exam represents an international standard of intermediate-level security knowledge and skills. Although the exam requirements are not mentioned, candidates taking the CompTIA CySA+ certification exam still need CompTIA Security+ certification or practical technical experience as an IT security analyst.

The CompTIA CySA+ certification is designed specifically for IT security analysts, vulnerability analysts, and cyber threat intelligence analysts. The CompTIA CySA+ exam requires candidates to have specialized skills and knowledge such as: configuring and using intrusion detection tools, analyzing data, and providing accurate results to determine vulnerabilities, security threats, and risks of the system.

CompTIA PenTest+

CompTIA PenTest+ is the ideal certification for mid-level Cybersecurity professionals who are tasked with penetration testing to identify, exploit, report, and manage vulnerabilities on the network. Not only does it cover penetration testing and vulnerability assessment, but the certification exam covers management skills used to plan, scope, and manage vulnerabilities, not just exploit them. exploit them. CompTIA PenTest+ is unique because it requires candidates to demonstrate the ability and knowledge to test devices in new environments, such as the cloud and mobile, and traditional desktops and servers.

The CompTIA PenTest+ certification also covers management skills used to plan, scope, and manage weaknesses, etc. Taking the CompTIA PenTest+ exam, candidates will have the opportunity to challenge and validate their competencies. and knowledge in testing devices in new environments like the cloud and mobile, beyond traditional desktops and servers. Upon completion of the CompTIA PenTest+ exam, students will be able to: Plan and scope penetration tests, conduct passive reconnaissance, server-based exploits, test applications, analyze Analyze and report penetration test results, etc.

What can I do with a Security+ certification?

CompTIA FAQ

Arranging the entry-level point for your cybersecurity career, as well as your yearnings and how much work you’re willing to put into developing your career, has an extraordinary effect on how much you’ll make in any work, and security is no exemption. Here are a couple of popular working positions that utilize CompTIA Security+ certification:

  • IT penetration tester 

  • Information technology administrator 

  • Security administrator/engineer 

  • Security specialist 

  • Network specialist 

  • Information security consultant 

The working positions secured by CompTIA Security+ certification are categorized beneath arrange and computer frameworks directors by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the US. The number of occupations in this category is anticipated to develop by over 6% by the year 2026. The normal income recorded in the year2017 was approximately $81,100/year.

More details at >> Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It?

What is the best security certification?

CompTIA Advanced Security Certificate (CASP+)

If you are considering a career in government, the CASP+ certification could be the right choice for you. This prestigious title for cutting-edge cybersecurity technicians is respected by government employers and highly sought after in the IT world. The CASP+ Certificate for Practitioners is the only practice designation that emphasizes performance. To increase your chances of passing the respective exam, you may consider purchasing study materials that are available online and in hard copy.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The Certified Ethical Hacker (also known as CEH) issued by EC-Council is a certification that any IT professional who wants to pursue a career in security needs to equip themselves with. CEH-certified professionals have knowledge and skills in areas such as network exploratory testing, investigations, Trojans, viruses, system attack prevention, home page attacks, wireless networks, and other issues. web applications, SQL penetration, cryptography, penetration testing, IDS evasion, firewalls… 

SANS GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

SANS GIAC Security Essentials (often known as GSEC) is an entry-level certification for professionals who want to demonstrate an understanding of information security concepts and terminology and possess the necessary technical skills and expertise to perform security tasks. GSEC-certified individuals have technical knowledge and skills in areas such as Wi-Fi protocols, identifying and preventing common wireless network attacks, mapping and network protocols, public telephone network switching system, access control, and authentication, password management, DNS, encryption fundamentals, ICMP, IPv6, public infrastructure, Linux,… 

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is one of the world’s most recognized advanced security certifications, certified by the independent organization ISC2. There are more than 63,000 CISSP holders in 134 countries now. all over the world. When information security is put from the perspective of management, it is more clearly visualized by presenting the most popular topics and areas, collectively known as the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a global certification first introduced in 1983 by the International Information Systems Security Certification Organization (ISC2). It is considered the leading certification for IT professionals with responsibility for managing, developing, and monitoring information security systems in enterprise-grade applications, or for evolving security within organizations. office. CISM certificate holders are well-versed in security risk management, administration, program management and development, and incident management and troubleshooting.

How hard is Sec+?

CompTIA Security+ certification exam is a composed test that’s exceptionally comparable to any other exam within the IT industry in terms of substance. There have been wrangles around which CompTIA Security+ certification exam is the best and which is the foremost challenging. Since individuals have changed encounters with exams, as well as changing earlier information and strategies of arrangement; in this manner, the answers may change. In common, the CompTIA Security+ certification exam difficulty cannot be measured since whether or not a candidate passes the exam is continuously up to them. 

Security+ exam covers all of the basics of IT security, with the main difference being the subjects covered. Some certifications demand more in-depth study since they include more theoretical topics. You should bear in mind, however, that passing any CompTIA test takes a lot of effort and study. To put it another way, your past understanding of IT security and the method by which you prepare will impact how challenging the test will be for you.

More details at >> How hard is Sec+?

How long does it take to get Security+ certification?

Set an objective to require the exam inside an indicated time period. A period from 1 month to 45 days could be a sensible time allotment in case you’re commonplace with the material on the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. In the event that somebody has zero IT involvement, at that point, 2 months (60 days) may be more suitable for you. The CompTIA Security+ certification exam is portioned into distinctive spaces.

Attempt to ace the diverse spaces concurring to their rate of the substance and isolate them into areas that can be considered interior the time allotment. It might indeed be supportive to put the consideration arrangement in a timeline in the case extended administration involvement is in play. Once more, test early and regularly to find out the assimilation of the CompTIA Security+ studying materials.

How to look up CompTIA certification?

CompTIA FAQ

Whereas a few managers may take your CV or your CompTIA ID card as confirmation merely has met these qualifications, under several circumstances, you may well be inquired to confirm your CompTIA certification.

Request from CompTIA

You can log in to the official site of the CompTIA to ask for certification approval. Enlist the location along with your ID. You’ll be able to either request that the organization send your approval by means of e-mail or postal mail, otherwise you can print a duplicate of your certificate and your transcript. In case you print a duplicate of your transcript, the report will moreover have a confirmation code for potential managers to confirm. The CompTIA location will let your imminent manager see the title of the CompTIA certification and the certificate holder, the date certified, and the status of the CompTIA certification.

Request from Microsoft

Microsoft features a particular approval strategy whether you’re looking to be utilized by Microsoft or endeavoring to get to be Microsoft certified. You can choose to log into the CompTIA site and utilize the “Transcript” include to send a transcript to Microsoft. The enterprise does not acknowledge alternate means of confirmation. Microsoft moreover established a toll-free number, 800-636-7544, to help with this handle though you have got questions.

How to study for Security+?

Before the process of starting your journey on the Security+, remember that CompTIA’s prescribed candidate encounters. Below are several tips for successfully passing the CompTIA Security+ certification exam.

Know the CompTIA Security+ exam

The official site of CompTIA gives all the vital data on the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. Through this source, you’ll be able to get numerous joins to more valuable data that incorporates official preparation suppliers, exam subjects, practice tests, and extra consideration materials. You may be able to request a diagram of the certification from this guide about the CompTIA Security+ certification exam and will discover all the prerequisites and what sort of questions you may discover within the exam.

Get into a preparation course

Planning for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam might appear to affirm to you, but this can not be the most excellent procedure. Taking the CompTIA Security+ certification exam prep courses will include you with an educator who has been within the field for a long time and has the due involvement to instruct you on what you need. The guide has real information that will be valuable for you to know how to clear the exam. This in-person preparation will permit you to share your questions with the mentor and share encounters and procedures. This conjuncture can result in more prominent victory rates than examined independently.

Leverage free preparation materials for the Security+

CompTIA Security+ certification exam goals and numerous practice tests are all accessible for gratis online. You’ll utilize them as a starting point for you to check your level of understanding of the themes within the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. These materials can assist you in looking into the concepts within the exam conjointly building your thoughts regarding your planning.

Build a specific plan

After knowing and posting down what you’re required to study, you’ll build a plan. You must never be unlikely to consider your arrangement of consideration as that will put you in a circumstance of scurrying, and nothing will be the result or advantage. You should try planning your studying materials during the downtime or in conjunction with times after you are utilizing a few of the materials for examining. Take an example in the event that you’re employing a specialized workshop or a brief to get ready for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam, at that point you’ll think about the subject that’s reaching to be examined within the course.

What is the difference between the Security+ and Security+ CE?

CompTIA Security+ can evaluate an individual’s capacity to handle the center security capacities. The CompTIA Security+ exam confirms that you simply have the ability to decide an organization’s security pose and uphold compelling security arrangements. It appears you how to ensure and track cross breed situations like cloud, smartphone, and IoT. It educates you on how to run your commerce while following significant laws and controls, such as administration, hazard, and compliance benchmarks. It prepares understudies with the data and capacities to recognize, examine, and react to security occurrences and occasions.

On the other hand, you’ll be able to amplify your abilities and information by recharging your certification through the CompTIA Continuing Education program (which is often known as the CompTIA Security+ CE program for short). Your CompTIA Security+ certification is nice for three a long time from the day of your exam. The CE program permits you to expand your certification in 3-year interims through exercises and preparation that relate to the substance of your CompTIA certification.

More details at >> What is the difference between Security+ and Security+ CE

How long is CompTIA Security+ valid?

Your CompTIA Security+ certification is valid for a period of 3 years. After this period, you can have about 3 options to choose from: (1) going on a CompTIA Continuing Education program (which is often known as the CompTIA Security+ CE program for short) as mentioned above, (2) renew your certification by taking the CompTIA Security+ certification exam one more time and (3) going on the advanced certification what opens more job opportunities. All of them are good for you, your decision will depend on your situation.

The final words

You should keep in mind the facts from the CompTIA FAQ listed above before sitting for any kind of CompTIA certification exam. We believe that the knowledge we have provided will greatly aid your study and preparation efforts. Good fortune!