Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It?
Last Updated on April 26, 2024
As the cases of data theft and other cybersecurity issues continue to rise, businesses and organizations insist on maintaining firm control over their data by hiring IT professionals with all the necessary data protection certifications. One of the most important cybersecurity certifications you need to get when you’re pursuing a career in information security is CompTIA Security+.
But is CompTIA Security+ worth it? This article discusses CompTIA Security+ certification and the reasons why every IT expert needs to have it before venturing into the field of information security.
What Is CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ is an international certification that authorizes the standard competence you require to perform important cybersecurity functions and succeed in your information technology (IT) career. It’s the primary security certification that every IT professional needs to earn as they pursue their career.
This certification proves that you have the necessary knowledge to carry out important cybersecurity roles. It also springboards you to intermediate-level cybersecurity job opportunities, allowing you to progress in your profession. To CompTIA Security+ certification, you have to pass the CompTIA Security+ exam.
To succeed in this exam, you must prove that you have the right skills and ability to perform the following tasks:
- Detecting different types of compromise and appreciate penetration testing, as well as vulnerability scanning
- Implementing safe network architecture models and system designs
- Installing, configuring, and deploying network modules while evaluating and troubleshooting problems to enhance organizational security
- Installing and configuring identity and accessing services, along with management controls
- Implementing and summarizing the best practices in risk management and business impact
- Installing and configuring wireless security systems and implementing public main infrastructure
This exam puts more emphasis on practical and hands-on skills to ensure that you can easily identify and fix security issues, including threats, attacks, and weaknesses. This exam presents a maximum of ninety questions that you have to complete. You might also be required to complete an optional exit assessment about your training practices and the reasons for obtaining this certificate.
The exit assessment contains approximately twelve multiple-choice questions revolving around your profession and your understanding of CompTIA Security+ certification. The main exam contains multiple-choice questions, performance-based questions, and drag-and-drop tasks. The multiple-choice queries are single- and multiple-reply, while the performance-based questions test your capacity to fix problems in a replicated situation. It’ll take you about ninety minutes to answer all the questions.
Importance of CompTIA Security+ Certification
One of the main considerations that IT professionals make when deciding which cybersecurity certification to get is the amount of salary it’ll produce. However, you should be careful with some of the promises made by some online sources because there isn’t a definite salary for IT professionals with CompTIA Security+ certification.
Whether you have this certificate or not, your salary as an IT professional will depend on the roles you perform, not the certificate. Nevertheless, there are many benefits to acquiring CompTIA Security+ certification. Here are the main ones:
More Knowledge and Expertise
As you prepare for CompTIA Security+, you acquire more knowledge and expertise that’ll help you to grow your career. This certification enables you to access new technologies that will provide you with new knowledge and skills thus expanding your database.
Vendor-Neutral Certification
This is a vendor-neutral certification program, meaning that there are no limitations on how to use the certificate to grow your career. Other certifications are vendor-specific, focusing on specific hardware or software. CompTIA Security+ certification gives you access to high-demand situations like computer networking and cybersecurity, which will help you to understand the professional vocabulary and strategies used in the field of network security.
No Conditions Needed
Because this is an entry-level certification, there are no prerequisites for taking the exam. But IT professionals taking the CompTIA Security+ exam should have a minimum of two years of experience in information and network security. Therefore, anyone can take this exam and acquire a certificate.
Better Job Prospects
As the competition for jobs in the IT industry continues to intensify, IT professionals have been forced to look for ways to stand out in the eyes of potential employers. One way to stay ahead of your colleagues in the industry is to acquire as many professional certificates as possible; CompTIA Security+ certification will help you to beat the competition when you’re searching for employment.
Better Pay
Although the CompTIA Security+ certification doesn’t determine your salary, it serves as proof of your dedication and passion for your work, which will hasten the process of climbing up the career ladder and getting promotions. A job promotion usually comes with higher pay.
Global Recognition
CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized certificate, which proves your understanding of the IT industry and information security.
Clearly, CompTIA Security+ is indeed beneficial for businesses’ safety and very much worth it. When it comes to cybersecurity, it’s a must-have for any IT professional.
