How to Maintain Security Plus Certification
In the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, staying current with industry standards and practices is vital. For IT professionals, security analysts, and network administrators, the CompTIA Security+ certification is a benchmark credential that validates your knowledge and skills in the domain.
Passing the certification exam is a significant milestone that opens career opportunities and serves as proof of your essential cybersecurity skills. Although obtaining the certification is an important first step, maintaining it is equally critical. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of keeping your Security+ certification up-to-date and provide practical guidance on how to do so effectively.
Understanding Security+ Certification
Security+ certification is a globally recognized credential that proves you have the foundational skills required for a career in cybersecurity. It validates baseline cybersecurity skills essential for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Moreover, it covers essential topics such as network security, risk management, cryptography, and identity management, focusing on core security functions.
General security concepts are also part of the certification’s coverage, encompassing a range of topics critical for candidates to grasp. For IT professionals, it serves as a stepping stone to more advanced certifications and roles in the industry.
Security+ is often the first choice for those entering the field, thanks to its broad coverage and relevance across various IT roles. Obtaining this certification makes you a valuable asset to any organization primarily because it demonstrates to employers that you possess the necessary knowledge to tackle security challenges while also enhancing your credibility.
However, as technology evolves, so do the threats and vulnerabilities that IT professionals must address. Therefore, maintaining your Security+ certification ensures that you remain at the forefront of cybersecurity practices and techniques.
The Importance of Maintaining Your Security Plus Certification
Maintaining your Security+ certification is crucial for several reasons, such as:
Staying Current With Industry Standards
As mentioned earlier, technology and cybersecurity practices constantly evolve. Maintaining your certification ensures you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the industry. This knowledge is crucial for keeping your organization’s systems and data secure.
Secondly, Security+ certification is approved by the American National Standards Institute and the International Organization for Standardization. This accreditation ensures that those who are certificated meet the highest security standards in the industry.
Meeting Job Requirements
Many organizations require their employees to maintain certain certifications to demonstrate their competence in a specific field. By keeping your Security+ certification up-to-date, you are not only meeting these requirements but also showcasing your commitment to continuous learning. This can also open up new job opportunities and potentially lead to higher pay and career growth.
Demonstrating Your Skills to Employers
With the increasing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals, employers want candidates who can showcase their expertise in various areas of security. Maintaining your Security+ certification helps you demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers. It gives them confidence that you have a strong foundation in fundamental security concepts and are committed to staying current with industry standards.
Networking Opportunities
Renewing your certification also provides opportunities for networking with other certified security professionals. By participating in continuing education seminars, workshops, or conferences, you not only gain new insights but also connect with other professionals in the field. These connections can lead to job referrals, mentorship opportunities, and valuable industry insights.
Tips for Maintaining Your Security Plus Certification
Now that we’ve established why maintaining your Security+ certification is crucial, let’s look at some practical tips for doing so effectively:
Stay Informed About Changes in the Exam
The first step to staying current with your certification is understanding any changes made to the exam objectives. CompTIA regularly updates its exams to reflect the evolving landscape of technology and cybersecurity. Therefore, it’s essential to keep yourself informed about any changes and update your study materials accordingly.
Utilize Available Resources
CompTIA offers various resources to help you maintain your certification, such as webinars, virtual events, online communities, and training courses. Take advantage of these resources to stay current with industry trends, network with other professionals, and prepare for the exam.
Participate in Continuing Education Activities
To renew your Security+ certification every three years, you must obtain a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs). These CEUs can be earned through various activities like attending conferences or seminars, publishing articles or blogs on security-related topics, and participating in self-paced e-learning programs.
Develop Hands-On Experience
While studying is essential, hands-on experience is equally crucial for maintaining your Security+ certification. Consider volunteering for projects or taking on new responsibilities at work that allow you to apply your knowledge and skills in a practical setting. This experience will not only help you in the exam but also make you a more effective cybersecurity professional.
How Do I Renew My Security+ Certification?
The Security+ certification is valid for exactly three years from the date of issuance. While this certification can be renewed, it’s crucial to understand the steps necessary to maintain your Security+ status and avoid any lapse.
Renewal procedures vary based on how long it has been since your certification was granted. If more than three years have passed since you received your certification, you will need to retake the Security+ exam for renewal.
Here are various methods to prepare for and renew your Security+ certification:
Read Exam Objectives
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the latest exam objectives, which may have evolved since you first obtained your certification. CompTIA provides comprehensive documentation outlining the knowledge areas and skills tested in the current exam version.
CompTIA Security+ Training
A training course is an excellent way to maintain your Security+ certification and ensure your skills remain current in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. These training programs cover appropriate security solutions tailored to various security environments.
CompTIA-authorized training partners, such as ONLC, provide comprehensive Security plus courses and materials designed to keep you informed about the latest security threats and trends.
These training programs (discussed below in detail) not only help participants grasp the foundational concepts required for the certification but also delve into advanced topics, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of current best practices.
Passing the Latest Exam Release
If a newer version of your CompTIA Security+ exam is available, you can renew your certification by successfully completing the most current version of the full exam. CompTIA routinely updates its certification tests to ensure they remain aligned with the most relevant and in-demand skills required in the cybersecurity field. If a new exam is launched during your three-year renewal period, passing this latest version will qualify you for certification renewal.
For example, if you obtained your Security+ certification through the older exam version, you would be eligible to renew it by passing the latest Security+ exam version released during your certification cycle.
It’s important to note that once you pass a particular exam version, you cannot use it again for renewal purposes; you must take the newer version to maintain your certification status. This approach not only keeps your qualifications up to date but also reinforces your commitment to professional development in a rapidly changing industry.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Appropriate Mitigation Techniques
As mentioned, another way to renew your Security+ certification is by earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs). CEUs are awarded for various professional development activities, including attending seminars, conferences, or training sessions focused on security-related topics. Engaging in these educational opportunities not only enhances your knowledge but also allows you to connect with other professionals in the field.
To renew your Security+ certification using this method, you must accumulate a certain number of CEUs within the three-year certification period. This approach ensures that you remain informed about the latest advancements and practices in cybersecurity, further solidifying your expertise and value in the industry.
Higher IT-Industry Certifications
Finally, you can also renew your Security+ certification by obtaining a higher-level IT industry certification. Qualifying certifications include CompTIA’s Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP), ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and ISC2’s Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Pursuing these advanced IT certifications not only contributes to the renewal of your Security+ status but also significantly enhances your overall skill set, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market.
Does Renewing Security+ Renew Network+?
When you renew your Security+ certification, your Network+ certification will automatically renew. The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) recognizes that many professionals hold multiple certifications, so they automatically renew lower-level certifications when you recertify a higher-level certification.
For example, renewing your Security+ certification will also renew your Network+ and A+ certifications, allowing you to keep all of your credentials up-to-date.
It is important to note that you must renew your Security+ certification within ninety days of the expiration date in order for your Network+ and A+ certifications to be renewed. If you miss this ninety-day window, you will have to retake the primary Security+ exam for your Network+ and A+ certifications to be renewed.
CompTIA Security+ Training Classes at ONLC
At ONLC, we are committed to your success in the Security+ training class and, equally important, in passing the authorized Security+ Exam! Our Security+ curriculum is designed specifically for certification and includes exam preparation, a voucher, and access to support videos. The instructor-led CompTIA Security+ training focuses extensively on exam questions, while additional learning resources are available before and after class through our support components.
What You’ll Learn With CompTIA Security Plus Training at ONLC
ONLC’s Security Plus Training Courses can elevate your entry-level security awareness and set you on the path to a career as a security administrator, systems administrator, network administrator, IT auditor, or network security professional. Obtaining a Security Plus certification can enhance your career prospects and unlock new professional opportunities. The course and exam encompass a range of infosec topics, including:
- Basic cryptography and public key infrastructure (PKI)
- Identity and access management
- Risk management and vulnerability scanning
- Malware identification and mitigation
- Penetration testing concepts
- Compliance and frameworks
- Identifying attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities
- Cloud security solutions
- Identification of threat actor types and vectors
- Management of mobile devices and wireless security
- Access control and authentication
- Firewalls, proxy servers, and network system security
- Physical security and security controls
- Host and Application Security
FAQs
Does Security+ Certification Last a Lifetime?
No, the Security+ certification does not last a lifetime. It is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam. After that, you must renew your certification to maintain its active status.
Can I Renew My Security+ Certification Without Taking an Exam?
Yes, you can renew your Security+ certification without taking an exam by earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or obtaining a higher-level IT industry certification. These options allow you to renew your certification without retaking the primary Security+ exam. However, if you choose to take the latest version of the Security+ exam during your renewal period, it will also automatically renew your certification and any lower-level certifications held.
What Happens If I Don’t Renew My Security+ Certification?
If you do not renew your Security+ certification within ninety days after its expiration date, it will become inactive. This means that you can no longer use the certification designation or claim to hold an active Security+ certification.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Security+ Certification?
A Security+ certification can open up various job opportunities in the cybersecurity field, including roles such as security specialist, security consultant, systems administrator, network administrator, IT auditor, and network security professional.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining your Security+ certification is a vital investment in your career as an IT professional. It ensures that your skills remain current and relevant in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. By keeping your certification up-to-date, you enhance your job security, career prospects, and earning potential.
The renewal process, while challenging, is an opportunity for growth and learning. By following the strategies outlined above, you can successfully prepare for and complete your renewal, positioning yourself as a knowledgeable and skilled cybersecurity professional.
If you’re ready, consider enrolling in ONLC’s Security+ training courses today. With our expert instructors and comprehensive curriculum, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully pass the Security+ exam and enhance your professional qualifications. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your future—sign up now and take the first step towards becoming a certified cybersecurity professional!
