About CompTIA Security+ (2024)

FAQs

What does a CompTIA Security+ do? ›

CompTIA Security+ is the first security certification IT professionals should earn. It establishes the core knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.

Security+ is an ideal certification if your goal is to break into cyber security. The knowledge and skills in Security+ apply across most elements of the cyber security industry, including offensive/defensive/management, so it's important to consider your career goals when deciding whether to get Security+ certified.

Overview of the CompTIA Security+ Exam

Test takers must understand these concepts and how they relate to real-world situations. The exam is tough, but with proper preparation and commitment, passing is within reach. Those who passed stress the value of practical experience and hands-on practice with security tools.

The median salary with a bonus for 2024 is $105,605. In 2022, our data revealed that the average base salary for CompTIA Security+ professionals was $78,000. Based on the above sources, the average base Security+ salary ranges from around $71,071 to $96,000, with a rough average of $86,885.

Although there are no prerequisites for CompTIA Security+, we recommend at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus and earning the CompTIA Network+ certification before taking the exam.

What is the recommended study timeline for the Security+ exam? It is recommended to study for at least 2-3 months, dedicating 1-2 hours daily. Create a study schedule, use practice exams, and review study materials consistently. Dive deep into key topics like network security, cryptography, and risk management.

There are no formal requirements to take the Security+ exam. CompTIA recommends that you have two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus. It may also be a good idea to have an up-to-date CompTIA Network+ certification first.

CompTIA Security+ Certification Cost

The Security+ exam voucher costs $392 USD. CompTIA doesn't offer discounts on retakes, nor is it lenient on dishonesty. The total cost of earning the CompTIA Security+ certification is $392 USD for first-time test takers.

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam in cybersecurity can be daunting. While there are no official figures, it's estimated that the failure rate is above 50% for first-time candidates. Due to this fearsome reputation, many prospective students wonder if they can retake the exam.

How many times can you take security+? ›

No matter how many attempts to pass the CompTIA Security Plus exam you need, you can take the test as many times as necessary. That said, you will need to pay to take the exam each time and may have to wait up to fourteen days to retake it if you've tried more than twice.

Since CompTIA is an industry standard certification, many employers require candidates that have passed these certification exams. Not only are certified IT professionals more confident in their own abilities, coworkers and supervisors also build confidence in those that have CompTIA certification.

However, as you will see, Security+ holders are able to increase their average salaries should they have accompanying certifications and work experience. There are a wealth of positions and salaries available to those with CompTIA Security+ under their belt.

Jobs That Require or Benefit from a CompTIA Security+ Certification. The job roles covered by CompTIA Security+ are categorized under network and computer systems administrators by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of jobs in this category is expected to grow by more than six percent by 2026.

CompTIA Security+

It is a more entry-level option than the ISC Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification, and can be the first step toward jobs like cybersecurity specialist or security administrator. Getting the Google Cybersecurity Certificate helps you prepare for CompTIA Security+.