Frequently Asked Questions

• What’s the value in earning the Security+ certification?

  • In today’s job market, there is a high demand for information security professionals — and receiving a Security+ certification is the perfect way for entry-level students to get their foot in the door. It can also serve as a career differentiator for IT professionals already in the field.

• What are the pre-requirements for earning the Security+?

  • While there are no mandatory pre-requirements to taking the Security+ exam, it’s highly suggested that students have at least 2 years experience working in network administration (with a focus on information security) in addition to the Network+ certification. Click here for more information.

• What career opportunities are available to Security+ boot camp graduates? What’s the job outlook like for Security+ professionals?

  • The job market has never looked better for those who are certified in IT security. Earning the Security+ can open open up a wide variety of job opportunities and the cert is often used as a resume filter in HR departments, even if it’s not listed as a requirement. Click here for more information about the job outlook and opportunities available to Security+ boot camp grads.

• What is the difference between the SYO-401 and SYO-501 exams?

  • Due to constant changes within the infosec industry, including emerging threats and new technologies, CompTIA has updated it’s Security+ exam from the SYO-401 to the SYO-501 in late 2017. 25% of the course content has been updated to reflect these changes in the industry and the new material dives deeper and wider than before. Click here for more information on the differences between these exams.

• I recently passed the SYO-401 exam, is my certification still good?

  • While SYO-401 will be retired, students who were certified under the old exam will remain certified. The SYO-501 was debuted in October 2017, and SYO-401 will officially retire at the beginning of 2018, with the English version being the last to retire in July 2018.

• What are Performance Based Questions (PBQs)?

  • The Security+ performance based questions come in a variety of formats and require students to perform a specific task or solve a problem in a simulated environment. These questions are more involved than the standard multiple choice, fill in the blank, and drag and drop questions.

• What do I need to know about the new Performance Based Questions (PBQs)?

  • There are a few things you should know. First, there may be questions in which there is more than one way to get a correct answer. In these instances, the test taker will receive full points if the correct solution is achieved. Second, on all CompTIA exams, there is a timer; however, with PBQs, this timer is not visible. Third, partial credit on answers is occasionally offered.

• How does the Security+ examination process work?

  • The exam takes 90 minutes and there are 90 questions. You will need to achieve a score of 750 (on a scale of 100-900) in order to pass. Questions are a combination of multiple choice and performance based and the Security+ exam voucher costs $330. Click here for more info on the examination process.

• Is the online Security+ boot camp as effective and informative as an in-person training session?

  • Whether you choose to take your training course in-person or online, you will have access to the same resources and training materials as all other student enrolled in the course. You can rest assured that the class will be effective, regardless of the training modality you select.

• What does this Security+ course offer that other certification prep classes do not?

  • Infosec’s Security+ boot camp has the highest first time pass rate in the industry — 93%! If you choose to take the course in our popular live online Flex Pro format, you will also receive an Exam Pass Guarantee. This means if you don’t pass the exam on the first attempt, we’ll pay for your second exam FREE!

• How is the Security+ related to the DoD 8570?

  • The Security+ fulfills the requirements for Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8570, which is mandatory if you are looking to get a government job that is involved with any aspect of information security. Click here for more information.

• What are the Security+ domains?

  • There are 6 domains for the Security+ SYO-501 exam. They are Threats, Attacks and Vulnerabilities, Technologies and Tools, Architecture and Design, Identity and Access Management, Risk Management and Cryptography and PKI. Click here for more information on these domains.

• How long is the Security+ certification good for after you pass the test?

  • The Security+ is valid for 3 years. However, certification holders are required to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and pay a yearly Continuing Education (CE) fee. Click here for more information on CEUs.

• What are the renewal requirements for the Security+?

  • Security+ cert holders are required to earn 50 CEUs per renewal period (every 3 years) and pay an $50 annual Continuing Education (CE) fee to CompTIA. Click here for more information on the renewal requirements.

• What job titles are most common for people who hold CompTIA’s Security+ certification?

  • The job market has never looked better for those who are certified in IT security, and the Security+ certification can help you break into the industry. Some common positions that this certification can help you land include: Security Analyst, IT Support Technician, Security Specialist, Help Desk Support, and many others!

• What are some tips for preparing for the Security+?

  • The first thing a student should do is perform a comprehensive review of which topics are tested in the certification exam. Some domains are weighted more heavily than others, but it’s important to study each topic with equal attention. Enrolling in a Security+ boot camp like the one offered here is another surefire method of preparing oneself for the exam. Click here for more study tips.