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EXAM CODE SY0-601
CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career.
Chosen by more organizations
Chosen by more corporations and defense organizations than any other certification on the market to validate baseline security skills and for fulfilling the DoD 8570 compliance.
Get hands-on cybersecurity experience
The only foundational cybersecurity certification emphasizing hands-on practical skills, ensuring the security professional is better prepared to problem solve a wider variety of today’s complex issues.
Learn the latest trends and techniques
Gain core cybersecurity knowledge applicable across more of today’s job roles to secure systems, software and hardware.
CompTIA Security+ is the first cybersecurity certification a candidate should earn. It establishes the core knowledge required in the field and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs. Security+ incorporates best practices in hands-on troubleshooting, ensuring you have the practical security problem-solving skills required to:
CompTIA Security+ is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and approved by the U.S. DoD to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements. Regulators and government rely on ANSI accreditation because it provides confidence and trust in the outputs of an accredited program. Over 2.3 million CompTIA ISO/ANSI-accredited exams have been delivered since January 1, 2011.
More threats, attacks and vulnerabilities from newer custom devices that must be mitigated, such as IoT and embedded devices, newer DDoS attacks and social engineering attacks based on current events
Enterprise environments and reliance on the cloud, which is growing quickly as organizations transition to hybrid networks
Administering identity, access management, PKI, basic cryptography, wireless and end-to-end security
Organizational security assessment and incident response procedures, such as basic threat detection, risk mitigation techniques, security controls and basic digital forensics
Organizational risk management and compliance with regulations, such as PCI-DSS, SOX, HIPAA, GDPR, FISMA, NIST and CCPA
Eduardo started out in the Marine Corp and then reenlisted with the Army National Guard where he became CompTIA Security+ certified. He now works as a cybersecurity specialist for AON Cyber Solutions.
Vernon, a Chicago salesman, found satisfaction and fulfillment in a cybersecurity career despite lack of experience with the help of CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Security+.
Scott previously worked as a personal trainer and now works in IT with the help of CompTIA A+ and Security+.
| Exam Code | SY0-601 |
| Launch Date | November 12, 2020 |
| Exam Description | The CompTIA Security+ certification exam will verify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions; monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT; operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies, including principles of governance, risk, and compliance; identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents |
| Number of Questions | Maximum of 90 questions |
| Type of Questions | Multiple choice and performance-based |
| Length of Test | 90 minutes |
| Passing Score | 750 (on a scale of 100-900) |
| Recommended Experience | CompTIA Network+ and two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus |
| Languages | English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Portuguese |
| Retirement | July 2024 |
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Price | $381 USD (See all pricing) |
 | (ISC)2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) | EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) | |
| Performance Based Questions | ✔ | |||
| Experience Level | Entry-level cybersecurity | Entry-level security | Entry-level penetration testing | Entry-level cybersecurity |
| Exam Focus | Core cybersecurity skills required by security and network administrators | Basic concepts of computing and security | Penetration testing | Basic understanding of information security beyond simple concepts |
| Vendor Neutral | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Keep your certification up to date with CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program. It’s designed to be a continued validation of your expertise and a tool to expand your skillset. It’s also the ace up your sleeve when you’re ready to take the next step in your career.
Get the most out of your certification
Information technology is an incredibly dynamic field, creating new opportunities and challenges every day. Participating in our Continuing Education program will enable you to stay current with new and evolving technologies and remain a sought-after IT and security expert.
The CompTIA Continuing Education program
Your CompTIA Security+ certification is good for three years from the day of your exam. The CE program allows you to extend your certification in three-year intervals through activities and training that relate to the content of your certification. Like Security+ itself, CompTIA Security+ CE also carries globally-recognized ISO/ANSI accreditation status.
It’s easy to renew
You can participate in a number of activities and training programs, including higher certifications, to renew your CompTIA Security+ certification. Complete CertMaster CE, an online, self-paced CE course, or collect at least 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in three years, upload them to your certification account and Security+ will automatically renew.
Want more details? Learn more about the CompTIA Continuing Education program.
