Security+ Certification
CompTIA Security+ Certification demonstrates foundational IT security knowledge.
Security+ certification proves an IT security professional's competency in topics such as system security, risk management, network infrastructure, access control and organizational security.
Security threats are increasing exponentially in number and severity, and the skills gap between information security jobs and qualified IT security personnel is one of the largest of any technical specialty. Add to this the fact that numerous studies and salary surveys have proven that even in a troubled economy, most businesses plan to maintain or increase their spending on computer security personnel, and it's no wonder that Security+ is one of CompTIA's most demanded certifications.
CompTIA Security+ Certification Exams
CompTIA Security+ Certification Prerequisites
Security+ Certification Training & Degrees
Security+ Certification Jobs
Security+ Certification Salary
Security+ Related Certifications
Security+ Related Careers
Skills Measured by Security+ Certification
Passing the CompTIA Security+ certification exam validates your ability to:
- explain the security functions of common network devices and technologies
- apply and implement secure network administration principles & procedures
- implement and configure a wireless network in a safe and secure manner
- identify security threats and perform risk mitigation activities
- understand applicable policies, laws and regulations of IT security
- explain the impacts and proper use of environmental controls
- understand and apply cryptography and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
- explain the concepts of user authentication, authorization & access control
- exemplify the concepts of data Confidentiality, Integrity & Availability - a.k.a. "CIA Triad"
- identify and analyze common attacks, e.g., social engineering, malware, application & wireless attacks
Download the CompTIA Security+ Exam Objectives for a more detailed curriculum.
CompTIA Security+ Certification Exams
You must pass one exam to become Security+ certified:
- CompTIA Security+ Certification (Exam code SY0-501)
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CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam Objectives | SY0-501 |
Security+ Exam Format: Multiple choice (of which there may be more than one correct answer) and Performance-based questions
Test Duration: 90 minutes
Exam Length: Maximum of 90 questions
Exam Cost: $320 USD
Passing Score: 750 out of 900
CompTIA Security+ Certification Prerequisites
- Required: No required prerequisites for Security+ certification
- Recommended: CompTIA Network+ Certification and 2 years of technical networking experience with an emphasis on security, or equivalent knowledge, is recommended.
Security+ Training
Browse the top-rated undergrad & graduate degree programs, professional certificates, and self-paced online training courses matching the CompTIA Security+ Certification and related career tracks.
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Networking Certificates & Degrees
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Master's in Technology Management
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CompTIA Security+ Certification Jobs
Security+ certification helps prepare you for a variety of IT security job roles including:
- Network Security Specialist: Browse Network Security Jobs
- Information Security Analyst: Browse IT Security Analyst jobs
- Cyber Security Consultant: Browse IT Security Consultant Jobs
- IT Risk Analyst: Browse Info Tech Risk Analysis Jobs
- Homeland Security Jobs: Browse Jobs in Homeland Security

Security+ Certification Salary
Average annual wage for Security+ certified professionals and other CompTIA certification holders:
- CompTIA A+: $59,000
- CompTIA Server+: $63,000
- CompTIA Network+: $63,000
- CompTIA Project+: $67,000
- CompTIA Linux+: $70,000
- CompTIA Security+: $72,000
- CompTIA CTT+: $74,000
- CompTIA Cloud+: $74,000
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP): $84,000
Source: Payscale.com
Related Certifications
- CompTIA A+ Certification
- CompTIA Network+ Certification
- Cisco CCNA Certification
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker
- (ISC)2 CISSP Certification
- ISACA Certifications