The CompTIA Security+ certification, developed by CompTIA, the world’s leading computing technology association, and accredited by ANSI in accordance with the ISO 17024 Standard, is vendor-neutral, allowing candidates to focus on general security aspects rather than company-specific approaches. Individuals seeking Security+ certification are encouraged to review various study guides and video training materials to thoroughly prepare because the test is so comprehensive and “flying by the seat of one’s pants” is not advised.
Let us now explore the career options after passing the CompTIA Security+ Exam!
About CompTIA Security+ Certificate
CompTIA Security+ certification validates the fundamental skills required to perform core security functions and pursue a career in IT security. CompTIA Security+ is also the first security certification that IT professionals should obtain. This certification exam establishes the fundamental knowledge needed for cybersecurity roles and serves as a stepping stone to intermediate-level cybersecurity positions.
This also includes best practices for hands-on troubleshooting to ensure security professionals have practical problem-solving skills. Security+, on the other hand, complies with ISO 17024 standards and has been approved by the US Department of Defense to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements.
Job Prospects
CompTIA Security+ is a popular cybersecurity certification that demonstrates the skills and knowledge required for an entry-level cybersecurity role. This certification is widely recognized by employers in the cybersecurity industry, and it can increase an individual’s market value by validating their expertise and demonstrating their commitment to professional development.
The job market for CompTIA Security+ certified professionals is expanding right now. Indeed, it’s difficult to think of another job sector with better prospects than cybersecurity professionals. Analysts predict that there will be up to two million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by the end of 2018. There will be a need for approximately six million cyber professionals, with only four million available.
According to data from the job market analytics firm Burning Glass, in 2021, more than 48,000 job postings in the United States listed CompTIA Security+ as a required or preferred certification. The same data shows that the average salary for cybersecurity professionals with a CompTIA Security+ certification is around $85,000 per year, with some positions offering salaries as high as $150,000 per year.
Additionally, according to the CompTIA Cyberstates 2021 report, the cybersecurity job market is projected to continue to grow, with an estimated 900,000 job openings in the United States alone by 2026. This growth in demand for cybersecurity professionals with CompTIA Security+ certification can increase their market value and lead to career advancement opportunities.
Job options after passing the CompTIA Security+ Exam
Some common positions you can secure with this certification include:
Security Specialist:
Average Salary: $99710
A Security Specialist is a professional responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining security measures to protect an organization’s systems and data from cyber threats. They work to identify vulnerabilities and risks, and implement solutions to mitigate them. Some of the typical job responsibilities of a Security Specialist may include:
- Conducting risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats.
- Developing and implementing security policies and procedures to protect organizational systems and data.
- Configuring and managing security technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software.
- Monitoring networks and systems for security breaches and responding to incidents in a timely manner.
- Investigating security incidents to determine the cause and recommend remediation steps.
- Providing security awareness training to employees to ensure they are aware of security risks and how to avoid them.
- Staying up to date with the latest security trends and best practices to ensure the organization’s security posture remains strong.
Security Consultant:
Average Salary: $69635
A Security Consultant is a professional who provides expert advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their security posture and reduce the risk of cyber-attacks. They typically work as independent contractors or consultants and may work with multiple clients in various industries. Some of the typical job responsibilities of a Security Consultant may include:
- Conducting security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and gaps in an organization’s security posture.
- Developing and implementing security policies and procedures that align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
- Designing and implementing security architectures and solutions to mitigate security risks and vulnerabilities.
- Advising clients on security technologies, products, and services that can improve their security posture.
- Conducting security awareness training for employees to ensure they are aware of security risks and how to avoid them.
- Providing guidance on incident response and crisis management in the event of a security breach.
Security Analyst:
Average Salary: $86419
A Security Analyst is a professional responsible for monitoring and analyzing an organization’s systems and networks to detect and respond to security threats. They work to identify vulnerabilities and risks, and implement solutions to mitigate them. Some of the typical job responsibilities of a Security Analyst may include:
- Monitoring networks and systems for security breaches and anomalies.
- Conducting security assessments and vulnerability testing to identify potential threats and risks.
- Analyzing security incidents to determine the cause and recommend remediation steps.
- Developing and implementing security policies and procedures to protect organizational systems and data.
- Configuring and managing security technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software.
- Providing security awareness training to employees to ensure they are aware of security risks and how to avoid them.
Security Administrator:
Average Salary: $80184
A Security Administrator is a professional responsible for managing an organization’s security infrastructure and implementing security policies and procedures to protect organizational systems and data. Some of the typical job responsibilities of a Security Administrator may include:
- Installing and configuring security software, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software.
- Creating and managing user accounts, permissions, and access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can access organizational systems and data.
- Monitoring networks and systems for security breaches and responding to incidents in a timely manner.
- Managing security devices, such as firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems.
- Conducting security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and risks.
- Providing security awareness training to employees to ensure they are aware of security risks and how to avoid them.
Network Administrator:
Average Salary: $63271
A network administrator is a professional who is responsible for maintaining and managing computer networks within an organization. Their duties typically include installing and configuring network hardware and software, monitoring network performance, troubleshooting network issues, implementing network security measures, and ensuring that the network meets the needs of the organization.
Network administrators may work in a variety of settings, including businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations. They may also specialize in specific areas of network administration, such as security or wireless networking.
Cybersecurity Specialist:
Average Salary: $85,521
A cybersecurity specialist is a professional who is responsible for protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. Their duties typically include analyzing security risks and vulnerabilities, developing and implementing security policies and procedures, monitoring and responding to security incidents, and conducting security assessments.
Cybersecurity specialists may work in a variety of settings, including businesses, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and financial institutions. They may also specialize in specific areas of cybersecurity, such as network security, application security, or cloud security.
Information Security Officer:
Average Salary: $98145
An Information Security Officer (ISO) is a professional who is responsible for the development and implementation of an organization’s information security policies, procedures, and standards. They are responsible for ensuring that an organization’s information assets are protected from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
The ISO’s duties typically include developing and implementing security strategies, policies, and procedures; conducting security assessments and audits; managing security incidents and breaches; managing access to information and systems; and providing training and education on information security to staff members.
ISOs work in a variety of settings, including businesses, government agencies, healthcare organizations, financial institutions, and non-profit organizations. They are typically part of an organization’s IT or information security team.
CompTIA Security+ Exam Details
CompTIA makes all of the available information for the SY0-501 exam available to candidates. The CompTIA Security+ exam will contain up to 90 questions. The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) exam questions will be of the multiple-choice and performance-based variety, with a time limit of 90 minutes. Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 750 in order to pass the exam (on a scale of 100-900). The exam is, however, available in English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Simplified Chinese. The SY0-501 exam will cost $370 USD and will be retired after three years of availability.
Is CompTIA Security+ worth it?
Yes, CompTIA Security+ is worth it for individuals looking to start or advance their career in the cybersecurity industry. Here are some reasons why:
- Industry-recognized certification: CompTIA Security+ is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in cybersecurity.
- Wide range of job opportunities: CompTIA Security+ can qualify candidates for a variety of job roles in the cybersecurity industry, including security specialist, security analyst, security consultant, and more.
- Growing demand for cybersecurity professionals: The demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing rapidly, with organizations of all sizes and industries seeking to protect their systems and data from cyber-attacks.
- Competitive salary potential: Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, and as a result, they often command high salaries and competitive compensation packages.
- Ongoing professional development: CompTIA Security+ certification requires continuing education to maintain, which ensures that candidates stay up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends and best practices.
Overall, CompTIA Security+ certification is a valuable investment for individuals looking to start or advance their career in the cybersecurity industry. It demonstrates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in cybersecurity, opens up a wide range of job opportunities, and can lead to competitive salaries and ongoing professional development.
Conclusion
To say that the prospects for qualified, certified, and trained cybersecurity professionals are promising would be a significant understatement. Not only is the work exciting and challenging, but it is also extremely lucrative for those who achieve even moderate success. With the changing landscapes brought about by the Internet of Things, cybersecurity is unquestionably a lucrative career path. Hurry up and start preparing now with Testpreptraining.com!
