CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) – FAQs
Which exam is replacing CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) Exam?
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) English language exam is retiring on July 31, 2021. A new exam Security+ (SY0-601) is will replace it.
What is the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) Exam?
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) certification validates the necessary baseline skills to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. Moreover, CompTIA Security+ is the first security certification IT professionals should earn. This certification exam establishes the core knowledge required for cybersecurity roles and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.
How many questions will be on the CompTIA SY0-501 exam?
In this exam there will be a maximum 90 multiple choice and performance based questions.
What is the time duration for the SY0-501 exam?
The time duration to complete the exam is 90 Minutes.
What are the intended areas for the CompTIA Security+ exam?
The CompTIA Security+ is good for professionals in:
- Information security
- Network security
- System administration
- Security analysis
- Penetration testing
- IT auditing
Is there any prerequisite for the CompTIA Security+ exam?
Candidates applying for this exam should have:
- At least two years of experience in IT administration with knowledge in security
- Day-to-day technical information security experience
- Broad knowledge of security concerns and implementation
What skills candidates will be able to demonstrate in the Security+ exam?
Candidates for this certification exam will be able to:
- Identify various types of compromise with an understanding of penetration testing and vulnerability scanning concepts
- Perform operations like Installing, configuring, and deploying network components while assessing and troubleshooting issues to support organizational security
- Implementing secure network architecture concepts and systems design
- Installing and configuring identity and access services, as well as management controls
How much do we have to score to pass the SY0-501 exam?
To pass the exam you have to score a minimum 750 (on a scale of 100-900).
What is the course structure of the SY0-501 exam?
CompTIA IT Fundamentals Security+ (SY0-501) Exam covers the following topics –
- Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities
- Technologies and Tools
- Architecture and Design
- Identity and Access Management
- Risk Management
- Cryptography and PKI
How does the exam score are reviewed?
CompTIA monitors the performance of all exams on a regular basis to ensure the validity of exam results. During exam monitoring, CompTIA may classify scores as unclear when there are discrepancies for which there is no reasonable explanation. Scores classified as unclear will not be considered valid and will not be eligible for certification. If it is determined that a violation of the Candidate Conduct Policy has contributed to the classification of indeterminate, CompTIA will also take additional action as laid out in the Candidate Agreement.
What is the process of setting passing scores?
CompTIA exam passing scores are set using statistical analysis and are subject to change. After the exam completion, candidates receive a score report that contains important information regarding the outcome of the exam. However, CompTIA does not publish exam passing rates because exam questions and passing rates are subject to change without notice.
What is the cost of the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) exam?
The exam will cost $349 USD including the additional taxes.
Why get Certified with CompTIA Security+?
This certification exam assesses baseline cybersecurity skills and has performance-based questions on the exam. Moreover, Security+ emphasizes hands-on practical skills, ensuring the security professional is better prepared to problem solve a wider variety of issues. This focuses on the latest trends and techniques in risk management, risk mitigation, threat management and intrusion detection.
What are the testing options provided by CompTIA?
CompTIA provides two testing options:
- First is the online testing that offers you the convenience to test for your certification from any quiet, distraction-free and secure location at any time.
- Then, In-person testing that provides you with testing options at any of the thousands of Pearson VUE test centers located around the world.
How to register for the SY0-501 exam?
For exam registering:
- Create a Pearson VUE Testing Account
- Find a Pearson VUE Test Center
- Schedule Your Exam
- Save Your Exam Appointment Confirmation
How to prepare for the CompTIA SY0-501 exam?
CompTIA Security+ exam validates the necessary baseline skills to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. Candidates applying for this should be IT Security professionals with having at least two years of experience in IT administration with a knowledge of security. When starting preparing for the exams try to gain some knowledge about technical information security experience. Search for exam patterns and create a self-blueprint of the exam to get topics easily covered in a sequence of weightage. Search for Online Courses, which will help you in understanding things better and take as many practice tests as possible to check your strength and weakness.
What is the exam reschedule policy?
Candidates who want to reschedule the exam must contact Pearson VUE at least a minimum of 24 hours prior to your exam appointment. Rescheduling an exam less than 24 hours prior to your appointment or failure to appear for your appointment will result in the forfeiture of yourexam fee.
Does CompTIA allow for the examination retest?
CompTIA reserves the right to ask any candidate to retest if there is any suspicion offraudulent or aberrant test scores.
How to cancel the CompTIA exam?
For cancelling the exam the candidates must contact Pearson VUE at least a minimum of 24 hours prior to your exam appointment. Canceling or failing to appear for an exam will result in the forfeiture of your exam fee.
What is the exam retake policy?
For those who fail in their first attempt to pass any CompTIA certification examination, CompTIA does not require any waiting period between the first and second attempt to pass such examination. However, before your third attempt or any subsequent attempt to pass such examination, you shall be required to wait for a period of at least fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of your last attempt to pass such examination.
Is it possible to share exam results?
If an employer, academic institution, military or third party has paid for you to take a CompTIA exam or to participate in the CompTIA Continuing Education (CE) program. Then, upon request CompTIA will share your certification status and/or progress in completing your CE requirements with the third party.
What accommodations are provided for candidates with disabilities?
CompTIA is committed to complying with applicable law for individuals with disabilities. Candidates can request accommodations be handled through our test service provider, Pearson VUE.
In which language the SY0-501 exam is available?
The exam is available in English, Japanese, Portuguese and Simplified Chinese Language.
Are there accommodations provided for candidates from non-English speaking countries?
Candidates from non-English speaking countries where a localized version of the exam is not available will have a 30-minute time extension for exams. This is considered as ESL (English second language). During exam registration Pearson VUE, ESL is automatically granted to candidates in eligible countries. The ESL accommodation is for candidates testing in the Canadian province of Quebec.
For how long the CompTIA Security+ certification is valid?
This certification is valid for 3 years from the date of launch.
How to maintain the CompTIA certification?
With CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program, you can keep your certification up to date. It’s designed to be a continued validation of your expertise and a tool to expand your skillset. When you’re ready to take the next step in your career it’s also the ace up your sleeve.
