IT security is anticipated to rise by 28% between 2016 and 2026, making this a promising career path. Certifications are used by many professionals to acquire a competitive edge in the business. Today, we’ll take a deeper look at the CompTIA Security+ certification and explore whether it’s worthwhile.
When it comes to IT certifications, there is no shortage of possibilities. This creates a situation in which cert-seekers must decide whether pathways are worth the time and money commitment. When it comes to information security, CompTIA’s Security+ certification is a popular way to confirm fundamental abilities.
If you want to pursue a career in cyber security, want to add security credentials to your CV, or need to understand network security as part of your employment, the CompTIA Security+ certification is well worth the effort.
That may all seem obvious, but you may be asking what makes Security+ worth the effort compared to other certifications. Let’s look at some of the elements of the CompTIA Security+ certification that make it an excellent go-to certification.
The Need for Security+ Certificate
Employers continue to respect security professionals for one simple reason: cyberattacks don’t stop. Consider it from the standpoint of an employer. Concerns vary from hackers gaining access to your data to government agencies engaging in cyber warfare engagements. Until you’re in that position, you would want people who are knowledgeable about security on your team. Furthermore, regulatory issues like HIPAA and GDPR drive the need for security professionals.
Meets 8570 Requirements and Approved by US DoD
The US Department of Defense has released Directive 8570, which specifies how people working inside or for the Department of Defense should be taught and certified if they are involved in cyber security or information assurance activities. The Security+ certification has been accepted as a baseline credential for most of that work, indicating that the Department of Defense acknowledges the legitimacy and importance of the CompTIA Security+ certification and, in fact, needs it for specific roles.
Having a certification that is regarded and recognized by the federal government, as well as its suppliers and contractors, is unquestionably an advantage of the CompTIA Security+ certification.
Only Needs One Exam
We all like certificates that simply need a single test. However, some mid or upper-level certifications, such as the Cisco CCNP or Microsoft’s MCSA, need numerous tests, which is acceptable. Still, it doesn’t always correlate to a significant increase in your wage or job prospects, given the significant amount of extra effort involved.
The work required to study for and pass a single exam, such as CompTIA Security+, makes it much more appealing for you as a test taker to add to your résumé. In most circumstances, taking three tests and earning three certificates is a better use of time than taking three tests and earning one.
Vendor Neutral Certificates
Entry-level professionals require a foundation of abilities. At that point in your career, specializing makes no sense. As a result, because CompTIA is vendor-neutral, it is a very logical place for folks to start. Developing a diverse set of talents gives a firm basis on which to grow. It also helps to decouple your chances from the popularity of a particular provider.
Thus, Security+ validates your fundamental grasp of cybersecurity and best practices. This opens the door to entry-level security positions such as junior IT auditor or security administrator. However, as your career progresses, a Cisco security certification may become increasingly valuable. This is because specialization becomes increasingly necessary as you advance in your career. You will not be an expert in everything, but you may be an expert in one or two areas.
The message here is that Security+ lays a good basis for a career in cybersecurity. It might make a lot of sense if you want to enter the security industry.
Does Not Require Experience
As you advance in your cyber security profession, you’ll discover that many of the major certifications need a particular number of years of proven experience or that you’ve attended authorized training before you can even sit for the certification test. Some tests even require you to be “sponsored” by someone who is already qualified.
The Security+ certification, like most other CompTIA certifications, has no required experience or instruction. If you like, you can take the exam tomorrow. This, of course, places the onus on you as the test taker to ensure you’re fully prepared. Still, it’s a nice advantage for those just starting out in the cyber security or computer networking fields to be able to knock out a certification, particularly when work experience is scarce. Degrees take a long time to complete. The Security+ certification may be added to your CV in 60 days or less if you study and prepare, which is a significant benefit of the certification.
The Demand for CompTIA Security+ Certificate
According to CompTIA, 96% of managers search for credentials when screening candidates or include them as part of the job criteria. According to the Global Knowledge 2018 IT Skills and Salary Report, 15% of respondents said that adding additional certifications to their skill set resulted in a raise, with some respondents reporting rises of up to 16%. According to the Global Knowledge study, qualified IT workers earn 22% more than their non-certified colleagues, which is a significant argument for obtaining credentials.
The CompTIA Security+ certification is quite popular among both job seekers and businesses. Simply searching “CompTIA Security+” on SimplyHired returned 2,250 job posts from organizations looking for people with the Security+ accreditation.
Conclusion
So yes, CompTIA’s Security+ Certificate is Worth it. Certifications provide IT workers with abilities that allow them to operate more quickly, effortlessly, and effectively, which typically translates into greater remuneration. If you’re new to the IT security industry and want to demonstrate your abilities to existing or future employers, the CompTIA Security+ certification is an excellent vendor-neutral credential to add to your certification repertoire. However, if you’re a seasoned security expert, you might want to check into the CISM or CISSP since these certifications are more suited to experienced security experts.