If you want to get started in a cybersecurity career, there is no shortage of professional certifications to help you do that. There are so many that it can actually be quite overwhelming for some new to the field. One of the best certifications that should definitely be somewhere in your beginning five is the CompTIA Security+ certification.
What Skills Are Validated with the CompTIA Security+ Certification?
The CompTIA Security+ certification is one that validates your foundational cybersecurity skills. It’s a stepping stone to other, more advanced certifications that you can pursue when you are further along in your career. Some of the skills that are tested and validated by the Security+ certification exam include the following:
- the ability to identify threats and attacks and mitigate them before they penetrate
- a thorough understanding of secure virtualization, secure deployment of applications, and automation concepts
- the ability to identify and deploy effective protocols and encryption
- the ability to install and configure identity and access services and management controls
- monitoring and securing hybrid environments, including mobile, IoT, and cloud
- an understanding of penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and detecting compromise
- the ability to install, configure, and implement network components while troubleshooting issues to maintain the support of company security
- the ability to utilize and communicate risk management best practices and how they impact the business
- the ability to install and configure wireless security settings and implement public key infrastructure
- an understanding of the importance of compliance
What Are the Benefits of Becoming Security+ Certified?
The CompTIA Security+ certification comes with numerous benefits, from the financial to the professional. The following are some reasons that getting Security+ certified is a great choice:
Higher Salaries
As a certified cybersecurity professional, you have the opportunity to earn a higher salary than someone else with the same level of experience but no certification. The average salary for an entry-level IT professional with the Security+ certification in Washington, DC, is $95,867 per year. However, depending on your experience and the job title, salaries may go as high as $183,000.
In Demand Certification
Many of the open positions in the IT and cybersecurity industries (and there are many) require candidates to have the CompTIA Security+ certification. Even those that don’t make it a requirement often prefer it. Having this certification is beneficial in both the public and private sectors. The range of positions in demand includes work in network administration, threats and vulnerabilities, cryptography, access control and identity management, compliance and operational security, and application, data, and host security.
No Experience Required
Unlike many other cybersecurity certifications, CompTIA Security+ doesn’t require candidates to have a bunch of requirements for previous work experience or other prerequisites. CompTIA does recommend that exam-takers have about two years of experience in networking and security, but it isn’t required. So, if you feel you are ready to take the certification exam, you don’t have to wait.
Security+ Sets the Industry Standard
The Security+ certification is highly regarded as one of the essential security certifications for the industry. It is considered to be foundational, ensuring that certified individuals have demonstrated that they have the ability to apply the knowledge and skills needed to be in compliance with the ISO 17024 Standard.
Work Anywhere
CompTIA is a certifying body that is recognized and respected worldwide. And the Security+ certification is one of CompTIA’s standards. With Security+ certification, you can work in nearly any industry, as they nearly all need cybersecurity teams in numerous countries around the globe.
Required for Government Work
If you are considering working for the U.S. government as an IT employee or independent contractor in the metropolitan Washington, DC area, the CompTIA Security+ certification meets the required Department of Defense (DoD) 8570 compliance standards for positions in Management Level-1 and Technical Level-2.
Keeps You Current
The CompTIA Security+ certification, like other IT certifications, provides you with the advantage of always staying up to date on industry trends, updates, and enhancements. Because you have to renew your certification every three years, and the renewal requires continuing education units, you can rest assured that you will maintain your professional level and knowledge base.
Take the First Step toward CompTIA Security+ Certification
Knowing the above skills and benefits, you will get when you earn your Security+ credential may have you wondering how to get started. At TrainACE, we offer an exam prep CompTIA Security+ Training and Certification course. When you are finished with the course, you will have the knowledge to successfully pass the official certification exam and become Security+ certified. There is no better time than now to get started.
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