You must have already heard about a number of data breaches compromising sensitive data of millions of users. Companies today have realized that the cost of a cyberattack is quite higher than keeping a cyber security team in place that can effectively deal with them. Does this indicate that a cyber security professional have chances of earning high salaries? Well, if you are a pro dealing with malicious hackers, then Yes! This field is quite challenging and if you are really passionate about going into details and finding loopholes that hackers can find out, you will be a valuable asset for your organization.
Whether you are just starting out or have some experience in cyber security, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest trends and innovative techniques used by hackers to intrude even highly secure systems. One way you can learn more about cyber security and match your skills with the industry standards is by getting certified. Professionals can achieve renowned certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and CompTIA Security+ certification and enhance their skills and competency in the domain.
In this article, we shall focus on CompTIA certifications and how can you prepare for these certifications.
CompTIA Certifications
Founded in 1982, the Computing Technology Industry Association or CompTIA is the world’s leading tech association dedicated to fostering skill development by offering a range of professional certifications in the field of IT industry. It aims to promote industry growth and contribute to developing a highly-skilled workforce all over the world. The organization works on creating an environment where innovation can be promoted and allow technological benefits to reach everyone.
CompTIA offers vendor-neutral certifications in different IT fields like cyber security, networking, technical support, and cloud computing. The organization boasts of awarding more than 2.7 million certificates worldwide. Here are some of the top certifications that CompTIA offers:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
If you prepare for these certifications in the given order, you can achieve mastery in cyber security from start to end.
Let us know more about these certifications.
CompTIA A+
This is an entry-level certification and helps professionals learn how to perform critical IT support tasks. It is used by companies to validate professionals in end-point management and technical support roles. The various areas that you will be tested in include hardware, operating systems, networking, software troubleshooting, identifying security vulnerabilities, and more.
Exam – Candidates need to pass two exams for this certification: CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002)
Questions – Maximum of 90 per exam
Duration – 90 minutes for each exam
CompTIA Network+
This credential is best suited for junior network administrators, computer technicians, junior system engineers, network field engineers, and network analysts. The top skills that you can learn through this certification are networking concepts, infrastructure, network operations, network security, and network troubleshooting and tools.
Exam – CompTIA Network+ N10-007 is the associated exam
Questions – Maximum of 90, performance-based
Duration – 90 minutes
CompTIA Security+
This entry-level certification particularly focuses on cyber security, the first security certification that IT professionals should achieve. This credential makes you capable of identifying and addressing security incidents, and know the latest trends and techniques in risk management and mitigation, threat detection, and intrusion detection. The certification is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and also approved by the US Department of Defense (DoD) to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements. You’ll learn about threats, attacks and vulnerabilities, implement secure network architecture, install and configure identity and access services, and risk management best practices.
Exam – CompTIA Security+ SY0-501
Questions – Maximum of 90, performance-based
Duration – 90 minutes
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
It is an intermediate cyber security analyst certification that is best suited for threat intelligence analysts, application security analysts, incident responders, and compliance analysts. The certification makes you skilled in leveraging intelligence and threat detection techniques, analyzing and interpreting data, suggesting preventive measures, and effectively responding to incidents. Professionals applying for this certification are recommended to have at least 3-4 years of experience in IT security.
Exam – CompTIA CySA+ CS0-002
Questions – Maximum of 85, performance-based
Duration – 165 minutes
CompTIA PenTest+
As the name suggests, this intermediate-level credential focuses on penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. It helps you learn planning and scoping, information gathering and vulnerability identification, how to summarize security attacks and perform post-exploitation techniques, penetration testing tools, and reporting and communication. It is recommended to first achieve Security+ certification before applying for this credential.
Exam – CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-001
Questions – maximum of 85
Duration – 165 minutes
Take the Next Step
We have tried to give you an overview of the popular CompTIA certifications that you can plan on taking. Canon, Dell, Ricoh, Verizon, Apple, HP, and Intel are the top companies that rely on these certifications to find the right candidates for their cyber security positions. After you have decided which certification to take, we would recommend going for a training program to better prepare for the exam. A few of the reputed training providers are out there and you will not regret taking their CompTIA courses. Moreover, chances are you will be able to clear the exams on your first attempt. So, take this crucial step and boost your career opportunities.
