Best Cybersecurity Certification for Beginners: CompTIA Security+

Best Cybersecurity Certification for Beginners: CompTIA Security+

With plenty of job prospects and impressive salaries, a career in cybersecurity could prove to be highly lucrative. So, you may be in the process of researching how to get into cybersecurity, what qualifications you need, and which job roles are available. One of the most important aspects to consider is which cybersecurity certifications for beginners would be best for you. 

Some cybersecurity certifications require that you meet specific prerequisites in terms of education and work experience. As such, beginners have to be very strategic about choosing certifications that do not have said prerequisites. Considering this, a Security+ or Security Plus certificate from CompTIA is the ideal choice for novices in the cybersecurity landscape. 

Let us take a closer look at what the CompTIA Security+ certification is and what makes it the best cybersecurity certificate for beginners. 

What Is the Security+ Certification? 

The Security Plus certification is a global cybersecurity certificate provided by CompTIA–a leading certifying body for information technology professions. It is an entry-level certificate that validates the baseline skills needed for core security functions, allowing you to start a career in cybersecurity or other related fields.   

Security+ Job Titles, Salary, and Job Demand 

There are several types of jobs in information technology and cybersecurity that you can apply for using your CompTIA Security+ certification. This spans not just private organizations but also educational institutions and government offices. Systems administrator, network administrator, and security administrator are some of the most popular Security+ job titles. 

Other jobs roles that use Security+ are: 

• Helpdesk analyst/manager 
• Network/cloud engineer 
• Security analyst/engineer 
• DevOps/Software developer 
• IT auditor 
• IT project manager 

As cybersecurity job roles are often associated with a high pay scale, a Security Plus certification also comes with the opportunity to earn a good salary. PayScale reports that professionals with a CompTIA Security+ certification earn an average annual salary of $78,000. However, the exact figures may vary across different job titles and are also based on experience, skills, and other certifications. 

For example, network and computer systems administrators earn an average salary of $80,600 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). On the other hand, information security analysts can earn about $102,600 per year on average. Moreover, the BLS reports that software developers, testers, and quality assurance analysts could earn about $110,140 on average. 

Even in terms of job demand, the cybersecurity field is expected to see significant growth over the years with the rise of security threats and cyber-attacks. The BLS expects a 5% increase in the employment of network and computer systems administrators between 2020 and 2030. This translates to 18,800 new jobs during this period. 

Due to increased demand, other job roles are predicted to see even bigger growth. According to the BLS, the employment of software developers, testers, and quality assurance analysts will increase by 22% between 2020 and 2030. This amounts to 409,500 new jobs added during the decade. 

Information security analysts will see even more employment opportunities, with a 33% increase in jobs between 2020 and 2030. These numbers suggest that the demand for professionals with relevant cybersecurity certificates is not slowing down anytime soon. As a result, cybersecurity professionals will see an abundance of job openings and career advancement opportunities. 

Therefore, now is the perfect time to get an entry-level certification such as Security+ to start your career. 

Start Training for Your Security+ Certification Now 

The Security+ certification exam requires that you demonstrate your foundational knowledge of security concepts and threat management as well as practical skills in security and protection. To prepare for the exam, you can choose from two professional training courses that specifically focus on Security+. 

CompTIA Security+ Training Boot Camp   

The CompTIA Security+ Training Boot Camp is an accelerated training program conducted through live, instructor-led sessions. Powered by Infosec, the boot camp lasts for five days and focuses on the most critical security issues and practices, leaving you fully prepared for your CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 exam. 

The boot camp will cover five key domains of Security Plus: 1. Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities 2. Architecture and design 3. Implementation 4. Operations and incident response 5. Governance, risk, and compliance. This will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to identify potential security risks and respond accordingly, enabling you to address real-world security challenges. 

Although there are no prerequisites to getting a Security+ certification, it is recommended that you have some knowledge and experience related to security systems before jumping straight into it. Therefore, students enrolling in the Security+ Boot Camp must have 12-24 months of working experience related to information systems and networking. 

CompTIA Security+ Certification Training 

The CompTIA Security+ Certification Training is a 100% online training program that prepares you for the CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 exam. This course is self-paced, meaning that you can learn at your own pace and at your own convenience, which makes it a flexible option for individuals who are juggling multiple responsibilities. The course takes six months to complete and can be started at any time. 

The Security+ Certification Training thoroughly covers five main aspects of cybersecurity, including security foundations, security and protection, cryptography, security on networks, and enterprise security. 

In addition to helping you pass your Security+ exam, it also helps you attain Directive 8570 compliance under the U.S Department of Defense (DoD). This boosts your credibility when applying for different cybersecurity jobs across government organizations and private companies alike. 

Although anyone can enroll in this training course, it is recommended that you have a minimum experience of two years working with networking systems with a focus on security. This will set you up for a more solid understanding of the topics covered in the course. 

Get Your Security+ Certification 

With a good salary and job prospects, a career in cybersecurity is highly appealing for many. Make sure you get a strong start by getting a CompTIA Security+ certification that will qualify you for many entry-level jobs in cybersecurity. 

Learn more about the CompTIA Security+ Training Boot Camp and CompTIA Security+ Certification Training options at ed2go.