One of the most sought-after certifications in cybersecurity is the CompTIA Security+ certification. Employers are looking for candidates to have this credential early in their careers. It can lead to some exceptional opportunities within the field of cybersecurity.
It is important to distinguish this certification exam from SYO-501 which is now considered outdated. It is also significant to understand the composition of the SYO-601 exam: the exam code is SYO-601, official name is CompTIA Security+, the exam has 90 questions, a passing score is 750/900 or higher, and there’s a 90-minute time limit.
A great way to prepare for the exam is to take practice examinations with the topics covered in CompTIA SYO-601 certification subjects. Identify the types of questions that will be provided on the exam, which may include drag-and-drop, matching and other forms in addition to multiple choice. Identify areas of improvement on the practice exams and devote time to studying the questions and how to answer them accordingly. Study often and remember to cover all of the exam topics.
CompTIA certification is a valued credential in cybersecurity that acknowledges proficiency in securing networks and helping organizations defend against cyberattacks and cybercrime. The certification is an industry standard for establishing a career in cybersecurity. It is a preferred qualifying credential for cybersecurity professionals early in their career.
CompTIA Security+ is one of the most popular certifications in cybersecurity. The certification is in compliance with ISO 17024 and approved by the Department of Defense. Many different types of employers are looking for the certification when they are reviewing and interviewing potential candidates. CompTIA updates the exam every three years. Therefore, it is important for all potential exam takers to study for and take the SYO-601 version of the test rather than previous renditions (like the SYO-501). SYO-601 has been the standard since November 2020 and will remain in its current form until 2023.
The certification exam covers a variety of topics: cloud security for Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS). Securing virtualization platforms, providing security for the internet-of-things (IOT) devices, securing ecommerce payment solutions, monitoring tools for observing network traffic and malicious activity, administration and configuration skills, and network access control models.
The exam is comprised of questions concerning attacks, threats and vulnerabilities (24% of the exam questions). Architecture and Design (21%), Implementation (25%), Operations and Incident Response (16%), Governance, Risk and Compliance (14%).
Tips for Exam Preparation
· Manage Your Time: There are 90 questions with only 90 minutes to answer them, that’s only one question per minute. At the beginning of the exam there are usually questions that are not in multiple choice. One good strategy is to skip them for the time being, answer all of the multiple choice (since it makes up the majority of the exam) and answer the first few questions last.
· Prepare for exam material: attacks, threats and vulnerabilities, architecture and design, security operations and incidence response, governance, risk and compliance.
· Take as many practice exams as possible.
Top 4 Jobs Requiring SYO-601 Certification
• Information Security Analyst: install software and manage firewall settings to protect computer networks. Plan and carryout security measures that protect networks and systems (average salary, $60k per year).
• Penetration Tester: test and identify security vulnerabilities and weaknesses before hackers can exploit networks and systems (average salary, $70k per year).
• Military or Industrial InfoSec Jobs: protecting and securing networks and systems for public sector departments and organizations (average salary, $80k per year).
• Systems Administrator: fix servers and plan the architecture and implementation of networks and systems (average salary, $60k per year).