Start Your FREE 2024 CompTIA Security+ Practice Test

• About the CompTIA Security+ Test
• Sections of the CompTIA Security+
  • SY0-601 Architecture and Design
  • SY0-601 Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities
  • SY0-601 Governance, Risk, and Compliance
  • SY0-601 Implementation
  • SY0-601 Operations and Incident Response
• What to Expect on Test Day
  • What to Bring
  • What Not to Bring
• Best Ways to Study for the CompTIA Security+ Exam
  • Take CompTIA Security+ Test Practice Tests
  • Use Alternative Study Methods
  • Simulate the Testing Experience
• CompTIA Security+ Test Tips and Tricks
  • Skip Difficult Questions and Return to Them When Taking the In-Person Exam
  • Become Very Familiar with the Performance-Based Questions
  • Select the Testing Format That Works Best for You
• CompTIA Security+ Test FAQ:
  • 1. How are the performance-based questions on the CompTIA Security+ exam scored?
  • 2. How long will the certification last after I have passed the CompTIA Security+ exam?
  • 3. What happens if I don’t pass the Security + exam?
  • 4. How long will it take to get the results after taking the CompTIA Security+ exam?

About the CompTIA Security+ Test

The CompTIA Security+ exam can provide those who pass with a global certificate that signifies the candidate has the skills necessary to perform core security functions required to pursue a career in IT security. It will verify that the examinee can adequately:

• Assess the security of an environment.
• Recommend and implement security solutions.
• Monitor and secure hybrid environments (such as cloud, mobile, or IoT).
• Operate within applicable regulations, laws, and policies. This comprehension includes the principles of governance, risk, and compliance.
• Identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents.
• Candidates for the CompTIA Security+ exam should have at least two years of experience in IT administration or security, possess hands-on technical information security experience, and have a broad knowledge of general security concepts.

The CompTIA Security+ exam consists of a maximum of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions. Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the exam. The questions on the exam come from five domains and a certain percentage of the exam is devoted to each domain. These are the domains and the proportions of test coverage:

• Attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities: 24%
• Architecture and design: 21%
• Implementation: 25%
• Operations and incident response: 16%
• Governance, risk, and compliance: 14%

The test is scored on a scale that ranges from 100 to 900, with a passing score being anything above 750. The cost of the exam in the United States is $381.00. After passing the CompTIA Security+ exam, common careers that can be pursued include security administrator, systems administrator, helpdesk manager/analyst, network/cloud engineer, security engineer/analyst, and others.

Sections of the CompTIA Security+

SY0-601 Architecture and Design

Questions about Architecture and Design deal with the various structural components of a system as they relate to security. You will need to understand and be able to explain the importance of security concepts and how to use them to enhance cybersecurity in an enterprise environment.

SY0-601 Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities

In the SY0-601 Security+ Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities section, you will be evaluated on your knowledge of various computer threats, including their signs and effects. The test will cover different types of vulnerabilities and attack techniques, enabling you to strengthen your understanding of cybersecurity challenges.

SY0-601 Governance, Risk, and Compliance

The Governance, Risk, and Compliance section of the Security + exam encompasses inquiries about regulations, controls, and risk management within an enterprise. A key aspect is your ability to define various security policies and procedures and distinguish between them effectively. Understanding these fundamental concepts is vital for establishing a robust security framework, ensuring regulatory compliance, and mitigating potential risks in a business environment.

SY0-601 Implementation

In the Implementation section, the focus of the questions revolves around safeguarding systems against security-related attacks. It is essential to be well-versed in the necessary measures required to create a secure system that can effectively prevent breaches. Each question in this section presents a scenario, putting your knowledge and understanding of implementation strategies to the test. Prepare to demonstrate your expertise in fortifying systems and countering potential threats for a robust and resilient cybersecurity approach.

SY0-601 Operations and Incident Response

The Operations and Incident Response section comprises questions that assess your ability to analyze given scenarios and develop appropriate action plans in response. To excel in this section, comprehensive knowledge of policies, processes, and procedures pertaining to security incidents is essential.

What to Expect on Test Day

The CompTIA Security+ exam is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers, or the exam can be taken online. No matter which format you select, you will want to be prepared beforehand. If taking it in person, you should ensure you have directions to the testing center and plan to arrive early. This ensures you have extra time to register and acquaint yourself with the testing facility. If you are taking it online, you should review the online testing policies and procedures and run a system test prior to taking your exam.

What to Bring

You should bring two forms of acceptable identification with you on exam day. Acceptable identification can include passports, driver’s license, military IDs, state-issued identification cards, and other IDs. Be sure to check out the official ID policy document, which contains a complete list of acceptable identification for reference, before test day. Your photo will be taken at the testing site when you arrive to take the exam. Online examinees must also bring identification and a phone when connecting to take the exam. You will be on video during the exam.

What Not to Bring

Personal items are not allowed in the testing room. This includes backpacks, purses, books, notes, and any digital devices, such as computers, smartphones, or smartwatches. Some test centers have a secure area for storing personal belongings, while others may not. You may check with your testing site prior to the exam to determine if there is secured storage or if you should leave all personal belongings at home.

Best Ways to Study for the CompTIA Security+ Exam

Take CompTIA Security+ Test Practice Tests

The best way to study for any exam is to take practice tests. However, these practice tests are especially helpful for the CompTIA Security+ exam. While most examinees are familiar with multiple-choice test questions, there are portions of the exam that will consist of performance-based questions. These simulations are designed to test a candidate’s ability to solve problems in a real-world setting. For testees that have never taken this type of exam, practice tests provide a useful way to get used to the format and style of performance-based questions.

Use Alternative Study Methods

While practice tests are incredibly helpful when preparing, additional study methods can be useful to help retain more knowledge. Study aids, such as study guides and flashcards, can help candidates master the information.

Simulate the Testing Experience

The CompTIA Security+ exam is a timed test, which can create additional stress during the exam. One way to reduce uncertainty and prepare for success is to simulate the testing experience. By taking practice tests within the defined time period, examinees can gain experience in completing the test within the allotted amount of time.

CompTIA Security+ Test Tips and Tricks

Skip Difficult Questions and Return to Them When Taking the In-Person Exam

The performance-based questions within the CompTIA Security+ exam are often tricky for individuals unfamiliar with this format. But the in-person test allows you to move forward in the exam and come back to the simulations later. This strategy allows you to identify how many simulated questions you have left with the remaining time. It can help you use your time more wisely and ensures you get credit for the questions that are easier for you to answer.

Become Very Familiar with the Performance-Based Questions

The performance-based questions are often harder than the multiple-choice ones for most examinees. If you are taking the exam online, there is no option to skip questions and return to them later, so you should spend a lot of time beforehand practicing with these types of questions.

Select the Testing Format That Works Best for You

While taking the CompTIA Security+ exam online may sound appealing initially, there are many benefits to taking it in person, such as the ability to skip questions and come back to them and a reset option for the simulations. You should take many practice tests and determine which environment will work better for you. This choice can have a big impact on your results.

CompTIA Security+ Test FAQ:

1. How are the performance-based questions on the CompTIA Security+ exam scored?

There are often multiple ways to solve a problem and the exam incorporates this fact into its structure. Even if candidates do not provide the ideal answer, they will get partial credit for answers that are partially correct.

2. How long will the certification last after I have passed the CompTIA Security+ exam?

Your CompTIA Security+ certification is good for three years from the date you pass the certification exam. After that time has lapsed, you can attend the CompTIA Security+ continuing education program to renew your certification for an additional three years.

3. What happens if I don’t pass the Security + exam?

If you didn’t pass the exam after taking it, you can take it again. However, before taking it again, you will want to get a copy of your score report to help identify which topics you should spend more time studying.

4. How long will it take to get the results after taking the CompTIA Security+ exam?

Your exam score will display on the screen immediately after you have completed the exam, no matter whether it is taken in person or online. You will also receive an email from CompTIA Certmetrics if you have passed. The email will include details about logging in to your certification account, where you can get your certificate.