What is the CompTIA Security+ Certification?

Every time you turn around there’s another data breach in the news, Another company hacked, & another personal account compromised.  And behind the scenes?  There’s a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals to stop the madness.

So, enter the CompTIA Security+ certification.

If you’ve been considering a career in tech (especially cybersecurity), you’ve probably heard this name before.  It’s one of those certs that keeps popping up on job listings, Reddit threads, and YouTube videos.  But what exactly is it?  Why is it such a big deal?  And what kinds of jobs can you actually get with it?

Well, let me go ahead and break it all down for you.

What is CompTIA Security+?

CompTIA Security+ is a vendor-neutral, entry-level cybersecurity certification offered by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association).  It’s designed for people who want to prove they have the skills to work in cybersecurity.

You don’t need to be a hacking genius or have a degree in computer science to earn it.  But you do need to understand the foundations of security…things like:

• Threats and vulnerabilities
• Network security
• Identity and access management
• Risk management
• Cryptography
• Incident response
• Governance & compliance

In short, Security+ teaches you how to protect systems, networks, and data from cyber threats…and how to respond if things go wrong.

What’s On the Exam?

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam focuses on real-world security skills, and it tests your ability to identify, assess, and respond to security incidents.

Here’s a high-level breakdown of the exam objectives:

• General Security Concepts:  Foundational knowledge of threats, vulnerabilities, threat actors, & security roles.
• Threats, Vulnerabilities, & Mitigations:  Common attacks, malware, secure configurations, & patching strategies.
• Security Architecture:  Secure network & system design, segmentation, zero trust, & cloud security.
• Security Operations:  Incident response, disaster recovery, logging, monitoring, & security tools.
• Security Program Management & Oversight:  Governance, risk, compliance, and policies.

The exam is 90 minutes long, with a maximum of 90 questions, and you’ll need to score a 750 out of 900 to pass.

Who Should Take It?

Security+ is designed for:

• Aspiring cybersecurity professionals
• IT pros looking to pivot into security
• Help desk & support techs wanting to level up
• Military & government personnel (especially those needing DoD 8570 compliance)
• Anyone who wants a strong, respected entry point into the cybersecurity field

CompTIA recommends that you have around 2 years of IT experience, preferably with some focus on security, before taking the exam.  But that’s just a recommendation, not a requirement.  Plenty of people study hard, use hands-on labs and video courses, and pass the exam with little or no on-the-job experience.

Why the CompTIA Security+ Is a Big Deal?

Let’s break it down.

It’s Globally Recognized

Security+ is one of the most well-known cybersecurity certifications in the world.  Employers know it, HR systems recognize it, & recruiters search for it. Having it on your resume is like saying, “Hey, I speak the language of cybersecurity, and I have proof.”

It’s Vendor-Neutral

Unlike certifications tied to specific products (like Cisco, Microsoft, or Palo Alto), Security+ is vendor-neutral.  That means you’re learning core concepts that apply to any environment:  cloud, on-prem, hybrid, you name it. This gives you flexibility in your career & a strong foundation to build on.

It’s DoD-Approved

If you’re looking to work in a government or military-related IT job, then the Security+ is golden. It’s approved by the US Department of Defense (DoD 8570 / 8140) as a baseline certification for many cybersecurity roles.  If you want to work as an Information Assurance Technician or Analyst, for example, it may be required by law.

It’s a Launchpad

Security+ is the perfect springboard for higher-level certs like:

• CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst)
• CASP+ (Advanced Security Practitioner)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
• GSEC / GCIH (from GIAC / SANS)

It helps you build confidence, credibility, and real skills.  So when you tackle those tougher exams later, you’ll be ready.

What Jobs Can You Get with CompTIA Security+?

You earned your Security+ certification.  What now?  Here are some common job roles where Security+ is either required or highly valued:

• Security Analyst
  • Monitor networks for threats
  • Investigate suspicious activity
  • Respond to incidents
  • Work with SIEM tools, firewalls, & logs
  • Average Salary:  $70K – $95K
• Information Security Specialist
  • Help organizations develop & implement security policies
  • Ensure compliance with regulations
  • Work with teams to secure data & systems
  • Average Salary:  $65K – $90K
• SOC Analyst (Security Operations Center Analyst)
  • Sit in the digital war room of a company
  • Watch alerts & threat intel roll in
  • Investigate & escalate issues in real-time
  • Average Salary:  $60K – $85K
• IT Auditor
  • Audit networks, systems, & practices
  • Ensure security standards & best practices are being followed
  • Report findings to compliance officers
  • Average Salary:  $75K – $100K
• Systems Administrator (with a Security Focus)
  • Maintain & secure servers
  • Patch systems
  • Configure access controls
  • Average Salary:  $60K – $85K
• Risk Analyst or Compliance Analyst
  • Identify risks to the business
  • Recommend ways to reduce or manage those risks
  • Ensure compliance with laws like GDPR, HIPAA, etc.
  • Average Salary:  $70K – $95K
• Penetration Tester (Junior Level)
  • Test networks & apps for vulnerabilities
  • Try to ethically hack systems & report what you find
  • This role typically needs more advanced certs, but Security+ is a solid prerequisite
  • Average Salary:  $80K – $110K

Side Note:  Even job titles like “Help Desk Technician” or “Desktop Support” are starting to list Security+ as a preferred cert because of how security-focused the tech world has become.

What Kinds of Companies Are Hiring?

Here’s where things get exciting.  Companies across nearly every industry are on the hunt for cybersecurity talent.  These include:

• Government agencies (FBI, DoD, NSA, DHS)
• Defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Booz Allen Hamilton)
• Tech giants (Google, Microsoft, Cisco, IBM)
• Healthcare organizations
• Financial institutions
• Insurance companies
• Educational institutions
• Retail & e-commerce companies

Basically, any company with a network (and that’s all of them) needs someone who understands cybersecurity.

How Hard Is the CompTIA Security+ Exam?

Security+ isn’t a “walk-in-the-park”, but it’s definitely passable with the right prep.  Here’s what makes it challenging:

• It covers a wide range of topics.
• You’ll get multiple-choice & performance-based questions (PBQs).
• It demands critical thinking, not just memorization.

But here’s what makes it manageable:

• Tons of resources exist (books, videos, courses, labs)
• You don’t need coding or deep technical skills to start.
• It’s designed to be an entry-level certification.

If you’re willing to put in 4 – 8 weeks of solid study time, you can pass it, even as a beginner.

How to Prepare for the CompTIA Security+

Here’s a quick blueprint:

• Study the Official Objectives
  • Download the free exam objectives from CompTIA’s website.  This is your blueprint.
• Use Multiple Learning Resources
  • Books:  Plenty of them on Amazon.
  • Video Courses:  Check my playlists tab for the latest Security+ course videos.
  • Practice Exams:  They’re all over the place.
  • Labs:  TryHackMe & CompTIA CertMaster Labs
• Join a Study Group or Discord Server
  • You’ll learn faster when you have others to bounce ideas off of & ask questions.
• Take Practice Exams
  • Aim to consistently score 80% or higher on practice tests before taking the real thing.
• Schedule the Exam When Ready
  • Don’t drag it out forever.  Once you’re confident, schedule it & commit.

What’s the ROI?  (Is It Worth It?)

Let’s talk value.  The CompTIA Security+ exam costs $425 (at the time this post was written…discounts HERE).

Now let’s do some quick math.

If you land a cybersecurity job earning $65K to $85K per year, that $425 exam fee is a tiny investment compared to the return.  And remember, Security+ isn’t just a piece of paper.  It’s a door-opener.  It helps you:

• Stand out in job interviews
• Get past resume filters
• Negotiate higher pay
• Lay a foundation for more advanced certifications

So yeah, it’s definitely worth it.

Is the CompTIA Security+ Right for You?

If you’re serious about getting into cybersecurity, or you’re already in IT and want to pivot, then CompTIA Security+ is one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s affordable, respected, globally recognized, beginner-friendly, & a launching pad for bigger opportunities. Sure, it’ll take some study time and focus.  But if you put in the work, this cert could be the very thing that transforms your career.

So if you’re still on the fence, let me leave you with this:

Security+ isn’t just about passing the exam.  It’s about joining the front lines of one of the most important battles of our digital age.  It’s your way of saying, “I want to protect people.  I want to make tech safer.  And I’m ready to get started.” And if that sounds like your vibe?  Then don’t wait.  Crack open the book, hit play on that first video, schedule your exam, and go earn that certification.