Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It In 2024?

CCNA Security, CCNP Security, CEH, ISA, CISSP, Amazon AWS Certified Security, and ISACA CRISC are among the myriad of cybersecurity certifications available today. Each certification holds its importance and serves a specific purpose in the cybersecurity field. But how does CompTIA Security+ fit into this landscape? If you’re seeking answers, you’re in the right place.

CompTIA Security+ stands out as a sought-after certification in cybersecurity, with over 600,000 IT professionals having achieved it. But is pursuing CompTIA Security+ in 2024 a wise decision? This largely depends on your objectives as an IT professional.

For those aiming to enter the information security arena without previous certifications, seeking a vendor-neutral credential, or requiring a certification approved by the Department of Defense (DoD), CompTIA Security+ may very well align with your career goals.

When it comes to the challenge it presents, CompTIA Security+ does not necessitate any prior certifications, making it a welcoming choice for IT professionals eager to delve into cybersecurity. This certification paves the way for entry-level positions in IT security. Despite its foundational level, it is not to be underestimated, as it delves deeply into cybersecurity principles and demands thorough preparation.

The ease or difficulty of grasping cybersecurity concepts varies from person to person. Regardless of your learning type, CompTIA Security+ will likely pose some challenges, which is beneficial. A certification that’s too easy might not equip you with the depth of knowledge needed to progress in your IT career. With the right mindset and access to quality training materials, even novices can successfully attain CompTIA Security+ certification.

As for beginners in cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+ is indeed suitable due to its lack of formal prerequisites. However, acquiring certain certifications like CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ beforehand is advisable. CompTIA A+ covers the basics of IT, laying a solid foundation, while CompTIA Network+ equips you with essential network security skills, beneficial for your cybersecurity focus.

Though not a strict requirement, it’s recommended that CompTIA Security+ candidates have at least two years of IT administration experience with a focus on security. This recommendation is in place to ensure candidates have a practical background to complement their certification efforts.