When I first started studying for the security+ Exam, it would have been helpful if I would have had an up-front overview of the exam itself. I didn't, though, and it made it difficult to grasp the entirety of the test. This blog gives an overview of the different sections of the Security+ exam.
What is the Securty+ exam? The exam is about security of your computer or the security of other computers for which you are responsible. Studying for the exam gives one an in-depth view of security techniques. This is foundational knowledge. One can build on what has been learned.
The Security+ exam is a 90 minute exam composed of 100 questions. As a result, before one takes the exam, a person has to decide how much time to devote to each exam question during the exam. This is imperative. Not having a strategy for taking the test can mean the difference of passing or failing the exam. You have to take some time in determining how much time you will spend on each question. A passing score is 750, which is graded on a scale of 100 to 900. The 750 number is not a percentage because every question on the exam has a different associated weight.
There are six domains to the test. Domain 1 is Network Security, which comprises 21% of the test. Domain 2 covers compliance and operational security, which comprises 18% of the test. Domain 3 covers threats and vulnerabilities, which comprises 21% of the test. Domain 4 covers application, data, and host security, which comprises 16% of the test. Domain 5 covers access control and identity management, which comprises 13% of the test. Lastly, Domain 6 covers cryptography, which comprises 11% of the test. For those who are visual and can understand things in chart form, the breakdown of the exam is as follows:
Domain & Network Security 21%
Compliance & Operational Security 18%
Threats and Vulnerabilities 21%
Application, Data, and Host Security 16%
Access Control and Identity Management 13%
Cryptography 11%
Notice that Network Security and Threats and Vulnerabilities each comprise 21% of the test. This is a total of 42% of the test. So, when studying for the exam, you may want to concentrate more heavily on these two domains. After that, you may want to focus on Compliance and Operational Security.
I would suggest getting study materials. There are study materials available from numerous sources to include the following: CompTia, local libraries, and the internet. You may want to consider taking a college course on Security+. Additionally, there are private persons who offer paid schools for the exam. Hopefully, you will work for a company that provides paid training. If not, there are a number of other options for those who do not have the financial resources. YouTube is a great place to learn how to look for resources in reference to the Security+ exam.
On the day of the exam, be sure you have had a good breakfast. Also, be sure you are comfortable with comfortable clothing. Take the bare minimum number of items with you. The CompTia website tells you what you can bring and what you cannot bring. Be sure to get there on time. On the day of my exam, I got there a little bit early and they let me go ahead and start. During the exam, just relax. If there is noise coming from the outside, do not wait to let the exam officials aware. You have the right to take the exam free from outside distractions.
During the exam, be sure to watch your time. You have the option of marking questions so that you can come back again to them later. Time management is very important. Once all questions are answered, go back and check your questions and answers again to make sure you did not initially misunderstand any of the questions.
If you fail the exam, do not worry. There are many people who do not pass the exam on the first attempt. Get a copy of your scores. There should be a breakdown of percentages which should tell you on which areas you need to study for the next exam.
I hope this blog has been informative. Good luck studying and good luck on the exam.
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