CompTIA updates its certifications every three years due to the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape: transformative threats and advanced technology. The existing CompTIA Security+ certification exam (SY0-501) will retire on July 31, 2021 and will be replaced by the Security+ exam SY0-601. When a certification process changes, it creates problems for people who are already certified, those on the current certification path, and those who haven't yet started. This article will compare and contrastCompTIA Security+ SY0-601 frente a SY0-501.
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AboutCompTIA+ SecurityExam
The CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 exam was released in 2017 and will be phased out in July 2021, according to CompTIA. The CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 exam was released in November 2020 and will be the only test required to acquire the Security+ credential after July 2021.
The test will run for 90 minutes and will consist of 90 performance-based multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, you must score 750 points. There is a $349 exam fee that must be paid. The Security+ exam is available in Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and English.
You must have a CompTIA Network+ certification as well as at least two years of IT administration experience with an emphasis on security as a requirement for this test.
CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 frente a SY0-501
Since the introduction of the CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 test and curriculum, it has become clear that greater emphasis is needed on cybersecurity fundamentals such as security controls, incident response and forensics. With the continuing trend of hybrid environments with cloud, mobile, and IoT operations, network and system administrators skilled in all elements of day-to-day security management are in high demand.
Security administrators must be able to identify and install the right security solutions for their organization's hybrid environment, as well as monitor those solutions for security events and incidents. In addition, qualified security professionals must understand and adhere to appropriate risk, compliance, and governance concepts.
To that end, the new CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 exam is more specific but also more in-depth than its predecessor. The new test features five domains, one less than SY0-501, fewer objectives (35), but 25% more examples than the previous exam. CompTIA claims that the new Security+ certification is comparable to two years of hands-on experience working in a system/security administrator role in its SY0-601 certification test objectives document.
The difference betweenMon+ 501 versus 601is that the new test covers the following topics:
- Attacks, threats and vulnerabilities (24%)
- Architecture and Design (21%)
- Implementation (25%)
- Operations and incident response (16%)
- Governance, Risk and Compliance (14%)
Let's take a look at the Threats, Attacks and Vulnerabilities domain to see the depth of testing. It is expected to identify and describe more than 20 different social engineering attack strategies, as well as various threat actors, vectors, information sources and security issues related to various types of vulnerabilities. In addition, you are expected to evaluate certain scenarios to discover more than 30 different forms of attacks against systems, networks and applications, such as malware, cloud-based and on-premises attacks, adversarial AI, API attacks, SSL stripping, denial distributed service (DDoS), etc.
Although the content and objectives of the SY0-601 exam have changed, its structure has not. There are still up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions on the exam. The exam takes 90 minutes and you must score at least 750 on a scale of 100 to 900 to receive your Security+ certification.
see more information>>CompTIA Security+ Validity: How Long Does It Last?
Exam Domains for CompTIA Security+ 501 vs 601
Due to a mature job role in the industry, the CompTIA Security+ test (SY0-601) now covers five key areas instead of six.
| CompTIA Security+ 501 Exam Domains | CompTIA Security+ 601 Exam Domains |
|---|---|
| Threats, Attacks and Vulnerabilities (21%) Technologies and Tools (22%) Architecture and Design (15%) Identity and access management (16%) Risk management (14%) Encryption and PKI (12%) | Attacks, Threats and Vulnerabilities (24%) Architecture and Design (21%) Implementation (25%) Operations and incident response (16%) Governance, Risk and Compliance (14%) |
CompTIA Security+ 601 focuses on the latest and most up-to-date skills needed for the following tasks:
- Analyze the cybersecurity posture of a business environment
- Make recommendations and execute relevant cybersecurity solutions.
- Maintaining and protecting hybrid environments
- Operate in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Detect, investigate and respond to cybersecurity events and incidents
Exam Objectives for CompTIA Security+ 501 Vs. 601
Although the test objectives sheet is longer, the new exam includes fewer objectives. CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) includes 35 exam objectives, while SY0-501 has 37. The difference is that the test objectives for SY0-601 include additional examples in each objective, approximately 25% more examples.
This was done on purpose to help you understand the meaning of each test objective. The more examples and details we provide, the better the test objectives will be for IT professionals preparing for the certification exam and eventually for the job.
Please note, however, that the test objectives are not exhaustive: you may be aware of other instances of technology, processes, or activities on the exam. The exam questions are not based on these bulleted examples, but on the objectives of the exam as a whole. CompTIA continually evaluates and updates exam material and questions to ensure exam relevance and integrity.
see more information>>How hard is Sec+?
Who should take the SY0-601 exam?
The CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 exam is available online or in person at a Pearson VUE testing center. An exam voucher costs US$370 in the United States (USD).
Of course, as the SY0-501 certification test will retire in July 2021, anyone interested in obtaining or renewing their Security+ certification must take the new exam. Here are some other cases where it makes sense to retest:
You already have Security+ certification
If you have already completed the SY0-501 test, your Security+ certification is valid for three years from the date of certification. To renew your certificate, you will need to take the most recent on-site exam. Employers are more likely to consider the Security+ certification as a whole rather than the individual exam. So unless your job expressly requires SY0-601 certification, you don't have to do anything.
You are now prepared to take the SY0-501 exam
Perhaps you have already started preparing for the SY0-501 test. You have until the end of July 2021 to do this before you have to take the new exam. Should I take the SY0-501 or retest first? Unless your job or the one you want expressly requires the SY0-601 test, that is entirely up to you. Objective test materials and practice questions for each exam can be found here. Choose the exam you think you are best prepared for and take it!
If you take and pass the SY0-501 test, you will earn Security+ certification for the next three years before having to renew your certification.
Want to get security certified?
Are you a junior-level IT administrator, help desk technician or cloud engineer interested in advancing your cybersecurity career? Maybe you're a DevOps engineer, developer, or IT auditor looking to bolster your resume with security capabilities.
In any of these scenarios, CompTIA Security+ certification should be your first step. If you want to work in IT for the US government, Security+ is one of the security certifications recognized by the Department of Defense (DoD 8570.01).
The SY0-501 vs. SY0-601 is a no-brainer for you! Start preparing for your next CompTIA Security+ certification test (SY0-601) right away.
see more information>>How to take the CompTIA Security+ exam online?
Why did CompTIA update the Security+ certification exam?
It's vital in IT that credentials remain relevant to the current state of the industry. As a result, CompTIA and other certification bodies conduct ongoing studies to establish what should be analyzed on certification tests: what skill set the certification represents. CompTIA researchers found that the risks of cybersecurity attacks to contemporary business leaders are increasing, as an example related to the Security+ update. CompTIA has increased the weight of the test domain covering attacks, threats and vulnerabilities as a result of this disclosure.
Preparing for the Security+ SY0-601 Exam
Take note of candidate experiences suggested by CompTIA before beginning your Security+ SY0-601 certification path. Candidates taking the test must have at least two years of professional experience in IT systems administration, with an emphasis on security, and practical technical knowledge of information security. Don't worry if you don't have that experience. Share your cybersecurity ambitions with your boss and ask for assignments that help you gain experience.
The next step should be to determine what your study program should include. CompTIA provides an in-depth look at the topics covered in each area of the SY0-601 certification test. Check out our CBT Nuggets CompTIA Security+ video training to prepare for the SY0-601 CompTIA Security+ certification exam, including videos, video quizzes, and a complete Kaplan IT SY0-601 mock test.
CompTIA Security+ was already considered a foundational information security certification, and the new SY0-601 certification test will further increase the perceived value of the certification. You can be confident that certification will help you develop the foundational skills needed for a successful career in cybersecurity. I hope this article helps you understand more information aboutCompTIA Security+ SY0-601 frente a SY0-501.
FAQs
How different is SY0-501 from SY0-601? ›
Number of Domains: The Security+ SY0-501 covered six domains, while the SY0-601 has just five. Different Priorities: The SY0-601 exam has newer priorities when it comes to domains. The 'Attacks, Threats and Vulnerabilities' domain holds 24% weightage, compared to 21% in the SY0-501.
Is Security+ 601 harder than 501? ›Students can choose to take either exam but it is much easier to take the SY0-501 exam than the SY0-601 exam. That is because there is far less content in the SY0-501 exam (25% less), which means students need to memorize less concepts. Our Comprehensive Security+ Course will fully prepare you to ace the SY0-501 exam.
Is CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 hard? ›This exam is used to examine the basic level skills or the fundamental knowledge of the field. The CompTIA security+ SY0-601 exam is an entry-level exam, but it is a hard nut to crack. If you are looking for tips and tricks to pass the CompTIA security+ SY0-601 exam, this is the proper place for you.
How many questions is SEC+ 601? ›To earn your Security Plus certification, you need to take a single exam, it's 90 minutes in length, and you could get up to 90 questions during the exam. You're graded on a scale between 100 and 900 and of that scale, you need to get a 750 to pass your exam.
How many questions is the 501 security plus? ›The CompTIA Security+ exam has no more than 90 questions.
What is the passing score for security 601? ›What is the Security+ passing score? A passing score is 750 out of 900 possible points.
How do I beat SYO 601? ›...
- Read the entire book to get basic knowledge.
- Use Professor Messer material to supplement your learning.
- Use flash cards and memorize terms.
- Take several practice tests, review, study terms, and repeat.
- Become familiar with the Security+ exam domains. ...
- Create a study plan. ...
- Take practice exams. ...
- Get plenty of rest. ...
- Get to know your exam. ...
- Leverage free exam-prep resources. ...
- Get involved in an exam prep course. ...
- Join a Security+ online community.
Take the Exam
The Security+ exam is timed. You will be allotted 90 minutes to complete it, but you can skip and return to any questions you choose. Some test takers like to go through the questions in order, while others prefer to start with selected questions and go back to the rest.
How long should I study for Security+? ›
Ultimately, everybody will take a different amount of time to study depending on their schedule, their experience level, how confident they feel, and how much time they dedicate to studying. Most people spend 30 to 45 days preparing for their CompTIA Security+ test, and up to 60 days with no prior IT experience.
How long does IT take to study for syo 601? ›7. How long does it take to study for the CompTIA Security+ 601 exam? Your preparation depends upon your experience and the knowledge about exam domains you already have. Approximately, 4-5 weeks are enough to study and prepare for the exam.
Is CompTIA Security+ enough to get a job? ›The CompTIA Security+ certification will help you break into the industry, but for most, it will only be the first step. This certification will get you in the door at companies, but higher-paying jobs will only be available as you add to your resume.
Is Security+ easy to pass? ›Although CompTIA Security+ is entry-level for cybersecurity, the average person, and even entry-level IT pros, may not consider it easy. It covers cybersecurity concepts in depth and requires adequate preparation.
How many questions can I miss on security+ exam? ›There are 90 questions on the Security Plus exam. The exam is 90 minutes in length, and you could get up to 90 questions during the exam. You're graded on a scale between 100 and 900 and of that scale, you need to get a 750 to pass your exam.
Is SY0 601 multiple choice? ›The latest version of CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) includes both performance-based and multiple-choice exam questions across five domains: Attacks, Threats and Vulnerabilities (24%)
Is A+ easier than SEC+? ›A+ delves into a broad range of topics, while Security+ is focused solely on cybersecurity. If you juggle multiple study areas, you might find A+ easier, but if you want to focus on one topic, then Security+ is perfect for you.
How many times can you retake Security+? ›CompTIA Security + does not require any waiting period between the first and second retake. Students must wait 14 days for a third or subsequent retake exam. There is no annual limit on the number of attempts on the same exam.
What is a passing score on Security+? ›Passing score for Security+ exam
The exam is graded on a scale from 100 to 900, with a minimum of 750 to pass. Any score less than 750 is considered a failing grade.
The CISSP exam is more comprehensive, covering topics such as access control, cryptography, and network security. As a result, it is generally seen as more difficult to pass than the Security+ exam. However, the CISSP certification is also more widely recognized by employers.
Should I get Network+ before Security+? ›
CompTIA has a recommended certification path for their certifications, even though most CompTIA certifications don't have prerequisites. If you follow the CompTIA way of obtaining certs, you'll want to earn the Network+ certification before the Security+ cert.
Can you cheat on CompTIA Security+ exam online? ›Each and every CompTIA exam is proctored to prevent cheating. It doesn't matter if you take the exam in person or online through Pearson VUE – a proctor is present at all times. Additionally, anybody who takes a CompTIA certification exam must sign the CompTIA candidate agreement at the beginning of every exam.
Can You Take Security+ exam at home? ›Summary: Candidates can choose to take the CompTIA Security+ exam either online or in person. While online testing is typically more convenient, in-person testing in a distraction-free and official environment has benefits.
Does Security+ Cert expire? ›Your CompTIA Security+ certification is good for three years from the date you pass your certification exam. Through our continuing education (CE) program, you can easily renew CompTIA Security+ and extend it for additional three-year periods.
Can you use notes on the Security+ exam? ›During your exam session, you are not allowed to use exam-specific materials or scratch paper, erasable whiteboards or any other physical writing object like a pen, marker or pencil. However, you'll have the option to use a built-in digital whiteboard feature to do scratch work or take notes.
What should I study before Security+? ›Though Security+ is an entry-level credential, CompTIA strongly recommends getting the A+ and Network+ credentials before proceeding to the Security+ certification, so you have the technical skills you need, such as configuring, managing and troubleshooting networks.
What certification should I get after security+? ›After earning CompTIA Security+, cybersecurity professionals can take the next step by pursuing an intermediate-level cybersecurity certification, such as CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) or CompTIA PenTest+.
How long does IT take to get Security+ exam results? ›Please allow five business days after you take your exam for your exam information to appear in your certification account.
Which CompTIA test is the hardest? ›i-Net+ is the easiest, Security+ is the hardest. Really depends on your level of experience. I was new to a lot of the Security concepts in teh Security+, but I had a lot of experience with the Network+. To me the Netowrk+ was far easier.
Can I pass the CISSP in 3 months? ›If you're good at taking exams, dedicating yourself to a project, and have had extensive information security experience, you can most likely pass the CISSP in 3 months.
Why do people fail CISSP? ›
It gets stressful and is oftentimes overwhelming. That overwhelm leads to poor preparations, which often leads to exam failure. The truth is if you use too much stuff, you end up with “information overload”. This will almost certainly lead you to fail the CISSP exam – at least once.
What is the fail rate for CISSP? ›For anyone looking to earn their CISSP cert and be part of this elite club, there is an obvious reason the CISSP is so valuable: it's a difficult exam. Though the pass rates for the CISSP are not publicly released, it is widely assumed that pass rates are well below 50%.
Is SYO 501 still valid? ›The Security+ exam SY0-501 was retired on July 31, 2021. CompTIA Security+ce. Exam code SY0-601. This exam was released on November 12th, 2020, and is currently the only version of the Security+ exam available in testing centers.
Is SY0-501 still available? ›The English version of the CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 exam will retire on July 31, 2021. At that point it will be completely replaced by SY0-601.
Is security plus harder than A+? ›A+ delves into a broad range of topics, while Security+ is focused solely on cybersecurity. If you juggle multiple study areas, you might find A+ easier, but if you want to focus on one topic, then Security+ is perfect for you.
How long is SY0-601 valid for? ›The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) certification lasts for three years. The certificate can be renewed and extended it for three more years through CompTIA's continuing education (CE) program.
How many times can you take SEC+ test? ›CompTIA Security + does not require any waiting period between the first and second retake. Students must wait 14 days for a third or subsequent retake exam. There is no annual limit on the number of attempts on the same exam.
What is the current version of Security+? ›This credential can help professionals in any career path become more well-rounded and be equipped with the skills necessary to secure today's complicated business computing landscape. The latest version of this exam, SY0-601, adds a focus on current technologies including cloud, mobile and IoT.
How long should I study for security+? ›Ultimately, everybody will take a different amount of time to study depending on their schedule, their experience level, how confident they feel, and how much time they dedicate to studying. Most people spend 30 to 45 days preparing for their CompTIA Security+ test, and up to 60 days with no prior IT experience.
What is the first certification I should get for cyber security? ›CompTIA Security+ is the first security certification IT professionals should earn. It establishes the core knowledge required of any cyber security role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cyber security jobs.
Should I do a+ or Security+ first? ›
Unless you already have a depth of field experience and training in the foundational areas of IT, you should probably start with A+ to set yourself up for success going forward. If you need some help getting ready, CompTIA Tech Career Academy offers comprehensive training to prepare you to pass the A+ exam.