CompTIA Security+ is amongst the most preferred certifications by major companies than any other IT certification for demonstrating hands-on fundamental cybersecurity abilities. As a result, more IT job positions are turning to CompTIA Security+ to enhance cybersecurity abilities as the demand to safeguard more systems, software, and hardware develops.
Keeping all this in mind, CompTIA always keeps its certification exam updated. And, same goes with the CompTIA Secuirty+ certification. To earn this certification, previously you were required to pass CompTIA SY0-501 exam. But, now it has been updated to CompTIA SY0-601 exam.
In order to understand the updates and compare the two, in this blog, we will go through the in-depth details of both SY0-501 and SY0-601 for having better clarity!
CompTIA Security+ 501 and 601 Exam: Overview and Changes
In the enhancement of technology, IT certifications have always illustrated to organizations that candidates possess the necessary knowledge and abilities for the position, as well as assisting IT professionals in their advancement. And, cybersecurity credentials are among the most popular IT qualifications worldwide, since it has become an essential role. In terms of cybersecurity, the CompTIA Security+ certification has been obtained by over 500,000 IT workers, and according to research, it is among the top 10 cybersecurity qualifications.
CompTIA Security+ 501 and 601 are two different versions of the CompTIA Security+ certification exam.
The Security+ 501 exam was released in 2018 and focuses on basic security concepts, while the Security+ 601 exam, released in 2021, has updated content that reflects the latest advances in cybersecurity and is more comprehensive in scope.
Both exams are designed for individuals who are seeking a foundational understanding of security principles, and who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in this area. However, the Security+ 601 exam is more current and covers a wider range of topics than the Security+ 501 exam.
CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 Exam:
The CompTIA Security+ 501 exam verifies that the applicant has the necessary knowledge and abilities to:
- Firstly, installing and configuring systems for securing applications, networks, and devices
- Secondly, executing threat analysis and responding with suitable mitigation techniques. Also, be a part of risk mitigation activities.
- Thirdly, working with a thorough understanding of relevant rules, laws, and regulations
Knowledge requirement:
The CompTIA Security+ 501 exam is for IT security professionals who have the following skills:
- Firstly, the experience of a minimum of two years in IT administration with security as the main subject.
- Secondly, experience in technical information security.
- Lastly, understanding and familiarity with security concerns and implementation.
Previous Exam Format
On October 4, 2017, the CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 exam was released. This exam certifies the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required for setting up systems to secure applications, networks, and devices, executing threat analysis and responding with suitable mitigation techniques and more. However, this exam had 90 questions of the type multiple choice and performance-based. And, the time duration was of 90 minutes to complete the exam. The exam requires a minimum score of 750 (on a scale of 100-900) to pass, and it can be taken in English, Japanese, Portuguese, or Simplified Chinese.
The English exam was retired on July 31, 2021. And, the other languages exam will retire in Q1 2022.
But, what are the major changes in the new CompTIA Security+ 601 exam? Let’s find out!
New CompTIA Secuirty+ 601 Exam:
CompTIA has always encouraged candidates to use updated exam information for preparation. However, let’s look at or the new CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) certification exam.
CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 is a certification exam that tests individuals’ knowledge and skills in cybersecurity concepts and practices. The exam is designed for IT professionals who have at least two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security and who are looking to obtain a comprehensive understanding of security principles.
The SY0-601 exam covers a range of topics, including:
- Network security
- Compliance and operational security
- Threats and vulnerabilities
- Application, data, and host security
- Access control and identity management
- Cryptography
Further, the CompTIA Security+ 601 exam verifies that the applicant has the necessary knowledge and abilities to:
- Firstly, examining the security posture of an enterprise environment.
- Secondly, suggesting and implementing suitable security solutions.
- Thirdly, monitoring and securing hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT
- Then, operating with an awareness of applicable laws and policies, including:
- principles of governance, risk, and compliance
- Lastly, identifying, analyzing, and responding to security events and incidents.
Knowledge requirement:
There has been a bit of change in the knowledge and experience required for the Secuity+ 601 exam. Now, the CompTIA Security+ 601 exam requires the following skills:
- Firstly, a hands-on experience two years of working in a security/systems administrator job role
- Secondly, knowledge and experience in technical information security
- Lastly, advanced knowledge of security concepts
Updated Exam Format:
The CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 exam was launched on November 12, 2020. This exam certifies the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required for examining the security posture of an enterprise environment and suggesting suitable security solutions, checking and securing hybrid environments and more. However, this exam had 90 questions of the type multiple choice and performance-based. And, the time duration was of 90 minutes to complete the exam. The exam requires a minimum score of 750 (on a scale of 100-900) to pass, and it can be given in English and Japanese language. This exam basically retires after three years. And, the cost of taking the exam is $370 USD.
Moving on to the major modifications, the exam objectives.
CompTIA Security+ 601 and 501: Exam Objectives
Despite the fact that the test objectives paper is longer, the new SY0-601 exam has fewer goals than the old one. However, there are 35 exam objectives on the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) exam, compared to 37 on the SY0-501 exam. And, the exam objectives for SY0-601 are different. That is to say, this exam update more examples under each objective.
Further, CompTIA has made this update to assist you in better understanding the significance of each exam objective. The more examples and information is there, the more useful the exam objectives are in helping IT professionals prepare for their certification exam and, eventually, the job.
But, you need to keep in mind that exam objectives are not exhaustive. That is to say, you may come across additional technologies, procedures, or activities on the exam. The exam questions are focused on the main exam objectives rather than these bulleted samples. And, in order for providing relevancy and exam integrity, CompTIA is regularly evaluating exam material and revising questions.
Coming on the objectives!
SY0-601 and SY0-501 Exam Objectives: Comparison
Along with a developing industry job function, the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) exam now covers five primary areas instead of six. However, let’s take a look at the changes in the objectives.
| CompTIA Security+ 501 Exam Domains | New CompTIA Security+ 601 Exam Domains |
| Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities (21%) | Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities (24%) |
| Technologies and Tools (22%) | Architecture and Design (21%) |
| Architecture and Design (15%) | Implementation (25%) |
| Identity and Access Management (16%) | Operations and Incident Response (16%) |
| Risk Management (14%) | Governance, Risk, and Compliance (14%) |
| Cryptography and PKI (12%) |
But, how CompTIA security+ is ruling the market sector! So, let’s find out the value of Security+ using the updated topics in order to understand more about the SY0-601 exam.
CompTIA Security+: Industry value based on domains
CompTIA exam domains must represent what is occurring in the market in a subject like cybersecurity, where the profession is constantly developing. The details below specify why the CompTIA Security+ exam domains were updated and how they relate to job requirements.
1. Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities
This area focuses on newer custom devices that must be mitigated, such as IoT and embedded devices, newer DDoS assaults, and social engineering attacks based on current events, as well as emerging threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities on the Internet.
Importance in the job market:
68 percent of corporate leaders believe their cybersecurity risks are growing, according to a source. However, for resisting these new dangers, IT professionals must assist in the detection of cyberattacks and vulnerabilities so that they may be mitigated before they breach information systems.
2. Architecture and Design
This domain includes enterprise environment coverage and cloud dependency, which is rapidly rising as enterprises shift to hybrid networks.
Importance in the job market:
IT experts must understand safe virtualization, secure application deployment, and automation ideas for maintaining a solid cybersecurity posture and supporting hybrid environments.
3. Implementation
This domain broadens to include identity management, access control, public key infrastructure (PKI), fundamental cryptography, wireless, and end-to-end security.
Importance in the job market:
IT professionals must select and apply the appropriate protocols and encryption for a certain network/cloud design, mobile solution, or wireless scenario, for example, for supporting corporate cybersecurity.
4. Operations and Incident Response
This domain includes fundamental threat detection, risk mitigation strategies, security controls, and basic digital forensics, as well as organization security assessment and incident response protocols.
Importance in the job market:
IT experts are being asked to undertake incident responses early in their careers for supporting operations and the increase of recent attacks. They must be able to defend systems using fundamental mitigation techniques and security controls.
5. Governance, Risk, and Compliance
This domain grows to support corporate risk management and regulatory compliance, including PCI-DSS, SOX, HIPAA, GDPR, FISMA, NIST, and CCPA.
Importance in the job market:
According to a recent survey, approximately 60% of respondents said compliance activities had increased. IT experts must understand compliance security measures, how they decrease risk, and how to deploy them to improve cybersecurity posture in order to support governance, risk, and compliance.
Above we have gone through the major differences and modifications that happened in the CompTIA Security+ exam. Now, in the next section, we will go through the major job role and salaries that you can earn with this certification.
CompTIA Security+: Job Roles and Responsibilities
As we have understood the new CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) exam update. Every three years, CompTIA refreshes its certifications to keep up with changing technology, ensuring that your abilities remain current and relevant. Talking about security+, more companies and defense organizations use this certification above any other on the market to confirm baseline security capabilities and meet DoD 8570 compliance. Moreover, the only baseline cybersecurity certification that focuses on hands-on practical skills, ensuring that security professionals have better preparation for dealing with today’s complicated situations.
Further, coming on the job roles, for securing networks, software, and hardware, basic cybersecurity skills are relevant across a wider range of today’s job responsibilities. The Security+ exam covers the most basic technical skills in risk assessment and management, incident response, forensics, corporate networks, hybrid/cloud operations, and security policies, all of which are essential for job success.
CompTIA Security+ certification is a globally recognized cybersecurity certification that validates the knowledge and skills required to perform security functions in a variety of job roles. Some of the job roles that typically require CompTIA Security+ certification include:
- Security Analyst: Responsible for monitoring and analyzing security threats, conducting risk assessments, and recommending security measures to protect the organization.
- Network Administrator: Responsible for maintaining the security of an organization’s network infrastructure, including firewalls, routers, and switches.
- System Administrator: Responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining an organization’s computer systems, including ensuring the security of those systems.
- Security Engineer: Responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security systems, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption technologies.
- Information Security Officer (ISO): Responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring the organization’s compliance with industry regulations and standards.
Top Organizations supporting Security+
Contributing organizations to the development of Security+ are:
- Netflix
- Target
- Splunk
- Johns Hopkins University
- General Dynamics IT
Final Words
Above we have gone through the major modifications and differences that have been made for the SY0-501 and SY0-601 exams. CompTIA Security+ exam has already made its position in the cybersecurity sector by gaining the trust of top organizations. So, go through the above information and check out the details to match your skills and experience. And, then start preparing for the updated CompTIA Security+ exam by:
- Exploring a variety of training options, including study guides, online self-study tools, and instructor-led courses.
- Then, making use of best practice tests for having a better revision.
Further, the CompTIA study resources provide you the confidence to pass your CompTIA certification exam. And, using CompTIA’s online training tools is best for those who are beginning and need comprehensive training for passing the exam. So, start applying your knowledge, practicing, and then earn the certification.
