CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) FAQs

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CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) FAQs

What is the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam?

CompTIA Security+ is a well-known certification that proves you have essential skills for important security tasks, setting the stage for a successful career in IT security. The newest version, CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701), deals with the latest cybersecurity challenges, covering key skills in defending against threats, using automation, implementing zero trust, managing risks, and more. This certification not only gives you the necessary abilities for success but also grabs the attention of employers.

What you will learn with the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam?

The Security+ exam ensures you have the knowledge and skills to:

  1. Evaluate the security status of a company’s environment and suggest/implement suitable security solutions.
  2. Safeguard hybrid environments, which include cloud, mobile, IoT, and operational technology.
  3. Operate according to regulations and policies, incorporating principles of governance, risk, and compliance.
  4. Recognize, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents.

What is the knowledge requirement for the Exam?

  • To qualify for this, you need to have a CompTIA Network+ certification and have worked in a security/systems administrator role for at least two years.
  • Additionally, a minimum of two years of experience in IT administration, specifically focusing on security, is required.
  • You should have practical exposure to technical information security and a wide-ranging understanding of security concepts.

How many questions will be on the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam?

In this exam there will be a maximum 90 multiple choice and performance based questions.

What is the time duration for the Exam?

The time duration to complete the exam is 90 Minutes.

How much do we have to score to pass the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam?

To pass the exam you have to score a minimum 750.

What is the course structure of the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam?

The major exam topics are:

  • General Security Concepts
  • Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations
  • Security Architecture
  • Security Operations
  • Security Program Management and Oversight

How does the exam score are reviewed?

CompTIA monitors the performance of all exams on a regular basis to ensure the validity of exam results. During exam monitoring, CompTIA may classify scores as unclear when there are discrepancies for which there is no reasonable explanation. Scores classified as unclear will not be considered valid and will not be eligible for certification.  If it is determined that a violation of the Candidate Conduct Policy has contributed to the classification of indeterminate, CompTIA will also take additional action as laid out in the Candidate Agreement.

What is the process of setting passing scores?

CompTIA exam passing scores are set using statistical analysis and are subject to change. After the exam completion, candidates receive a score report that contains important information regarding the outcome of the exam. However, CompTIA does not publish exam passing rates because exam questions and passing rates are subject to change without notice.

What are the testing options provided by CompTIA?

CompTIA provides two testing options:

  • First is the online testing that offers you the convenience to test for your certification from any quiet, distraction-free and secure location at any time.
  • Then, In-person testing provides you with testing options at any of the thousands of Pearson VUE test centers located around the world.

What is the exam reschedule policy?

Candidates who want to reschedule the exam must contact Pearson VUE at least a minimum of 24 hours prior to your exam appointment. Rescheduling an exam less than 24 hours prior to your appointment or failure to appear for your appointment will result in the forfeiture of yourexam fee. 

Does CompTIA allow for the examination retest?

CompTIA reserves the right to ask any candidate to retest if there is any suspicion offraudulent or aberrant test scores. 

How to cancel the CompTIA exam?

For cancelling the exam the candidates must contact Pearson VUE at least a minimum of 24 hours prior to your exam appointment. Canceling or failing to appear for an exam will result in the forfeiture of your exam fee. 

What is the exam retake policy?

For those who fail in their first attempt to pass any CompTIA certification examination, CompTIA does not require any waiting period between the first and second attempt to pass such examination. However, before your third  attempt or any subsequent attempt to pass such examination, you shall be required to wait for a period of at least fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of your last attempt to pass such examination.

Is it possible to share exam results?

If an employer, academic institution, military or third party has paid for you to take a CompTIA exam or to participate in the CompTIA Continuing Education (CE) program. Then, upon request CompTIA will share your certification status and/or progress in completing your CE requirements with the third party.

What accommodations are provided for candidates with disabilities?

CompTIA is committed to complying with applicable law for individuals with disabilities. Candidates can request accommodations be handled through our test service provider, Pearson VUE. 

In which language the CompTIA Security+ Exam is available?

The exam is available in English, with Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish language options coming soon.

Are there accommodations provided for candidates from non-English speaking countries?

Candidates from non-English speaking countries where a localized version of the exam is not available will have a 30-minute time extension for exams. This is considered as ESL (English second language). During exam registration Pearson VUE, ESL is automatically granted to candidates in eligible countries. The ESL accommodation is for candidates testing in the Canadian province of Quebec. 

For how long the CompTIA DataSys+ certification is valid?

This certification is valid for 3 years from the date of launch.

How to maintain the CompTIA certification?

With CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program, you can keep your certification up to date. It’s designed to be a continued validation of your expertise and a tool to expand your skillset. When you’re ready to take the next step in your career it’s also the ace up your sleeve.

For More Check CompTIA Exam Testing Policies

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