Modern organizations are facing more security threats than ever before. Data breaches and systematic hacks of company resources are becoming more frequent, and there are no signs of this trend slowing down. Generalized approaches to system security no longer provide sufficient protection against increasingly sophisticated threats, and qualified security professionals to combat these threats are in short supply. It is for this reason companies are willing to pay top dollar for certified IT security professionals.

The CompTIA Security+ certification is a popular, vendor-neutral qualification that is a good starting point for information security professionals. The Security+ certification is aimed at entry-level security professionals and offers generalized information to help candidates build a foundational understanding of information security. The Security+ exam features six domains valuable for aspiring information security professionals.

Prerequisites: A CompTIA Network+ certification and two years of systems administration experience with a security focus is preferred.
Exam: The CompTIA Security+ SY0-401 has a maximum of 90 questions and is 90 minutes long. Passing score is 75 on a scale of 100-900.
Cost for Exam: $320 USD.

Learning Material: CompTIA study materials can be found here. thinQtank® Learning’s Security+ Training Course is also a good exam-prep resource for those looking for more structure in the preparation process.

Advantages of Achieving Security+
Candidates that achieve the Security+ certification are bound to see a return on their initial investment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states security specialists, administrators and managers with the Security+ certification can earn as much as $86,000 USD per year. The Security+ is also globally recognized and approved by the U.S. Department of Defense. The CompTIA Security+ meets ISO 17024 standards, as well as the Department of Defense’s Directive 8570.01-M requirements, which could see candidates landing a job within government. This is an excellent entry-level course excellent for those new to the world of information security.

The CISSP is an elite qualification that shows your employer and colleagues you have a solid foundation in digital security. The skills learned in this course are critical for anyone who needs to design, engineer and implement information security systems in the work place. The CISSP objectively measures the abilities of candidates. This is the reason the certification holds such high value among IT security professionals.

The CISSP is globally recognized. No matter where your career takes you, it will place you above other candidates with similar levels of experience who don’t hold the CISSP certification.

Prerequisites: You must have at least five years of paid experience at a full-time job in a field related to the CISSP exam subject matter. You must also have knowledge of at least two of the eight domains in the study material, or common body of knowledge (CBK). Candidates without the required work experience can satisfy the requirement with one year of work experience and a four-year college degree, or an approved credential from the CISSP prerequisite pathway. Another option for those without the appropriate work experience is to take the exam and earn an Associate of (ISC)² designation. Candidates will then have six years to earn the required work experience for the CISSP.

Exam: The CISSP exam has 250 multiple-choice and advanced innovative questions and lasts six hours; 700 out of 1000 points, or 70%, is the passing score.

Cost for Exam: $599 USD for the Americas, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions, and administered by Pearson VUE.

Learning Material: (ISC)² study materials can be found here. thinQtank® Learning’s CISSP Training Course is also a good exam-prep resource for those looking for more structure in the preparation process.

Advantages of Achieving CISSP
The CISSP is a universally recognized certification that can boost your career and increase your earnings. It is one of the most sought-after certifications in information security – anyone that is looking to advance their career would do well to complete this certification.

thinQtank® Learning offers many different certifications in areas beyond just the ones listed here. If you have any questions about our Training and Certification Programs, we would love to hear from you! Give us a call at 855-TO-THINQ (855-868-4467) or email  website@thinqtanklearning.com.