CompTIA Security+ Testing
CompTIA is a nonprofit organizaztion that offers a wide range of certification exams for individuals in the information technology industry. Examples include the CompTIA A+ certification, an exam for entry-level computer technicians, CompTIA Network+, an exam for entry-level professions involved in networking, CompTIA Linux+, an exam covering basic Linux concepts, and CompTIA Security+, an exam covering basic concepts and implementations of security.
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Exam Information
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The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. The duration of the exam is 90 minutes. A score of 750 on a scale from 100 to 900 must be attained to pass the examination.
Testing
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The exam may be taken at a Pearson VUE or Prometric testing center. To register, go to vue.com or prometric.com.
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Prerequisites
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CompTIA recommends that you have the CompTIA Network+ certification and two years of networking experience with an emphasis on security prior to taking the exam. The CompTIA Network+ certification has the recommended prerequisite of the CompTIA A+ certification, which is an exam that tests basic technical support skills for support specialists.
Preparation
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To prepare for the exam, you may register for training courses at an approved CompTIA provider (see Resource section) or use one of the approved training materials. CompTIA suggests the following books for self-study: "CompTIA Security+ 2008 In Depth" by Course Technology and "CompTIA Security+ Deluxe Study Guide" by Sybex.
Objectives
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In the exam, 21 percent of the questions pertain to systems security, 20 percent to network infrastructure, 17 percent to access control, 15 percent to assessment and audits, 15 percent to cryptography and 12 percent to organizational security. Example topics include security threats, security risks, operating system hardening practices, application security, different network ports and protocols, network tools, hashing and encryption techniques, and public key cryptography.
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