Cyber security is becoming increasingly important to organizations in all sectors across Canada. A 2018 study by the Canadian Internet Registration Authority found that 40% of businesses had experienced a cyber attack in the previous 12 months.
This can have a huge financial impact on businesses, so it’s no wonder that demand for network administrators trained in cyber security continues to grow. One qualification that many employers look for when trying to fill these positions is the completion of the CompTIA Security+ exam.
This certification can help you to stand out among IT security professionals and show that you are skilled in managing risk and responding to security incidents.
Read on to find out more about the exam and how you can best prepare.
Why Take the CompTIA Security+ Exam?
The CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that demonstrates to an employer that you have the skills to prevent and respond to cyber security attacks. It’s the only certification of its kind that includes performance-based questions on the exam. This means that graduates can prove that they have the hands-on practical skills to succeed in the workplace.
Network Administrator Diploma graduates who hold this certification can go on to become computer technicians, network administrators, technical support specialists, network maintenance specialists, or help desk troubleshooters.
After obtaining the CompTIA Security+ certification, you can continue your studies by following courses in infrastructure pathways or in cyber security pathways. You can also gain additional professional skills in Project+, Cloud Essentials and CTT+.
What You Need to Know Before the Exam
While the CompTIA+ Security+ exam is an entry level certification, students still need to have some knowledge around the subject before taking the test. The association advises that students take the CompTIA A+ and Network+ exams before the Security+, as these certifications will equip them with the technical skills to succeed. It will also help to have some beginner experience in IT administration.
Preparing for the Exam During Network Administrator School
In order to have the best chance of passing the exam first time, students should create a study calendar and allow plenty of time to learn all of the course material.
Fortunately, you can access a wide range of online resources to help you study. For instance, CertMaster is an online eLearning resource developed by CompTIA which includes information and practice tests. CompTIA study guides and textbooks are also available to purchase online.
Taking practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the exam, and will help guide your revision by showing you what you know and what you don’t. It’s recommended that students continue to take practice tests until they are regularly scoring in the 80s and 90s.
Students can access a wide range of online study resources so that they are prepared to pass the exam
It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the exam objectives. These are available on the CompTIA website and can act as a checklist to your studies. Once you can confidently tick off each of the objectives, you’re ready to take the test.
As well as this, you can study with your fellow network administrator course students or join an online study forum linked to the Security+ test. Studying with other people will help you to expand your learning and provide you with valuable support and help from others in your field.
Doing the CompTIA Security+ Exam
The CompTIA Security+ exam takes 90 minutes to complete and involves a mix of performance-based and multiple-choice questions.
The performance-based section comes before the multiple-choice questions, but students are encouraged to complete the multiple-choice questions first. The test is timed, and the performance-based questions are more time consuming as they involve performing a task or solving a problem in a simulated environment. You also won’t be able to see the clock in this section, making it difficult to save time for the next section.
Additionally, there are a few things that you can do on the day of the exam to give yourself the best chance of success. This includes arriving early, and making sure you’re well-rested and have eaten. By being well-prepared, you’ll walk into the test relaxed, confident, and ready.
Are you interested in learning more about cyber security?
Contact Oxford College to sign up for network administrator school!