CompTIA’s Security+ exam SY0-101 is the only exam required to achieve the Security+ certification. It is entry-level as it’s intended for IT professionals who have two years on-the-job networking experience, with an emphasis on security. It has no prerequisites. It may be used as an elective in the Microsoft MCSA (Microsoft Certified System Administrator), MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer), MCSA: Security and MCSE: Security certifications.

This exam is moderately difficult. It may be taken from Pearson Vue or Thomson Prometric. In terms of cost: “The CompTIA Security+ is exam is available to CompTIA corporate members for $175 USD and non-members for $225 USD.

The passing score is 764 on a scale of 100 to 900. This exam is in conventional multiple choice format, consisting of 100 questions, and has a duration of 90 minutes.

The topics covered by this exam include:

• General Security Concepts
• Communication Security
• Infrastructure Security
• Basics of Cryptography
• Operational/Organizational Security