Which Changes in CompTIA Security+ Certification Coming in 2020

The CompTIA Security+ certification has become a very popular accreditation that many IT specialists want to add to their resume. Why? As technology trends are constantly changing, the need for high levels of security is becoming bigger for corporations around the world. In this context, the IT job market has become very competitive, forcing specialists to search for alternatives to knock down their competition.

CompTIA is an international vendor that pays high attention to the industry’s updates. Thus, they are reviewing their certifications every three years and enhance them to satisfy the exam-takers’ needs. Currently, the CompTIA Security+ credential involves only one exam which is SY0-501. As it was launched in October 2017, the vendor needs to update this credential through its related test in 2020. So, they are preparing to release details of a new exam with the code Certbolt SY0-601.

So, if you didn’t obtain the Security+ credential already, this article will be of high interest to you. Keep reading the rest of the article and find out what you should expect if you want to take SY0-601 test.

How Different Will SY0-601 Be in Comparison to SY0-501 Exam?

Given the continuous evolution in security matters, trainers expect that the new exam will have around 25% of the content different from the current one. Most probably, SY0-601 test will focus on the following concepts:

– Threats and unexpected situations in cybersecurity;

– Different techniques to deal with risk management;

– IoT threats;

– Expanded practical skills while using different types of technology.

As the security topic is a never-ending story, students will need to develop in-depth skills in this field and stay permanently updated. Thus, Security+ Certification SY0-601 comes as a natural answer to the continuous changes in technology. So, if you want to obtain the passing score in the new exam and earn your CompTIA Security+ credential, you should be prepared to develop the following skills:

– Enhanced cloud support and efficient methods to provide the highest level of cloud security;

– Virtualization platforms and developing strategies for securing them;

– Preventing any breaches in mobile devices security and quickly overcoming any manufacturing issues that might threaten the device’s security level;

– Advanced knowledge of monitoring tools and how to better understand their metrics and data;

– Management of different network access control models.

Just like SY0-501 exam is doing right now, the future SY0-601 test will also put a lot of emphasis on the practical experience. So, you shouldn’t ignore this aspect as it is very important to be considered eligible for both the current assessment and the one to come. Thus, it is possible that you will find more performance-based questions in both tests.

Job Roles Will Be the Same

Security+ accreditation is a great addition to a security administrator or engineer. As this badge will remain the same and only the exam will change, it is logical that the role titles will remain unchanged. So, if you don’t know which are the jobs that you can obtain once you add this CompTIA Security+ accreditation to your resume, take a look at the list below:

– Cybersecurity administrator, consultant, or specialist;

– Systems administrator;

– Junior IT security auditor or penetration tester;

– Network administrator.

Should You Take the Current Exam or Wait for the New One?

Now that you know that the new test is coming soon, it is normal to start wondering what you should do next. Should you prepare to pass the CompTIA SY0-501 exam? Or is it better to wait for the new one, considering that it will be valid for the next three years?

If you take a look at the vendor’s website or read any community forum, you will see that the logical advice is to take the exam when you are ready and when you need it. So, if you consider that you have enough knowledge today, then you should take test SY0-501. If you feel that you will be ready to gain the CompTIA Security+ accreditation in December, then you should wait for the SY0-601 exam to be launched.

Also, you shouldn’t forget that any CompTIA certification is valid for three years. So, if you sit for SY0-501 test today and it will be retired tomorrow, you will still have your accreditation valid for the next three years. On top of that, CompTIA usually recalibrates its assessments for almost one year after they release a new exam. Thus, if you want to wait for the new test, chances are that you won’t be able to take it this year. If you are ready and need to obtain this certification in 2020, why wait until winter? Test your knowledge right now and enjoy the advantages that the Security+ badge has to offer.

Irrespective of the moment you decide to take the necessary exam for your CompTIA Security+ accreditation, you shouldn’t ignore the importance of the training process. You should start by taking a look at the CompTIA website and carefully read the details of each preparation option. You can join instructor-led training and take part in an interactive class where you will learn the do’s and don’ts in security. Also, the recorded videos, study guides, and all the other materials available on the CompTIA test page will help you increase your chances to get the passing score from the first attempt.

Conclusion

The CompTIA Security+ badge will give you a competitive edge over any candidate if you’d like to opt for various job roles. It is a valid proof that you have the necessary skills to work as a systems administrator or security specialist if to name some. Even though its obligatory assessment is changing every three years, you should not underestimate the power that this Security+ accreditation gives to your resume.