Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It? A Breakdown of 3 Criteria

In this article, we’ll break down three essential criteria to help you answer the question “is CompTIA Security+ worth it?” based on the cost of the exam, career benefits and knowledge gained. Don’t skip this if you’re considering a future in cybersecurity!

Is CompTIA Security+ worth it?

Is CompTIA Security+ worth it?

The CompTIA Security+ certification is absolutely worth it – but let’s take a step back for a more objective look before you jump to any conclusions, let’s dig deeper. We’ve broken down three essential factors that will help you confidently decide whether the CompTIA Security+ certification is truly worth your investment.

Certification cost

When you look at the landscape of cybersecurity certifications, you’ll see that most range anywhere from $300 to over $1,000. The CompTIA Security+ exam voucher costs $404. So, on that spectrum, it’s on the lower end – which makes sense because CompTIA Security+ is considered an entry-level cybersecurity certification.

Even though $404 is a hefty chunk of change, it’s more affordable compared to other certs. There are also ways to reduce the cost. For example:

• If you’re a student, you can use a student discount for a reduced price.
• If you’re working (full-time or part-time), check if your employer will reimburse the cost since you’re investing in yourself, and the company could benefit from your new skills.

So, in terms of cost, CompTIA Security+ is worth it, especially since it’s on the cheaper end for cybersecurity certifications and offers good value for beginners.

Career benefits

If you’re trying to get into cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+ is often seen as the go-to entry-level certification. Here are the career benefits of CompTIA Security+:

• High demand for cybersecurity professionals: Having a cert like Security+ can help you stand out by showing you’re serious, capable, and knowledgeable.
• Stronger candidate appeal: Employers are more likely to prioritize candidates with the Security+ certification over those without it.
• Increased interview chances: Holding the Security+ certification can significantly enhance your chances of landing interviews in the cybersecurity field.

Now, a myth is that CompTIA Security+ alone will land you a cybersecurity job. That’s not always the case. You may need to pair it with other certifications like Network+, A+, or more advanced certs. You can also show your capabilities with home labs, personal projects, or even blogs.

Skills and knowledge gained

The CompTIA Security+ exam is broad but not deep. It gives you a surface-level overview of a wide range of cybersecurity topics. That has pros and cons:

• Pros: You get exposure to many key concepts across cybersecurity.
• Cons: You don’t get hands-on experience or deep technical knowledge like scripting or using tools (e.g., SIEMs).

The knowledge you can gain from the CompTIA Security+ exam includes:

• Baseline understanding: This knowledge will help you understand acronyms, terminology, and how security elements work, easing your onboarding in a cybersecurity role.
• Theoretical knowledge: Security+ provides essential theoretical knowledge, which is crucial when starting a career in cybersecurity. 
• Hands-on experience: While not deeply technical, the exam lays the groundwork for practical skills, which can be further developed through labs and additional certifications.

FAQs

1. Will CompTIA Security+ get me a job?

CompTIA Security+ won’t guarantee you a job on its own, but it can significantly boost your chances, especially for entry-level roles in cybersecurity. Many employers list CompTIA Security+ as a minimum requirement or strong preference when hiring for positions like Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, or IT Support with a security focus. Pairing it with hands-on experience, home labs, or other certifications (e.g., Network+, A+) can further improve your job prospects.

2. Does Security+ increase salary?

Yes, earning Security+ can positively influence your salary especially if you’re transitioning from a general IT role into cybersecurity. While results vary by region and experience, professionals with Security+ typically earn more than those without certifications. It also opens doors to higher-paying positions down the line, such as network security specialist or systems administrator.

3. Is CompTIA Security+ in demand?

Absolutely. Security+ remains one of the most sought-after entry-level certifications in cybersecurity. Thousands of job postings – especially those in government, defense, healthcare, and finance – either require or prefer candidates with Security+. It’s compliant with DoD 8570, making it especially valuable for U.S. government roles and contractors.

Conclusion

Based on the three key criteria, it’s clear that the answer to “Is CompTIA Security+ worth it?” is yes. So, what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to start preparing for your CompTIA Security+ certification. A future filled with exciting opportunities, high-demand roles, and a salary worth aiming for is within your reach. Take that first step today—because your cybersecurity career starts now.