Updated on: April 18, 2024
The most popular cybersecurity certification from CompTIA is the Security+. It is known all over the world, and hiring managers use it to make sure that job applicants know basic safety ideas.
Every three years, the Security+ is made better. There are labels for each version of the test that show its series number. Previous versions of the test, for instance, were called SY0-301, SY0-401, and SY0-501. CompTIA keeps the exam papers up to date with the latest changes in cyber security. With the most recent change, the Security+ test is now version SY0-701.
CompTIA changes the exam’s goals and standards, as well as the tools and ideas that are tried, with each update. Things like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) were first used in the SY0-601.
On July 31, 2024, the CompTIA Security+ Exam in its present iteration, SY0-601, will be phased down. Since the release of SY0-601 in late 2020, the new CompTIA Security+ Certification exam, SY0-701, will include more than three years’ worth of new tools and technologies while retaining the same degree of expertise with older systems and abilities.
Continue reading to find out what the new Security+ test entails and whether you should take the soon-to-be-retired version now or wait for the updated one.
What’s Different About the SY0-601 and SY0-701 Tests?
Every three years, CompTIA updates the Security+ to reflect developments in the industry. Six cybersecurity trends are influencing cybersecurity employment and CompTIA certifications in general, according to Patrick Lane of CompTIA. Although they don’t exactly match what will be covered on the new Security+ test SY0-701, these are the broad themes that are most impacting the sector:
- Cloud computing security
- Additional vulnerabilities, dangers, and assaults in cybersecurity
- Software safety
- proactive threat intelligence and cybersecurity protection
- Governance, regulation, and compliance in cybersecurity
- Additional incident handling
Based on such patterns, there are notable distinctions between the SY0-601 and SY0-701 test objectives. CompTIA has prioritized risk reduction and management more. They’ve increased the focus on hybrid environments and cloud security. Additionally, they found that early career cybersecurity workers now possess a higher foundation of competencies.
When Is the CompTIA SY0-601 Exam Retire?
The Security+ certification exam, SY0-601, will no longer be offered as of July 31, 2024. Will that give you enough time to take the Security+ test using its outdated format, or should you start preparing for the updated version? Everything is contingent upon your background and the duration of your education period.
The majority of Security+ exam takers report that they required at least two months to study for the prior iteration of the test. The majority of responders claim to have studied for the SY0-601 test in less than two months on average, yet that is really rather quick.
Depending on your expertise level, how many hours you study each week, and the caliber of the resources you’re utilizing to prepare, it may take considerably longer. Few cybersecurity certifications have the same standing as CompTIA’s Security+. Since 2002, Security+ has stood for the advanced knowledge and expertise of a cybersecurity professional. It is a well-respected, very difficult, and vendor-neutral certification.
CompTIA has maintained Security+’s relevance throughout time by discontinuing outdated versions and offering updated exams that reflect best practices and technology improvements that are representative of contemporary professionals.
While SY0-601 and SY0-701 are comparable, they differ greatly from one another. Studying only for the test version you want to take will give you the highest chance of success. If you are unable to complete a SY0-601 course before July 31, 2024, do not enroll in it.
For experts in cybersecurity and rapid study, it may not happen until May 2024. Nonetheless, rather than taking the chance of missing your SY0-601 window, novice cybersecurity professionals have to think about beginning with a SY0-701 course.
What is covered in the SY0-701 New Security+ Exam?
The CompTIA SY0-701 Security+ Exam has a strong emphasis on professional abilities in business network security, ranging from more abstract to technical. The SY0-701 demonstrates to cybersecurity professionals, whether they are novices or seasoned administrators, that a pro:
Has the ability to evaluate the security posture of an organization, suggest security measures, and carry them out.
able to protect and monitor hybrid settings, including those involving the cloud, mobile devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), operational technology (OT), etc.
Knowledgeable about the rules and guidelines that apply in the areas of governance, risk, and compliance.
Promptly recognizes, evaluates, and addresses security events and issues.
Because of its enhanced goals and updated content, the new Security+ test, SY0-701, is especially well-suited for security professionals, security administrators, and general systems administrators.
CompTIA Security+ was specified as a criterion in 13% of cybersecurity job postings, according to CyberSeek. Additionally, obtaining it within a year of the publication of the new test will demonstrate even greater familiarity with cutting-edge concepts and abilities than those who obtained it prior to the change.
What are the requirements to get the Security+ certification?
Similar to SY0-601, there are no requirements for SY0-701 either. It is officially not required to have any prior knowledge to take any edition of the Security+ test; thus, you are free to take it whenever you like.
But as SY0-601 and SY0-701 both need a thorough understanding of networking concepts and technology, CompTIA highly advises obtaining the Network+ before taking the Security+.
The one significant modification to CompTIA’s recommended experience prior to taking the SY0-701 exam is that two years of experience in a security/systems administrator capacity is now advised.
CompTIA recommended two years of IT administration experience for the SY0-601 exam. This little alteration reflects the trend toward specialization that CompTIA highlighted as well as the rise in foundational knowledge that early-career cybersecurity workers must possess.
Before attempting either SY0-601 or SY0-701, strengthen your IT knowledge.
Online CompTIA Security+ training includes all the course material needed to pass the SY0-601 Security+ exam. (A revised and redesigned course for SY0-701 is in the works.)
Take the Cloud Essentials+ online course to understand the fundamentals of cloud computing and hybrid networks, with a particular emphasis on SY0-701.
Training for the Network+ certification is advised before trying Security+; this course fully prepares you for the networking certification.
Online instructional course covering the foundations of cybersecurity and cryptography: Certified CyberOps Associate.
Getting Ready for SY0-701 Exam
Passing the SY0-701 exam will be more difficult for aspiring and new IT professionals than it was for its predecessor because of the greater emphasis on foundational skills for cybersecurity professionals in their early careers. Compared to the SY0-601, much more experience with cloud and hybrid business settings, as well as networking basics, will be required. The following are the features that set SY0-701 apart:
- Keeping an eye on and protecting hybrid ecosystems
- Administrative and technical expertise in risk reduction and management
- recognizing fresh, contemporary, and modern security risks to business settings
- Recognizing risk, governance, and compliance with regulations and paperwork
Top Takeaways
Now that you are fully informed on the new Security+ test from CompTIA, decide whether you should move quickly to complete SY0-601 or shift your emphasis to SY0-701. Good luck, and remember these key points:
- July 31, 2024 is the final day to take the Security+ test, version SY0-601
- You may already take the new Security+ test, SY0-701, right now.
- Most students used less than two months to be ready for the SY0-601 exam.
- Compared to SY0-601, SY0-701 lays a lot more focus on contemporary trends and hybrid settings.
- The SY0-701 does not need any prerequisites, however obtaining the Network+ and working for two years in a professional capacity are highly advised.
- A Security+ is held by 24% of cybersecurity professionals in the United States, according to CompTIA.
