How to Get a CompTIA Security+ Certification Online

If you work in information security, cybersecurity, or IT, this is a certification that will increase your capacity.

Entry-level professionals need to begin with CompTIA Security+ certification as a global asset. 

In this certification training, you will explore core security functions and tools needed for IT security jobs.

Learn more about CompTIA Security+ Certification and how to pass this certification exam with prep in an online training boot camp.

CompTIA Security+ Certification Online Curriculum

The first step in getting a job in cybersecurity is CompTIA Security+ certification.

This is an entry-level IT certification that stands for the Computing Technology Industry Association.

Instead of getting a degree, cybersecurity and IT security can be learned through training in CompTIA Security+.

There are plenty of resources online for CompTIA Security+ training.

There are online certification training courses, along with a certification exam review.

Here is where students review the questions and prepare specifically to answer the questions correctly for the CompTIA Security+ exam. 

What is the CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam?

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam is performance-based and has multiple-choice questions.

There are 90 questions in total on the exam.

However, based on the test taker’s performance, they may answer fewer or all of the 90 questions. 

The exam is completed online and in person, with the option to take the test in either setting.

The online testing option allows test takers to take the CompTIA Security+ in their home or personal space.

Benefits of CompTIA Security+ Certification Online

As someone in information technology (IT), professionals may want to excel in the security technology sector.

This area covers cybersecurity, which is one of the most in-demand areas of IT security.

Companies are hiring professionals in cybersecurity to protect themselves, as well as their customers, from cyber threats.

This includes cyber attacks to steal personal information and data about individuals.

Cyber hacking is a big business worth billions that has been destructive on every level of business, from work-from-home Etsy shops to Target stores.

Cost of Training and Certification

Some of the universities in the US have professional development courses.

Here, students can gain professional certification for a cost with online training.

The online course in CompTIA Security+ from the University of South Carolina is $3,995.

This is more than other training and certification programs. 

Certification offered officially through CompTIA is $359 for the basic training and certification or $720 for advanced online prep.

This cost covers everything for training in CompTIA Security+, as well as CompTIA textbooks and two exams.

If a student passes the course and fails the exam, there is the free option to retake the test. 

This is one example of the cost of training in CompTIA Security+, with other pricing based on competitor courses.

Some courses, such as at Udemy, are free or cost just a few dollars per month to subscribe. 

Certification exam fees in CompTIA are covered for most students who take a professional review course.

However, for students who are paying out-of-pocket to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam, the cost is about $250. 

Timeframe for Training and Certification

Some courses for CompTIA Security+ certification training take one week of coursework.

However, other programs that cover several topics can last for up to 12 months.

Since the majority of certification prep courses are offered online, students may also choose to be self-paced when they study and get certified.

Overall, anticipate spending up to 12 months from start to finish with training and certification in CompTIA Security+.

Top Boot Camps for CompTIA Security+ Professionals

Here are a few of the highly rated CompTIA Security+ boot camps to prepare students and professionals in this area of IT security.

Get your career in gear with training and certification through a prestigious school or institute. 

Ensure the boot camp training or review program is accredited, and that students will receive full credit upon competition and certification.

This is important to present to future employers when working on cybersecurity and IT security jobs.

The reason the programs are referred to as boot camps has to do with the intense learning style.

Students gain a lot of knowledge about CompTIA Security+ and are fully prepared to work in this area.

As a result, some basic interest and experience in cybersecurity and CompTIA are important before starting the boot camp.

CompTIA

CompTIA is the company that provides official CompTIA Security+ testing.

For some professionals, the choice is easy–go with training from the same company that offers the certification exam.

The cost is more affordable than other online training options, which is a bonus for students.

A voucher to take–and retake–the exam is included in the fee for CompTIA Security+ training at CompTIA.

• Duration: 7 Days
• Formats: Online or Live Online
• Cost: $350 to $720

SecureNinja

SecureNinja provides CompTIA Security+ training and certification boot camp.

While the company has several nationwide locations, the only place where SecureNinja has CompTIA Security+ boot camp is in Washington, DC. 

Students also receive a $200 Amazon gift card for joining the boot camp and to help pay for travel or book expenses.

This is one of the shortest and most intense CompTIA Security+ boot camps on the market–and only for those not faint of IT experience.

• Duration: 40 Hours
• Formats: Online Live and In Person
• Cost: Pricing Starting at $5,445

Training Camp

Training Camp supplies CompTIA Security+ Certification Boot Camp in a variety of formats.

Students learn Security+ team training, as well as DoD 8140/DoD 8570 for Security+.

Training Camp is an online platform that specializes in tech training and IT security certification courses.

Instruction is self-paced, but programs are completed in rapid time.

• Duration: 4 Days 
• Formats: Online or In Person
• Cost: Undisclosed

Colleges and Universities With CompTIA Security+ Training

While students and professionals do not typically go to college for professional certification, most universities train for tech certification exams.

Typically, students will attend professional and continuing education training online for this type of training. 

Here are some of the schools in the US that have CompTIA Security+ training that prepares individuals for applicable certification exams.

The cost is on par with tuition and more than professionals pay when attending business courses, such as the course by CompTIA. 

However, students who want to attend a college or university can include that school’s name on their resume.

This may boost the person’s credentials for pay and employment opportunities.

Consider whether the cost is worth the credentials with these schools training students in CompTIA Security+ certification.

University of South Carolina in Sumter

At the University of South Carolina, students can excel with CompTIA Security+ certification training and exam testing.

This is a professional online course offered through the university.

The course requires 480 credit hours.

Upon graduation, students earn several vouchers to take the certification exams.

There are several exams included with the course:

• CompTIA™ A+ Exam 220-1101 
• CompTIA™ A+ Exam 220-1102
• CompTIA™ Security+ Exam SY0-601 
• CompTIA™ Network+ Exam N10-008

• Duration: 12 Months
• Formats: Online 
• Cost: $3,995

University of Oregon

At the University of Oregon, students with a passion for IT and cybersecurity and two years of experience can take an intensive online CompTIA Security+ course.

The Continuing and Professional Education Department is in charge of professional programs. 

The classes meet for nine hours over three days in the evenings for 24 consecutive weeks.

This is in a live online setting for instruction on CompTIA Security+.

Discounts are available for students who register early. 

Note, that this is not a boot camp focused on test preparation.

However, students will receive a free voucher to sit for the CompTIA Security+ exam upon completion of the course.

• Duration: 24 Weeks
• Formats: Online Live
• Cost: $13,659

University of South Florida  

At the University of South Florida, students and professionals can enroll in Cybersecurity Boot Camp.

This program is more expensive, but USF applicants who pay upfront in full save 26 percent on the total tuition.

Train in cybercrime prevention using artificial intelligence with this course.

The USF program is offered through the Corporate Training and Professional Education Department.  

• Duration: Six Months (18 Hours Per Week)
• Formats: Online
• Cost: $13,450

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Name of the CompTIA Security+ Study and Review Book?

The primary review book to purchase to prepare for the exam is the CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Certification Study Guide.

This is sold by CompTIA for between $150 and $550, new or used. CompTIA is a company that does official CompTIA Security+ certification exams, training, and events.

CompTIA also has online review resources including videos and sample test questions.

This online format is beneficial to test takers who will be taking this exam on a computer.

They are able to prepare in the same manner as they will use when taking the exam.

How Much is the Salary for a CompTIA Security+ Certified Professional in the US?

Someone who is CompTIA Security+ Certified works as an entry-level cybersecurity professional.

The types of jobs for cybersecurity professionals pay an average of $34 an hour.

This is approximately $115,170 earned annually with the CompTIA Security+ certification.

That is a high income worth the work in becoming certified in this skill for those professionals who are in the industry.

However, there is also the chance that professionals with CompTIA Security+ certification are already working in executive and management-level positions.

Therefore, having the certification in CompTIA Security+ does not necessarily correlate with earning more than $115,000 a year.

Who is Eligible for CompTIA Security+ Certification?

Eligible candidates for CompTIA Security+ certification must have at least two years of experience in the workforce.

This includes two years as an IT administrator or other jobs related to a career in cybersecurity.

Students who are graduating from high school are not eligible for CompTIA Security+ certification, in other words.

While this is an entry-level certification for someone who wants to work in cybersecurity, the individual must have a working understanding of IT and systems security.

When Was the Latest Update to the CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam?

The newest exam for CompTIA Security+ was released by CompTIA in November 2023.

Schools and trade programs should teach and provide preparations using the latest and most updated exam from CompTIA.