When it comes to top cybersecurity certifications, CISSP and Security+ stand out. Both are respected and can lead to high-paying jobs. But which is right for you?
The CISSP is the gold standard in cybersecurity certifications, geared towards experienced professionals with at least five years in the field. The exam is notoriously difficult, but it offers a comprehensive credential. Security+ is well-respected but aimed at entry-level and mid-level professionals. The exam is easier than CISSP, yet covers key cybersecurity concepts. It's quicker and cheaper to obtain.
Only you can decide which to choose, but we can help by outlining key similarities and differences between CISSP vs Security+. We'll also offer tips on choosing the best certification for your needs. So, which is best? Let's find out.
CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual's skills in cybersecurity. Security+ covers the most important foundation principles for securing a network and managing risk. The exam is designed to test an individual's knowledge of common security concepts, including vulnerabilities, attacks, and controls.
Security+ is a vendor-neutral certification, making it ideal for anyone pursuing a career in cybersecurity or looking to enhance their IT credentials. As cybersecurity's importance is growing, Security+ certification sets you apart and is often a prerequisite for government and military roles. To earn this certification, candidates must pass a CompTIA-administered exam with multiple-choice and performance-based questions that assess security knowledge. While no experience is required, it's recommended to have at least two years of hands-on network experience before taking the exam.
CISSP is an information security certification that was developed by the (ISC)². The CISSP designation is globally recognized and sets the standard for best practices in information security.
To earn the CISSP, candidates must have a minimum of five years of experience in two or more of the CISSP common body of knowledge (CBK) domains, pass an exam, and agree to adhere to (ISC)²'s code of ethics. Earning the CISSP can help open doors to new job opportunities, demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning, and give you the confidence to stay ahead of the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Whether you're just starting out in your InfoSec career or you're a firewall pro looking to take your career to the next level, the CISSP is a great goal to strive for. All you need is dedication and trustworthy resources like the CISSP certification training course for mock exams and live sessions.
Let us find out briefly how CISSP differs from CompTIA Security+ certifications, before delving into in-depth details.
| Certification | CompTIA Security+ Certification | CISSP certification |
| 1. Number of Exams | 1 | 1 |
| 2. Exam Fee | 339 | 699 |
| 3. Experience Level | Entry | Expert |
| 4. Prerequisites | None, but Network+ and 2 years of experience in IT administration with a security focus is recommended | 5 years of experience (with 2 to 8 CISSP domain experience) |
| 5. Maintenance | Valid for 3 years; 50 CE credits required for renewal | Valid for 3 years; renewal requires 120 CPEs plus an $85 annual fee |
| 6. Domain | Covers 8 domains | Covers 5 domains |
| 7. Salary | Average salary $116,000 | Average salary $105,000 |
| 8. Roles | Systems Administrator, Network administrator, Security consultant, Security engineer, and many more. | CIO/CISO, Security director, Security manager, Network manager, Analyst, Auditor, and many more. |
There are a few key differences between CompTIA Security+ vs CISSP. Security+ is geared towards entry-level and intermediate IT professionals, while CISSP is intended for experienced security experts.
Security+ also covers a broader range of topics, including network security, asset security, and data security. CISSP, on the other hand, focuses primarily on information security. Additionally, Security+ certification is valid for three years, while CISSP certification must be renewed every five years.
These are just a few of the major differences between Comptia Security+ and CISSP. While both certifications are valuable for IT professionals who want to improve their computer and antivirus skills and advance their careers, the best choice depends on your experience level and career goals.
CISSP is geared towards managers and executives, while Security+ is more entry-level. In terms of exam topics, the CISSP covers a broader range of topics, including law, risk management, and incident response. Security+ focuses more narrowly on technical skills, such as cryptography, including SSH and network security.
The CISSP is also a longer exam, consisting of 250 questions to be completed in six hours. The Security+ exam has only 100 questions and can be completed in three hours. In terms of passing scores, the CISSP requires a score of 700 out of 1000, while the Security+ requires a score of 750 out of 900.
As you can see, there are both similarities and differences between these two exams. However, both exams are valuable for those seeking to start a career in IT security.
In order to make the best decision for CISSP vs Security+, it's important to understand the difference between these two certification levels.
The CISSP is a more advanced certification than the Security+. It requires candidates to have at least five years of experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains. In addition, CISSP candidates must pass a rigorous exam that tests their knowledge of all aspects of information security.
In contrast, Security+ is an entry-level certification that is designed for those with little or no experience in the field. The exam is shorter and less comprehensive than the CISSP exam, making it a good option for those who are just starting out in their careers.
The CISSP and Security+ are both globally recognized IT security certifications. They are both great certifications for those looking to enter or further their career in the field of IT security. However, there are some key differences between the two certifications, particularly when it comes to the domains covered.
The CISSP cyber security certification covers 8 domains:
The Security+ certification covers 5 domains:
One factor that may influence your decision when choosing between the Security+ vs CISSP certification is salary. Generally speaking, CISSP holders earn higher salaries than those with Security+. The median salary for a CISSP holder is $116,000, while the median salary for a Security+ holder is $105,000 (Source: Payscale.com).
If salary is your primary consideration, then the CISSP may be the better choice for you. However, it is important to keep in mind that salary is just one factor to consider when choosing between these two certifications. Experience, employer, geographic location, and skills in other best Cyber Security courses also play a role in determining your final compensation.
While the CISSP and Security+ exams are both important for a career in cybersecurity, they each focus on different aspects of the field. The CISSP exam is more comprehensive, covering topics such as access control, cryptography, and network security.
As a result, it is generally seen as more difficult to pass than the Security+ exam. However, the CISSP certification is also more widely recognized by employers. According to a recent survey, nearly 70% of employers said they would prefer to hire a candidate with a CISSP certification.
In contrast, less than 60% of employers said they would prefer to hire a candidate with a Security+ certification. Therefore, while both exams are important for a career in cybersecurity, the CISSP exam is generally seen as more valuable in terms of job opportunities.
It is best to acquire information security skills for your career with KnowledgeHut’s CISSP Certification training course. You’ll be getting live training by experts, mock exams, and practical learning. All you need is dedication and focus on your goal.
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CISSP and Security+ certifications are two of the most popular cybersecurity certifications. They both have their pros and cons. CISSP is geared towards experienced cybersecurity professionals, while Security+ is for those who are just starting out.
If you already have a few years of experience under your belt, then CISSP is probably the better choice. But if you’re just getting started and looking for an entry-level certification then Security+ will give you a good foundation in the basics of cybersecurity.
CISSP is ideal for experienced professionals aiming for senior roles in cybersecurity management, with a broad focus on security strategy and leadership. On the other hand, CompTIA certifications like Security+ are more suitable for beginners or those looking to build foundational skills. Both have their merits, but your choice should align with your career stage and goals—CISSP for advanced, high-level roles, and CompTIA for foundational knowledge or entry-level positions.
Different people have different opinions on what constitutes a "hard" certification, and there are a lot of different factors to consider. For example, some certifications require more theoretical knowledge, while others focus on practical skills.
Many consider the hardest security certification to obtain to be the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). This certification requires a minimum of five years of experience in the field of information security and passing an extensive exam.
Security+ is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in network security. The certification covers a broad range of topics, including risk management, incident response, cryptography, and more.
In today's competitive job market, any advantage you can give yourself is worth considering. So if you're looking to give your career a boost by understanding SSL and the fundamentals of security, consider getting your Security+ certification.
Any information security professional will tell you that there is no single answer to the question of which certification is better for CISSP vs Security+. The truth is that both certifications have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and goals.
CISSP is generally considered to be more comprehensive and rigorous than Security+, covering a wider range of topics in greater depth. It is also more widely recognized and respected by employers, making it a good choice if you are looking to advance your career.
On the other hand, Security+ is less expensive and requires less experience to qualify, making it a good option if you are just starting out in the field.
The cost to take the CISSP exam is around
$749. However, this is just the exam fee. You should also consider additional
expenses like study materials, training courses, and practice exams, which can
add up to several hundred dollars more. Overall, the total investment to pass
the CISSP can range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the resources you
choose.
While a beginner can technically take the
CISSP exam, it’s not recommended. The CISSP is designed for experienced
professionals with at least five years of work experience in the cybersecurity
field. If you’re just starting out, you might want to begin with entry-level
certifications like Security+ or gain some hands-on experience first to
increase your chances of success.
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