CompTIA Security+ SY0-301 Exam

SY0-301 Exam Overview

The new CompTIA Security+ exam is based on the 2010 objectives and labeled SY0-301. It was launched in May 2011, and although its exact retirement date is not yet known, according to the CompTIA's customer support the new exam is expected to be available for approximately three years from its release date.

The educational version of the SY0-301 test is coded JK0-018 and this version is available exclusively for the Capp Academy (E2C version) members and their students.

There is no bridge exam for the CompTIA Security+ certification program (bridge exams for all CompTIA certification programs retired December 31, 2010 and are no longer available). Previous version of the exam (coded SY0-201 and based on the 2008 objectives) retired December 31, 2011.

CompTIA Security+ certification has been accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ISO 17024). Due to changes in the certification renewal policies, the A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications are no longer available as lifetime certifications and in order to remain certified they have to be renewed within three years, either by passing the most current CompTIA exam prior to the three-year expiration date or enrolling in CompTIA's Continuing Education (CE) Program.

Department of Defense Directive 8570.01-M identifies CompTIA Security+ certification as one of the required options for department employees and contractors engaged in information security work. Department of Defense approves CompTIA Security+ certificate to fulfill certification requirements for Management Level 1 positions (more information related to this topic can be found here).

SY0-301 Exam Scope And Test Details

SY0-301 exam scope covers six domains, including: network security (21%), compliance and operational security (18%), threats and vulnerabilities (21%), application, data and host security (16%), access control and identity management (13%), and cryptography (11%). The exam itself is a single, 90-minute computer-based test consisting of 100 questions with a passing score of 750 points on the scale of 100-900. The informal prerequisites recommended for this exam by CompTIA include a minimum of two years experience in IT administration with a focus on security and also CompTIA Network+ certification.

Exam Retake Policy

CompTIA does not offer any free re-tests nor discounts on retakes, and candidates must pay the exam price each time they attempt the exam. There is no waiting period between the first (1st) and second (2nd) attempt to pass the exam, only before the third (3rd) attempt or any subsequent attempt there is a mandatory wait period of at least fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the last attempt.

Exam Resources:

Free Online Security+ Practice Exam
CompTIA Security+ PDF / SY0-301 Exam Domains
Security+ Exam Cost Pricing List
CompTIA Authorized Training Providers
Pearson VUE Website
Sample Security+ Questions Published By CompTIA