subject: (sy0-101)security+ Exam - A Deeper Look [print this page] Inside the Security+ Exam SY0-101 Inside the Security+ Exam SY0-101
CompTIA's Security+ Exam (SY0-101) is the sole requirement for information technology (IT) professionals seeking the association's Security+ certification. For an in-depth look at the Security+ certification program, see the "Security+ Certification Provides a Stepping Stone" on this Web site.
The Security+ exam is designed for certification provider who possess at least two years of experience working in a networked environment. It's also advisable to have some hands-on experience in the world of information security. A thorough working knowledge of TCP/IP networking is absolutely critical for success on the Security+ exam. Although it's not a formal prerequisite, CompTIA encourages Security+ candidates to complete the N10-004
program prior to tackling the Security+ exam.
Security+ SY0-101 Exam Details
The Security+ exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, which must be answered within the allotted 90 minutes. These questions are drawn from the five Security+ certification domains in proportion to predefined exam weightings (shown in Table 1). Therefore, you can expect your exam to contain about 30 free certification exam questions on general security concepts, 20 on communication security, etc.
Certification: CompTIA Security+
Exam Number: SY0-101
Question Format: Multiple choice
Exam Questions: 60 to 70 questions; few simulations
Time Limit: 90 minutes
Number of Questions: 100
Exam Cost: $175 for CompTIA members; $225 for nonmembers (U.S.)
Exam Delivery Options: Pearson VUE; 877-404-3926
Thomson Prometric; 800-204-EXAM (-3926)
Available Languages: English, Japanese in Japan only
Test Delivery Options: Pearson VUE Thomson Prometric
Table 1: Security+ Domains
Security+ Certification Domain Exam Weight
1.0 General Security Concepts 30%
2.0 Communication Security 20%
3.0 Infrastructure Security 20%
4.0 Basics of Cryptography 15%
5.0 Operational / Organizational Security 15%
Like most IT certification exams, testing centers administer SY0-101 electronically. Your score, which the computer will provide at the end of the exam, will fall somewhere in the range of 100[nd]900, where 764 is the minimum passing score. You may take the exam through either of two testing partners, Pearson VUE or Thomson Prometric. Both vendors administer the same exam and charge the same fee ($175 for CompTIA members with volume discounts available, $225 for nonmembers), so select the site that's most convenient to you.
CompTIA developed the Security+ exam (and all of its other certification exams) based upon a detailed job task analysis with input from subject matter experts around the world. The result of this process is a highly detailed set of exam objectives that provide specific topics that students must master within each domain. A complete listing of the Security+ exam objectives is available on...
