CompTIA's Security+ and Other Certifications The Computing Technology Industry Association (www.comptia.org) offers numerous IT certifications, primarily aimed at entry- and intermediate-level IT professionals. Here is a list of some other relevant CompTIA certifications, briefly annotated to document their possible relevance to Security+: -
A+ An exam that tests basic PC hardware and software installation, including installing, configuring, and managing systems, components , peripherals, operating systems, key applications, and basic networking. This exam is an excellent prequalifier for those interested in Security+ who may have little or no PC or computing skills or knowledge. For more information on this exam, see www.comptia.org/certification/a/default.asp. -
Network+ An exam that tests basic and intermediate networking skills and knowledge, including hardware, drivers, protocols, and troubleshooting topics. This exam is an excellent prequalifier for those interested in Security+ who have little or no networking skills or knowledge. For more information on this exam, go to www.comptia.org/certification/network/default.asp. -
i-Net+ An exam that tests basic Internet access, applications, connectivity management, and troubleshooting skills. CompTIA's information about this exam recommends taking A+ and Network+ to prepare, but itself provides an essential steppingstone to Security+, because so much of the activity involved in establishing and maintaining secure systems and networks revolves around controlling and managing Internet access (both coming and going). For more information about this exam, visit www.comptia.org/certification/i-net/default.asp. The CompTIA exams are all vendor- and platform-neutral, which means they primarily test general skills and knowledge rather than focusing on vendor or product specifics. As such, they offer certification candidates a chance to demonstrate necessary general abilities that will be relevant in most workplaces. This explains why employers generally look at CompTIA certifications favorably as well. |
