The CompTIA Security+ certification is often the first credential obtained by rising cybersecurity professionals. This vendor-neutral certification is offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). Although the credential is considered entry-level, the Security+ exam is comprehensive, so passing it requires some experience and knowledge in the field of security. While not required, training is highly recommended to prepare for the exam. Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best-in-class CompTIA training opportunities designed to fit a variety of learning styles and budgets of future security specialists.
CompTIA Security+ Certification Boot Camps
If you’re looking to quickly get up to speed on the CompTIA Security+ exam topics, consider a boot camp. CompTIA Security+ boot camp trainings are generally an intensive 3–5 day deep dive into the exam topics using a variety of course materials.
InfoSec Institute’s Security+ Certification Training and Boot Camp SYO-501
Our favorite boot camp for the SY0-501 exam is the Security+ Certification Training and Boot Camp from the Infosec Institute. A recognized expert in technical training, the InfoSec Institute is well known and respected for its boot camps and other training programs. Its Security+ Certification Training and Bootcamp is no exception when it comes to excellence: It won CompTIA’s Outstanding Partnership Award and has the distinction of having the highest exam pass rate in the industry — over 90%.
Candidates can attend the 5-day course either in person (Flex Classroom) or through a live online format (Flex Pro). The fee is $3,714, although it can be as low as $3,057 with discounts. The fee includes a Security+ exam voucher, pre-study materials, and 90 days of access to daily lesson replays as well as videos from other instructors. The boot camp covers all SY0-501 exam domains and comes with a certification exam pass guarantee.
CompTIA Security+ Classroom Training
CompTIA Training Solutions Group
CompTIA offers customized classroom learning through the CompTIA Training Solutions Group. Organizations such as nonprofits, government entities and corporations can obtain on-site, instructor-led classroom training designed to fit their specific requirements. These courses have some of the highest exam pass rates in the industry. All offerings are customizable and scalable. For complete details, you’ll need to fill out a form requesting to have a CompTIA representative contact you.
ONLC Training Centers
A CompTIA Authorized Partner, ONLC Training Centers offers its CompTIA Security+ Certification Training at more than 300 locations across the US. The 5-day course covers all SY0-501 exam domains and comes with an exam pass guarantee. While new Security+ training courses start on a weekly basis, they are one of their most popular offerings and early registration is encouraged. The in-classroom training costs $2,495; the fee includes an exam voucher as well as access to web-based practice exams. Candidates who aren’t located near an ONLC Training Center can still participate through ONLC’s Remote Classroom Instruction (RCI) technology, which enables learners to participate from work or home locations.
In addition to in-classroom training, ONLC also offers Security+ training in an on-demand format for $1,295. While the training can be completed in 5 days, the fee includes six months of unlimited course material access, along with lab access, practice tests and an exam voucher.
Free Online CompTIA Security+ Training
Professor Messer’s CompTIA SY0-501 Security+ Course
Dedicated to making quality technology information and training available to everyone, regardless of budgetary constraints, Professor Messer offers technical training materials for CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ and Cisco (INCD1). The CompTIA SY0-501 Security+ Training is offered at a very attractive price — absolutely free! Yes, you read that correctly. All Professor Messer online training videos are offered to the public free of charge and registration is not required. This free offer applies only to online training materials. Additional training materials (course notes and downloadable versions of the video) are available for a fee.
The free CompTIA Security+ training consists of 140 video lessons across six focus areas:
- Threats, Attacks and Vulnerabilities — Includes videos on threat actors and penetration testing
- Technologies and Tools — Includes mobile devices
- Architecture and Design — Covers topics such as network security, embedded systems and physical security controls
- Identity and Access Management — Covers access control models and technologies
- Risk Management — Includes incident response
- Cryptography and PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) — Includes wireless security
While the section titles differ slightly from the CimpTIA Security+ exam domains names, the content in each section appears to map fairly closely to the content set out in the Security+ exam objectives.
In addition to the training videos, you can also watch replays of study group sessions or register to participate in a study group. Exam vouchers are not available from the Professor Messer website. All in all, Professor Messer’s training videos are an excellent choice for someone on a budget or who resides in an area where access to classroom training is not readily available.
Paid Online CompTIA Security+ Training
Infosec Institute’s Security+ Online Training
If you are intrigued by Infosec’s Security+ Bootcamp but just can’t make the 5-day time commitment, then look no further than Infosec’s Security+ Online Training. This course brings you the same great training that you expect from Security+ Bootcamp in an online, self-paced, “mentored learning” format. The course includes 45 hours of online videos, self-paced Flex Basic Training, Infosec courseware, a practice test engine, a Security+ exam voucher, and access to a live mentor during regular business hours. The fee is $2,755, but with discounts, it can be as low as $2,319. Financing is available.
CyberVista’s CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) Training Course
Another excellent online course is the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) Training Course from CyberVista. For maximum flexibility, CyberVista’s Security+ course is available in two formats: live online and on-demand. The live online version of the course is instructor-led and students meet for three hours once a week for eight weeks. The on-demand version of the course includes the same materials but is self-paced. All SY0-501 exam domains are covered. In addition to the course materials, learners have access to CyberVista’s quiz bank of more than 1,000 practice questions, over 60 on-demand learning videos focused on various exam sub-domains, performance tracking, summary notes, summary videos, e-flashcards and more. The live online course costs $2,995 while the on-demand course is $1,995. Financing is available. CyberVista runs promotions from time to time, so be sure to check out their current promotions.
CompTIA’s CompTIA Security+ Certification Training
CompTIA Security+ online training is provided through its eLearning CertMaster tool. The CertMaster Learn for Security+ course includes 40 hours of instructional videos, 24 interactive performance-based questions, 447 practice questions, a 90-question final exam simulation, flashcards, games, progress tracking and more. The CertMaster Learn for Security+ course costs $499. For candidates interested in additional study and practice, CompTIA offers learning bundles:
- The Deluxe bundle includes access to CertMaster Learn for Security+, the Official CompTIA Study Guide for Security+ (SY0-501) (eBook format), an exam voucher and a retake voucher for $899.
- The Security+ Premier Bundle includes everything in the Deluxe Bundle plus access to CertMaster Practice for Security+ for $1,049.
Udemy’s CompTIA Security+ Courses
When it comes to online training, Udemy is an industry leader, boasting more than 30 million students and over 100,000 online courses. At Udemy, you’ll find a full complement of CompTIA Security+ courses, including courses targeting full exam preparation, practice exams, lessons on individual and sub-domains, and much more. All courses come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Exam vouchers are not included. Prices range from $12.95 to $199.
Cybrary’s CompTIA Security Plus
Cybrary’s CompTIA Security Plus is a 10.5-hour online video course, which covers all domains for the SY0-501 exam. Training consists of six modules and includes 50 separate training videos. Course materials include a free study guide, test-taking tips and copies of the course slides. It is highly recommended that candidates obtain the CompTIA Network+ credential before taking this course. You can get access to the course by upgrading your free Cybrary account to a paid Insider Pro account, which costs $33/month or $399/year. You can also purchase an exam voucher for the Security+ exam directly from Cybrary at a 20 percent discount.
Conclusion
We consider these offerings to be best-in-class when it comes to preparing for the Security+ exam. But if none of these options meets your needs, you’ll find no shortage of boot camps, training courses and self-study materials available to help you on your certification journey, regardless of your budget, learning style or geographic location. Happy learning!
