The CompTIA Security+ certification is a globally recognized benchmark for validating the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions. IT professionals and employers highly value this vendor-neutral certification, making it a cornerstone in the “Core” family of CompTIA certifications. The Security+, A+, and Network+ certifications are often regarded as essential for individuals seeking a solid foundation in IT. Earning the Security+ certification signals to potential employers that you possess the knowledge and skills to be a valuable asset to any cybersecurity-focused team.
Proper preparation is critical to successfully passing the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. This exam comprehensively assesses a candidate’s knowledge of security and cybersecurity concepts and their ability to perform security-related tasks. These tasks include configuring and managing networks, troubleshooting issues, and identifying, mitigating, managing, and detecting security threats. CompTIA suggests obtaining both the A+ and Network+ credentials to build the necessary networking and technical skills before pursuing the Security+ certification. Candidates should also possess at least two years of experience in IT administration, ideally in a security-focused role.
Choosing the Right Study Guide
Selecting the right study guide is crucial when preparing for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. A simple search online will yield countless Security+ exam preparation materials. Navigating these options can be overwhelming. To help you choose, we’ve compiled some of the best options, from materials recommended by CompTIA to guides that address the A+ and Network+ technical and networking skills, to study guides specifically focused on Security+ and related cybersecurity topics. We also considered the Amazon best-seller rankings and customer reviews.
Here are the top picks, which include study guides for A+, Network+, and Security+, along with a resource that approaches learning from a hacker’s perspective. These resources provide a solid base as you prepare for the Security+ exam.
CompTIA Security+ Books: The Best of the Best
The Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide (Exam SY0-601)
The Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide is at the top of the list. It is endorsed and developed by CompTIA, making it the only official study guide for the Security+ exam. This book covers all exam objectives and includes review questions at the end of each unit to reinforce your learning. Available in eBook format from the CompTIA store, this study guide may be more expensive than others. However, learning from the exam creator is an excellent investment.
CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, 7th edition
Networking skills are indispensable for Security+ professionals. In fact, CompTIA recommends the Network+ certification as a prerequisite for Security+. Mike Meyers, a widely recognized authority in A+, Network+, and Security+ exam preparation, offers a Network+ study guide with real-world examples, free video training, pre-assessments, interactive hands-on lab simulations, and hundreds of practice exam questions. This resource is valuable when pursuing either the Network+ or Security+ certification. This best-selling guide is available on Amazon.
CompTIA Security+ All-in-One Exam Guide, Fifth Edition
The CompTIA Security+ All-in-One Exam Guide is a top-notch study resource that comprehensively covers all exam domains and objectives. It features tips, explanations, and over 200 practice questions to test your knowledge. This book is an Amazon best seller.
CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002), 10th edition
CompTIA launched new A+ exams with an expanded focus on baseline security skills. The CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Tenth Edition covers all the new exam objectives, including practice questions, performance-based simulations, and free video training.
Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition
This book explores IT vulnerabilities from a hacker’s viewpoint. It teaches the technical details of how hackers exploit programming errors and use C programming and Linux environments to bypass security measures, reroute traffic, crack encrypted wireless traffic, and more. Written by security expert and cryptologist Jon Erickson, this book provides a comprehensive overview of network communications, hacking methods, machine architecture, and programming.
Best CompTIA Security+ Study Guides at a Glance
| Title | Author | Publisher | Price* | ISBN | Additional Info** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide (Exam SY0-501) | None listed | CompTIA | $149 | None | CompTIA developed and recommended Available from CompTIA store |
| CompTIA Network+Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, 7th Edition | Mike Meyers | McGraw-Hill Education (June 26, 2018) | $44.70 (hardcover) $33.26 (Kindle eBook) | ISBN-10: 1260122387 ISBN-13: 978-1260122387 | #1 in Protocols & APIS – Networks #1 in Hardware & DIY – Internet & Networking #1 in Engineering – Telecommunications & Sensors |
| CompTIA Security+ All-in-One Exam Guide, 5th Edition | Wm. Arthur Conklin, Greg White, Dwayne Williams, Chuck Cothren, Roger L. Davis | McGraw-Hill Education (January 8, 2018) | $34.80 (hardcover) $33.06 (Kindle eBook) | ISBN-10: 1260019322 ISBN-13: 978-1260019322 | #1 in Books > Computers & Technology > Security & Encryption > Privacy & Online Safety #2 in Books > Computers & Technology > Networking & Cloud Computing > Networks, Protocols & APIs > Networks #4 in Books > Engineering & Transportation > Engineering > Telecommunications & Sensors |
| CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002), 10th Edition | Mike Meyers | McGraw-Hill Education (April 16, 2019) | 10th Edition: $41.41 (available April 16, 2019) 9th Edition: $26.77 (hardcover) $25.43 (Kindle eBook) | ISBN-10: 1260454037 ISBN-13: 978-1260454031 | Rankings for 9th Edition: #1 in Books > Computers & Technology > Certification > Security #1 in Books > Computers & Technology > Operating Systems > Windows > Windows Desktop #1 in Books > Textbooks > Computer Science > Operating Systems |
| Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition | Jon Erickson | No Starch Press (February 4, 2008) | $33.55 (paperback) $29.99 (Kindle eBook) | · ISBN-10: 1593271441 · · ISBN-13: 978-1593271442 | #4 in Books > Computers & Technology > Security & Encryption > Cryptography #4 in Books > Computers & Technology > Security & Encryption > Encryption #7 in Books > Computers & Technology > Networking & Cloud Computing > Cloud Computing |
*The price quoted for the Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide was obtained from the CompTIA store. All other prices were obtained from Amazon.com. All prices are subject to change.
**All rankings are as reported by Amazon at the time this blog was prepared and are subject to change.
Other Resources
If self-study guides aren’t for you, consider a boot camp or other online or in-person training options. Expect to pay around $1,825 for classroom training from an authorized CompTIA partner. CompTIA also offers comprehensive online training for Security+; its CertMaster Learn includes lessons, assessments, performance-based questions, videos, and more for a fee. If you’re looking for opportunities to practice the actual exam, both CompTIA and Exam Compass offer free practice tests.
Also, be sure to check MooC (massively online open course) providers for their Security+ course. MooC courses are online and accessible anytime, anywhere. Most MooC courses are free, although certification or diploma fees might apply depending on the provider. Well-known MooC providers include Cybrary, Coursera, EdX, FutureLearn, and Udacity. YouTube also hosts countless free videos dedicated to Security+ and security-related topics. Professor Messer’s Security+ Study Group and CBT Nuggets are good resources to explore.
Whatever your preferred learning style, a wealth of study materials is available. Good luck on your certification journey!
