Prerequisites and Recommended Experience

1 min read Security Careers & Certifications

While CompTIA doesn't mandate formal prerequisites for Security+, they recommend candidates have CompTIA Network+ certification and two years of IT administration experience with a security focus. However, many successful candidates pass without meeting these exact requirements through dedicated study and hands-on practice. The key is understanding fundamental IT concepts—how networks operate, basic system administration, and general computing principles—before tackling security-specific topics.

Practical experience significantly improves success rates and knowledge retention. Candidates with hands-on experience configuring firewalls, managing user accounts, or troubleshooting network issues find Security+ concepts more intuitive. However, those lacking professional experience can compensate through home labs, virtual environments, and practical exercises. Setting up virtualized networks, experimenting with security tools, and working through real-world scenarios provides valuable context for exam concepts.

Study time requirements vary significantly based on background and experience. Experienced IT professionals might need 2-3 months of dedicated study, while complete beginners might require 4-6 months or more. The average successful candidate reports spending 100-200 hours preparing for the exam, including reading materials, video courses, practice tests, and hands-on labs. This investment of time translates into comprehensive knowledge that extends beyond exam success to real-world application.