Updated Security+ Exam: SY0-501

This post was reviewed/updated February 2019.Today, October 4, 2017, an updated version of the CompTIA Security+ exam was released primarily to partners, courseware developers, and instructors. The new code for this exam is SY0-501.That being said, CompTIA indicates that they will start their public marketing effort and release the exam to the public on October 25th, 2017. At this point, detailed information on the exam content is not available, but we will provide Cybrarians with what we know thus far and will update that information as it is released.I’m preparing for the SY0-401 version on the exam. What do I do? CompTIA indicates that the SY0-401 exam will be available until July 31, 2018 in English. Portuguese and Japanese exams will retire 6 to 9 months after the English version.During the exam overlap period, you can still purchase the voucher and take either exam. “Both are part of the CompTIA Continuing Education program, so you will need to retake the then current version of the exam each three years, or complete the alternative recertification elements. The driving factor is possibly your familiarity with exam content on the SY0-401 version versus the SY0-501 version.”Security+ SY0-501 Overview & Description“The CompTIA Security+ certification is a vendor-neutral credential. The CompTIA Security+ exam is an internationally recognized validation of foundation-level security skills and knowledge, and is used by organizations and security professionals around the globe. The CompTIA Security+ exam will certify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to install and configure systems to secure applications, networks, and devices; perform threat analysis and respond with appropriate mitigation techniques; participate in risk mitigation activities; and operate with an awareness of applicable policies, laws, and regulations. The successful candidate will perform these tasks to support the principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.”What about SY0-501 is different from SY0-401 version?Unlike the SY0-401 version, which had 33 objectives, SY0-501 will have 37. CompTIA has also reorganized and reclassified the domains and how each is weighted.SY0-401 domains:

• 1.0 Network Security: 20%
• 2.0 Compliance and Operational Security: 18%
• 3.0 Threats and Vulnerabilities: 20%
• 4.0 Applications, Data, and Host Security: 15%
• 5.0 Access Control and Management: 15%
• 6.0 Cryptography: 12%

SY0-501 domains:

• 2.0 Technologies and Tools: 22%
• 5.0 Risk Management: 14%
• 1.0 Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities: 21%
• 3.0 Architecture and Design: 15%
• 4.0 Identity and Access Management: 16%
• 6.0 Cryptography and PKI: 12%

What about SY0-501 is the same as the SY0-401 version?The SY0-501 version, like the one before it will contain a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions. It appears the number of questions and exam duration is still TBD.When will content for the SY0-501 version of the exam be available on Cybrary? Courseware developers are just getting their hands on the updated materials so it will take some time for that to cycle into new video content. Cybrary will immediately begin reviewing and preparing for delivery from instructors. We will keep users updated once we have a target release date for the video content. To watch the SY0-401 video course, click here.How do I apply for the SY0-501 exam? The CompTIA exam application process has not and will not change with the release of the SY0-501 exam. The cost of the exam remains the same, at $320, but US residents can purchase a discounted Security+ exam voucher for redemption in the US for $296. You will still to acquire an exam voucher and schedule examination through Pearson Vue testing centers.Olivia Lynch (@Cybrary_Olivia) is the Marketing Manager at Cybrary. Like many of you, she is just getting her toes wet in the infosec field and is working to make cyber security news more interesting. A firm believer that the pen is mightier than the sword, Olivia considers corny puns and an honest voice essential to any worthwhile blog.