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The CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway

IT Fundamentals > A+ > Network+ > Security+ > CySA+ or PenTest+ > CASP

With cybercrime on the rise and vulnerabilities constantly being exposed, it is imperative that organizations take a proactive stance to protecting assets and employing skilled cybersecurity professionals. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of information security jobs will increase 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing fields. Jobs requiring cybersecurity skills continue to grow rapidly, with more than 313,000 cybersecurity job openings, according to Cyberseek. Employers, from government to Fortune 500 companies, value CompTIA as an authority in cybersecurity certifications.

How to Get into Cybersecurity

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway helps IT pros achieve cybersecurity mastery, from beginning to end. The centerpiece is the CompTIA Security+ certification. It establishes the foundational knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs. With performance-based questions, it emphasizes the hands-on practical skills used by junior IT auditors, systems administrators, network administrators and security administrators.

After earning CompTIA Security+, cybersecurity professionals can take the next step by pursuing an intermediate skills-level cybersecurity certification, such as CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) or CompTIA PenTest+.

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst certification assesses the skills needed to apply behavioral analytics to networks to improve the overall state of IT security. The certification covers tools such as packet sniffers, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and security information and event management (SIEM) systems. After the seminal Target attack of 2014, the security analyst job role has gained more importance, making these skills essential for most organizations.

While CySA+ focuses on defense through incident detection and response, CompTIA PenTest+ focuses on offense through penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. It involves launching attacks on systems, discovering the vulnerabilities and managing them and is intended for cybersecurity professionals tasked with identifying, exploiting, reporting and managing vulnerabilities on a network.

The progression from CompTIA Security+ to CompTIA CySA+ and/or CompTIA PenTest+ is logical because Security+ assesses the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) an IT professional demonstrates after two years of cybersecurity field work, and CySA+ and PenTest+ assess three to four years of cybersecurity field work.

IT pros can pursue CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) to prove their mastery of cybersecurity skills required at the 5- to 10-year experience level. CASP+ is the pinnacle of cybersecurity certifications and includes performance-based questions. It is intended for those who wish to remain immersed in hands-on enterprise security, incident response and architecture, for example, as opposed to strictly managing cybersecurity policy and frameworks.

Total Seminars has video courses, TotalSims, lab simulations and Total Tester, practice tests to prepare you for each of the Cyber Security Pathway certifications. Click here to get CompTIA Discount Exam Vouchers.

The Building Blocks of Cybersecurity

But how do you get into cybersecurity with no experience? If you have limited experience in IT and aren’t quite ready to start with CompTIA Security+, then you’ll want to start earlier on the pathway.

CompTIA A+ validates the skills employers look for in new and aspiring IT support professionals. In addition to covering today’s core technologies in operating systems, cloud, data management and more, the new CompTIA A+ Core Series covers baseline security skills at the end point device level, including malware detection and removal, privacy concerns, physical security and device hardening.

Where CompTIA A+ considers connectivity from the perspective of the user and their device, CompTIA Network+ focuses on the connections from (and between) the core systems to the endpoint devices. It validates the essential knowledge and skills needed to design, configure, manage and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. To best support and ultimately secure the systems that exchange information on your network, you must first understand how the network functions.

CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ follow a progression consistent with the KSAs an IT professional exhibits as they move from an early career technical support role with 9 to 12 months of general IT experience to one with 1 to 2 years of general IT experience, and with a significant part of that specific to network support and administration.

CompTIA Network+ is also an important and strongly recommended prerequisite to CompTIA Security+. Before you can secure a network, you must understand how it functions. In other words, you shouldn’t skip algebra to start with calculus. Otherwise, you are learning security skills and applying them to a network you don’t understand.

Now that we’ve covered the certifications in the cybersecurity pathway, let’s explore some of the common questions surrounding it.

Questions About the CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway

Where should I start on the CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway?

The pathway is intended to help people get into the field of cybersecurity. IT pros can enter at any point, depending on their IT experience, existing certifications or course of study. There are no required prerequisites for these CompTIA certifications. For example, if you have two years of IT security experience or equivalent knowledge, you can jump into the pathway at CompTIA Security+ to prove your knowledge. If you already have CompTIA Security+, you can jump in at CompTIA CSA+, etc. See the CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway graphic to find your place on the pathway.

Do I need to take these certifications in order? Do I need to take all of them?

No. This is a recommended pathway, but it’s not a requirement. It depends on your job needs or interests. In general, the pathway follows a hierarchy of skills needed for IT security; each certification builds upon the skills from the previous one. You can find the recommended level of experience for each certification on the page, Which Certification Is Right for Me?

Can I take these exams with no IT or cybersecurity experience?

es, you can, however we recommend a minimum amount of hands-on experience before taking any of our certifications. (Each one has different recommendations, found in the Exam Details section of the certification webpage.) But hands-on experience doesn’t have to be on-the-job experience. It could mean any hands-on work, including practical experience gained while taking a class or through self-study or by helping friends, family or local nonprofits with their IT and cybersecurity issues. CompTIA certifications mirror the current job roles of IT professionals, so it makes sense to earn these certifications to validate the knowledge and hands-on skills currently being used in the workforce, whether you have job experience or not.

Do these certifications replace on-the-job experience?

If you are an IT professional or an employer, you understand the value of on-the-job experience. IT certifications are a great place to start, but they do not replace hands-on experience. If you have CompTIA certifications and on-the-job experience, you have the best of both worlds. In summary, the recommended CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway offers guidance for IT pros, employers, instructors and students. You can start wherever it makes sense, depending on your personal background, job requirements or course of study. The pathway is unique because it offers vendor-neutral skills for IT professionals to achieve cybersecurity mastery, from beginning to end.

Don’t Be Scared to Test at Home This Halloween!

Does the thought of taking your test at home send shivers up your spine? Are you scared that you will fail because you won’t be ready? Does the idea of having someone watch you make you feel like you’re in a bad 1980s video sung by Rockwell and Michael Jackson?

It’s OK to get a little nervous before plunging into the unfamiliar. This may be not only your first time taking a CompTIA exam, but also your first time testing from home! Luckily, you’re not alone in having those feelings as this is a new process for most of us.

Not a proctor, just the world’s creepiest shoulder surfer.

I Ain’t Afraid of No Ghosts

We’ll help you overcome your fears by helping you prepare. Fortunately, many others before you have already done it successfully. After all, CompTIA allowed testing from home on April 15. Other vendors like Certiport and Cisco, among others, have done the same.

By the way, if you want to check out those other certifications or get some more last-minute practice, then check out our materials here:

Total Seminars on Certifications 

TotalVideo video-based training courses 
TotalSims performance-based question prep   
TotalTester practice tests

Ready to test? 

Click here to get CompTIA Discount Exam Vouchers 

Test at Your Favorite Haunt

With a strong Internet connection, a computer that meets the requirements, the right ID materials, and no prohibited materials or distractions in the room, then you can test safely from home. Also, make sure that you plugged your computer into a reliable power source and aren’t relying on the battery.

Good news! You don’t even have to test at home; you can test from work, or also a public library! You can’t take the test from a tablet or mobile phone at this time.

What happens when you keep putting off scheduling the test.

Bad Things Come in Threes … Unless You Prepare!

First, you should check if your computer would work under exam conditions. Take the official system test to see how well it would perform on the day of the test:

https://service.proctorcam.com/system_tests/launch_test?app_locale=en_US&session_id=6866079&template_name=onvue_system_test#top

Assuming that you pass, then your next biggest concern will involve having a high bandwidth because you will use streaming video and audio for the entire two hour test. You should try a speed test.

Ideally a wired connection works best. If you have only a wireless connection, then ensure that others in your area turned off their connections temporarily. Better yet, have them leave during test time. Yes, Big Brother is watching you, so give him a gift card for a coffee, send him trick or treating somewhere, or give him a book to read.

Now that you know you have the proper equipment, you need to get familiar with the test format. Unfortunately, because you cannot use notes on paper or electronic devices to remember things, draw diagrams, summon spells, or perform calculations, you’ll use a sheet on the screen for your notes. We really, REALLY recommend that you practice using this feature before so that you don’t waste precious time learning how it works during the test itself:

https://home.pearsonvue.com/onvue/whiteboard

My proctor quit after I tested for some reason.

Now, if you do these three things, you’re pretty much ready to test at home by this point. But you should also know what to do for the test itself.

Don’t Ghost Your Test at Home!

Just as with any standard test center, you should arrive 30 minutes early. The check in process takes 15 minutes. If you’re scheduled at 1 PM, then get online and be ready by 12:30 PM.

Screams and tears won’t make you any less late. Arrive early to avoid upsets! No exceptions!

The proctor will explain the dos and don’ts. You will provide an ID copy, just like at a testing center, but good idea to bring two in case one doesn’t count.

The proctor will validate your ID with the Web camera and explain the rules. This means that you will need to make sure that your camera, microphone, and speakers work.

Just Because You’re Paranoid Doesn’t Mean They’re Not Watching You

The camera must be positioned so that the proctor can see you, the screen, and keyboard. Software will record your test screen even if you somehow block the Web camera with your hand, so you can’t “accidentally” block the screen. Trust us, we thought about it and they beat us to it already.

You cannot wear any phones, headphones, headsets, electronic devices, pagers (if you’re in a 1980s costume I guess), watches, wallets, purses, hats, head coverings, bags, coats, books, notepads, pocket protectors, or anything else not approved. Clothes are optional but we highly recommend them.

Wait, so we’re supposed to be afraid of her for not wearing a mask? Clown world indeed. Go, 2020!

I Can See Your House From Here…

The proctor will also make you pick up the Web camera and do a 360 view of the entire room. Therefore, you must remove all electronic devices, audio devices, notes, cards, books, scrawls on the wall/ceiling, floor, and any people who could possibly give hints, tips or cheats.

You can’t have notes, books, papers, pens, pencils, monitors or computers (or at least they must be turned off and unplugged), whiteboards, blackboards, Ouija boards, bloody messages scrawled on the wall, etc.

Are you moving it or did the mouse run out of battery and stop syncing again?

You won’t pass if you fail this preview of the room. The camera also will help the proctor to see if you’re checking your pockets, looking at the floor, or glancing around during the test looking at things that can help you during the test. Basically, you must look at the screen only.

Sure it’s disturbing, but at least they can’t accuse you of cheating on the test!

Don’t Rely on Phantom Power

You will also need to enable your microphone. That system test that you did earlier should check the microphone component. CompTIA doesn’t want someone to record the questions with hidden microphone, therefore you cannot talk to yourself during the test. Besides, it’s kind of weird. Psychic communication with spirits is technically not prohibited, but since they’d probably only know old versions of the test anyway any ghosts in the machine won’t help you very much.

We prefer the term living impaired, thank you.

CompTIA Will Soon Mean for Computer TestIng At Home (The H is Silent)

That’s pretty much it! You can now take the test and with our help you’ll know all the content so that you can pass the exams with ease. Once you’re done, the test will ask demographic and basic questions – just like they do at the test site examinations – and THEN it will give you your results. You will get a hard copy in the mail and you can get a digital copy on the spot.

We hope that you have a safe and Happy Halloween and that you succeed on your exams! Now go study, register, and test, then let us know how it goes!

Uh, you go first. I’ll be right behind you.

Live from Houston: It’s Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Afternoon Q & A !

…OK, so we’re still working on a new tagline. But the point is every Monday and Wednesday from 2-4 PM Central Standard Time, we at Total Seminars have a live Q & A session with bestselling CompTIA author Mike Meyers. It’s entirely free and you’ll finally get the answers to your burning IT questions!

You can literally Ask Mike Anything!

Learn more about CompTIA testing. Meet other people studying for CompTIA certifications. Discover new experts and special guests. Maybe even win a prize! We also have special limited-time discount codes available nowhere else.

Speaking of, check out our other items:

Total Seminars on Certifications

Ready to test?

Click here to get CompTIA Discount Exam Vouchers

If that’s not enough, then check our channel out every Friday from 2-4 PM Central Standard Time as we feature CompTIA instructor Dave Rush as he hosts a live, interactive Q & A for Raspberry Pi-day Fridays!

Why are you still reading? You could be watching free videos instead! Ah, sweet, sweet, passive learning. Come and check out our most recent episodes. If you like our videos, well, then like our videos on YouTube and then hit subscribe for the latest updates.

See you soon!

CompTIA Exams Now Available Online with OnVUE

For a limited time, Total Seminars is rolling back our discount voucher prices to last year’s prices.

CompTIA is now offering their exams delivered online 24/7. Beginning April 15, 2020 CompTIA is delivering their exams using VUE’s online testing platform, called OnVUE.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic CompTIA is allowing students to take their exams 24/7 from the security and privacy of their own homes.

All existing vouchers are good either at a VUE testing center or online through OnVUE. The OnVUE platform uses live proctors and AI to monitor your test. There are only three simple requirements:

Quiet, private location
Reliable device with a webcam
Strong reliable internet connection.

Not all candidates will be able to test online 4/15. US only at first with the rest of the word rolling out later. Note: Server+ available 5/1 and CIT+ and site licenses available in the fall.

Exams will be available in various languages, but proctors speak English only.

NOTE: OnVUE requires your system to install their software. Be sure you have permission to install software on your system.

To get started purchase a Discount Voucher to save on the cost of the exam. Then go to the OnVUE web site to schedule your exam. There are three steps:

Run a system test. Make sure you do this well ahead of scheduling or taking the exam. This will confirm that your system will work properly during the online exam. Be sure to run your test on the same network and computer you will use on exam day.
Schedule your exam. Create or Login to your account to schedule an OnVUE exam. After you’ve selected the exam you want to take, choose the “home or office” option. Follow the remaining prompts to complete the scheduling process. Once you have successfully scheduled your exam appointment, you will be sent a confirmation email that will provide you with your appointment details and important things to know for your exam.
Take your online exam. When it is time to take your exam, login to your account to begin the exam.

Discount CompTIA Exam Vouchers

Save on your CompTIA exams by purchasing vouchers from Total Seminars web site.

Try our TotalSims

Prepare for performance-based questions and do hands-on exercises to reinforce concepts while studying for the exams.

Try our TotalTester

Hundreds of questions with customizable exams. Each new exam is pulled from a pool of questions, so each exam is different. Create exams by objectives or by chapter. Take your custom test in Exam mode or in Practice mode with hints, explanations and study references. Get results graded by exam objective so you know where to focus your review. The best way to prepare for the exam questions is to practice as many questions as you can.

FAQ

System requirements:

Operating System	Windows 10 Windows 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit) Mac OS 10.13 and above (excluding beta versions)
Operating System	Note: Windows Operating Systems must pass Genuine Windows Validation. Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 7 are strictly prohibited for exam delivery All Linux/Unix based Operating Systems are strictly prohibited.
Firewall	Do not take your exam in a setting with a corporate firewall (including VPN), or, alert your Network Administrator to the network configuration requirements. We recommend testing on a personal computer. Work computers generally have more restrictions that may prevent successful delivery.
RAM	OS specified minimum RAM 4 GB RAM or more
Display	Minimum Resolution: 1024 x 768 in 16-bit color. Additional monitors are forbidden.
Internet Browser	The newest versions of Microsoft Edge, Safari, Chrome, and Firefox or Internet Explorer 11.
Internet Connection	A consistent connection speed of 1 Mbps down/up is required. We recommend testing on a wired network as opposed to a wireless network. Tethering to a mobile hotspot is explicitly prohibited.
Webcam	Webcam must have a minimum resolution of 640×480 @ 10 fps. Webcam may be internal or may be external and connected to the computer.Mac users may need to allow OnVUE within their ‘System Preferences: Security & Privacy: Privacy’ settings for Microphone, Camera, Automation and Input Monitoring.
Sound & Microphone	Verify the audio and microphone are not set on mute in Windows. Mac users may need to allow OnVUE within their ‘System Preferences: Security & Privacy: Privacy’ settings for Microphone, Camera, Automation and Input Monitoring.
Browser Settings	Internet Cookies must be enabled. Any Pop-Up blocking setting(s) must be disabled.
Device	All tablets are strictly forbidden, unless it has a physical keyboard and also meets the operating system requirements mentioned earlier.
Power	Ensure you are connected to a power source before starting your exam to avoid draining your battery during the exam

Policies and Procedures:

Q. Where can I test?

A. You can test at home or in your office. Wherever you test, you should be in a walled room, with a closed door and without distractions. No one else is permitted in the room with you while you are testing.

Q. How do I know my computer will work with the online proctored software?

A. Perform a system test to download the OnVUE online proctoring software in advance to ensure that your system will work with our software. Please check our list of minimum system requirements and shut down all non-essential applications before launching the software.

Q. Can I receive any exam assistance during the exam?

You may not receive any assistance from other individuals while taking the exam, and you may not allow other individuals to see the computer screen that presents the exam questions.
If another person enters the room while you are testing, your exam will be terminated.
The proctor cannot answer questions related to exam content.

Q. Is technical software assistance available during the exam?

A. Most technical issues can be avoided by completing a system test in advance. Common technical issues are lack of a stable internet connection and running illegal applications during the exam, both of which the system test can indicate. Either way, staff is on hand to support the issue. Please see the customer service information on this page if you require assistance.

Q. What other important information do I need to know?

By taking this exam, you acknowledge that the proctor will continuously monitor you by video and audio while you take your exam, and you acknowledge and consent to audio and video recording of your face, voice, the physical room where you are seated, and the location during exam delivery. You recognize that you have no right to privacy at your current location during exam delivery and that you waive any and all claims asserting a right to privacy. If you do not wish to be recorded (either by video or audio), please notify the proctor immediately of your intent not to proceed with the exam.
If you do not follow the online proctored policies or are suspected of cheating or tampering with Pearson VUE’s or its subcontractor’s software, or if a third party is detected in the physical room where you are seated during the exam, the exam will be immediately terminated. This will be reported to Pearson VUE and the testing sponsor/program, along with audio and/or video evidence of the infraction. Your exam may be invalidated, and the testing sponsor/program may take other action, such as decertifying you and precluding all future participation in the testing program.

Q. Where do I go to schedule my exam?

A. Sign in to your web account to schedule your exam. After you’ve selected the exam you want to take, choose the “home or office” option. Follow the remaining prompts to complete the scheduling process. Once you have successfully scheduled your exam appointment, you will be sent a confirmation email that will provide you with your appointment details and important things to know for your exam.

Is my workspace okay for testing?
During the check-in process, you will be asked to take photos of your work area, which will be checked by a proctor prior to exam launch. Please ensure that your desktop is clean and that you are not within arm’s reach of books, notepads, sticky notes, papers, pens, pencils, and other writing instruments/objects. Additional monitors and computers must be unplugged and turned off. Items on the wall with writing on them, such as whiteboards, will be inspected. If your workspace does not pass a room scan, you are not permitted to proceed with taking the exam.

Q. What type of identification will I be required to present?

A. You are required to present a current government-issued ID. The name on your ID must match the name in your web account profile and in your appointment confirmation email.

Acceptable forms of identification include: driver’s license, military ID, identification card (national/state/province identity card), alien registration card (green card, permanent resident, visa), and government-issued local language ID (not in roman characters and accepted only if issued by the country in which you are testing).

Minors who are under the age of 18 are permitted to present a valid student ID as a form of identification. A minor’s guardian must also present a valid ID and provide verbal consent during the check-in process.

Q. How do I check in for my test on exam day?

A. You will be able to start checking in for your exam 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment time. To start, click the “Sign in” button on this page to sign in to your web account.

The exam you are scheduled to take will appear once you log in to your account under “Open Online Exams.” Select the exam link and then select “Begin exam.”
Important: if the “Begin exam” button is not visible, you are either too early or too late for your exam. Please check your appointment details to make sure you’re trying to start at the proper time.
You will be asked to download OnVUE, the online proctoring software, if you haven’t before. Follow the prompts in the application to complete the required check-in steps.
Have your acceptable identification available so that the proctor can verify your identity.
Shut down any non‐essential applications such as email, chat, Facebook, and Skype.
You will be placed in a queue and connected with the next available proctor to begin your exam.
The check-in process takes approximately 15 minutes for candidates who have previously completed a system test.
Being late is not an option. To allow time for the check-in procedure, please be ready when the check-in window opens 30 minutes before the exam start time.

Q. What are the exam rules on personal belongings?

During the exam, you may not access the following types of personal items: mobile phones, headphones or headsets (wired or bluetooth), handheld computers or other electronic devices, pagers, watches, wallets, purses, hats (or other head coverings), bags, coats, books, notes, or any other materials not specifically approved.
During the exam session, you are not allowed to use exam-specific materials or scratch paper, erasable whiteboards, or any other physical writing object, such as a pen, marker, or pencil.
Watches must be removed and placed out of sight/reach during the exam.
You may have the option to use the whiteboard feature in the OnVUE software while taking the exam online. Read more about this feature.

Q. Can I eat, drink or take a break during the exam?

A. CompTIA does not allow breaks for any reason during delivery of any CompTIA exam. If you leave your computer during your exam the proctor will end your session, you will be unable to continue testing and you may forfeit your exam fee. We recommend you use the restroom prior to checking in with the online proctor to initiate your CompTIA exam. Water in a glass is allowed during testing; however, eating, smoking, and chewing gum are prohibited.

Q. Are accommodations available for online proctored exams?

A. ADA accommodations continue to be available through Pearson VUE Testing Centers. Other accommodations may be available on a case by case basis for online proctored exams. To request other accommodations for online proctored exams, candidates should follow the process to request an accommodation with Pearson VUE.

Discount CompTIA Exam Vouchers

Save on your CompTIA exams by purchasing vouchers from Total Seminars web site.

Try our TotalSims

Prepare for performance-based questions and do hands-on exercises to reinforce concepts while studying for the exams.

Try our TotalTester

We are holding last year’s prices. CompTIA raised Prices in January but we have rolled back our voucher prices to help you through this Covid-19 turmoil.

Online Testing is now available. Take you CompTIA exam online at home. Here’s a link to a video introducing OnVUE.

You don’t have to pay full price for CompTIA Exams. You can purchase Discount Exam Vouchers and save on the cost of the exams. CompTIA partners can provide discount prices on exam vouchers and pass the savings along to their students.

Here’s how it works: CompTIA member companies like Total Seminars are able to purchase vouchers for the CompTIA exams and resell them to our students at a discount to the full price you would pay when you register with VUE or buy at the CompTIA web store.

Before you register for your CompTIA exam, go to Total Seminars web site and purchase a Discount Voucher. Your order will be processed, and you will receive an email with your voucher number.

When you register for your CompTIA exam online at the VUE web site, you have an option to pay by credit card or by voucher. Select “voucher” and type in the voucher number you received by email when you purchased the Discount Vouchers from Total Seminars.

Total Seminars’ vouchers are only good in the US and Canada. If you live outside of the US or Canada search the web for CompTIA discount vouchers in the country where you live.

When you purchase a discount voucher it is good for up to 11 months (the exact date the voucher expires is included in your email). You must register for your exam online with VUE before the date the discount voucher expires.

Category Archives: Certifications