CISSP vs Security+: Which Cybersecurity Certification Should You Choose

Taylor Karl / Friday, November 18, 2022

/ Categories: General, Resources, CyberSecurity

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CISSP vs Security+: Which Cybersecurity Certification Should You Choose

Todays cybersecurity professional enjoys a career field packed with management opportunities plus salary growth. Whether you are breaking into the security industry, or a seasoned leader seeking to enhance your competitive advantage and professional network, a security certification helps you stand out from other candidates. Knowledge of both CISSP and CompTIA Security+ exam requirements helps you select the appropriate training to develop skills and achieve certification for your cybersecurity career.

What is CISSP Certification from (ISC)²

International Information System Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)^2® is an international, nonprofit membership association for information security leaders. (ISC)² publishes the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) to document best practices, skills, and techniques for security professionals and administers the associated credential, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam. The CISSP certification is internationally recognized as the premier security professional credential.

What is CompTIA Security+ Certification

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a vendor-neutral, independent source of education and certification exam administration for the global tech workforce. CompTIA administers many technology skills certification exams, including CompTIA Security+. For the entry-level cybersecurity professional, the CompTIA Security+ certification "validates the baseline skills you need to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career."

Cybersecurity Exam Certification: CISSP vs CompTIA Security+

Most technology roles have a promising career forecast, including network engineer and information management roles. As of 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts Information Security Analyst roles alone to hike by 33% by 2030. With that career potential comes increased competition among candidates and more certification requirements for security roles.

Cybersecurity professionals should develop skills and seek training to support earning the most impactful cybersecurity certifications, such as the CISSP or CompTIA Security+ certification. To engineer more cyber security job opportunities, candidates should pursue a broad professional network, knowledge of credential programs, relevant skills, work experience, and knowledge of security domains. All of that in turn enables candidates for the CISSP and CompTIA Security+ certifications to reach their goals faster.

Understanding Certification Choices: CISSP vs Security+ Exam

Certification exam choices do not need to be hard, and you are not limited to a CISSP vs CompTIA Security+ decision. Questions to help you decide which cybersecurity certification exam to pursue first include:

What type of cybersecurity work are you doing today, and what would you like to do in the future?
What are your immediate and long-term salary goals?
How many years of experience do you have with security work?
How broad is your network of experienced professionals in the security field?

Instead of thinking about cybersecurity certification as "CISSP vs CompTIA Security+," think of it as CISSP and CompTIA Security+ certification to advance your security career.

CISSP vs Security+: Exam and Requirements

The CISSP certification, sometimes referred to as (ISC)² CISSP, is a more comprehensive security exam covering eight cybersecurity domains with a 5-year minimum security work requirement. The CISSP exam is:

a minimum of 125 questions but no more than 175 questions,
comprised of multiple choice questions and advanced innovative items, and
allotted to 4 hours

In contrast, CompTIA's Security+ is positioned as "the 1st security certification IT professionals should earn" with a focus on entry-level knowledge and a 2-year minimum system administration work experience requirement. The Security+ exam is:

up to 90 questions,
comprised of multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop questions, and
allotted to 90 minutes.

Those pursuing or already in cybersecurity management roles are better positioned to succeed at CISSP training and to pass the CISSP certification exam.

CISSP vs Security+: Exam Testing Center

(ISC)²and CompTIA use the third-party testing provider, Pearson VUE, for CISSP and Security+ exam services.. Always check the exam location information for dates and locations as part of your certification planning.

In terms of exam centers, there is not a Security+ vs CISSP comparison as they use the same global testing administration service and locations. There will be differences in specific exam fees and exam schedules.

CISSP vs Security+: Salary

Salaries in cybersecurity vary widely based on factors like company size, location, and certifications. While there's no guaranteed link between certifications and pay, CISSP holders typically earn more than those with Security+. This is partly because CISSP is often held by those in higher-level roles.

CISSP is a top-tier certification for cybersecurity pros who can lead an organization's security program. It's even made Forbes' list of top certificates for 2024. The ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study shows CISSP holders earn solid salaries across the globe:

Region	Average CISSP Salary (USD)
North America	$147,757
Europe	$103,493
Asia-Pacific	$70,898
Latin America	$50,272
Middle East and Africa	$46,917
Global Average	$119,577

On the other hand, CompTIA Security+ is an excellent starting point for cybersecurity careers. It's ideal for entry-level positions and can lead to roles like security administrator, systems administrator, or junior IT auditor. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this category had a median pay of $81,100 in 2017, with growth expected to exceed 6% by 2026.

While generally lower than CISSP salaries, Security+ can still open doors to rewarding careers with potential for growth. Below is an salary example of a common role held by CompTIA Security+ holders.

Percentile	Systems Administrator Salary (Security+)
90th	$130,200
75th	$104,460
50th	$81,100
25th	$63,020

CISSP vs Security+: Credential Career Opportunities

CISSP and Security+ are both valuable cybersecurity certifications, but they target different career stages and open doors to distinct opportunities. It's important to note that these certifications are managed by different professional bodies and one does not preclude or replace the other.

While Security+ can jumpstart your career, CISSP can elevate it to senior management levels. The choice between them often depends on your current experience and career goals. Many professionals start with Security+ and progress to CISSP as they gain experience and aim for leadership roles in the field.

Security+ serves as an excellent starting point for those new to the field. It's ideal for roles such as:

Junior security analyst
Systems administrator
Network administrator
Security administrator
Junior IT auditor

These positions often focus on implementing and maintaining security protocols, monitoring networks, and assisting with basic security operations. CISSP, on the other hand, is an advanced certification aimed at experienced professionals. It's typically pursued by those with at least 5 years of experience in the field. CISSP holders are often found in roles such as:

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Security architect
Security manager
IT director
Security consultant

These positions involve high-level strategy, risk management, and leadership in cybersecurity operations. It's also worth noting that cybersecurity career opportunities are not strictly limited by certification selection. However, if you have a goal of management, such as breaking into cybersecurity management or advancing your current leadership role, the CISSP credential is preferred due to its increased rigor and longer work experience requirements.

CISSP vs Security+: Continuing Education Units

Both CISSP and Security+ credentials have continuing education unit (CEUs) requirements to maintain valid status. Get more specific information at:

CISSP CEUs and renewal | 120 CPEs over a three-year period
Security+ CEUs and renewal | 50 CEUs over a three-year period

For both CISSP and Security+, the continuing education units can be earned from attending training, writing articles, passing certification exams, and other approved activities. Review each credential’s requirements for how to earn CEUs and how to report CEUs. Failure to meet CEU requirements puts both CISSP and CompTIA Security+ certification status at risk for suspension or cancellation.

CISSP vs Security+: Key Differences

CISSP and Security+ are both useful in cybersecurity, but they're quite different. Security+ is an entry-level certification focusing on practical skills for day-to-day operations. It's perfect for those starting out or in junior roles, covering the basics of implementing security measures. CISSP is for experts with at least five years of experience. It covers big-picture thinking, like high-level strategy, risk management, and leadership, preparing you to oversee an organization's entire security program.

The exams reflect this difference: Security+ tests technical know-how, while CISSP examines your ability to design and manage comprehensive security strategies. CISSP also requires adherence to a strict code of ethics and ongoing education, emphasizing professional conduct in this rapidly evolving field. Given these differences in scope and responsibility, CISSP holders often land roles with higher compensation. Both certifications can help your career, but they fit different stages of your work life.

CISSP vs Security+: Which is the Better Credential

When it comes to CISSP and Security+, it's not about which one is "better." The real question is: Which one fits your career right now? Many cybersecurity pros start with Security+ and later add CISSP as they climb the ladder. Both certs carry weight in the industry. They've been around for a while and people respect them. To earn either one, you need to know your stuff about security. You'll have to prove your knowledge, show you've got real-world experience, and demonstrate solid networking skills. So, think about where you are in your career and where you want to go. That'll help you pick the right cert for you at this moment.

CISSP vs CompTIA Security+ Conclusion

Credential candidates must have security work references, knowledge of security information domains, and network engineer experience to qualify for either the CISSP or CompTIA Security+ exam. The CompTIA Security+ exam and certification process is ideal for those with less security work experience and a smaller professional network who desire to formalize their security knowledge through certification. The CISSP exam and certification process is for those with more extensive security work experience, who are building out their professional network, and who have deep knowledge of the core security domains. Security is a competitive and growing career field; the experience gained on the job can make earning a certification easier. However, work experience does not replace formal security certification training and testing.

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