Which test do I take?

Sorry Everyone, this is a very nooby question. I was looking at the official CompTIA Sec+ site, and it said SY0-401, but also had exam codes SY0-301 and JK0-018. Security certification, CompTIA Security+ certification

It says that the latter ones are "retiring". What is the disadvantage of that? And also, what is the advantage if I take the newer one?

Thanks !!!

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DonM34

I think the SY0-301 exam retires in December of this year, As for the difference check out this site it will break it down

CompTIA Security+ SY0-401 vs. SY0-301 Changes - InfoSec Institute

[TH]Certification Exam Objectives: SY0-301 [/TH]
[TH] [/TH]
[TH]Certification Exam Objectives: SY0-401 [/TH]
[TH] [/TH]

[TH]

Domain

[/TH]
[TH]

% of Examination

[/TH]
[TH]

Domain

[/TH]
[TH]

% of Examination

[/TH]

1.0 Network Security
21
1.0 Network Security
20

2.0 Compliance and Operational Security
18
2.0 Compliance and Operational Security
18

3.0 Threats and Vulnerabilities
21
3.0 Threats and Vulnerabilities
20

4.0 Application, Data and Host Security
16
4.0 Application, Data and Host Security
15

5.0 Access Control and Identity Management
13
5.0 Access Control and Identity Management
15

6.0 Cryptography
11
6.0 Cryptography
12

Total SY0 301
100%
Total SY0 401
100%

IT_Nerd

It looks like they took some of the focus away from threats and vulnerabilities and placed a bit more emphasis on on access control and identity management. I just ordered my Darril Gibson Security+ book earlier this week and it's a SY0-301 so I will have to take the test before next year. If I didn't order this book already, I'd take the SY0-401. At this point I'll just wait for the next refresh after the SY0-401.

[Deleted User]

I would do the 401. No point in studying old material.

IT_Nerd

^ Since my 301 book is still en route do you think I should return it for a 401?

Drethyl

I'm studying for the 401 and i bought the sybex text, but I will be buying the 301 version of Gibsons book because of how highly regarded it is. I'd keep that book and buy the 401 sybex one to accompany it.

Plantwiz

IT_Nerd wrote: »

^ Since my 301 book is still en route do you think I should return it for a 401?

I think you will be fine. The Sybex text is one of the best around, period. You may pickup a cram book or something to compliment, but download both sets of objectives and compare as you go, the differences between test changes is usually negligible. There are differences, but you likely are familiar with the material and simply did not realize you were familiar.

IT_Nerd

Yea, I decided to stick with the 301 because the Sybex book for the 401 is on back order and I don't want to wait around.

Confl1ct10n

The JK0-018 one is for students. It is a voucher that you can purchase from your school at a major discount.

karl88

The document for the SY0-401 exam objectives is six pages longer than the SY0-301.