Why do so many people consider Sec+ as unneccessary?

gadav478 · July 2012

Hey fellow TE heads-

I just was wondering why the Sec+ gets so many flack. I hear that the Sec+ isn't neccessary and that if you want to improve your job outlook, then grabbing something else is a better choice. Can those who have the Security+ explain how their career outlook has changed (hopefully positively) and those who are in the speciality comment as to why they think it is either worthwhile or not?

Thanks!

Iristheangel · July 2012

I wouldn't say Security+ isn't necessary. In fact, it's probably the only CompTIA certification that I don't regret getting. It has it's usefulness depending on where you end up doing next (i.e. cuts a year off the CISSP experience requirements, helps you get in with the DoD, counts as an elective for the MCSE 2003:Security, etc). It really depends on what you want to do and what your current role is. If you're not really into infosec, don't plan on getting any advanced infosec certs and are low on funds, you can pass by it.

NotHackingYou · July 2012

I agree with the above and wanted to add that I wouldn't say its unnecessary either, but you have to recognize what it is. It is a validation of your understanding of the concepts to covers. I really learned a TON when studying for the S+ and validation of that is the best value a certificate offers.

It has not had any direct, immediate effect on my career. I am employed in an IT department where security is a top priority, too. Granted, I'm not out job shopping but I don't see a lot of hits for it on dice for my region.

Zartanasaurus · July 2012

Sec+ is an okay test. It's better than A+/Network+ IMO. You'll become familiar with the terminology in Security and it seems like a better door opener than other CompTIA tests. It's hands down the easiest test I've ever taken. I sort of consider it a joke of a test for that very reason.

gdeusthewhizkid · July 2012

I keep hearing that and I want to pull the plug on it and take the test but at 275.00 I dont want to chance it and studying for it is pretty boring.

sratakhin · July 2012

Just wait until you can get a discounted voucher for it. I bought one off Ebay for like $200. I also saw some $100+ vouchers on getcertified4less a couple of days ago.

Plantwiz · July 2012

@gadav478

Why do you think having a Sec+ is a problem or unnecessary? Please explain the reason you are asking.

As far as the Sec+ being useful to everyone, no, like most certificates, only some apply to the majority of people, and many certifications only apply to those folks using that specific technology.

I don't recall anyone saying that the Sec+ is a waste of time, but most who seek the certificate are working their way upward and start with vendor neutral cert.

The next question after you answer my first, "what do YOU want to do within the IT industry?"

Answer my two questions and you can more easily assess if Sec+ is something you need to include on your study path.

juvenileslilbrotha · July 2012

A lotta people say the CCNA is unnecessary as well however, I just got credit for four full classes towards my degree in Information Technology that begs to differ. You gotta know what you want to do LONG TERM. The Sec+ is heavily recognized by any organization that is affiliated with the Dept, of Home land Security. You want to get that good paying Job overseas...guess what? You better have your Sec+ cert first. Now let's put that rumor to rest.

gadav478 · July 2012

@ Plantwiz - Please see my PM.

All-

Good to hear your perspectives. It seems as though people aren't putting it to good use.

tpatt100 · July 2012

I got mine because I had to, it was really a beginner cert though. I can see the usefulness to somebody with a few years experience. I don't insult CompTIA I think they provide a service to help reduce the size of the gap between entry level and higher level. They just seem too broad to be in the middle though.

teancum144 · July 2012

Iristheangel wrote: »

I wouldn't say Security+ isn't necessary. In fact, it's probably the only CompTIA certification that I don't regret getting.

Interesting, I recently passed the Network+ exam and am currently studying for Security+. Between the two (so far), I find the knowledge gained from studying Network+ to be far more comprehensive and technical than Security+ (which seem relatively easy compared to Network+). I guess I cannot say for sure until I pass the Security+ exam.

teancum144 · July 2012

Zartanasaurus wrote: »

Sec+ is an okay test. It's better than A+/Network+ IMO.

I found the knowledge I gained from studying Network+ invaluable and foundational.

Iristheangel · July 2012

@teancum144, It depends what you want to do with your IT career. I enjoy networking and security, but I felt that I would have gotten more ROI on going directly for the CCENT instead of the N+. I felt that about 80-90% of what was on the N+ material was on the CCENT so I would have preferred to save $250. 20/20 hindsight I suppose. The knowledge from the Security+ wasn't the big payout for me, it was the fact that one year was waived from my work experience requirements from my CISSP and that I had a free elective out of the way for my MCSE:Security. It saved me time and money that way. This is just the way I see it and how I value my certifications. To each their own

rsutton · July 2012

teancum144 wrote: »

I found the knowledge I gained from studying Network+ invaluable and foundational.

The value of any cert is relative to what you do, some certs being more valuable to a wider audience. Plantwiz pretty much summed it up.

DarthVader · July 2012

It's not that it is a bad cert or anything. It's just entry level, nothing wrong with that.

Most CompTIA certs are considered entry level. If you want to get a more comprehensive Network cert you should probably travel down the Cisco path. If you want to concentrate in Security you should eveentually get into the GIAC or ISC2 arena.

Plantwiz · July 2012

gadav478 wrote: »

@ Plantwiz - Please see my PM.

All-

Good to hear your perspectives. It seems as though people aren't putting it to good use.

My question wasn't requesting a PM'd response. My question is public because others may also think what you are thinking and can benefit from going through the thought process.

You may answer in the forum.

Roguetadhg · July 2012

How can studying security procedures be considered an un-needed thing?

Im sure we all can use a little more preaching about passwords and what happens with security. It's Entry level, but Im hoping Entry still means it'll cover the important keys about security that we can pass along to others. Password strength, weaknesses, basic things - entry-level things.

Iristheangel · July 2012

I dont think understanding or studying security procedures is a bad thing but it might be unnecessary for some to take the extra step of spending the money to get certified depending on what they do for a living.

Roguetadhg · July 2012

I'm studying for it - I haven't yet spent the money to schedule yet. I'll decide half way through if it's worth it or not. Since it's not a lifetime cert, I don't know. It'll be nice to have it so I can have a chance to land a job with other places.

Why do so many people consider Sec+ as unneccessary?

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