In the high-stakes world of cybersecurity, certifications are your armor. But with options like CISSP, CEH, and CCNA Security clamoring for attention, how do you choose the right one? Spoiler: CompTIA Security+ isn’t just a certification—it’s a career multiplier. Let’s dissect how it stacks up against the competition and why it’s the undisputed champion for professionals at every career stage.
The Cybersecurity Certification Smackdown: Key Criteria
Before we pit certifications against each other, let’s define what matters:
- Cost: Exam fees and training expenses.
- Difficulty: Study hours and technical depth.
- Prerequisites: Experience or prior certifications required.
- Versatility: Applicability across industries and roles.
- ROI: Salary boosts and job opportunities.
Now, let the battle begin.
1. CompTIA Security+ vs. CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
The Contenders:
- CompTIA Security+: Broad, vendor-neutral security fundamentals.
- CEH: Focused on penetration testing and offensive tactics.
Round 1: Scope
- Security+: Covers risk management, cryptography, network security, and incident response. Perfect for roles like Cybersecurity Analyst or Systems Administrator.
- CEH: Teaches hacking tools and methodologies. Ideal for Penetration Testers or Ethical Hackers.
Round 2: Accessibility
- Security+: No prerequisites. Ideal for newcomers.
- CEH: Requires 2+ years of security experience or official EC-Council training.
Round 3: Cost
- Security+: Exam
- fee: $392.
- CEH: Exam fee: $1,199 + $850+ for mandatory training.
Winner: CompTIA Security+ for affordability and versatility. CEH is niche; Security+ opens more doors.
Note: Please do not that the pricing might vary with respect to the time and location.
2. CompTIA Security+ vs. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
The Contenders:
- Security+: Entry-to-mid-level certification.
- CISSP: Advanced credential for seasoned professionals.
Round 1: Target Audience
- Security+: Designed for 1-2 years of experience. Prepares you for technical roles.
- CISSP: Requires 5+ years of experience. Geared toward Security Managers or CISOs.
Round 2: Content
- Security+: Hands-on skills like configuring firewalls and implementing PKI.
- CISSP: High-level governance, risk management, and security architecture.
Round 3: Recognition
- Security+: Globally recognized, DoD-approved (meets Directive 8140), and ISO 17024 compliant.
- CISSP: Gold standard for leadership roles but excludes entry-level candidates.
Winner: CompTIA Security+ for early-career professionals. CISSP is elite but inaccessible to most newcomers.
3. CompTIA Security+ vs. CCNA Security (Cisco Certified Network Associate Security)
The Contenders:
- Security+: Vendor-neutral, broad security principles.
- CCNA Security: Cisco-focused network security.
Round 1: Applicability
- Security+: Skills apply to AWS, Azure, on-premise systems, and more.
- CCNA Security: Limited to Cisco environments (routers, switches).
Round 2: Career Flexibility
- Security+: Qualifies you for jobs in healthcare, finance, government, and tech.
- CCNA Security: Best for Cisco network admins—narrows your options.
Round 3: Longevity
- Security+: Renewal via CE credits or retesting.
- CCNA Security: Requires recertification every 3 years and ties you to Cisco’s ecosystem.
Winner: CompTIA Security+ for cross-industry relevance. CCNA Security locks you into one vendor.
4. CompTIA Security+ vs. CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
The Contenders:
- Security+: Technical skills for hands-on roles.
- CISM: Management-focused (risk assessment, governance).
Round 1: Job Roles
- Security+: Cybersecurity Specialist, IT Auditor.
- CISM: IT Director, Compliance Officer.
Round 2: Prerequisites
- Security+: None.
- CISM: 5+ years of security management experience.
Round 3: Cost
- Security+: $392.
- CISM: $575 exam fee + $200+ for study materials.
Winner: CompTIA Security+ for accessibility. CISM is for managers, not technical staff.
5. Why CompTIA Security+ Unseats the Competition
- Vendor-Neutral Power: Skills apply to any tool or platform—no vendor lock-in.
- DoD Approval: Mandatory for U.S. government cybersecurity roles.
- Stackability: A launchpad to advanced certs like CASP+ or CySA+.
- Speed-to-Career: 94% of Security+ holders land jobs within 6 months (CompTIA, 2023).
Ready to Claim Your Advantage?
Enroll in Sprintzeal’s CompTIA Security+ Certification Training to gain a certification that outshines the competition—with expert coaching, hands-on labs, and a 94% first-time pass rate
Don’t gamble with your future. CompTIA Security+ is the certification that opens doors, boosts salaries, and future-proofs your career. With Sprintzeal’s training, you’re not just passing an exam—you’re becoming the professional employers fight to hire. Enroll today and join the ranks of certified defenders.