CompTIA Security+ Certification
The Security+ certification is an entry level security certification
from CompTIA, the "Computing Technology Industry Association," which has
a number of certifications although only one pertaining to security.
CompTIA's Web site also has extremely annoying videos which start
automatically.
Numerically it's extremely popular, with 50,000 certified professionals
as of late 2008, however as it's entry level and much easier than CISSP
or GSEC, not nearly as well regarded.
The test consists of 100 multiple choice questions with a 90 minute time
limit. Security+ is a “certification for life” – no renewal ever
required.
The Security+ exam can be taken at any Pearson Vue or Prometric testing
centers, which range from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. I was surprised to
find there were two within 15 minutes of my office, and I live in a
rural area.
As of Oct 2008, CompTIA has a new version of the Security+ exam which is
supposedly more scenario based. I suppose I’ll have to take it soon to
get the real story on it. The CompTIA Web site won’t even let you see
the exam objectives without giving up your email address!