CISSP vs Security+: Choosing the Right Path

CISSP vs Security+ are two popular and trusted certifications in the domain of cybersecurity. Both are globally recognised, and help professionals build a strong career in the security field. While CompTIA Security+ was introduced in 2002 to meet the growing need for skilled IT/IS experts, CISSP has been around since 1994 to provide deeper knowledge for experienced security professionals.

Recently, interest in both CISSP and Security+ certifications has grown a lot as companies demand certified experts. If you are confused about which one to choose, study materials like the CompTIA Security+ Study Guide can help. In this blog, you will get a simple comparison to decide the best certification for your career needs.

Table of Contents

1) What is CISSP Certification?

2) What is CompTIA Security+?

3) CISSP vs Security+: Table of Differences

4) Differences Between CISSP and CompTIA Security+

5) CISSP vs Security+ Exam Preparation Tips

6) CISSP vs Security+ Salary

7) CISSP and CompTIA Security+ Job Opportunities

8) Is CISSP harder than SEC+?

9) Do I need Security+ before CISSP?

10) Conclusion

What is CISSP Certification?

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam is one of the most respected certifications for cybersecurity professionals in the UK. It is intended for experienced cybersecurity experts and demonstrates their knowledge across a wide range of security domains. One of the key CISSP Benefits is its recognition by global organisations, enhancing career prospects and credibility in the field.

The CISSP is also recognised by the UK Ministry of Defence and meets the baseline requirements for Information Assurance (IA) roles in System Architecture and Engineering (IASAE) levels I and II. Known for its difficulty, the exam is best suited for highly experienced professionals in cybersecurity and ranks among the top five highest-paying careers, with an average salary of about £125,000. The exam fee is £590, and certification must be renewed every three years by earning 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.

CISSP covers eight key domains, including risk management, security operations, cryptography, architecture/design, access control, security testing, authentication, engineering, and network security. To qualify, candidates must have at least five years of full-time experience in at least two of these domains, according to the ICS2 Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).

Below is the list of eight CISSP Domains discussed.

What is CompTIA Security+?

CompTIA Security+ is a beginner-friendly certification that tests your basic cybersecurity skills. Through this, you learn how to keep the network safe, identify threats and handle security problems. If you are new and want to start a cybersecurity career, then this certification is best.

The simple difference between CISSP vs Security+ is that CISSP is for experienced people while Security+ is for complete freshers. Security+ teaches you simple topics like network security, following company security rules, understanding the weak points of the system and identifying threats.

With this certification, you get the skills to work in the real world, which is useful for both private and government jobs. This also prepares you to take up higher certifications in the future, like CISSP.

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CISSP vs Security+: Table of Differences

Before you decide whether to pursue CISSP or Security+, it is important to understand the basic differences between the two. The table below will help you quickly compare the two certifications, such as exam fee, experience level, number of topics covered, and what jobs can be obtained.

Differences Between CISSP and CompTIA Security+

The main distinctions between CISSP and CompTIA Security+ are shown here.

Focus

The CompTIA Security+ certification covers a broad swath of cybersecurity topics, including network security, asset security, data protection, and numerous other fundamental areas needed to secure digital environments. It should be more of a big-picture overview covering some basic principles every network admin needs to know about managing and securing networks.

Conversely, CISSP stands for Certified Information Systems Security Professional and mainly relates to more senior concepts in IT security. It covers the more technical areas, like cryptography, access control, and network security from a broader perspective of information security with eight domains that address most all aspects one could imagine.

Key Subjects

CompTIA Security+ focuses on network security networking, access control, asset management, and data protection. It is an entry-level certification, which means candidates should have knowledge of how to secure an IT environment.

On the other side, CISSP covers some of the most advanced topics related to security, such as cryptography, access control, and network security. As an example, the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) exam is meant to heavily test one's ability in designing, implementing, and managing a resilient cybersecurity program across a broad spectrum of domains.

Renewal Period

Either certification must be renewed every three years, verifying the ability of professionals to maintain their competence and sustain industry standards and best practices. Both CompTIA Security+ (a 3-year renewal cycle) and CISSP follow a three-year re-certification policy, as the cybersecurity industry is ever-changing with new threats and opportunities emerging regularly.

Continuing Credits

CompTIA Security+ certification requires holders to earn 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over each three-year cycle to keep their certification valid. This emphasises the value of continuous learning and staying up to date with new cybersecurity trends and technologies.

On the other hand, the CISSP certification has a more demanding requirement, necessitating the accumulation of 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every three years. This reflects the advanced nature of the certification and, following the recent CISSP Exam Changes, the expectation that CISSP professionals will continuously engage in learning to maintain their expertise.

Additional Credits

There are no additional credit requirements beyond the 50 CEUs needed for CompTIA Security+ renewal.

But in the case of CISSP, professionals should earn 20 CPE credits annually for each concentration they possess, if any. This additional requirement ensures that professionals maintain their expertise in a specific area of information security.

Target Audience

The CompTIA Security+ Certification is ideal for entry-level and intermediate IT professionals seeking to start or advance their careers in cybersecurity. It establishes a strong foundation and is beginner friendly.

Conversely, the CISSP certification is intended for more seasoned security professionals. It requires at least five years of full-time paid work experience across a minimum of two domains within the past ten years. This makes it suitable for those willing to advance their knowledge and skills in information security management.

The Security+ test and the CISSP exam are both crucial for a career in cybersecurity, but they each concentrate on different facets of the industry.

These are only a few main distinctions between CISSP and CompTIA Security+. The ideal option will depend on your experience and professional objectives, even though both certificates are beneficial for IT professionals who wish to expand their computer and antivirus skills.

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CISSP and Security+ Exam Preparation Tips

If you are planning to take the CISSP or Security+ exam, then with a little smart and planned preparation, you can easily clear your exam. Here are simple tips for both certifications which will help you:

Tips for CISSP Exam:

1) First, understand all the eight domains of CISSP well. Every topic should be clear.

2) Use multiple resources (CBK, online courses, videos) instead of just one book.

3) If possible, join online training or coaching for better guidance.

4) Solve mock tests and practice papers so that you understand the exam pattern and CAT model.

5) Focus extra on your weak areas and revise them repeatedly.

Tips for Security+ Exam:

1) For your preparation, use whatever study material you find best (videos, books, PDFs).

2) After starting studying, maintain consistency and do not leave gaps in between.

3) Fix the exam date so that motivation remains.

4) Memorise the acronyms (short forms) properly as they are used in the exam.

5) Practice quizzes daily so that the concepts become clear.

6) First, solve performance-based questions, and later, multiple-choice ones (MCQs).

As you can see, these two tests have certain parallels as well as some variances. However, for people looking to begin a career in IT security, both tests are helpful.

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CISSP vs Security+ Salary

CISSP is more challenging to pass than the Security+ exam. Employers more frequently accept the CISSP certification. Seventy per cent of businesses stated they would prefer to hire a candidate with a CISSP certification, according to a recent survey.

According to a report generated from PayScale, below is the average salary for both CompTIA Security+ and CISSP Jobs

Below is the average salary for CompTIA Security+ compared based on PayScale Surveys

CompTIA Security+ Salary Based on Gender

Below is the average salary for CompTIA Security+ compared based on PayScale Surveys

CISSP Salary Based on Gender

Below is the average salary for CISSP compared based on PayScale Surveys.

CISSP and CompTIA Security+ Job Opportunities

Following is the list of CompTIA Security+ related Job roles

Below are a few CISSP-related job roles and opportunities mentioned to understand the prospective careers you can choose after obtaining a CISSP certification.

Get ready for your CISSP interview with our expert guide on CISSP Interview Questions. Start today!

Is CISSP harder than SEC+?

Yes, CISSP is tougher than Security+ because CISSP is for those people who already have a lot of experience in the cybersecurity field. This exam covers eight domains, which are advanced-level topics.

A minimum of five years of full-time security work experience is required for CISSP. On the other hand, Security+ is an entry-level certification meant for people who are new to cybersecurity, focusing only on basic concepts and skills. Professionals aiming for advanced credentials like CISSP-ISSAP will find CISSP to be a more challenging and higher-level certification.

Do I need Security+ before CISSP?

No, you do not need to do Security+ before CISSP. CISSP is a different-level certification designed for experienced professionals. If you already have 5 years of work experience in the security field, then you can directly give CISSP.

But if you are new to the cybersecurity field, then doing Security+ first is a good option as it helps make the basic concepts clear. After that, it will be easier for you to study CISSP. However, using CISSP Practice Exam Questions during your preparation can provide a clearer understanding of the exam format and key areas to focus on. Officially, there is no requirement for Security+ for CISSP.

Conclusion

If you are a beginner, then Security+ Certification is best as it strengthens the basic concepts and foundation. But if you have experience and you are thinking of high-level or management roles, then CISSP certification is a better option. Both certifications have their own value, and you just have to choose the right one: CISSP vs Security+ according to your career goal.

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