If you’re studying for the CompTIA Security+ exam, you might be interested in knowing about the SY0-401 differences. For background, CompTIA is rolling out the next version of the Security+ exam (SY0-401) in May 2014.
The current version (SY0-301) will remain available until December 31, 2014.
As with many other technical certifications, the CompTIA Security+ exam is regularly updated to keep up with current technologies. For comparison, the 301 version was first available in May 2011, and the 201 version retired on December 31, 2011.

SY0-401 Differences in Domains
The new version includes the same six domains, but reflects changes in domain weighting. The following table shows the SY0-401 differences in domain weighting.
Domain | SY0-301 | SY0-401 | Change |
1.0 Network Security | 21% | 20% | -1% |
2.0 Compliance and Operational Security | 18% | 18% | — |
3.0 Threats and Vulnerabilities | 21% | 20% | -1% |
4.0 Application, Data and Host Security | 16% | 15% | -1% |
5.0 Access Control and Identity Management | 13% | 15% | +2% |
6.0 Cryptography | 11% | 12% | +1% |
From the perspective of the domains, you can see that the changes are relatively minor. The biggest change is that Access Control and Identity Management bumped up 2%. Also, you can see that the Cryptography domain increased by 1%. The following links will take you to pages identifying the differences in each of these domains.
CompTIA Security+ Study Guide
The
CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-601 Study Guide
is an update to the top-selling SY0-201, SY0-301, SY0-401, and SY0-501 study guides, which have helped thousands of readers pass the exam the first time they took it. It includes the same elements readers raved about in the previous four versions.
Each of the eleven chapters presents topics in an easy to understand manner and includes real-world examples of security principles in action.
You’ll understand the important and relevant security topics for the Security+ exam, without being overloaded with unnecessary details. Additionally, each chapter includes a comprehensive review section to help you focus on what’s important.

Over 300 realistic practice test questions with in-depth explanations will help you test your comprehension and readiness for the exam. The book includes:
- A 75 question pre-test
- A 75 question post-test
- Practice test questions at the end of every chapter.
Each practice test question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the content and the reasoning behind the question. You’ll be ready to take and pass the exam the first time you take it.
If you plan to pursue any of the advanced security certifications, this guide will also help you lay a solid foundation of security knowledge. Learn this material, and you’ll be a step ahead for other exams. This SY0-601 study guide is for any IT or security professional interested in advancing in their field, and a must-read for anyone striving to master the basics of IT security.
Kindle edition also available.
A significant difference in CompTIAs objective document is the new section on CompTIA Authorized Materials Use Policy. It includes these statements:
“CompTIA Certifications, LLC is not affiliated with and does not authorize, endorse or condone utilizing any content provided by unauthorized third-party training sites, aka ‘brain dumps’. Individuals who utilize such materials in preparation for any CompTIA examination will have their certifications revoked and be suspended from future testing in accordance with the CompTIA Candidate Agreement. In an effort to more clearly communicate CompTIA’s exam policies on use of unauthorized study materials, CompTIA directs all certification candidates to the CompTIA Certification Exam Policies webpage: http://certification.comptia.org/Training/testingcenters/policies.aspx“
“Please review all CompTIA policies before beginning the study process for any CompTIA exam. Candidates will be required to abide by the CompTIA Candidate Agreement (http://certification.comptia.org/Training/testingcenters/policies/agreement.aspx) at the time of exam delivery.”
“If a candidate has a question as to whether study materials are considered unauthorized (aka brain dumps), he/she should perform a search using CertGuard’s engine, found here: http://www.certguard.com/search.asp“
“Or verify against this list: http://certification.comptia.org/Training/testingcenters/policies/unauthorized.aspx“
Security+ (SY0-601) Practice Test Questions
SY0-601 Practice Test Questions
Over 385 realistic Security+ practice test questions
At least 10 performance-based questions
All questions include explanations so you’ll know why the correct answers are correct,
and why the incorrect answers are incorrect.
Upgrade Your Resume with the Security+ New Version
Multiple quiz formats to let you use these questions based on the way you learn.
- Learn mode – randomized. View each of the questions in random order. Learn mode allows you to keep selecting answers until you select the correct answer. Once you select the correct answer, you’ll see the explanation. Click here to see how learn mode works.
- Test mode – randomized. View each of the questions in random order. In test mode, you can only see the correct answers and explanations after you complete the test. Click here to see how test mode works.
- Test mode – 75 random questions. View 75 random questions from the full test bank similar to how the Security+ exam has a potential maximum of 75 multiple choice questions.
Pass the First Time You Take It
Get the full bank of SY0-601 Practice Test Questions Here
Click here if you’re looking for SY0-501 Online Study Package
Security+ Full Access Package
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Our online Security+ study materials are the perfect complement to the CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide. They can also be used to help ensure you’re ready no matter what study guide you’re using.
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Here’s what you’ll get:
- All of the multiple-choice questions from the best-selling CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide. See a demo here. All questions have full explanations so you’ll know why the correct answers are correct and why the incorrect answers are incorrect.
- Over 40 new multiple-choice questions we’ve added after publishing the study guide.
- Over 30 performance-based questions. See a demo here.
- All of the flashcards from the study guide. View them in any Web browser.
- All of the audio from the study guide. Listen to a sample here.
- Access to a free discount code for 10% off your Security+ voucher.
Buy The Full Access Study Package Today
60 Days Access
All materials are available online shortly after making your payment.
Get the Security+ Full Access Study Package Here