I’ve received several queries related to the SY0-301 Security+ exam and it’s relationship with the SY0-401 exam. Some questions include:
- Is there much difference between the SY0-301 exam and the SY0-401 exam?
- Can I use the CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-301 Study Guide to study for the SY0-401 exam?
- Will the information I learned from studying the SY0-301 book be enough to pass the SY0-401 exam?
Here are my answers:
SY0-301 and SY0-401 Differences on Exam
Is there much difference between the SY0-301 exam and the SY0-401 exam?
Yes. There are a lot of differences between the 301 and the SY0-401 exam.
While there is a lot of overlap between the two exams, there is a lot of new material and some of the topics have a different focus.
Here are links to a series of posts I wrote comparing the two exams and listing the differences:
- SY0-401 Differences in Domains
- SY0-401 Differences in Network Security
- SY0-401 Differences in Compliance and Operational Security
- SY0-401 Differences in Threats and Vulnerabilities
- SY0-401 Differences in Application, Data and Host Security
- SY0-401 Differences in Access Control and Identity Management
- SY0-401 Differences in Cryptography
- SY0-401 Differences in Acronyms
SY0-301 and SY0-401 Differences and Study Guides
Can I use the CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-301 Study Guide to study for the SY0-401 exam?
When taking any exam, it’s best to use the book that was created for that exam. While there is a lot of overlap between the two exams, there is a lot of new material and some of the topics have a different focus.
The CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-301 Study Guide has helped thousands of people pass the SY0-301 Security+ exam the first time they took it. However, it doesn’t cover the objectives on the SY0-401 exam.
In contrast, the CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-401 Study Guide covers all the objectives for the SY0-401 exam.
SY0-301 and SY0-401 Differences and Passing
Will the information I learned from studying the SY0-301 book be enough to pass the SY0-401 exam?
Probably not. However, it does build a solid foundation of knowledge.
Depending on when you’re reading this, you might still have time.
The SY0-301 expiration date is December 31, 2014.
