CompTIA Security+ is a certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. It is a global certification that emphasizes hands-on practical skills, ensuring the security professional is better prepared to problem solve a wider variety of issues. The certification is vendor-neutral and industry-recognized, and it is often the first certification in information security that an IT professional earns. The exam covers subject areas such as network security, secure application development, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, application, data and host security, access control and identity management, risk management, and more. The certification exam is performance-based, meaning that it assesses baseline cybersecurity knowledge and skills through practical questions, making it difficult to pass the exam if you cannot actually perform the work. The certification is good for three years and can be renewed by taking the updated version of the exam or earning continuing education units. The certification is for IT professionals with two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus, or equivalent training, looking to start or advance a career in security. Successful candidates will have the skills to assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions, monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT, operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies, including principles of governance, risk, and compliance, identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents, and more.