A Guide to the Best CompTIA Security+ Training Bootcamps

If you are ready to take your IT career in cybersecurity to the next level, the CompTIA Security+ certification might be the best step to take.

Before you take the exam, you will want to prepare using specially designed resources.

One of the most popular ways to prepare for a CompTIA Security+ certification exam is boot camp training.

These fast-paced, short-term cram sessions allow students to cover the most test information in the least amount of time.

For more information about the top CompTIA Security+ certification boot camp training, continue to read our list below.

Overview

• Average Cost: $199 – $2,500
• Duration: 3 – 10 days
• Format: Instructor-led training (in-person or online); self-paced remote learning
• Level: Beginner (No cybersecurity experience required)

Curriculum

Since the CompTIA Security+ training is the first cybersecurity certification that most cybersecurity IT professionals acquire, this curriculum tends to cover the very basic aspects of cybersecurity.

This means that you will review topics such as system security, network security, the infrastructure of networks, assessments, audits, organizational security, and access control.

Once you have reviewed these subjects, you will be ready to take your CompTIA Security+ certification exam and apply for entry-level cybersecurity positions with newfound confidence in your skills.

For the most part, the curriculum of these boot camp training programs sticks to essential information that you can expect to see on the exam.

Benefits

While cybersecurity can seem like a daunting field to enter, the truth is that it is no more difficult to learn cybersecurity than it is to learn any other IT specialization.

Still, when you take a boot camp style training course in CompTIA Security+ certification prep, you will probably find yourself less stressed about taking this exam than you were before taking the class.

In addition to lowering your fears around the test, these boot camp trainings provide practical preparation for the test that you simply could not do on your own.

Between qualified instruction and the support of the classroom environment, you will know that you are not alone in this process.

While that is a small perk, it can be huge for those who feel overwhelmed by the certification process.

Cost

Depending on the time, level of instruction, benefits, and instruction mode of the boot camp training for CompTIA Security+ certification, you can expect to pay at least $200 for a basic self-paced test prep course and upwards of $2,500 for an in-person class with a qualified instructor.

The cost of these programs varies greatly because the format and intensity of them vary greatly.

If you just need some test preparation materials, it will cost less in most cases than a full course that teaches the basics of IT security.

For the more expensive programs, you may be able to work out a payment plan so they do not present as great of a financial burden upfront.

Some programs also accept financial aid or employer funding, which can lower the cost or reduce it entirely.b

Timeframe

While every program is different, the thing that differentiates boot camp learning from regular instruction is the timeframe.

Most boot camps for CompTIA Security+ last at least three days.

For shorter programs, you can usually expect to spend the entire workday there.

This allows them to cram the most information into the lowest number of days.

Some programs can last as long as several weeks.

These programs are usually designed to teach beginners the basics of cybersecurity, whereas shorter programs typically intend to review information that one should already know as an IT professional or student.

Top Bootcamps

Training Camp

If time is of the essence, then Training Camp’s three-day CompTIA Security+ Certification Boot Camp might be right up your alley.

This extremely short boot camp program boasts that they are the fastest path to certification in the industry.

If you have 72 hours to prepare for the exam, you will appreciate the brief nature of this program.

You can take your three-day course in a physical classroom setting if you are local to their locations.

Alternatively, they offer remote options for virtual learners who may have a hard time accessing their physical classroom locations.

On this course, you will acquire all of the information you need to pass your Security+ exam.

They even include a complimentary exam voucher in the price, so you do not have to worry about budgeting for it when it is time to take the test.

If you fail your first attempt, you don’t need to fret.

You can retake the test with their free second shot exam voucher.

With this second chance at taking the exam, you will also have the opportunity to take the course again.

With all of this support and the safety net of the second shot exam voucher, you will certainly succeed at getting your Security+ certification.

If you have failed the test in the past, this boot camp training opportunity may give you the extra boost you need to pass this time around.

Skillsoft

The CompTIA Security+ Crash Course Bootcamp (SYS-601: CompTIA Security+) training from Skillsoft is another great option to help you prepare to take the Security+ exam without worrying about failing.

As Skillsoft’s website shares, this course is designed as an “11th hour” crash course.

It is perfect for students who have waited until the last possible minute to crack open the textbooks and get ready for the exam.

If you are a major procrastinator who wants to pass your Security+ certification exam, this course may save the day.

Naturally, if you have to take the exam a few hours from now, this course may not help you.

If you are down to the wire with only a few weeks left until your exam date, though, this crash course is a lifesaver.

For those who do not plan on taking the Security+ exam any time soon, this course could still be a good way to gain basic knowledge in this area of IT.

Simply completing the course could help you stand out to employers who are worried about taking a risk on a new hire with limited experience.

It also shows that you are planning on taking the exam soon, which can look great to employers who are iffy about your inexperience in the field of IT.

One of the biggest perks of this course is that they take questions that are specific to the Security+ exam and incorporate them into the review.

Although no course will tell you all of the questions and answers to the test, this course does share questions that cover similar materials to what you will encounter on exam day.

That alone can make it worth every penny.

SecureNinja

If you are local to the cities of Washington, DC, San Diego, CA, or Dulles, VA, you will appreciate the opportunity to take live boot camp training classes in CompTIA Security+ test preparation in SecureNinja’s physical classroom environments.

For students who do their best learning in person, these classes can be more effective than fully online options.

In this course, you will receive high-quality instruction and review current exam questions to prepare for the test.

This way, you won’t have to guess what you might see on test day.

You will walk into the testing site more prepared and confident.

As a result, you will improve your odds of passing the test on the first try.

While SecureNinja’s Security+ boot camp only covers this certification’s material, it does build a foundation for higher levels of certification such as CISA and CISSP.

If you know that you will want to obtain these certifications down the road, this is the first step towards that goal.

In this course, you will review materials around topics such as cryptography, security in messaging systems, access security, network security, and securing wireless networks.

Overall, you will leave this class with a stronger understanding of the material.

More importantly, you will have some realistic, practical advice about how to pass the exam with flying colors.

If you do not live near the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area or Dulles, VA or San Diego, CA, you can still participate in these classes through Live Online options.

Since these classes are live online, you will have to sign up for the course and attend it when the class is available to meet.

You will also need to set aside time to attend class.

If this does not work with your schedule, you might need to look into self-paced online options for boot camp training for the Security+ certification.

Udemy

For an extremely budget-friendly option that is also very short on time, Udemy’s CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) Certification Bootcamp is an excellent choice.

For less than $20, you can access about three and a half hours of content to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam through this course on Udemy.

Since the course is self-paced, you can also review the materials at your own time and pace.

If you are struggling to grasp a certain concept, you can rewatch the lecture over and over until you understand it.

Because this is an online-only class, it is ideal for students who do not live in an area where companies offer in-person education in IT and cybersecurity.

While this course is short, sweet, and to the point, it does not skimp on information.

As with any basic cybersecurity review, students will cover topics such as Threats, Attacks & Vulnerabilities.

Identity & Access Management, Technologies & Tools, Risk Management, Architecture & Design, and Cryptography & PKI, according to Udemy’s website.

Even after you complete the course, you will have lifetime access to the materials, so you can continue reviewing for the test and brushing up on your skills.

To make you a more attractive candidate for entry-level cybersecurity work, you will receive a certificate of completion once you have finished the course.

For less than $20, Udemy packs a lot of value into this course that is applicable to entry-level cybersecurity work and gaining your Security+ certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CompTIA Security+ Certification necessary?

While you don’t need to have this certification to land a job in the field, it can be helpful to show employers that you have basic cybersecurity skills without a lot of experience.

How much does the CompTIA Security+ Certification exam cost?

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam costs $370.

Training materials will drive this cost up.

Can I take the CompTIA Security+ Certification exam with no experience?

While the exam does not require you to have a certain amount of experience, working in the IT field in cybersecurity for at least a year or two will make it easier to pass the exam.

What are the prerequisites for the CompTIA Security+ Certification exam?

The CompTIA Security+ Certification exam has no prerequisites.