The PLA CompTIA Security+ course is fully funded for those eligible for PLA funding.
As a CompTIA Security+ certified professional, you’ll be able to develop the skills to be responsible for protecting data, networks, identifying threats and incident response. Tailored for IT professionals looking to advance in security roles or those beginning a cyber security role.
The CompTIA Security+ is a comprehensive programme including lessons and practical activities which you can revisit as often as required.
The programme requires attendance at 2 half day tutor led sessions delivered via Microsoft Teams and commitment to follow the online e-learning programme. A further day tutor led exam preparation and revision prior to taking the online examination is included.
This certification provides job-ready skills that employers are looking for, helping you to fast-track your career in IT.
CompTIA Security+ (Including Exam)
Delivery Method: Blended learning with E-learning and online tutor led workshops
Learning Hours: Half day programme induction, 37 hours online e-learning and 2 half day tutor led workshops
Examination: Half day exam revision and preparation followed by online exam through Pearson Vue
Prerequisites: CompTIA recommends the equivalent to two years of experience working in a security/ systems administrator job role
Course Content Summary
General Security Concepts
Includes key cybersecurity terminology and concepts up front to provide a foundation for security controls discussed throughout the exam
Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations
Focuses on responding to common threats, cyberattacks, vulnerabilities, and security incidents and appropriate mitigation techniques to monitor and secure hybrid environments.
Security Architecture
Includes security implications of different architecture models, principles of securing enterprise infrastructure, and strategies to protect data.
Security Operations
Includes applying and enhancing security and vulnerability management techniques, as well as security implications of proper hardware, software, and data management.
Security Program Management & Oversight
Updated to better reflect the reporting and communication skills required for Security+ job roles relating to governance, risk management, compliance, assessment, and security awareness.
Exam Details
Revision and Examination Day
The final workshop delivery will provide an opportunity for Tutor supported exam preparation and revision using CertMaster.
CertMaster revision and test preparation
To prepare for your examination you will be provided access to the CompTIA CertMaster platform which allows you to practice exam style questions and performance tasks and will provide insights into areas for review, revision and practice.
Exam Voucher
You will receive an exam voucher to undertake the Security+ (SY0-701) exam with Pearson Vue. The exam can be taken online or by registering to attend your nearest Pearson Vue testing centre (details available when booking with Pearson Vue)
Exam
The exam is a combination of multiple choice and performance task based questions
A maximum of 90 questions to complete in 90 minutes
Pass mark is 750 out of a possible 900 marks
Delivery Schedule
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ALS PLA funded courses are provided in partnership with Cardiff and Vale College. Click the button below to visit the Cardiff and Vale website to begin your application process
| Session | Method of Learning | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Induction | Online tutor led session via Microsoft Teams | Induction – Introduction to the programme, registration and CompTIA systems, processes and online practice system |
| Month 1 | Online E-learning via CompTIA Supported by Practical exercises using Virtual Labs | Summarise Fundamental Security Concepts Perform System Configuration Gap Analysis Compare Threat Types Configuring Examples of Security Control Types Finding Open Service Ports Using SET to Perform Social Engineering Explain Cryptographic Solutions Using Storage Encryption Using Hashing and Salting Implement Identity and Access Management Managing Password Security Managing Permissions Secure Enterprise Network Architecture Setting up Remote Access Using TLS Tunnelling |
| Progress Review 1 | Check in via Microsoft Teams | Online meeting with ALS support tutor to check progress and provide assistance as required |
| Month 2 | Online E-learning via CompTIA Supported by Practical exercises using Virtual Labs | Secure Cloud Network Architecture Using Containers Using Virtualization Explain Resiliency and Site Security Concepts Implement Backups Performing Drive Sanitization Exploiting and Detecting SQLi Explain Vulnerability Management Working with Threat Feeds Performing Vulnerability Scans |
| Workshop 1 | Online tutor led session via Microsoft Teams Supported by Practical exercises using Virtual Labs | Review of security fundamentals, cryptography and cloud-based security |
| Month 3 | Online E-learning via CompTIA Supported by Practical exercises using Virtual Labs | Evaluate Network Security Capabilities Understanding Security Baselines Assess Endpoint Security Capabilities Enhance Application Security Capabilities Implementing a Firewall Using Group Policy Analyse Indicators of Malicious Activity Hardening Performing DNS Filtering Configuring System Monitoring Detecting and Responding to Malware Understanding On-Path Attacks |
| Progress Review 2 | Check in via Microsoft Teams | Online meeting with ALS support tutor to check progress and provide assistance as required |
| Month 4 | Online E-learning via CompTIA Supported by Practical exercises using Virtual Labs | Explain Incident Response and Monitoring Concepts Incident Response: Detection Performing Digital Forensics Performing Root Cause Analysis Summarise Security Governance Concepts Summarise Data Protection and Compliance Concepts Explain Risk Management Processes Using a Playbook Implementing Allow Lists and Deny Lists Performing Reconnaissance Performing Penetration Testing Training and Awareness through Simulation Discovering Anomalous Behaviour Use Cases of Automation and Scripting Using Network Sniffers |
| Workshop 2 | Online tutor led session via Microsoft Teams Supported by Practical exercises using Virtual Labs | Review of threat analysis, incident response and management of network security. |
| Month 5 | Online E-learning and practice testing via CompTIA | Revision and Practice Questions via CertMaster |
| Progress Review 3 | Check in via Microsoft Teams | Online meeting with ALS support tutor to check progress and provide assistance as required |
| Month 6 | Online tutor led session Online via CompTIA Online via Pearson Vue | Exam Prep Revision and Practice Questions via CertMaster CompTIA Security+ Exam |