Security + Exam Guide (Charles River Media Networking/Security)

Similar to other CompTIA certification exams, the Security+ exam has been released in traditional linear format as opposed to adaptive testing format, otherwise known as CAT (computerized adaptive testing). You will be required to answer 100 multiple-choice questions within 90 minutes.

When you have completed answering the required number of questions, your score will be calculated and the test results will be displayed on your screen. You will know instantly whether or not you have passed the exam. Proceed to the test coordinator’s desk and get your printed test results.

Here is a typical breakdown of the Security+ exam design:

• You will be allotted 90 minutes to complete the exam: You will see a timer or clock in the upper right-hand corner of the test screen that displays the amount of time you have remaining to complete the test.

• You will be required to answer 100 multiple-choice questions within 90 minutes: The minimum passing score is 764, on a graded scale of 100-900. Be careful—if CompTIA chooses, some questions might require more than one answer. If there are circles next to your choices, you must choose only one answer. However, if you see squares next to your choices, you will have the option to select one or more answers. Read the questions carefully. They usually say, “Choose two” or “Choose three.” If a question asks you to “Choose two” and you select only one answer, the test will prompt you to choose two before you can proceed. The same is true for “Choose three” and so on. It is most likely that your Security+ exam will have only circles and require only one answer to each question. Keep an eye out for questions that offer you four “circle” choices where the last choice is “None of the above.” These questions are tricky and deserve your special attention.

• There might be questions that require you to click on a graphic radio button to display a diagram or image: You’ll be asked to select the correct answer or best choice from the displayed diagram or image. Some diagrams require you to select or identify several choices. You will be allowed to refer back to the diagram to make your selections. This is a good place to use your scratch paper or plastic card given to you by the exam proctor to keep your thoughts straight.

• As is the case with CompTIA’s traditional exam structure, you will have the option to mark a question for later review: There will be a radio button on the screen identified with the word, mark, or “mark for later review.” Simply place a check mark in the box. When you have finished the last question on the exam, you will have the option to go back through the questions you have marked and change your answers if you so choose. This is a tool used to remind you of what questions you had difficulty with or simply need to review before you end the exam.