CASP, also known as the CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner credential is a vendor-neutral certificate. It is a globally recognized validation of advanced-level security knowledge and skills.
The certification course covers the skills and technical knowledge that is needed to engineer, conceptualize, execute, and integrate secure solutions in the diverse areas needed to maintain a sustainable enterprise.
The CASP certificate has been accredited by ANSI (American National Standard Institute) which shows its accordance with the ISO 17024 standard. It is important to point out that the ANSI is an NGO that manages the design of controlled consensus norms for products.
The body ensures that this CompTIAcredential goes through regular updates and reviews so that it can meet the goals and objectives of the exam.
Who can earn CompTIA CASP certification?
There is no denying the fact that cyber threats are growing in bounds on daily basis, and the amount of security vulnerabilities that organizations are exposed to have also grown.
Many organizations have therefore come to the realization that security is no more an option but a priority.
Security is no longer something that should be considered after an attack but something that should be put into place at the foundation of the company so as to keep it safe from external and internal attacks.
The high demand for professionals in the field of security has necessitated the need to certifythem all over the world.
The CASP candidates are professionals who are currently vying for positions in the IT security sector.
They arespecialists who are interested in tackling the various security challenges facing organizations.
To have an opportunity to sit for the CASP certification exam, candidates are expected to have a minimum of ten years work experience in an IT administration position including a minimum of five years’ hands-on experience in technical security.
Comparison of CASP certification and other Security certifications in the world
The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP) certification is one of the leading security credentials that are usually described as vendor neutral certification.
It is somewhat a springboard to other more vendor specific and specialized certificates. It is important to know that the scope of topics under the numerous domains of the certification apply to different technologies and security devices.
Consequently, the resource materials for the CASP can be gotten in books that cover those specific technologies and security devices.
Some other security credentials that compare with the CASP certification in terms of qualification requirements and difficulty are detailed below:
CSSLP: Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional
If you are interested in the security aspects of Software Development Lifecycle, you should consider taking the CSSLP certification.
The CSSLP was established in 2008 and was designed for professionals in different career fields, such as IT analysts, engineers working on SDLC, and managers.
Just like the CompTIA Advanced Certification, the Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional certification evaluates the candidates’ proficiency in security application and their capacity to investigate and eradicate threats and vulnerabilities.
If your career goal is to work as a software development security specialist, this credential is definitely what you need to attain your desired position.
CCSP: Certified Cloud Security Professional
The Certified Cloud Security Professional is the foremost cloud security credential.
As a matter of fact, it is one of the most sought-after certificates in the corporate world at the present time.
The CCSP identifies Information Security and Information Technology leaders who have developed the competence and knowledge to utilize best practices for cloud security architecture, operations, design, and service orchestration.
Having this certification is like a show card indicating that you are at the top level of cloud security.
The credential is designed for passionate, experienced Information Security and Information Technology professionals who consult or work in cloud platforms.
CISSP: Certified Information System Security Professional
CISSP is a prestigious cyber security certification that is recognized all over the world. It identifies and rewards IT leaders who are specialists in cyber security strategy and hands-on execution.
The credential evaluates a candidate’s demonstration of knowledge at high level in the field of security.
It indicates the individual’s capacity to engineer, design, execute, run, and manage an information security program in an organization.
It is very important to mention that your choice of certification is largely dependent on your preference and the availability of opportunities in the career market.
It is therefore very important that you knowthe specific area of career you will like to be in the future before taking a high level certification exam.
According to survey, the demand for cyber security specialists over a couple of years have greatly increased when compared to other information technology jobs.
The implication of this is that there are great prospects for individuals who take cyber security certificates.
Best ways to prepare for CASP certification examination
There are different options of training that are available to candidates planning to sit for the CASP certification exam.
The first thing to consider when choosing your option of preparation is first, your preference, and second, your level of understanding of the course.
Below are some of the options that you can consider for your training and preparation.
- Self-study
This option of training requires the most discipline to be able to cover the course contents within a reasonable time.
This approach is only recommended for candidates who are self-disciplined and focused in achieving what they set their minds to achieve.
If this option of training is your preference, it is recommended that you get some online study materials to use for preparing for the exam.
For instance, you can access materials from Infosec Institute’s Mentored Online Training.
- In-person bootcamp
The option offers you a well-structured training plan with experienced instructors facilitating the training.
This approach enables you to be accountable for the progress of your study while boosting your motivation to be focused on the study objectives.
- Live Online Training Courses
For candidates who prefer classroom style study then Prep Away might be the best one.
Right from the comfort of your home, you can access a live and active training session where an expert instructor facilitates the training.
There are many benefits that are associated with this form of training, such as the ability to ask questions, gain access to video recordings, and study in a classroom environment.
This form of training is usually available to students over a period of 120 days, and the training materials can be shipped to the candidates at request.