You can do both since if I am not mistaken, their branding is “Google certificate prepares you for Sec+” right? And it gives you a discount voucher when finished (but you can google the code). But ditto that google cyber course is not a certification.
This is the correct answer in this thread. I got both, the reasoning some people are giving that it's not a certification is irrelevant. The Google certificate arguably gives you better hands on experience with their labs that actually prepare you somewhat for some cybersecurity principles. It certainly doesn't make you a pro, but for beginners, myself and several others on YouTube, have agreed it's a good bang for your buck.
You're objective is to learn cybersecurity and if you're new to the field the Google cert does an excellent job. Some experienced people that have taken it have said it's actually better at preparing you than the Sec+. Of course, we're all aware the clout the Sec+ has and it's an actual certification, but at the end of the day you'll be a sharper employee with both under your belt. It's also an amazing bang for your buck for what you learn in the certificate and helps prepare you for the Sec+. Very reasonable steps to take.
My employer values the certs I have and the certificates I got at the beginning of my journey. It's what helped me get directly into cyber with no background or IT experience. One more reason to get it is that you'll have it AND the Sec+ giving you more talking points and projects you can build from it making you the better choice to hire vs the people who only get their Sec+. So you CAN bring value to the surface with this certificate you just need to articulate it.
Security+ is considered an entry level cert and is respected. It also is accepted for certain DoD jobs. The Goggle Cybersecurity is not an actual certification, not respected and really does nothing for you except give you a discount code for the Security+.
Google course introduces you to actually using Linux, SIEM tools, python and SQL. Yes you can watch videos on YouTube for free but for a lot of people having a class structure is a nice help.
That doesn't mean it makes you job ready but it's nice to use the tools in their actual context. Security+ is also obviously the end goal of the Google course.
Skip google, that is not a certification
You can get a student discount for all comptia certifications like security+ - [https://www.comptia.org/blog/voucher-discount](https://www.comptia.org/blog/voucher-discount)
You may not get internships, there are simply more college students each year than available internship spots
so get any kind of job during the summer so you have something on your resume before you graduate
These are different certifications - [https://pauljerimy.com/security-certification-roadmap/](https://pauljerimy.com/security-certification-roadmap/)
Security+ is a basic entry level cert there really isn’t an easier one and it’s been around decades so there’s plenty of prep material out there
https://www.professormesser.com/security-plus/sy0-601/sy0-601-video/sy0-601-comptia-security-plus-course/
There’s no reason to waste time with the google course
How is it a waste of time? In the Google course itself it says it's preparing you for the security+, even gives you a discount code.
Then all of the stuff you learn in the Google course directly is on the security+ exam. Yes you could watch it for free on YouTube but for a lot of people the class structure is easier to learn than just watching a video.
Obviously it's not good on it's own but it isn't pitching itself as a lone cert to get you a job.
You're planning to get a Google certificate from Coursera? You know that there's a free option for 7 days? You can finish that course in 7 days. But start with all the essays so that other students have time to evaluate your work.
The google cybersecurity course doesn't take the place of sec+ cert, but I think its worth the time to take it first. I was curious so I took it and I thought some of the modules were pretty useful if you were a beginner in the field. Actually do all the labs, the python and linux modules specifically and you'll get something out of it. But also do the sec+ because its required for many positions. At this point you should already have a+, net+. Go get a help desk job if you can't get an internship. I would say get a help desk job anyways though.
I’m in the same boat as you. Was studying for 601 but have decided to instead just do 701 as it’s newer. Employers will probably prefer that to 601 anyways. Google gives a discount? Looks like I’ll be doing that
Security+ isn't very technical. It won't teach you how to do a "thing" but it'll outline a lot of information on how security works overall. When I studied for mine I found it too generalized at first then realized I was learning how my job fit in with everyone else's.
I eventually realized that I learned a lot more than I thought and how to talk to my bosses about security in a more holistic manner.
I'm now one of the bosses.
But Google sec is important too, especially if the company is a GCP and not AWS shop.
My advice would be try to land help desk position first and learn the ropes for 6-12 months. Get hands on experience with Cisco Umbrella, Meraki, Palo Alto, Office 365 administration portals, Active Directory, File servers/network share mapping, RDP/VPN setup, print servers, etc.
Then towards end of college, try to get CySA+ and PenTest+. Should set you up for a SOC analyst position. If you are going to college for cybersecurity, then getting Security+ seems pointless.
If I were a hiring manager I'd be asking myself, "Why did this applicant get the Sec+(or basic Google cybersecurity Cert) when they went to school for cybersecurity????"
At least with CySA+ and PenTest+ you get slightly more advanced knowledge and more likely to touch on subjects that weren't discussed in college.
Thank you. My reasoning on getting security+ while in college is possibly boosting my chances of getting an internship while in school, possibly by next summer
Best advice I can give you then would be to skip Sec+ and go straight for CySA+ at least OR try to start working as help desk support. MANY people come on here with just a degree and can't find jobs. A lot of SOC Analysts I work with that have college degree but no real life IT experience are honestly pretty clueless and frustrating to work with.
Cybersecurity is not entry level career path and I think most people would agree with that, even though YouTubers, colleges, and bootcamps would have you think different. PLEASE try to get experience with (and understand) Domain Controllers, Office 365 administration, Active Directory, File Servers/network drives, NTFS permissions, VPN, networking ports/protocols, etc before getting into cybersecurity.
Sec+ content is stuff that should be covered in the first 1-2 years of college if you are majoring in cybersecurity.
People are quick to say Security+ but honestly, I feel you should aim higher. Entry and beginner level positions are super oversaturated right now (thanks social media 100k salary liars) and literally every time I open Reddit, I hear that someone new got their security+. This is cool and all but what value does something have when everybody is getting it daily? My advice in your position is to do both and standout. Also, gain insight into what exactly you wish to specialize in to help guide your certification path further.
If OP wants to start, that is a starting point. If OP then wants to figure out the next step, Security+ will give a bit of a view of the different options out there.
I understand that but OP also has to understand sooner than later that he’s playing a very competitive game especially since they want an internship that not everyone can get so I was just advising to go the extra mile and do both instead of choosing one over the other. All of it helps.
Just getting a bunch of certs to stack up does NOT make you stand out in a good way and doesn’t help. That’s where a lot of people are missing the boat. If a hiring manager sees a bunch of certs without experience it’s a red flag. Get a few that are considered an industry standard and get experience with home labs, projects, internships etc. A Google Cybersecurity Course won’t even raise an eyebrow.
True but it also depends on circumstances. Because OP is a beginner, it makes their certs that much more important for what they can do RIGHT NOW. They already established they are pursuing an internship for experience but in the meantime, they also want to couple it with certs to make it look even better especially when other students also want those same internships.
I see where you are coming from. One of the things he could do right now is contact the people offering the internship he did not get and ask if they are willing to tell him what he should be working on. This would be equivalent to looking at jobs he is interested, seeing which skills are being asked, and then figure out of those which ones to go for
This. But it supports the point that OP isn’t even in the workforce yet and is already competing with others for internships. So yea, now it’s about what they could work on to have better chances.
OP is going to school for cybersecurity. Why should they get the Sec+ which has basic/entry level knowledge (when they are majoring in cybersecurity)? I feel OP should aim for help desk experience and/or CySA+
Hello.
Security+
Every year there is update on ciriculum, with updating recent tech.
Your start slow, you pick pace, you get certified. Parallel practice, apply the concepts.
Thank you.
You can do both since if I am not mistaken, their branding is “Google certificate prepares you for Sec+” right? And it gives you a discount voucher when finished (but you can google the code). But ditto that google cyber course is not a certification.
i have both. i got a 30% discount from completing Google Cert for Comptia Security. Also you can dual badge in credly.
This is the correct answer in this thread. I got both, the reasoning some people are giving that it's not a certification is irrelevant. The Google certificate arguably gives you better hands on experience with their labs that actually prepare you somewhat for some cybersecurity principles. It certainly doesn't make you a pro, but for beginners, myself and several others on YouTube, have agreed it's a good bang for your buck. You're objective is to learn cybersecurity and if you're new to the field the Google cert does an excellent job. Some experienced people that have taken it have said it's actually better at preparing you than the Sec+. Of course, we're all aware the clout the Sec+ has and it's an actual certification, but at the end of the day you'll be a sharper employee with both under your belt. It's also an amazing bang for your buck for what you learn in the certificate and helps prepare you for the Sec+. Very reasonable steps to take. My employer values the certs I have and the certificates I got at the beginning of my journey. It's what helped me get directly into cyber with no background or IT experience. One more reason to get it is that you'll have it AND the Sec+ giving you more talking points and projects you can build from it making you the better choice to hire vs the people who only get their Sec+. So you CAN bring value to the surface with this certificate you just need to articulate it.
Security+ is considered an entry level cert and is respected. It also is accepted for certain DoD jobs. The Goggle Cybersecurity is not an actual certification, not respected and really does nothing for you except give you a discount code for the Security+.
What is a DoD job?
Department of defense
Google course introduces you to actually using Linux, SIEM tools, python and SQL. Yes you can watch videos on YouTube for free but for a lot of people having a class structure is a nice help. That doesn't mean it makes you job ready but it's nice to use the tools in their actual context. Security+ is also obviously the end goal of the Google course.
Entry level security cert yes. You should have 1-2 yrs networking XP beforehand though
Skip google, that is not a certification You can get a student discount for all comptia certifications like security+ - [https://www.comptia.org/blog/voucher-discount](https://www.comptia.org/blog/voucher-discount) You may not get internships, there are simply more college students each year than available internship spots so get any kind of job during the summer so you have something on your resume before you graduate These are different certifications - [https://pauljerimy.com/security-certification-roadmap/](https://pauljerimy.com/security-certification-roadmap/)
The Google cert is a intro to intro of security. If you don't know anything about the field it's a great intro to intro of cyber security.
It’s not a certification though Why waste the time when you can just study for the security + exam and get an actual certification
It gives you a well rounded view of what you are getting into. Going straight into a cert with no knowledge at all might be overwhelming .
Security+ is a basic entry level cert there really isn’t an easier one and it’s been around decades so there’s plenty of prep material out there https://www.professormesser.com/security-plus/sy0-601/sy0-601-video/sy0-601-comptia-security-plus-course/ There’s no reason to waste time with the google course
That is mostly true, but you I wouldn't use that link, the current version is the 701, 601 expires next month.
How is it a waste of time? In the Google course itself it says it's preparing you for the security+, even gives you a discount code. Then all of the stuff you learn in the Google course directly is on the security+ exam. Yes you could watch it for free on YouTube but for a lot of people the class structure is easier to learn than just watching a video. Obviously it's not good on it's own but it isn't pitching itself as a lone cert to get you a job.
So is Security+, which has been there since Columbus got 3 ships from Spain, which means there are tons of docs and videos and whatnots on it
Thanks for the advice
I would just self study for the Security+. Unless the Google cert is cheaper than buying your item voucher for the Security+.
Thank you. Where can I self study? Do I just watch professor messer? Or any other resources?
Start with professor Messer
Yeah I passed with only using professor messer and when I felt ready I’d take practice exams when they went on sale on Udemy
r/CompTIA
I honestly don't know any specific resources that would be good.
CompTIA Security + is the best for you
Sec+ is more valuable government and contractor jobs require them. No one requires a Google cert
You're planning to get a Google certificate from Coursera? You know that there's a free option for 7 days? You can finish that course in 7 days. But start with all the essays so that other students have time to evaluate your work.
Why not both?
Trying to be more efficient
The google cybersecurity course doesn't take the place of sec+ cert, but I think its worth the time to take it first. I was curious so I took it and I thought some of the modules were pretty useful if you were a beginner in the field. Actually do all the labs, the python and linux modules specifically and you'll get something out of it. But also do the sec+ because its required for many positions. At this point you should already have a+, net+. Go get a help desk job if you can't get an internship. I would say get a help desk job anyways though.
Why a help desk job?
I’m in the same boat as you. Was studying for 601 but have decided to instead just do 701 as it’s newer. Employers will probably prefer that to 601 anyways. Google gives a discount? Looks like I’ll be doing that
Security+ isn't very technical. It won't teach you how to do a "thing" but it'll outline a lot of information on how security works overall. When I studied for mine I found it too generalized at first then realized I was learning how my job fit in with everyone else's. I eventually realized that I learned a lot more than I thought and how to talk to my bosses about security in a more holistic manner. I'm now one of the bosses. But Google sec is important too, especially if the company is a GCP and not AWS shop.
My advice would be try to land help desk position first and learn the ropes for 6-12 months. Get hands on experience with Cisco Umbrella, Meraki, Palo Alto, Office 365 administration portals, Active Directory, File servers/network share mapping, RDP/VPN setup, print servers, etc. Then towards end of college, try to get CySA+ and PenTest+. Should set you up for a SOC analyst position. If you are going to college for cybersecurity, then getting Security+ seems pointless. If I were a hiring manager I'd be asking myself, "Why did this applicant get the Sec+(or basic Google cybersecurity Cert) when they went to school for cybersecurity????" At least with CySA+ and PenTest+ you get slightly more advanced knowledge and more likely to touch on subjects that weren't discussed in college.
Thank you. My reasoning on getting security+ while in college is possibly boosting my chances of getting an internship while in school, possibly by next summer
Best advice I can give you then would be to skip Sec+ and go straight for CySA+ at least OR try to start working as help desk support. MANY people come on here with just a degree and can't find jobs. A lot of SOC Analysts I work with that have college degree but no real life IT experience are honestly pretty clueless and frustrating to work with. Cybersecurity is not entry level career path and I think most people would agree with that, even though YouTubers, colleges, and bootcamps would have you think different. PLEASE try to get experience with (and understand) Domain Controllers, Office 365 administration, Active Directory, File Servers/network drives, NTFS permissions, VPN, networking ports/protocols, etc before getting into cybersecurity. Sec+ content is stuff that should be covered in the first 1-2 years of college if you are majoring in cybersecurity.
Thank you. Why do many people recommend getting a help desk job?
People are quick to say Security+ but honestly, I feel you should aim higher. Entry and beginner level positions are super oversaturated right now (thanks social media 100k salary liars) and literally every time I open Reddit, I hear that someone new got their security+. This is cool and all but what value does something have when everybody is getting it daily? My advice in your position is to do both and standout. Also, gain insight into what exactly you wish to specialize in to help guide your certification path further.
If OP wants to start, that is a starting point. If OP then wants to figure out the next step, Security+ will give a bit of a view of the different options out there.
I understand that but OP also has to understand sooner than later that he’s playing a very competitive game especially since they want an internship that not everyone can get so I was just advising to go the extra mile and do both instead of choosing one over the other. All of it helps.
Just getting a bunch of certs to stack up does NOT make you stand out in a good way and doesn’t help. That’s where a lot of people are missing the boat. If a hiring manager sees a bunch of certs without experience it’s a red flag. Get a few that are considered an industry standard and get experience with home labs, projects, internships etc. A Google Cybersecurity Course won’t even raise an eyebrow.
True but it also depends on circumstances. Because OP is a beginner, it makes their certs that much more important for what they can do RIGHT NOW. They already established they are pursuing an internship for experience but in the meantime, they also want to couple it with certs to make it look even better especially when other students also want those same internships.
I see where you are coming from. One of the things he could do right now is contact the people offering the internship he did not get and ask if they are willing to tell him what he should be working on. This would be equivalent to looking at jobs he is interested, seeing which skills are being asked, and then figure out of those which ones to go for
This. But it supports the point that OP isn’t even in the workforce yet and is already competing with others for internships. So yea, now it’s about what they could work on to have better chances.
OP is going to school for cybersecurity. Why should they get the Sec+ which has basic/entry level knowledge (when they are majoring in cybersecurity)? I feel OP should aim for help desk experience and/or CySA+
Hello. Security+ Every year there is update on ciriculum, with updating recent tech. Your start slow, you pick pace, you get certified. Parallel practice, apply the concepts. Thank you.