CompTIA Security + Independent Study

CompTIA Security + Independent Study
Tuesday, Septiembre 15, 2026 to Saturday, Septiembre 26, 2026
Self-paced program information
Independent Study is a great option for learners who prefer to work on their own. It is best for students who are self-motivated, organized, and committed to completing their goals on time.
The course must be finished within three months of the activation date. After finishing the course, the exam must be taken within one month. If a retake is needed, it must be completed within two months of the first exam.
Please note that course materials and exam vouchers have expiration dates. These expiration dates cannot be extended.

​Students will receive access codes for all of the course materials.
This virtual program, provided through CompTIA, includes:​
Strengths and Weaknesses Assessment​
Lessons​
Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)​
Labs​
Practice Assessments​
Flashcards​
Game Center​
Additional Resources​
Instructor support ​

One to two exam vouchers are included where you will complete the exam through Pearson Vue onsite or virtual.

CompTIA Security+ Certification:

CompTIA Security+ is the first security certification Information Technology (IT) professionals should earn.  It establishes the core knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.  The certification emphasizes both the practical and hands-on ability to identify and address security threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities.  CompTIA Security+ is a globally trusted, vendor-neutral certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career.
 
Course Includes:

  • 10 days of hands-on, instructor-led online training
  • Classes are held Monday-Friday, times vary.
  • Security+ exam vouchers (includes free retake)
  • CertMaster Labs for Security+
  • CertMaster Practice for Security+
  • CertMaster Learn for Instructor-Led Training for Security+

Recommended Level of Digital Fluency

Students should be able to:

  • Use advanced features of operating systems, including Windows and basic Linux
  • Work confidently with command-line interfaces
  • Set up and troubleshoot network connections

Other Recommended Prior Learning

  • High school–level math and reading skills
  • Solid understanding of networking concepts, including the OSI model, TCP/IP, ports, and protocols
  • Basic knowledge of how operating systems work and their processes
  • Familiarity with common cyber threats and attack types
  • Introduction to scripting concepts, including basic logic and automation

Recommended Prerequisite CompTIA Certifications (or Similar Learning)

  • A+ and Network+ certifications are strongly recommended
  • Completing both A+ and Network+ gives students an essential foundation
  • Similar learning can come from cybersecurity courses, capture-the-flag competitions, or security lab exercises

Course is offered as a virtual independent study or virtual independent study on demand (includes a CompTIA instructor). 

For our independent study and on-demand CompTIA courses, there is no set start date. These courses are offered all year long. Students can begin as soon as their enrollment is complete.

When we post these courses on CareerForce, we are required to enter a start date. This date is only for the posting and does not mean the class starts on that day.

Course must be completed within three months of receiving materials and the exam is to be completed a month after completing the course. If an exam retake is needed, it must be taken within two months of the previous exam. Both the course materials and exam vouchers have expiration dates with no extensions.

Certification renewal every three years from date of the exam.

Must have a minimum of CompTIA A+–level knowledge through certification, education, or similar training is required.

Level: Advanced

After you complete our course and pass the exam, we offer career exploration and job support through our MTFS Gather Program.

Online or Virtual Information
CompTIA virtual learning platform.
How to Participate

Minnesota Tech for Success is a partner of the Careerforce. The course is offered through Minnesota Tech for Success. 

For more information about Minnesota Tech for Success, please visit our information session here

For our independent study and on-demand CompTIA courses, there is no set start date. These courses are offered all year long. Students can begin as soon as their enrollment is complete.

When we post these courses on CareerForce, we are required to enter a start date. This date is only for the posting and does not mean the class starts on that day.

The first step is to complete our Minnesota Tech for Success application here.

In addition to the application, please complete this assessment to see if independent study is a good fit and learning style for you here.

Once the application is complete, we will contact you directly via e-mail to proceed with the enrollment steps. Please check your spam/junk mail Please allow up to five business days for a response. 

Office visits are by appointment only. 

Visit our website here.

Outcomes

Students will receive a certification in CompTIA Security +

IT careers you can pursue with a Security+ certification include Cloud Penetration Tester, Network Security Operations Specialist, Penetration Tester, Network Security Analyst, Web Application Penetration Tester, and Security Architect.

 

Program Costs

Minnesota Tech for Success (MTFS) is a tuition-based training program, which means there is a cost to take our courses. MTFS is not a free training program. However, some students may be eligible for specific grants offered through MTFS or one of our employment service provider partners. If you are eligible for and receive grant funding, the grant may cover 100% of the cost of your MTFS training, so you would not have to pay for the training.

Different grants have different eligibility requirements. The factors listed below are examples of circumstances that may be considered when determining eligibility for certain grants. Meeting one or more of these criteria does not guarantee that you will qualify for a grant or receive funding. Eligibility depends on the specific requirements of the grant program and your individual circumstances.

Examples of factors that may be considered include being an individual of color, lacking a high school diploma, experiencing unstable housing, being unemployed for 15 or more weeks within the past 52 weeks, or having a criminal record. Other factors may include having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), living with a disability, or having limited skills proficiency.

You may also be eligible for certain grants if you receive unemployment benefits (UI), TANF/MFIP/DWP, SNAP, free or reduced-price school lunch, or SSI/SSDI benefits. Other circumstances that may be considered for certain grants include having a basic skills deficiency, being a qualified military spouse, or being affected by a non-work-related injury or illness.

If you are already working with an employment counselor, case manager, or other workforce development professional, you may already have access to training funds through their program. We recommend speaking with them first to find out whether you have available funding that can be used toward the cost of MTFS training.

For students currently enrolled in MN WIOA workforce development programs, Minnesota Tech for Success is licensed by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, is WIOA-approved, and can be found on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Your employment counselor can help you determine whether you are eligible for WIOA funding or other workforce development funds that may cover the cost of your MTFS training.

Who to Contact for More Information

Similar Training Programs

Tue
15
Sep
Tuesday, September 15
CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for establishing a career in Information Technology (IT) and is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles. 
Sep 15 - 26, 2026
Tue
15
Sep
Tuesday, September 15
CompTIA Linux+ (V8) proves you have the skills to manage, secure, automate, and troubleshoot Linux systems in cloud and hybrid environments.
Sep 15 - 26, 2026
Tue
15
Sep
Tuesday, September 15
CompTIA Tech+ Class is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in IT skills and knowledge.
Sep 15 - 26, 2026
Tue
15
Sep
Tuesday, September 15
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) is a top certification for people who work in cybersecurity. It focuses on finding, stopping, and responding to security threats by constantly monitoring systems.
Sep 15 - 26, 2026

Find Location

City/Town

No Locations found. Try increasing search radius.

Esta plataforma es traída a usted por el Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) (Departamento de Empleo y Desarrollo Económico de Minnesota). Desarrollado y mantenido por CiviServ; el contenido de CareerForceMN.com se encuentra bajo la licencia CC BY 4.0.  Un socio orgulloso de la red American Job Center (Centro de empleos estadounidenses).