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.
CompTIA Security + Independent Study
Thursday, Octubre 15, 2026 to Friday, Octubre 16, 2026
Self-paced program information
Self-Paced Program
Independent study is a good option if you prefer to work on your own. You will complete the course on your own schedule. This option works best for students who are able to work independently and stay on track with their goals.
Course and Exam Deadlines
Complete the course: Within three months of the date your course access begins.
Take the exam: Within one month after completing the course.
Retake the exam, if needed: Within two months of your first exam.
Your course materials and exam vouchers have expiration dates. These dates cannot be extended.
What Is Included
You will receive access codes for all of your course materials.
The virtual program is provided through CompTIA and includes:
Skills assessment
Lessons
Performance-Based Questions (PBQs): Practice questions that simulate real-world tasks
Labs
Practice assessments
Flashcards
Game Center
Additional resources
Instructor support
Exam Vouchers
The program includes one or two exam vouchers. You will take the exam through Pearson VUE, either at a testing center or online.
Independent study is a good option if you prefer to work on your own. You will complete the course on your own schedule. This option works best for students who are able to work independently and stay on track with their goals.
Course and Exam Deadlines
Complete the course: Within three months of the date your course access begins.
Take the exam: Within one month after completing the course.
Retake the exam, if needed: Within two months of your first exam.
Your course materials and exam vouchers have expiration dates. These dates cannot be extended.
What Is Included
You will receive access codes for all of your course materials.
The virtual program is provided through CompTIA and includes:
Skills assessment
Lessons
Performance-Based Questions (PBQs): Practice questions that simulate real-world tasks
Labs
Practice assessments
Flashcards
Game Center
Additional resources
Instructor support
Exam Vouchers
The program includes one or two exam vouchers. You will take the exam through Pearson VUE, either at a testing center or online.
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 Level: Advanced
Course OptionsThis course is offered in one of two ways:
- Virtual independent study: You complete the course online on your own schedule.
- Virtual independent study on demand: You complete the course online on your own schedule with support from a CompTIA instructor.
This course is delivered through the CompTIA virtual learning platform.
Course Start DateThis course is available all year. You can start your course when your enrollment is complete.
When this course is posted on CareerForce, we are required to enter a start date. The date shown on CareerForce is only for the job posting. It is not the date your course starts.
Course and Exam Deadlines- Complete the course: Within three months of receiving your course materials.
- Take the exam: Within one month after completing the course.
- Retake the exam, if needed: Within two months of your last exam.
Your course materials and exam vouchers have expiration dates. These dates cannot be extended.
Skills You NeedYou must have at least CompTIA A+–level knowledge before taking this course. This knowledge may come from a CompTIA A+ certification, education, training, or similar experience.
Certification RenewalYour certification must be renewed every three years from the date you take the exam.
Career and Job SupportAfter you complete the 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.
Industry
How to Participate
Minnesota Tech for Success (MTFS), a CareerForce partner, offers independent study and on-demand CompTIA courses year-round. You can begin once your enrollment process is complete.
Please note: The start date listed on CareerForce is for the job posting only and does not determine when your course begins.
Education and Basic Skills- A high school diploma or GED is generally preferred by employers for related positions but is not required to enroll in these courses.
- Participants should have basic math and reading skills at approximately an 8th-grade level, along with sufficient English proficiency to understand instructions and complete course activities.
1. Complete the Application
Submit the Minnesota Tech for Success application.
2. Watch for an Email
We will email you with next steps. Please allow up to five business days for a response, and check your spam or junk folder if you don't see our email.
Is Independent Study Right for You?You can complete our optional independent study assessment to see if this learning format is a good fit. The assessment is not required.
Office VisitsOffice visits are by appointment only. Please contact us before visiting.
Learn MoreOutcomes
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
100% of your training costs will be covered through grants.
To qualify, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Be a person of color.
- Have a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Who to Contact for More Information
Name
Jared
Phone
612-383-2393
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