If you want to earn your CompTIA SecurityX certification and are looking for some free (and paid) resources to help you get there, you're in the right spot. The SecurityX certification (formerly known as CASP+) stands out as a prestigious credential for experienced IT professionals advancing in cybersecurity, validating your advanced skills in security architecture, engineering, monitoring systems and governance across traditional, cloud and hybrid environments.

While many training options exist, you don't need to break the bank to prepare effectively. There is a wealth of fantastic SecurityX resources available to equip you with the knowledge you need to ace the CAS-005 exam.

For a breakdown of training options — from self-study to premium live training — check out our guide to the 5 best ways to train for your cybersecurity certification.

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Free SecurityX webinar: What's on the new exam?

Before you start studying, it's essential to understand what the SecurityX certification actually covers and why CompTIA rebranded CASP+ under their new expert series. There's no better way to get this information than straight from the source.

Patrick Lane, former Director of Cybersecurity Product Management at CompTIA, joined Infosec to explain everything you need to know about this exciting certification. Patrick walks through the reasoning behind the rebranding, the four key domains of the exam, and the specific skills employers are looking for in security architects and engineers.

@infosecinstitute What is the CompTIA Xpert Series? #SecurityX #DataX #CloudNetX #Cybersecurity #Infosec #Fyp ♬ original sound - Infosec Institute

"SecurityX is the only hands-on performance-based cert for advanced practitioners, not managers, at the advanced skill level of cybersecurity," explains Patrick in the webinar. 

Watch the full Security X webinar to learn what's on the most recent version of the exam.

SecurityX books and study guides

The SecurityX (CAS-005) exam objectives PDF from CompTIA provides a detailed breakdown of all the domains, objectives and skills you'll need to master. This free resource outlines exactly what you need to know for the exam, making it an invaluable starting point for planning your study approach.

If you want to gain even deeper context on how SecurityX fits into the cybersecurity landscape and your career advancement, Infosec has developed several free ebooks based on our 20+ years of training cybersecurity professionals:

• Cybersecurity certification roadmap: See where SecurityX fits into common career paths
• Find your cybersecurity career path: Explore 11 specializations to consider as you advance your career
• Cybersecurity salary guide: Dive deep into salary data for popular certifications like SecurityX

While these resources provide excellent context, you'll also want dedicated study guides for the exam itself. Several excellent books are available at online stores or your local library, with more expected to release as publishers update for the new SecurityX branding. Keep in mind that CompTIA typically only updates about 20% of the exam content every three years, so existing CASP+ CAS-004 materials remain valuable while you wait for updated versions. Here are some top resources to look for:

• The Official CompTIA CASP+ Self-Paced Study Guide (CompTIA)
• CASP+ CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner Study Guide (Sybex)
• CASP+ CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner Practice Tests (Sybex)
• CompTIA CASP+ CAS-004 Certification Guide (Packt Publishing)

Once the updated versions for CAS-005 (SecurityX) become available, they'll provide the most current and relevant study material — so keep an eye out. But don't hesitate to start with existing resources. The core security architecture and engineering principles remain consistent.

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More free SecurityX training resources

It's possible to train for SecurityX without spending any money. There are free resources out there, but they are much more limited than what you'll find for an entry-level certification like Security+. The reason is simple. Security+ is the most popular cybersecurity certification in the world — nearly everyone can benefit from it. SecurityX is expert-level, so your options may be more limited. However, the cybersecurity community still has valuable content waiting to be discovered.

I'd start by picking your favorite video platform and seeing what options are available. YouTube may be best if you're looking for long-form training advice, but don't overlook sites like TikTok and others. There are also more general career and training videos, like the Cyber Work Podcast, which focuses on conversations about cybersecurity careers, and Cyber Work Hacks, which often features cybersecurity instructors or guests from CompTIA and other organizations offering tips to level up your career.

However, free videos may require work to find, and they may not be comprehensive. If you're looking for a more structured approach, some paid training platforms have free trials. For example, Infosec Skills offers a free 7-day trial that gives you access to training for different CompTIA certifications. This lets you test-drive a premium learning experience before deciding if a monthly or yearly subscription is right for you. Or you can try to do as much as you can during that free trial window and not pay at all.

Cybersecurity communities: Connect with future colleagues

One of the most valuable aspects of preparing for the SecurityX exam is connecting with and learning from other cybersecurity professionals. Online communities provide fantastic platforms to ask questions, share insight, and learn from experienced security architects and engineers who've already tackled this expert-level certification.

Here are a few cybersecurity communities that can help your SecurityX preparation:

• Reddit: Reddit hosts several incredibly active cybersecurity subreddits that are gold mines of information. Check out r/cybersecurity, r/CompTIA, r/SecurityCareerAdvice and r/AskNetSec to connect with security professionals at all levels. These communities are perfect for asking specific questions about SecurityX domains, sharing study resources and getting honest feedback about career progression into security architecture roles.
• LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that can be used to connect with cybersecurity professionals and join relevant groups related to cybersecurity, security architecture and certifications. You can also follow industry leaders to stay up to date on the latest developments and network with potential mentors and peers. Following hashtags like #SecurityX and #SecurityArchitecture can also keep you updated on the latest trends, tools and techniques in the field.
• Discord: Many cybersecurity communities maintain active Discord servers where you can engage in real-time conversations with others preparing for advanced certifications. These spaces often include dedicated channels for certification prep, job hunting and technical discussions.

Remember, the connections you make in these communities could become valuable professional relationships throughout your career. The security architect who helps answer your question today might become a colleague or hiring manager tomorrow.

Paid SecurityX training options

While free resources can provide a solid foundation, mastering an expert-level certification like SecurityX often calls for a more immersive and comprehensive learning experience. This is where professional training options really shine. Infosec partners with CompTIA to offer live and self-paced training options. 

• Live SecurityX Boot Camps: If you want live, expert guidance, the CompTIA authorized 5-day SecurityX Boot Camp dives deep into the exam domains and preparation tips with a seasoned instructor. You can train in-person or live online. It also comes with Exam Pass Guarantee, which means if you don't pass the exam on your first attempt, you can take the exam again and re-sit the entire course for no cost.
• Self-Paced SecurityX Boot Camps: Designed for professionals with busy schedules, these self-paced boot camps provide the same comprehensive curriculum as the live option but with much more flexibility. You can work through the material at your own pace, revisit challenging concepts as needed and still get all the benefits of any hands-on exercises and asynchronous instructor support. 
• On-demand SecurityX videos and practice tests: If expert instructor support isn't needed, you can also train for SecurityX with a subscription to the Infosec Skills training platform. This gives you access to access to a collection of videos, labs, practice tests and more to help you prepare for your exam. This is also a great option if you want additional training. For example, you can brush up on the concepts in the CompTIA CySA and PenTest+ exams that often come before SecurityX, or dive into other specific labs or concepts you'd like to explore further.

CASP+ Now SecurityX: What you need to know

Get answers about the new SecurityX certification and what it means for you in our webinar with CompTIA.

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SecurityX: Next steps

The SecurityX certification can help open the doors to new career options. If you're looking to demonstrate your expert-level technical skills around security architecture and security engineering, there's really no better option.

Don't forget to check out our free SecurityX webinar with CompTIA on the latest exam update and name change from CASP+ to SecurityX. It's an excellent baseline to begin your exam preparation.

Remember, finding a learning approach that resonates with how you learn best — and one that fits your schedule — is key to your success. But don't go it alone. Whether you want expert guidance from a seasoned instructor, or just to connect with and learn from your peers who have earned their SecurityX certification, there are supportive resources out there to help you hit your goals.