8/7/2002 -- If you're thinking of becoming Security+ certified, you may not have to wait much longer. A Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) spokesperson told CertCities.com yesterday that the new entry-level security title will most likely beta in early September.

When CompTIA announced the new title earlier this year, the company said it would put the exam's development on "fast track," aiming to launch by December. According to the spokesperson, the development process is proceeding rapidly. "So far, CompTIA has engaged subject matter experts, held focus groups and sponsor surveys, managed the item writing and review processes, and we have started developing the beta exam."

CompTIA has recruited a number of companies to become Security+ "Cornerstone Committee Members" -- including RSA Security, IBM/Tivoli Software, Microsoft, Novell and Sun Microsystems. According to CompTIA, these companies guide the development of the Security+ exam and the certification's role in the industry.

If previous CompTIA betas are any indication, the Security+ beta will be priced at between $90 and $110 U.S (non-members) -- 40 to 60 percent off the final exam's price -- and should be available at both Vue and Prometric testing centers worldwide. The final exam should debut six to twelve weeks later.

More information on Security+ can be found here. -B.N.