Dion Security+

Dion Security+ is not a standalone certification or course, but rather refers to the popular and widely respected CompTIA Security+ certification as taught and prepared for by Dion Training, an online education platform led by instructor Dion Michelle. For individuals launching or advancing a career in cybersecurity, Dion’s Security+ course has become a go-to resource for mastering the foundational knowledge tested in the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam. This comprehensive review explores the structure, content, and real-world value of Dion’s Security+ training, how it compares to other prep options, its return on investment, and how it fits into broader cybersecurity career pathways. Whether you're new to IT or transitioning into security, understanding how Dion’s approach enhances your certification success is critical to making informed learning decisions.

What Is Dion Security+?

Dion Security+ refers to the CompTIA Security+ certification preparation course offered by Dion Training Solutions, an e-learning platform founded by Dion Michelle, a certified CISSP and experienced cybersecurity educator. The course is not a separate credential but a high-quality, self-paced online training program designed to help learners pass the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam—one of the most widely recognized entry-level cybersecurity certifications in the industry.

Dion’s curriculum is aligned with the official CompTIA exam objectives, covering core domains such as threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities; architecture and design; identity and access management; risk management; and cryptography. The course is structured around video lectures, hands-on practice questions, performance-based simulations, and full-length practice exams. Dion’s teaching style is known for its clarity, real-world analogies, and exam-focused delivery, making complex topics accessible to beginners.

What sets Dion Security+ apart is its focus on practical understanding over rote memorization. Each module includes scenario-based learning, visual aids, and review checkpoints to reinforce retention. Dion also offers downloadable study guides, flashcards, and access to a private student community, enhancing the overall learning experience. While the certification is issued by CompTIA, Dion’s course serves as a comprehensive, third-party training solution to help candidates prepare effectively and efficiently.

Course Structure and Learning Experience

Dion’s Security+ course is delivered entirely online through a user-friendly learning management system (LMS). The course spans approximately 18–24 hours of on-demand video content, divided into structured modules that follow the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam objectives. Each section includes video lectures, knowledge checks, and downloadable resources such as PDF summaries and cheat sheets.

The course is self-paced, allowing learners to start and finish according to their schedule. Dion recommends a 4- to 6-week study plan for optimal retention, with daily study sessions of 1–2 hours. The platform includes progress tracking, bookmarking, and mobile compatibility, making it convenient for working professionals or students with busy schedules.

One of the standout features of Dion’s Security+ course is its emphasis on active learning. The course includes over 500 practice questions, including multiple-choice and performance-based items that mirror the actual exam format. These questions are randomized and come with detailed explanations, helping learners understand why answers are correct or incorrect. Additionally, Dion offers three full-length practice exams with timed conditions to simulate real testing environments.

Learners also benefit from Dion’s teaching methodology, which breaks down complex security concepts into digestible segments. For example, when covering cryptographic protocols, Dion uses real-world analogies—such as comparing encryption to locking a mailbox—to improve conceptual understanding. This approach is particularly effective for visual and auditory learners who struggle with dense technical material.

CompTIA Security+ Certification: The Core Credential

While Dion provides the training, the ultimate credential earned is the CompTIA Security+ certification. Administered by CompTIA, a leading nonprofit IT certification body, Security+ is an ANSI-accredited, globally recognized credential that validates foundational cybersecurity knowledge and skills. It is often a prerequisite for roles such as security analyst, junior penetration tester, or systems administrator in government and private-sector organizations.

The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam consists of 90 questions, including multiple-choice and performance-based items, and lasts 90 minutes. Candidates must score at least 750 out of 900 to pass. The exam covers six key domains:

• Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities (24%)
• Architecture and Design (21%)
• Implementation (16%)
• Operations and Incident Response (15%)
• Governance, Risk, and Compliance (14%)
• Cryptography and PKI (10%)

Security+ is compliant with ISO 17024 and meets U.S. Department of Defense Directive 8140 (DoD 8140) requirements, making it essential for many federal cybersecurity positions. It’s also a stepping stone to more advanced certifications like CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA PenTest+, and CISSP. Dion’s course ensures learners are fully prepared across all domains, with particular emphasis on risk management frameworks, secure network design, and incident response protocols.

Pricing, Duration, and Accessibility

Dion’s Security+ course is competitively priced and offers flexible enrollment options. As of 2024, the standard course package costs $67, which includes lifetime access to all video content, practice exams, downloadable study materials, and updates for future exam versions (e.g., from SY0-601 to SY0-701). There are no recurring fees or subscription requirements—once purchased, the course remains available indefinitely.

For learners seeking additional support, Dion offers a premium package for $97, which includes one-on-one email support with Dion, priority access to new content, and a personalized study plan. Both options are significantly more affordable than in-person bootcamps or university courses, which can cost over $2,000.

The course is accessible worldwide and requires only a stable internet connection and a modern web browser. It is compatible with desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, allowing learners to study during commutes or breaks. Dion also provides closed captions and transcripts for accessibility, supporting non-native English speakers and learners with hearing impairments.

Compared to alternatives like Professor Messer (free) or Cybrary (subscription-based), Dion’s course offers a more structured, exam-focused experience with higher production quality and deeper content coverage. While free resources are valuable, they often lack the guided structure and accountability that Dion provides, making it a preferred choice for serious candidates.

Difficulty and Prerequisites

The CompTIA Security+ certification, and by extension Dion’s preparation course, is designed for IT professionals with at least two years of hands-on experience in IT administration, particularly in security-related roles. However, Dion’s teaching approach makes the content accessible even to beginners with minimal background.

While there are no formal prerequisites to take the Security+ exam, CompTIA recommends that candidates first complete the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications. These provide foundational knowledge in IT operations and networking, which are essential for understanding Security+ topics. Dion’s course includes brief refreshers on networking concepts such as TCP/IP, subnetting, and firewall rules, helping bridge knowledge gaps for newcomers.

The difficulty level of the Security+ exam is moderate compared to advanced certifications like CISSP or CEH, but it is not trivial. Performance-based questions require candidates to configure firewalls, analyze log files, or identify attack vectors in simulated environments. Dion’s course includes walkthroughs of these scenarios, teaching learners how to approach complex tasks under time pressure.

Success rates for Dion’s students are high, with many reporting first-time passes after 4–6 weeks of dedicated study. Dion’s emphasis on active recall, spaced repetition, and exam strategy helps learners build confidence and reduce test anxiety. For those who do not pass on the first attempt, CompTIA allows retakes after a 14-day waiting period, and Dion’s lifetime access ensures ongoing review is always available.

Career Outcomes and Job Opportunities

Earning the CompTIA Security+ certification—especially when prepared through a high-quality course like Dion’s—opens doors to a wide range of entry- and mid-level cybersecurity roles. Common job titles associated with Security+ include:

• Security Analyst
• Systems Administrator
• Network Administrator
• Junior Penetration Tester
• IT Auditor
• Security Consultant

According to CompTIA’s 2023 U.S. Tech Jobs Report, Security+ is among the top five most requested certifications in job postings for cybersecurity roles. Government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, require Security+ for IAT Level I and II positions under DoD 8140, making it a critical credential for federal cybersecurity careers.

Additionally, many private-sector employers use Security+ as a baseline for evaluating candidates. Earning the certification signals foundational competence in cybersecurity principles, risk management, and secure infrastructure design. Dion’s course enhances this value by teaching not just exam content, but real-world application—making graduates more job-ready than those who rely solely on memorization.

For career changers or IT professionals looking to specialize, Security+ serves as a springboard to higher-paying roles. According to Payscale, professionals with Security+ earn an average salary of $75,000–$95,000 annually, with higher compensation in government, finance, and healthcare sectors. Dion’s structured, practical training increases the likelihood of certification success, directly impacting employability and earning potential.

Return on Investment (ROI) Analysis

Investing in Dion’s Security+ course offers a strong return on investment for both individuals and organizations. At $67 for lifetime access, the course is one of the most cost-effective ways to prepare for a globally recognized certification. When compared to the average cost of the Security+ exam ($392 as of 2024), the total investment—including study materials and test fee—is under $500.

For most learners, passing Security+ leads to tangible career benefits within 6–12 months, including promotions, job transitions, or entry into cybersecurity from other IT fields. Even a modest salary increase of $10,000 per year results in a payback period of less than six months, making the ROI highly favorable.

Moreover, Dion’s course reduces the risk of exam failure, which would incur additional costs for retakes and extended study time. The inclusion of realistic practice exams and performance-based scenarios helps learners identify weak areas early, allowing for targeted improvement. This efficiency translates into faster certification timelines—typically 4–8 weeks from start to exam day.

For employers, sponsoring employees to take Dion’s Security+ course can improve organizational security posture while meeting compliance requirements. Many companies reimburse certification costs as part of professional development programs, further enhancing the financial feasibility for individuals.

Alternatives and How Dion Stacks Up

While several platforms offer Security+ preparation, Dion’s course stands out for its balance of depth, clarity, and exam focus. Key competitors include:

• Professor Messer: Offers free video content and study groups. While excellent for budget-conscious learners, it lacks structured practice exams and personalized support.
• Cybrary: Provides a subscription-based Security+ learning path. More expensive over time and less focused on exam readiness.
• Udemy (Mike Chapple, etc.): Inexpensive one-time purchases, but content varies in quality and may not be updated for SY0-701.
• Pluralsight: High-quality content but requires a monthly subscription and lacks Dion’s exam-centric approach.

Dion’s course combines the affordability of Udemy, the structure of Pluralsight, and the exam focus of official CompTIA materials. It also updates content promptly for new exam versions, ensuring learners study the most current material. Dion’s personal involvement—answering student questions and refining content based on feedback—adds a level of engagement rarely found in mass-market courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dion Security+ a real certification?

No. Dion Security+ is not a certification. It refers to the CompTIA Security+ certification preparation course offered by Dion Training. The actual credential you earn is CompTIA Security+, administered by CompTIA. Dion provides the training to help you pass the exam.

How long does it take to complete Dion’s Security+ course?

The course includes about 18–24 hours of video content, but most learners spend 4–6 weeks completing it, depending on study pace. Dion recommends 1–2 hours of study per day for optimal retention and exam readiness.

Is Dion’s course enough to pass Security+?

For most learners with some IT background, yes. Dion’s course covers all exam objectives with clear explanations, practice questions, and full exams. However, supplementing with hands-on labs (e.g., using TryHackMe or CyberStart) can enhance understanding of performance-based tasks.

Does Dion offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes. Dion Training offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the course. This reflects confidence in the quality and effectiveness of the material.

Can I get college credit for Dion’s Security+ course?

No. Dion’s course is non-credit-bearing. However, earning the CompTIA Security+ certification may qualify for college credit through programs like the American Council on Education (ACE) or your institution’s prior learning assessment (PLA) policy.

Is Dion Security+ suitable for beginners?

Yes. While Security+ assumes some IT knowledge, Dion’s teaching style is beginner-friendly. He explains technical concepts clearly and includes refreshers on networking and system administration topics. Beginners should still plan to invest extra time in hands-on practice.

How much does the CompTIA Security+ exam cost?

The exam voucher costs $392 in the United States. Some training providers, including Dion, offer discounts or bundles. Veterans and students may qualify for reduced pricing through CompTIA’s academic or workforce programs.

Does Dion update the course for new exam versions?

Yes. Dion promptly updates his course for new exam versions (e.g., from SY0-601 to SY0-701). All updates are included at no extra cost for existing students, thanks to lifetime access.