Security+CompTIA Security+
The most popular baseline cybersecurity certification
Details last reviewed January 2026. Fees and exam formats change — always confirm on the official page.
About this certification
CompTIA Security+ is the most widely held baseline security certification, validating core cybersecurity skills including threats, vulnerabilities, cryptography, identity management, and security operations. It's a DoD 8570-approved credential and required by many government and defense contractors.
MyCertPath verdict
The single most cost-effective cybersecurity credential a beginner can hold. If you're trying to break into security, this is almost always the cert that gets your résumé past the filter — DoD 8570 IAT Level II compliance alone makes it required for many federal and contractor roles.
What it actually tests
SY0-701 leans heavily on terminology, acronyms, and pattern-recognition of scenarios. The five domains span threats, architecture, implementation, operations, and governance — but the test is more about choosing the right framework or control under time pressure than deep technical work. Expect a handful of performance-based questions (PBQs) early; many candidates burn time on them and feel the squeeze on the multiple-choice that follows.
Common traps
Things candidates underestimate or get wrong on this exam.
- Front-loading the PBQs. Skip and return — they're worth no more per minute than the multiple-choice.
- Treating it as a memorization exam. SY0-701 added meaningfully more scenario reasoning than SY0-601.
- Studying for SY0-601 — it retired July 2024. Use current-version materials only.
- Skipping the governance and risk domain. It's small in real work but heavily tested.
What you'll validate
- ✓Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities
- ✓Identity and access management
- ✓PKI and cryptography
- ✓Security architecture
- ✓Incident response
- ✓Risk management
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +DoD 8570 approved — opens government/military roles
- +Vendor-neutral baseline security credential
- +Most recognized entry-level security cert
- +Strong foundation for CISSP or CEH
Disadvantages
- −Entry-level — not sufficient alone for senior roles
- −Renewal every 3 years
- −Higher cost than CompTIA A+/Network+
Who it's for
Best for
- →IT professionals pivoting to security
- →Anyone targeting government/DoD security roles
- →Network admins adding security credentials
Not ideal for
- ×Pure penetration testers (use CEH or OSCP)
- ×Senior security managers (use CISSP or CISM)
Career paths this unlocks
Study Guide
How to Pass CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 on Your First Try
Security+ is the most widely-held baseline security cert in the world — and the current SY0-701 version is meaningfully harder than SY0-601. This guide covers what changed, how to study efficiently, and the specific traps that fail candidates.
13 min read
Security+: quick answers
- How much does the Security+ exam cost?
- The listed exam fee is $392 (USD). Fees vary by region and change over time — confirm on the official page before you buy.
- How long does it take to prepare for Security+?
- We estimate roughly 100 hours of study for most candidates; your time depends on prior experience.
- How long is the Security+ exam?
- The exam is 90 minutes with about 90 questions.
- How long is the Security+ credential valid?
- 3 years. 30 CEUs or exam retake every 3 years
Study Resources
Contains affiliate linksTop picks for Security+
Register for the exam
Official vouchers — watch for bundle discounts and CompTIA CertMaster bundles
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Self-paced video courses from independent instructors
Courses and certificates from universities and companies
Practice tests and hands-on labs for IT certifications
Printed and Kindle exam guides
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Jobs for Security+ holders
Pay depends on role, location, and experience more than on any single credential. Check current postings below for real ranges in your market.
LinkedIn Jobs
Posted in the last 7 days
Indeed
Dice (tech roles)
Tech-focused job board
CyberSeek (cyber only)
NIST-backed supply/demand tool
Job links open external sites. Search results are live and not curated by MyCertPath.
Quick Facts
- Exam Cost
- $392
- Exam Duration
- 90 minutes
- Questions
- ~90
- Passing Score
- 750/900
- Exam Format
- Multiple Choice + Performance
- Study Time
- ~100 hours
- Validity
- 3 years
- Salary Impact
- Strong (editorial rating)
- Last Reviewed
- January 2026
Prerequisites
- !Network+ recommended; 2 years of IT experience with security focus
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