Security+ vs CISSP: which certification should you get?
| Metric | Security+ | CISSP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam / Program Cost | $392✓ | $749 |
| Study Hours | ~100h✓ | ~250h |
| Exam Duration | 90 min | 180 min |
| Exam Format | MC + Performance | MC + Performance |
| Level | Entry | Professional |
| Overall Score | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10✓ |
| Domain | Cybersecurity | Cybersecurity |
| Validity | 3 yrs | 3 yrs |
| Industry Standard | Yes | Yes |
Choose Security+ if...
- →IT professionals pivoting to security
- →Anyone targeting government/DoD security roles
- →Network admins adding security credentials
Choose CISSP if...
- →Security professionals targeting leadership roles
- →Those with 5+ years of security experience
- →Anyone targeting CISO or Security Director
Still not sure which one to pick?
Take our 6-question quiz and get a personalized certification recommendation.
Find my path →Start Studying
Contains affiliate linksWhichever cert you choose, here are the best resources to get started.
Top picks for Security+
Links marked “Affiliate” may earn MyCertPath a commission at no extra cost to you; other links are unpaid. Disclosure