CompTIA Security+ is the most widely held entry-level cybersecurity certification in the world, and the one that opens the most doors. It validates foundational security knowledge, satisfies U.S. Department of Defense requirements under Directive 8140, and appears in more IT job postings than any other baseline security credential. If you’re entering cybersecurity for the first time, Security+ is where you start.
The current version is SY0-701, released November 2023. Here’s everything you need to know: what it covers, what it’s worth, how to prepare, and whether it’s the right move for you.
What Is CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ is a vendor-neutral cybersecurity certification that validates the core knowledge and practical skills required for entry- and intermediate-level security roles. “Vendor-neutral” means it covers security concepts that apply across platforms, manufacturers, and environments, not tied to any one company’s products.
Security+ sits in CompTIA’s certification pathway between the foundational Network+ and the intermediate-level CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst). It’s widely recognized as the first security-specific credential that IT professionals should earn, and it’s described by CompTIA itself as establishing “the core knowledge required of any cybersecurity role.”
The SY0-701 Exam: What Changed and What It Covers
The current Security+ exam (SY0-701) was released in November 2023. The previous version (SY0-601) retired in 2024. If you’re starting Security+ study now, SY0-701 is the exam you’re preparing for.
The SY0-701 reflects how cybersecurity has evolved: more emphasis on cloud security, hybrid environments, AI-related threats, and zero-trust architecture than previous versions.
Exam Domains and Weightings
| Domain | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| General Security Concepts | 12% |
| Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations | 22% |
| Security Architecture | 18% |
| Security Operations | 28% |
| Security Program Management and Oversight | 20% |
Exam Format
- Questions: Up to 90
- Time: 90 minutes
- Passing score: 750 out of 900
- Question types: Multiple-choice (single and multiple response) and performance-based questions (PBQs)
- Validity: 3 years from certification date
The performance-based questions are what separate Security+ candidates who studied from those who actually understand the material. PBQs simulate real cybersecurity scenarios: analyzing logs, configuring security settings, identifying threat vectors, applying access controls.
Why Security+ Is Worth Earning
It’s Required by the Department of Defense
CompTIA Security+ is approved under DoD Directive 8140 (formerly 8570), the regulation that governs cybersecurity personnel standards across the U.S. Department of Defense. If you’re a veteran or have any interest in government IT careers, Security+ is not optional, it’s table stakes.
It’s the Most In-Demand Entry-Level Security Cert
According to CompTIA’s workforce research, Security+ consistently appears among the most frequently listed certifications in cybersecurity job postings. Private-sector employers, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, technology companies, and managed security service providers list it as required or preferred more than any other entry-level security credential.
The Cybersecurity Job Market Backs It Up
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), information security analysts earned a median annual wage of $124,910 as of May 2024. The field is projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034, many times the average growth rate across all U.S. occupations.
Jobs You Can Get With CompTIA Security+
Entry-level / direct qualification: SOC Analyst (Tier 1 and 2), Information Security Specialist, Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Administrator, Help Desk Analyst with security focus, IT Auditor (Junior).
Mid-level (combined with 1 to 3 years of experience): Security Engineer, Network Security Administrator, Penetration Tester (with additional CEH or PenTest+), Cloud Security Associate, Security Consultant.
What Does CompTIA Security+ Pay?
| Role | Reported Pay Range |
|---|---|
| SOC Analyst (Entry-Level) | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | $65,000 – $90,000 |
| Security Administrator | $75,000 – $100,000 |
| Information Security Analyst | $85,000 – $115,000 |
| Security Engineer | $95,000 – $130,000 |
Individual results vary based on role, experience, location, and employer. The BLS reports a median of $124,910 for information security analysts as of May 2024. Entry-level candidates with Security+ in hand report starting positions in the $60,000 to $80,000 range.
Is Security+ Hard to Earn?
Security+ has a reputation for being more challenging than entry-level certifications like A+, and that reputation is warranted. The SY0-701 covers a wide range of concepts: cryptography, access control models, PKI infrastructure, incident response procedures, cloud security architectures, zero-trust frameworks, threat intelligence analysis, and more.
The most common reasons candidates fail Security+: studying for SY0-601 instead of SY0-701; ignoring PBQs in favor of multiple-choice-only prep; underestimating the cryptography and PKI domains; not spending enough time on hands-on practice.
How to Prepare for CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)
Know the Official Exam Objectives First
CompTIA publishes the complete SY0-701 exam objectives as a free PDF. Download it before you do anything else.
Recommended Study Resources
Structured training is the most efficient and effective way to prepare for Security+. MyCC’s CompTIA certification training covers Security+ as part of a broader cybersecurity curriculum, with instructors, labs, practice exams, and career support included.
Build a Lab Environment
Free tools worth incorporating: Kali Linux (penetration testing and security analysis), Wireshark (network traffic analysis), VirtualBox or VMware (run multiple OS environments safely).
Take Practice Exams Early and Often
Aim for consistent scores of 80%+ before sitting. Take them early to identify your weakest domains, then again before you schedule the real exam.
How Long Does It Take?
Most candidates spend 60 to 120 hours preparing for Security+. With foundational IT knowledge and 2 to 3 hours of daily study: Beginner to IT: 3 to 4 months; Prior IT knowledge or a foundational certification: 6 to 10 weeks; Current IT professional with security exposure: 4 to 6 weeks.
How Security+ Fits Into a Certification Path
Before Security+: Foundational IT knowledge (hardware, software, operating systems, troubleshooting); CompTIA Network+ (networking, recommended, not required).
After Security+: CompTIA CySA+ (cybersecurity analyst skills); EC-Council CEH (certified ethical hacker; MyCC is an EC-Council Center of Excellence); CompTIA PenTest+ (performance-based penetration testing); CompTIA CASP+ (advanced practitioner-level); CISSP (gold-standard senior security certification, requires 5 years of experience).
FAQ: CompTIA Security+
What is the passing score for CompTIA Security+?
750 out of 900. The exam contains up to 90 questions and must be completed in 90 minutes.
Does Security+ require any prerequisites?
No prerequisites are required. CompTIA recommends having CompTIA Network+ or equivalent networking knowledge and two years of IT experience with a security focus, but these are recommendations, not requirements.
How much does the CompTIA Security+ exam cost?
The Security+ exam costs approximately $404 per attempt as of 2026.
Is Security+ recognized internationally?
Yes. CompTIA Security+ is ANSI/ISO accredited and recognized globally. It’s particularly well-recognized in North America, the U.K., Australia, and across NATO member countries.
How often do I need to renew Security+?
Security+ is valid for three years. You can renew by earning 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through approved activities, or by passing the current version of the Security+ exam.
What’s the difference between Security+ and CEH?
Security+ is a foundational, broad-spectrum cybersecurity certification aimed at entry and intermediate-level professionals across security roles. EC-Council’s CEH is focused specifically on offensive security and ethical hacking. Security+ typically comes first; CEH is usually earned after Security+ with some experience behind you.
Bottom Line
CompTIA Security+ is the right starting credential for anyone entering cybersecurity. It’s the most widely recognized entry-level security certification on the market, satisfies DoD Directive 8140 requirements, and appears in more security job postings than any comparable credential. The cybersecurity job market, 29% projected growth from 2024 to 2034 and a median salary of $124,910 according to the BLS, supports that investment.
If you’re ready to take that seriously and want to understand what a realistic path from Security+ to a first cybersecurity role looks like for your specific background, MyCC’s free evaluation is the place to start.