Find Prep Courses

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)

The industry-standard entry point for cybersecurity careers. Security+ validates foundational security skills and is often required—or strongly preferred—for government, enterprise, and contractor security positions.

✓ Best for: IT professionals transitioning into security, career changers with some technical background, or anyone targeting DoD/government security roles

Who Is Security+ For?

✓ This certification is a good fit if you…

  • Work in IT support, networking, or system administration and want to move into security
  • Are targeting government, defense contractor, or compliance-heavy enterprise roles
  • Need to meet DoD 8570 requirements (Security+ is approved for IAT Level II, IAM Level I, and IASAE Level I)
  • Want a vendor-neutral foundation before specializing in specific security tools or platforms
  • Have 1–2 years of IT experience and understand basic networking concepts

✗ You might consider alternatives if you…

  • Already have significant security experience—consider CISSP or specialized certs instead
  • Have zero IT background—consider A+ or Network+ first, or Google IT Support Certificate
  • Want hands-on penetration testing skills—Security+ is conceptual; look at CEH or OSCP for practical hacking
  • Work exclusively in cloud security—cloud-specific certs (AWS Security Specialty, etc.) may be more targeted

Prerequisites (In Plain English)

Official requirement: None. CompTIA recommends 2 years of IT administration experience with a security focus, plus Network+ certification, but these are not mandatory.

Realistic expectation: You'll have a much easier time if you understand:

  • Basic networking: TCP/IP, ports, protocols, firewalls, VPNs, DNS, DHCP
  • Operating system fundamentals: Windows and Linux file systems, permissions, command line basics
  • Core IT concepts: How computers communicate, what servers do, basic troubleshooting

If terms like "subnet mask," "port 443," or "Active Directory" are unfamiliar, consider completing Network+ or spending 2–4 weeks on networking fundamentals before diving into Security+ content.

What You'll Learn

The Security+ SY0-701 exam covers five domains:

  1. General Security Concepts (12%): Security controls, threat actors, cryptography basics, security frameworks
  2. Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%): Attack types, vulnerability assessment, mitigation techniques, threat intelligence
  3. Security Architecture (18%): Secure network design, cloud security, infrastructure considerations, resilience
  4. Security Operations (28%): Monitoring, incident response, automation, digital forensics basics, data protection
  5. Security Program Management and Oversight (20%): Governance, risk management, compliance, security awareness, audits

The exam emphasizes practical application. Expect scenario-based questions where you must identify threats, recommend controls, or troubleshoot security issues—not just recall definitions.

Exam Format & Scoring

Exam code: SY0-701 (launched November 2023)

Question format: Up to 90 questions mixing multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs present interactive scenarios—like configuring a firewall or analyzing logs—rather than just selecting an answer.

Time limit: 90 minutes. Many candidates finish with 15–30 minutes to spare, but PBQs can be time-consuming. Consider flagging difficult PBQs and returning to them.

Passing score: 750 out of 900. This is a scaled score, so the exact number of correct answers needed varies slightly by exam form.

Testing options: In-person at Pearson VUE testing centers, or online proctored from home. Online testing has strict environment requirements (clear desk, no second monitors, etc.).

Recommended Study Plan

Beginner Track

12–16 weeks

For those with limited IT experience or rusty fundamentals:

  1. Weeks 1–2: Review networking basics (ports, protocols, the OSI model). Free resources like Professor Messer's Network+ videos can help.
  2. Weeks 3–8: Work through a comprehensive Security+ course (video course + book). Don't rush—understanding concepts matters more than speed.
  3. Weeks 9–12: Complete hands-on labs and practice questions. Aim for 300–500 practice questions total.
  4. Weeks 13–16: Take full-length practice exams. Score consistently 80%+ before scheduling the real exam.

Accelerated Track

4–8 weeks

For IT professionals with solid networking knowledge:

  1. Week 1: Skim exam objectives. Take a diagnostic practice test to identify weak areas.
  2. Weeks 2–4: Focus study on unfamiliar domains. Use video courses at 1.5x speed for review, full speed for new material.
  3. Weeks 5–6: Complete 400+ practice questions. Review every wrong answer thoroughly.
  4. Weeks 7–8: Take 2–3 full practice exams. Focus final review on weak areas. Schedule exam when scoring 85%+.

Prep Resources

Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend resources with strong track records. Learn more

Best Overall

CompTIA CertMaster Learn + Labs

Official CompTIA courseware with integrated labs. Comprehensive coverage and regularly updated. Pricey but thorough.

~$350–500 depending on bundle

View Course (affiliate)
Best Value

Jason Dion's Security+ Course (Udemy)

Highly-rated video course with practice exams included. Frequently on sale for $15–30. Great for self-paced learners.

~$15–30 on sale

View on Udemy (affiliate)

Professor Messer's Free Security+ Course

Free video series covering all exam objectives. No practice tests included, but excellent for learning concepts. Supports with optional study groups and notes.

Free

Visit Site

CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead (Darril Gibson)

Well-organized book with clear explanations and end-of-chapter reviews. Good companion to video courses for deeper understanding.

~$40–50

View on Amazon (affiliate)

Practice Exams

We strongly recommend taking multiple practice exams before the real thing:

  • Jason Dion Practice Exams (Udemy): 6 exams, realistic difficulty, detailed explanations (~$15–20 on sale) (affiliate)
  • CompTIA CertMaster Practice: Official practice from CompTIA, adaptive learning (~$139)
  • ExamCompass: Free practice questions—useful for drilling concepts, but less exam-realistic

Official Information

Always verify current pricing, policies, and exam objectives directly with CompTIA:

Visit CompTIA Official Page →

External link to comptia.org. We have no affiliate relationship with CompTIA's exam registration.

Alternative Certifications to Consider

🌐

CompTIA Network+

If you need stronger networking fundamentals before Security+. Often recommended as a prerequisite.
🏆

CISSP

If you have 5+ years security experience and want to advance to senior/management roles. More strategic focus.
💻

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

If you want more hands-on penetration testing focus. More technical, less governance/compliance.
🔰

Google Cybersecurity Certificate

If you're a complete beginner. More accessible entry point, though less industry recognition than Security+.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Security+ compared to other CompTIA certifications?

Security+ is generally considered more challenging than A+ or Network+ due to broader content coverage and scenario-based questions. However, it's more accessible than advanced certs like CASP+. Most candidates with IT experience and proper preparation pass on their first attempt.

Is Security+ worth it in 2024?

For many career paths, yes—particularly government/DoD roles where it's often required. In the private sector, it's widely recognized as a baseline security credential. However, if you're targeting a very specific niche (cloud security, penetration testing), more specialized certs may provide better ROI.

Can I get a security job with just Security+?

Security+ alone typically qualifies you for entry-level roles like security analyst, SOC analyst, or junior security administrator—especially combined with some IT experience. Senior roles usually require additional experience and certifications. Many job postings list Security+ as required or preferred for tier-1 security positions.

How long is Security+ valid?

Security+ is valid for 3 years. To renew, you can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through activities like attending training, publishing articles, or earning higher certifications. Alternatively, you can retake the current exam version. CompTIA's renewal program is fairly flexible with multiple ways to earn required CEUs.

Should I get Network+ before Security+?

It's not required, but it helps. About 20–30% of Security+ content builds on networking concepts (ports, protocols, network architecture). If you're comfortable with basic networking, you can skip Network+. If terms like "VLAN," "802.1X," or "SNMP" are unfamiliar, consider at least reviewing networking fundamentals first.

What's the difference between SY0-601 and SY0-701?

SY0-701 is the current version, launched November 2023. It updated content to cover emerging threats, cloud security, and zero-trust architecture. SY0-601 retired in July 2024. New test-takers should focus on SY0-701. If you studied for SY0-601, most concepts still apply, but review the updated objectives for new topics.

How much do Security+ holders typically earn?

Salary varies significantly by location, experience, and role. Entry-level security roles often range from $55,000–$75,000 in the US, with mid-level analysts typically earning $75,000–$100,000+. Security+ alone doesn't guarantee these salaries—experience and additional skills matter significantly. Use salary data as a general indicator, not a guarantee.

Can I take Security+ with no IT experience?

Technically yes, but it will be significantly harder. Without foundational IT knowledge, expect to spend extra time learning networking basics, operating system concepts, and general IT terminology. Consider starting with A+ or Google IT Support Certificate if you're completely new to IT, then pursuing Security+ once you have a foundation.