Comptia Security+ Certification: Complete 2026 Guide
Everything you need to know about CompTIA Security+ certification in 2026. Learn exam details, study strategies, costs, and how to pass on your first try.
EpicDetect Team
15 min read
Comptia Security+ Certification: Complete 2026 Guide
You're thinking about getting Security+ certified. Smart move—it's the most popular entry-level cybersecurity certification for a reason.
But here's what nobody tells you: most people fail Security+ on their first try. Not because it's impossibly hard, but because they don't know how to prepare.
Let's fix that.
What is CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level cybersecurity certification that validates your knowledge of security fundamentals. It's vendor-neutral, which means it covers concepts that apply to any technology stack.
Why it matters:
- Most popular cybersecurity cert (over 1 million certified professionals)
- Required for many government jobs (DoD 8570 baseline)
- Opens doors to SOC analyst, security specialist, and security administrator roles
- Foundation for advanced certs (CISSP, CySA+, PenTest+)
Who it's for:
- IT professionals transitioning to cybersecurity
- Recent graduates entering the security field
- Career changers looking to break into security
- Anyone who needs a baseline security certification
Security+ Exam Details (SY0-701)
The current Security+ exam is SY0-701, released in November 2023.
Exam Format:
- 90 questions (multiple-choice and performance-based)
- 90 minutes to complete
- Passing score: 750/900 (83.3%)
- Cost: $392 USD
- Validity: 3 years (renewable via CEUs or retaking exam)
Question Types:
1. Multiple-choice: Traditional questions with 4 options
2. Performance-based questions (PBQs): Hands-on tasks like configuring firewalls or analyzing logs
Exam Domains:
1. General Security Concepts (12%) - CIA triad, risk management, compliance
2. Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%) - Attack types, vulnerabilities, countermeasures
3. Security Architecture (18%) - Network security, secure design principles
4. Security Operations (28%) - Incident response, monitoring, SIEM
5. Security Program Management and Oversight (20%) - Policies, risk management, business continuity
What changed in SY0-701:
- More focus on cloud security and zero trust
- Updated threat landscape (ransomware, supply chain attacks)
- Emphasis on operational security and incident response
- New performance-based question formats
How Much Does Security+ Cost?
Total cost breakdown:
Exam Fee: $392 USD
- Standard price from CompTIA
- Can be discounted with vouchers (see below)
Study Materials: $0-500+
- Free: Professor Messer videos, ExamCompass questions
- Paid: Courses ($50-300), practice tests ($50-150), books ($30-60)
Retake Fee: $392 (if you fail)
- No free retakes
- Most people pass on second attempt
Total Typical Cost: $500-1,000
- Exam: $392
- Study materials: $100-300
- Potential retake: $392
How to save money:
- Use student/military discounts (save 10-20%)
- Buy exam vouchers during sales (save $50-100)
- Use free study resources (Professor Messer, ExamCompass)
- One comprehensive course instead of multiple resources
Want an all-in-one Security+ prep system? See what's included →
How Hard is Security+?
Short answer: Moderate difficulty. Not easy, but definitely passable.
Why people fail:
1. Underestimating the exam - "It's entry-level, I'll be fine"
2. Not enough hands-on practice - Reading isn't enough
3. Memorizing instead of understanding - Questions test concepts, not facts
4. Poor time management - Running out of time on PBQs
5. Skipping practice tests - Not knowing what to expect
Why people pass:
1. Structured study plan - 2-3 months of focused prep
2. Hands-on practice - Labs, simulations, real scenarios
3. Multiple practice tests - Scoring 85%+ before scheduling
4. Understanding concepts - Not just memorizing definitions
5. Time management practice - Finishing practice tests with time to spare
Difficulty by background:
- IT professionals: Moderate (you know tech, need to learn security)
- Complete beginners: Hard (need to learn both tech and security)
- Security professionals: Easy (you already know most concepts)
Bottom line: If you put in 2-3 months of focused study, you can pass. Most failures come from poor preparation, not lack of ability.
How Long Does It Take to Study for Security+?
Typical timeline: 2-3 months of focused study
Study time breakdown:
- Fast track: 1-2 months (4-6 hours/day, 5-6 days/week)
- Standard: 2-3 months (2-3 hours/day, 5 days/week)
- Part-time: 3-4 months (1-2 hours/day, 3-4 days/week)
What you need to cover:
1. Weeks 1-4: Core concepts (all 5 domains)
2. Weeks 5-6: Hands-on practice (labs, simulations)
3. Weeks 7-8: Practice tests and weak area review
4. Week 9+: Final prep and exam scheduling
Factors that affect timeline:
- Your background: IT experience = faster
- Study consistency: Daily > cramming
- Quality of materials: Good course > random YouTube videos
- Practice test scores: Need 85%+ before scheduling
Pro tip: Don't rush. Better to study 3 months and pass than rush 1 month and fail (and pay $392 again).
Security+ Study Plan: Week-by-Week Breakdown
Weeks 1-2: Foundation
Goal: Understand all 5 domains at a high level
Activities:
- Watch course videos or read study guide
- Take notes on key concepts
- Create flashcards for definitions
- Time: 2-3 hours/day
Resources:
- Professor Messer videos (free)
- Security+ study guide or course
- CompTIA exam objectives (download from CompTIA website)
Weeks 3-4: Deep Dive
Goal: Master each domain in detail
Activities:
- Review each domain thoroughly
- Practice hands-on labs
- Complete domain-specific quizzes
- Time: 2-3 hours/day
Resources:
- Domain-specific study materials
- Hands-on labs (if available)
- Practice questions by domain
Weeks 5-6: Hands-On Practice
Goal: Apply concepts in real scenarios
Activities:
- Complete performance-based question practice
- Configure security tools (firewalls, SIEM, etc.)
- Analyze security logs and events
- Time: 2-3 hours/day
Resources:
- PBQ practice questions
- Virtual labs or simulations
- Security tool demos
Weeks 7-8: Practice Tests & Review
Goal: Score 85%+ on practice tests
Activities:
- Take full-length practice tests
- Review every question (right and wrong)
- Focus on weak domains
- Time: 2-3 hours/day
Resources:
- Practice test platform
- Exam simulator
- Weak area review materials
Week 9+: Final Prep
Goal: Maintain knowledge and schedule exam
Activities:
- Take 1-2 more practice tests
- Review flashcards daily
- Schedule exam (when scoring 85%+)
- Final review of weak areas
- Time: 1-2 hours/day
Resources:
- Final practice tests
- Flashcard review
- Exam scheduling
Want a complete study plan with daily tasks? Our Security+ prep system includes a structured 8-week plan with everything mapped out.
Best Security+ Study Resources
Free Resources
Professor Messer:
- Free YouTube videos covering all domains
- Study groups and practice questions
- Best for: Understanding concepts
- Limitation: No full-length practice tests
ExamCompass:
- Free practice questions by domain
- Quick concept checks
- Best for: Testing domain knowledge
- Limitation: Basic questions, no detailed explanations
CompTIA Official:
- Exam objectives and sample questions
- Official exam format
- Best for: Understanding exam structure
- Limitation: Limited questions
Paid Resources
Jason Dion:
- Udemy courses ($15-20)
- Practice tests ($15-20 each)
- Good explanations
- Best for: Structured learning
- Cost: $50-100 total
Mike Meyers:
- Comprehensive courses
- Books and videos
- Hands-on labs
- Best for: Visual learners
- Cost: $50-200
Boson ExSim:
- Premium practice tests
- Detailed explanations
- Real exam simulation
- Best for: Practice test prep
- Cost: $99 for 3 tests
EpicDetect Security+ Prep:
- Complete course mapped to exam domains
- Unlimited procedural practice tests
- 400+ flashcards
- Exam simulator
- 8-week study plan
- Best for: All-in-one solution
- Cost: $25/month (everything included)
The problem with piecing together resources: You end up spending $200-300+ and still missing key pieces. A comprehensive system gives you everything in one place for less.
See everything included in EpicDetect →
How to Pass Security+ on Your First Try
Step 1: Create a Study Schedule
Don't wing it. Plan your study time.
- Set aside 2-3 hours/day
- Study 5-6 days/week
- Track your progress
- Stick to the schedule
Step 2: Use Quality Study Materials
Not all resources are created equal.
- Use official exam objectives as your guide
- Choose a comprehensive course (not random YouTube videos)
- Get hands-on practice (labs, simulations)
- Use multiple resources (but don't overwhelm yourself)
Step 3: Practice, Practice, Practice
Reading isn't enough. You need hands-on experience.
- Complete hands-on labs
- Practice performance-based questions
- Take multiple practice tests
- Review every question (right and wrong)
Step 4: Take Practice Tests
Don't schedule your exam until you're ready.
- Take 5-10 full-length practice tests
- Score 85%+ consistently
- Review weak domains
- Time yourself (finish with 10-15 minutes to spare)
Step 5: Final Prep
Week before your exam:
- Take 1-2 more practice tests
- Review flashcards daily
- Focus on weak areas
- Get good sleep
- Don't cram
Step 6: Exam Day
- Arrive early (30 minutes before)
- Bring two forms of ID
- Read questions carefully
- Manage your time (don't spend too long on PBQs)
- Flag questions you're unsure about
- Review flagged questions before submitting
Want a proven system that walks you through all of this? Our Security+ prep includes a complete 8-week study plan with daily tasks, practice tests, and exam strategies.
Start your Security+ prep today →
Security+ Career Paths
What jobs can you get with Security+?
Entry-Level Roles:
- SOC Analyst - Monitor security events, investigate alerts
- Security Specialist - Implement security controls, assess risks
- Security Administrator - Manage security tools, configure policies
- IT Security Analyst - Analyze security data, create reports
Mid-Level Roles (with experience + Security+):
- Security Engineer - Design security solutions
- Incident Responder - Handle security incidents
- Security Consultant - Advise organizations on security
Government Jobs:
- DoD 8570 Baseline - Security+ meets IAT Level II requirements
- Many government contracts require Security+
- Federal cybersecurity roles often require Security+
Salary expectations:
- Entry-level: $50,000-70,000
- Mid-level: $70,000-100,000
- With experience: $100,000+
Note: Security+ alone won't get you a $100K job. But it's the foundation that opens doors.
Security+ vs Other Certifications
Security+ vs Network+
Security+:
- Focus: Security concepts and practices
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Security-focused roles
Network+:
- Focus: Network infrastructure
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Network administration roles
Should you get both? If you're new to IT, Network+ first, then Security+. If you're already in IT, Security+ is usually enough.
Security+ vs CISSP
Security+:
- Entry-level certification
- No experience required
- Focus: Technical security skills
- Cost: $392
CISSP:
- Advanced certification
- 5 years experience required
- Focus: Security management
- Cost: $749
Should you get both? Security+ first (foundation), then CISSP later (management track).
Security+ vs CySA+
Security+:
- Entry-level
- Focus: Security fundamentals
- Best for: Starting security career
CySA+:
- Intermediate level
- Focus: Security analytics and threat detection
- Best for: SOC analysts, threat hunters
Should you get both? Security+ first, then CySA+ after 1-2 years of experience.
Security+ Renewal: How to Maintain Your Certification
Security+ is valid for 3 years. After that, you need to renew.
Renewal Options:
Option 1: Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- Earn 50 CEUs in 3 years
- Activities: Training, conferences, other certs, teaching
- Cost: $0-500+ (depending on activities)
- Best for: People actively learning
Option 2: Retake the Exam
- Pass the current Security+ exam again
- Cost: $392
- Best for: People who prefer testing over learning
Option 3: Higher-Level Certification
- Earn a higher CompTIA cert (CySA+, PenTest+, CASP+)
- Automatically renews Security+
- Cost: $370-480
- Best for: People advancing their careers
Pro tip: Start earning CEUs early. Don't wait until year 3.
FAQ: CompTIA Security+ Certification
Q: Is Security+ worth it in 2026?
A: Absolutely. Security+ is still the most popular entry-level cybersecurity certification. It's required for many government jobs and opens doors to security roles.
Q: Can I pass Security+ without experience?
A: Yes, but it's harder. Security+ doesn't require experience, but having IT background helps. If you're a complete beginner, plan for 3-4 months of study.
Q: How long is Security+ valid?
A: 3 years. You can renew via CEUs, retaking the exam, or earning a higher CompTIA certification.
Q: What's the passing score for Security+?
A: 750/900 (83.3%). But aim for 85%+ on practice tests to account for exam day nerves.
Q: How many questions are on Security+?
A: 90 questions (multiple-choice and performance-based). You have 90 minutes to complete the exam.
Q: Can I use Security+ to get a job?
A: Security+ alone won't get you a job, but it's often required or preferred for entry-level security roles. Combine it with hands-on experience and other skills.
Q: What's the difference between SY0-601 and SY0-701?
A: SY0-701 is the current exam (released November 2023). SY0-601 retired in July 2024. SY0-701 has more cloud security and zero trust focus.
Q: How much does Security+ cost?
A: $392 for the exam. Total cost with study materials is typically $500-1,000.
Q: How long should I study for Security+?
A: Most people need 2-3 months of focused study (2-3 hours/day, 5 days/week).
Q: What's the best way to study for Security+?
A: Use a structured study plan, quality materials, hands-on practice, and multiple practice tests. Don't just read—practice.
Get a complete Security+ study system →
TL;DR
- Security+ is the most popular entry-level cybersecurity certification
- Exam: 90 questions, 90 minutes, $392, passing score 750/900
- Study time: 2-3 months of focused prep
- Difficulty: Moderate—passable with proper preparation
- Cost: $500-1,000 total (exam + materials)
- Validity: 3 years (renewable via CEUs or retaking exam)
- Career impact: Opens doors to SOC analyst, security specialist roles
- Best approach: Structured study plan + hands-on practice + multiple practice tests
Ready to get Security+ certified?
Our complete Security+ prep system includes:
- Full course mapped to all 5 exam domains
- Unlimited procedural practice tests
- 400+ flashcards with spaced repetition
- Exam simulator that mirrors the real test
- 8-week structured study plan
- All for $25/month (less than a single practice test elsewhere)