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. This step-by-step plan for passing Security+ on the first try walks through exactly what actually works.

Let's fix that.

Want to see where you stand first? Take our free 20-question Security+ practice test. It scores you against the 75% pass line in about 10 minutes, and you don't need an account.

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 on a 100–900 scale (it is not a percentage)
• Cost: $425 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: $425 USD (CompTIA's 2026 list price)

• 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: $425 (if you fail)

• No free retakes
• Most people pass on second attempt

Total Typical Cost: $500-1,000

• Exam: $425
• Study materials: $100-300
• Potential retake: $425

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 $425 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.

See the complete study plan →

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
• Timed 90-question practice exams, drawn at random and scored by domain
• Nine flashcard decks with spaced review
• The free 20-question practice test to start
• 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 (and SOC analyst salaries in 2026 are stronger than most people expect)
• 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: $425

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. If you're unsure which to prioritize, this comparison breaks down exactly when each cert makes sense for your career.

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: $425
• 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 on a 100–900 scale. It is not a percentage, so 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: $425 for the exam at CompTIA's 2026 list price. 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, $425, passing score 750 (on a 100–900 scale)
• 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
• Timed 90-question practice exams, drawn at random and scored by domain
• Nine flashcard decks with spaced review
• All for $25 a month or $180 a year, with a 7-day free trial on your first subscription

Not sure where you stand yet? Take the free 20-question practice test first.

Start your Security+ certification journey →