Security+ Practice Test: Complete Guide to Passing (2026)
Security+ practice test guide with proven strategies. Learn how many tests you need, what scores to aim for, and which platforms actually work. Start your prep today.
EpicDetect Team
12 min read
Security+ Practice Test: Complete Guide to Passing (2026)
You've taken 3 practice tests and you're still scoring 65%. Sound familiar?
Here's the thing—most Security+ practice tests don't actually prepare you for the real exam. They give you the same questions over and over, so you're memorizing answers instead of learning concepts.
Let's fix that.
How Many Security+ Practice Tests Should You Take?
Most people need 5-10 full-length practice tests before they're ready. But here's the catch: quality matters way more than quantity.
The problem: If you're taking the same test 10 times, you're just testing your memory, not your knowledge.
The solution: You need practice tests that generate new scenarios every time. That way, you're actually learning, not just memorizing.
Think about it this way: if you can score 85%+ on 5 different practice tests with varied questions, you're probably ready. But if you're scoring 90% on the same test you've taken 10 times? That doesn't mean much.
Want practice tests that actually prepare you? Check out our Security+ exam prep system →
What Score Do You Need to Pass Security+?
You need 750/900 (83.3%) to pass the Security+ exam. But don't aim for the minimum.
Why? Exam day nerves are real. If you're scoring 75% on practice tests, you might fail the real thing.
Aim for 85%+ on practice tests. That gives you a buffer for stress and unexpected questions.
Here's the breakdown:
- 65-74%: Not ready. Keep studying.
- 75-84%: Borderline. You might pass, but it's risky.
- 85-94%: Ready. You should pass comfortably.
- 95%+: Over-prepared (which is fine, but you might be overthinking it).
The sweet spot? 85-90% on varied practice tests means you're ready.
Best Security+ Practice Tests: Free vs Paid
Free Options
ExamCompass:
- Good for basic questions
- Limited scenarios
- No detailed explanations
- Best for: Quick concept checks
Professor Messer:
- Free practice questions
- No full-length exams
- Great explanations
- Best for: Understanding concepts
CompTIA Official:
- Sample questions only
- Official exam format
- Limited questions
- Best for: Getting familiar with exam style
Limitation: Free tests are great for basics, but they won't prepare you for the exam's complexity. You need procedural scenarios and detailed explanations.
Paid Options
Jason Dion:
- $15-20 per practice test
- 5 tests = $75-100 total
- Good explanations
- Downside: Same questions every time
Boson:
- $99 for 3 practice tests
- Detailed explanations
- Real exam feel
- Downside: Expensive, limited tests
EpicDetect:
- $25/month for unlimited practice tests + full course
- Procedural exams that change every time
- Full Security+ course included
- Flashcards and exam simulator
- Best value: Everything you need for less than a single practice test elsewhere
The difference? EpicDetect gives you procedural exams that change every time. Plus, you get the full Security+ course, flashcards, and exam simulator—all for less than a single practice test elsewhere.
Why Your Security+ Practice Test Scores Aren't Improving
You've taken 5 practice tests, but you're still scoring 65%. What's going wrong?
Common mistakes:
1. Memorizing answers instead of concepts
- You recognize the question, not the principle
- You know "the answer is B" but don't know why
- Fix: Focus on understanding the concept behind each question
2. Not reviewing explanations
- You skip straight to the next question
- You don't understand why wrong answers are wrong
- Fix: Read every explanation, even for questions you got right
3. Using the same test repeatedly
- You're testing memory, not knowledge
- After test #3, you're just recognizing patterns
- Fix: Use varied practice tests with new scenarios
4. Rushing through questions
- You're not reading carefully
- You're missing key details
- Fix: Take your time. Read every word.
The fix: You need a system that forces you to understand concepts, not memorize answers.
Our Security+ exam prep includes procedural exams that generate new scenarios every time. Plus, every question includes detailed explanations that teach you the "why" behind each answer.
Security+ Practice Test Review: Top Platforms Compared
Let's break down the top platforms and what they actually offer:
Jason Dion Practice Tests
Pros:
- Good explanations
- Real exam feel
- Affordable per test
Cons:
- Same questions every time
- Limited scenarios
- No course included
Best for: People who want a few solid practice tests
Cost: $15-20 per test (5 tests = $75-100)
Boson ExSim
Pros:
- Detailed explanations
- Real exam simulation
- Performance tracking
Cons:
- Expensive ($99 for 3 tests)
- Limited test bank
- No course included
Best for: People who want premium practice tests
Cost: $99 for 3 tests
Professor Messer
Pros:
- Free practice questions
- Great explanations
- YouTube videos
Cons:
- No full-length exams
- Limited question bank
- No exam simulator
Best for: People on a tight budget
Cost: Free
EpicDetect Security+ Prep
Pros:
- Unlimited procedural practice tests
- Full Security+ course included
- 400+ flashcards
- Exam simulator
- All for $25/month
Cons:
- Monthly subscription (but cancel anytime)
Best for: People who want everything in one place
Cost: $25/month (includes course, tests, flashcards, simulator)
The bottom line: If you're serious about passing Security+, you need more than just practice tests. You need a complete system.
See everything included in EpicDetect →
How to Use Security+ Practice Tests Effectively
Taking practice tests isn't enough. You need a strategy.
Step 1: Take Your First Practice Test
Don't study first. Take a practice test cold.
Why? This shows you where you're starting. You'll see your weak areas immediately.
Goal: Don't worry about your score. Just see where you stand.
Step 2: Review Every Question
Even the ones you got right.
For correct answers:
- Confirm you understood the concept
- Make sure you didn't just guess
- Review why other options were wrong
For wrong answers:
- Read the explanation carefully
- Understand why your answer was wrong
- Learn the concept behind the correct answer
Step 3: Study Your Weak Areas
Focus on the domains where you scored lowest.
Security+ Domains:
1. General Security Concepts (12%)
2. Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%)
3. Security Architecture (18%)
4. Security Operations (28%)
5. Security Program Management and Oversight (20%)
If you're scoring 60% in Security Operations, that's your focus area.
Step 4: Take Another Practice Test
After studying your weak areas, take another test.
Goal: See if your scores improved.
If yes: Keep studying and take more tests.
If no: You might need a different study approach.
Step 5: Repeat Until Ready
Keep taking practice tests until you're consistently scoring 85%+.
How many tests? Most people need 5-10.
How long? Usually 2-4 weeks of focused practice.
Security+ Practice Test Score Interpretation
Your practice test score tells you a lot. Here's what it means:
50-64%: Not Ready
What this means:
- You're missing fundamental concepts
- You need more study time
- Don't schedule your exam yet
What to do:
- Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing
- Use study guides or courses
- Take more practice tests after studying
65-74%: Getting There
What this means:
- You understand some concepts
- You're missing key details
- You're close, but not quite ready
What to do:
- Review explanations for every wrong answer
- Focus on your weakest domains
- Take 2-3 more practice tests
75-84%: Borderline
What this means:
- You understand most concepts
- You might pass, but it's risky
- Exam day nerves could push you below passing
What to do:
- Aim for 85%+ before scheduling
- Focus on your weak areas
- Take more practice tests
85-94%: Ready
What this means:
- You understand the concepts
- You should pass comfortably
- You're ready to schedule your exam
What to do:
- Schedule your exam
- Take 1-2 more practice tests before exam day
- Review flashcards daily
95%+: Over-Prepared
What this means:
- You know the material very well
- You might be overthinking questions
- You're definitely ready
What to do:
- Schedule your exam
- Trust your knowledge
- Don't second-guess yourself
Common Security+ Practice Test Mistakes
Avoid these mistakes and you'll improve faster:
Mistake 1: Taking Tests Too Early
Problem: You take a practice test before studying.
Why it's bad: You waste a test. You don't know what you don't know yet.
Fix: Study first, then take practice tests.
Mistake 2: Not Reviewing Explanations
Problem: You check your score and move on.
Why it's bad: You're not learning from your mistakes.
Fix: Read every explanation, even for correct answers.
Mistake 3: Using the Same Test Repeatedly
Problem: You take the same practice test 10 times.
Why it's bad: You're testing memory, not knowledge.
Fix: Use varied practice tests with new scenarios.
Mistake 4: Rushing Through Questions
Problem: You speed through questions without reading carefully.
Why it's bad: You miss key details and make careless mistakes.
Fix: Take your time. Read every word.
Mistake 5: Not Timing Yourself
Problem: You take practice tests without timing.
Why it's bad: The real exam is timed. You need to practice under pressure.
Fix: Time yourself. Aim to finish with 10-15 minutes to spare.
FAQ: Security+ Practice Tests
Q: How many practice tests should I take before the exam?
A: Most people need 5-10 full-length practice tests. But quality matters more than quantity. If you're scoring 85%+ on varied practice tests, you're ready.
Get unlimited practice tests with our Security+ prep system →
Q: What score do I need to pass Security+?
A: You need 750/900 (83.3%) to pass. But don't aim for the minimum—aim for 85%+ on practice tests to account for exam day nerves.
Q: Are free Security+ practice tests enough?
A: Free tests are great for basics, but they won't prepare you for the exam's complexity. You need procedural scenarios and detailed explanations.
See what our exam simulator offers →
Q: How long should I study before taking practice tests?
A: Study for 2-3 weeks first, then start taking practice tests. This gives you a baseline to measure improvement.
Q: Can I pass Security+ with just practice tests?
A: Probably not. Practice tests show you what you know, but they don't teach you concepts. You need study materials too.
Q: How often should I take practice tests?
A: Take 1-2 practice tests per week. This gives you time to study between tests and track your progress.
Q: What's the difference between practice tests and the real exam?
A: Practice tests are similar, but the real exam has performance-based questions (PBQs) that require hands-on tasks. Make sure your practice tests include PBQs.
Q: Should I retake the same practice test?
A: Maybe once to see improvement, but don't take the same test repeatedly. You'll just memorize answers instead of learning concepts.
TL;DR
- Take 5-10 practice tests before your exam
- Aim for 85%+ on practice tests (not just 75%)
- Quality matters more than quantity
- Review explanations, don't just check answers
- Use varied practice tests, not the same ones repeatedly
- Free tests are good for basics, but paid tests prepare you better
- Don't memorize answers—understand concepts
Ready to pass Security+ in 30 days?
Our complete Security+ prep system includes:
- Unlimited procedural practice tests that change every time
- Full Security+ course mapped to exam domains
- 400+ flashcards with spaced repetition
- Exam simulator that mirrors the real test
- All for $25/month (less than a single practice test elsewhere)