What Is CompTIA Security+? A Complete Guide to the SY0-701 Exam

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) is an entry-level cybersecurity certification that validates the core skills needed for a career in information security. It is widely recognized as the first security certification a cybersecurity professional should earn. The exam covers five domains: General Security Concepts, Threats Vulnerabilities and Mitigations, Security Architecture, Security Operations, and Security Program Management. Security+ is accredited by ANSI and meets ISO 17024 standards, making it a globally trusted credential. Unlike vendor-specific certifications like CISSP or CEH, Security+ teaches foundational principles that apply across any security role or technology stack. More than 600,000 professionals worldwide hold the certification, and it is a prerequisite for many government and defense contracting positions, including those requiring DoD Directive 8570 compliance.

Yes — for most people, CompTIA Security+ is absolutely worth the investment. It is the most in-demand entry-level cybersecurity certification and is often listed as a requirement or preferred qualification for security analyst, SOC analyst, and network administrator roles. According to CompTIA's 2025 salary data, professionals with Security+ earn an average of $95,000 per year in the United States. The certification opens doors to roles such as Security Specialist, Security Administrator, IT Auditor, and Compliance Analyst. Security+ is also a mandatory certification for many US government IT and cybersecurity positions under DoD Directive 8570. Even outside of government roles, hiring managers view Security+ as proof that a candidate understands fundamental security concepts, risk management, and incident response. For career changers entering cybersecurity, it is widely considered the best starting point.

CompTIA Security+ is considered moderately difficult. According to CompTIA, the first-attempt pass rate is approximately 82%, which is higher than many other IT certifications. However, this does not mean the exam is easy — it requires dedicated study. The exam tests both theoretical knowledge and practical application through performance-based questions (PBQs). Candidates who have prior IT experience, especially in networking or system administration, typically find Security+ easier. Those new to IT should plan for 6 to 12 weeks of study. The most challenging areas for most test-takers are cryptography, PKI, and interpreting security logs during PBQs. Many candidates report that the exam is more challenging than the CompTIA Network+ but less difficult than the CISSP or CEH certifications.

Study time varies based on your background. For someone with 1–2 years of IT experience, CompTIA recommends 30 to 40 hours of study spread over 4 to 6 weeks. For beginners with no IT background, plan for 60 to 120 hours over 8 to 12 weeks. The most effective study approach combines multiple resources: a video course (like Professor Messer or Jason Dion), a study guide (the official CompTIA Security+ book or a third-party guide), and extensive practice exams. Many successful candidates report studying 1 to 2 hours per day for 30 to 60 days. Cramming is not recommended — the exam requires understanding concepts, not memorization. Domain 2 (Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations) and Domain 4 (Security Operations) are the heaviest-weighted domains, so allocate extra study time there.

The CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions. The exam includes multiple-choice questions (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop activities, and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs simulate real-world scenarios where you must configure security controls, analyze logs, or set up network segments. Typically, you will see 3 to 5 PBQs at the beginning of the exam. You have 90 minutes to complete all questions. The exam is computer-adaptive to some degree — if you perform well on early questions, later questions may become more challenging. There are no penalties for guessing, so you should answer every question even if you are unsure.

You need a score of 750 out of 900 (approximately 83%) to pass the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam. Scores are scaled, not raw percentages, meaning the difficulty of questions is factored into your final score. You will receive your score immediately after completing the exam, along with a printed score report showing your performance in each domain. If you do not pass, the score report can help you identify which domains need more study. CompTIA does not publish exact grading formulas, but most experts estimate you need to answer roughly 75-80% of questions correctly.

The CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam voucher costs $392 USD as of 2025. You can purchase the voucher directly from CompTIA or through authorized resellers. Discounts are often available for students, teachers, and military personnel through the CompTIA Academic Marketplace. Bundle deals that include a retake voucher are available for approximately $502. Some training providers include the exam voucher in their course fees. If you do not pass on the first attempt, retake vouchers are available at a reduced price. CompTIA also offers the CompTIA Store, where you can bundle study materials with the exam voucher for a small discount.

CompTIA Security+ certification is valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. To renew, you have several options: earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through training, webinars, conferences, or publishing security-related content; pass a higher-level CompTIA certification (like CySA+, CASP+, or SecurityX); or pass the most current version of the Security+ exam again. The easiest renewal path is to earn 50 CEUs over three years through activities like watching CompTIA webinars (free for members), completing training courses, or attending industry conferences. CompTIA also offers CertMaster CE, an online continuing education course specifically designed for Security+ renewal. Most professionals find renewal straightforward by attending a few webinars and training sessions each year.

CompTIA Security+ qualifies you for entry-level and mid-level cybersecurity roles. The most common job titles include Security Analyst (average $95,000), SOC Analyst ($80,000), Security Administrator ($85,000), Network Administrator ($75,000), IT Auditor ($90,000), and Compliance Analyst ($78,000). Security+ is often a stepping stone — many professionals earn Security+ first, then advance to CySA+, CISSP, or other specialized certifications. The certification is particularly valuable for government and defense contractor roles because it satisfies DoD Directive 8570 IAT Level II requirements. Even in the private sector, Security+ is listed as a preferred or required certification in over 60,000 job postings annually according to CompTIA data.

A PBQ (Performance-Based Question) is a hands-on question type on the CompTIA Security+ exam that tests your ability to apply security concepts in simulated real-world scenarios. Instead of choosing from multiple-choice answers, you might configure a firewall rule, set up a wireless network with WPA3, analyze a log file for Indicators of Compromise, or drag and drop security controls into a network diagram. PBQs appear at the beginning of the exam and are typically more time-consuming than multiple-choice questions. Most exams include 3 to 5 PBQs. Strategy tip: many test-takers recommend flagging PBQs and returning to them after answering multiple-choice questions to maximize time efficiency.