Cybersecurity
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)
CompTIA Security+
Free SY0-701 practice questions 150 questions with full answer explanations. No sign-up. Start practice →Overview
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) is the most common entry-level cybersecurity certification. It is vendor-neutral and covers the broad foundations: threats and attacks, security architecture, operations, and governance and risk.
It is widely listed as a baseline requirement in security job postings and meets the US DoD 8570/8140 baseline for certain roles. The exam includes performance-based questions that ask you to complete tasks, not just pick answers.
✓ Who it is for
- People entering cybersecurity from IT support or helpdesk roles
- Career changers who want a recognised first security credential
- Anyone needing a baseline certification for compliance-driven roles
✕ Who it is not for
- Experienced security engineers who already hold CISSP/CISM - Security+ will feel basic.
- People targeting a developer or pure-networking role (look at AWS or Cisco tracks).
- Anyone expecting a guaranteed job - it is an entry credential, not a placement.
Exam structure
| General Security Concepts | 12% |
|---|---|
| Threats, Vulnerabilities and Mitigations | 22% |
| Security Architecture | 18% |
| Security Operations | 28% |
| Security Program Management and Oversight | 20% |
How the exam is weighted
- General Security Concepts 12%
- Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations 22%
- Security Architecture 18%
- Security Operations 28%
- Security Program Management & Oversight 20%
What each domain covers
- General Security Concepts
- Security controls & concepts · Cryptographic solutions & PKI · Change management · Zero trust basics
- Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations
- Threat actors & motivations · Attack surfaces & vectors · Types of vulnerabilities · Indicators of malicious activity · Mitigation techniques
- Security Architecture
- Architecture models (cloud, on-prem, hybrid) · Securing enterprise infrastructure · Data protection · Resilience & recovery
- Security Operations
- Hardening & secure baselines · Identity & access management · Monitoring & vulnerability management · Incident response & investigation
- Security Program Management & Oversight
- Governance & policies · Risk management · Third-party/vendor risk · Compliance, audits & awareness
Realistic study time
- Some IT/networking background 40-60 hours over 6-8 weeks
- Brand new to IT 80-120 hours; do Network+ basics first
Bars show relative effort, not a guarantee. Your time depends on background and study method.
Turn this into a week-by-week schedule with the Study Plan Generator.
What it really costs
Fees change and vary by region. Confirm the current amount on the official site before you register.
Want your full out-of-pocket figure? Try the Cost Calculator.
Salary & career value
Indicative ranges for orientation only - not surveyed data, and not financial or career advice. Sources and date below.
Security+ is an entry-level credential, so it supports early-career pay rather than commanding a large premium on its own. US roles that list it commonly report roughly US$60k-95k. Its real value is as a door-opener and a DoD 8140 baseline.
Pass rate: Not published. CompTIA does not release an official Security+ pass rate, so quoted percentages are third-party estimates, not verified data. The published standard is the passing score: 750 on a scaled range of 100 to 900.
Indicative annual pay (USD), each role's typical band on a shared scale.
Other markets (indicative)
| United Kingdom | ~£28k-50k |
|---|---|
| Canada | ~CA$60k-90k |
Jobs that often ask for it:
- Junior SOC Analyst
- Security Administrator
- Systems Administrator (security-focused)
- IT support moving into security
- Roles needing a DoD 8140 baseline
Is it worth it?
Yes, if you are entering cybersecurity. Security+ is one of the most-requested baseline credentials, vendor-neutral, and recognised across both private-sector and government roles, where it meets the US DoD 8140 baseline. For someone moving from IT support, helpdesk or a career change, it is an efficient, affordable way to clear HR screens and reach junior analyst, SOC and security-administrator roles, and its performance-based questions show you can do tasks, not just memorise terms. It is less worthwhile if you already hold higher-level certifications such as CySA+, CISM or CISSP, which will make it feel basic, or if your target is a developer or pure-networking path. Treat it as a door-opener and a foundation, not a guarantee of placement: experience and follow-on certifications carry more weight over time.
Not sure this is the right exam for you? Compare your options with the Exam Finder.
Compare SY0-701 with other exams
Independent, like-for-like comparisons to help you choose the right one.
Career paths featuring SY0-701
What to do next
After Security+, branch into CySA+ (defensive analyst) or aim long term at CISSP. Compare Security+ vs CySA+ to pick your next step.
On exam day
Take it at a Pearson VUE centre or online with OnVUE remote proctoring. Up to 90 questions (including hands-on performance-based items) in 90 minutes. If testing online, run the system check in advance.
Keeping your certification
Valid 3 years. Renew through CompTIA's Continuing Education program (50 CEUs over the cycle, or pass a higher CompTIA exam), plus a modest annual CE fee. Earning CySA+ also renews it.
FAQ
- Is Security+ worth it in 2026?
- For people entering security, yes. It is one of the most-requested baseline certifications and is recognised across government and private-sector roles. Experienced professionals usually aim higher.
- How long does it take to study for Security+?
- Most candidates need six to ten weeks of part-time study. An IT background shortens this considerably.
- Does CompTIA allow AI-generated practice questions?
- No. CompTIA prohibits unauthorised training materials, including AI-generated exam questions. Use the official objectives and reputable study guides, and treat any 'real questions' site as a policy and copyright risk.
- Can I self-study for Security+?
- Yes - it is one of the most self-study-friendly security certs. Free resources like Professor Messer plus the official objectives and practice questions are enough for most people.
- What jobs can Security+ help me get?
- Junior SOC analyst, security administrator, and security-focused IT roles. It also meets the US DoD 8140 baseline, so it appears on many government-adjacent job postings.
- How much does Security+ cost in total?
- The voucher is around US$404. Add little to a few hundred dollars for materials (much is free), and budget the full fee again only if you need a retake.
- How do I keep Security+ valid?
- It is valid three years. Renew through CompTIA's continuing-education program with CEUs, by earning a higher CompTIA cert, or via CertMaster CE, plus a small annual fee.
Related exams
- CISSP (ISC2) - ISC2
- CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) - CompTIA
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - EC-Council