What is CompTIA Security+?
Security+ is CompTIA's vendor-neutral certification for baseline security skills. It is aimed at early-career security and systems administrators, and covers security concepts, threats and mitigations, security architecture, security operations, and security program management.
Who should take Security+?
People moving into security roles such as security analyst, security or systems administrator, SOC analyst or incident responder. CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus, but neither is required.
Do I need A+ or Network+ before Security+?
No. There are no enforced prerequisites, so anyone can book the exam. Network+ is recommended because Security+ assumes networking knowledge.
Is Security+ required for DoD jobs?
Security+ is approved for many US Department of Defense cybersecurity work roles under DoD 8140 (formerly 8570), which is why it is required for many government and defence-contractor positions. CompTIA's certification page lists the work roles.
How many questions are on the SY0-701 exam?
A maximum of 90. CompTIA describes them as a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions, and does not publish how many of each, how many come from each domain, or how many are unscored.
How long is the Security+ exam?
90 minutes, in one sitting with no scheduled breaks.
What score do I need to pass Security+?
750 on a scale of 100 to 900.
Is 750 the same as 83%?
No. The score is scaled, questions can carry different weights, and CompTIA does not publish how raw answers convert to the 100–900 scale. So the passing score cannot be turned into a percentage of questions you must get right.
Is there a passing score for each domain?
No. You get one result for the whole exam. There is no minimum score per domain.
What are performance-based questions (PBQs)?
Simulations of a tool or environment, such as a firewall, a network diagram, a terminal window or an operating system. You might drag and drop, match, put steps in order or pick from drop-downs. Each one has a Reset button, and you can skip it and come back later.
Do performance-based questions give partial credit?
Some do and some do not, and CompTIA does not say which. Some PBQs are also worth more points than a multiple-choice question, and different valid ways of solving one can earn credit.
What do the multiple-choice questions look like?
Usually a short scenario followed by "Which of the following…" and four options with one correct answer. A qualifier such as BEST, MOST likely, FIRST or NEXT tells you which of the plausible options is right.
Which Security+ domain is the biggest?
Security Operations, at 28% of the exam. It is followed by Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%), Security Program Management and Oversight (20%), Security Architecture (18%) and General Security Concepts (12%).
Do I need to memorise acronyms?
Yes. The official exam objectives include a long acronym list, and CompTIA expects candidates to know the terms on it.
Is there maths on the Security+ exam?
Very little. The only calculations in the objectives are risk formulas such as single loss expectancy (SLE), annualized rate of occurrence (ARO) and annualized loss expectancy (ALE). Physical calculators are not allowed.
What does the score report show?
Your scaled score, whether you passed, and the exam objectives linked to the questions you got wrong. CompTIA does not release the questions, your answers or the answer key.
Does CompTIA publish the Security+ pass rate?
No. CompTIA does not publish pass rates for Security+.
Can I take Security+ online?
Yes. You can sit it at a Pearson VUE test center or online through Pearson's OnVUE proctoring from a private room. Online, you take photos of your workspace and do a room scan at check-in. The proctoring software and proctors work in English, and online testing is not offered in every country.
What can I use during the exam?
At a test center you are given an erasable note board and pen. Online you get a built-in digital whiteboard only. Physical notes, paper, pens, calculators and watches are not allowed in either setting.
Can I take a break during the exam?
There are no scheduled breaks. Online, you cannot leave once check-in starts unless a break was approved in advance as an accommodation. At a test center you can take an unscheduled break, but the clock keeps running.
When should I arrive or check in?
Arrive at a test center 15 minutes before your appointment. For an online exam, check-in opens 30 minutes before your appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you may not be admitted.
What languages is Security+ offered in?
English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai.
How much does the Security+ exam cost?
The price varies by country and changes from time to time, so check the current price on CompTIA's website before you book. Every attempt is charged at the full price.
What happens if I fail?
You can book a second attempt straight away. Before your third and every later attempt you must wait at least 14 days after the previous one. Each attempt costs the full exam price, and CompTIA does not offer free retakes or retake discounts.
Can I retake Security+ after passing to get a higher score?
No. You cannot retake an exam code you have passed without CompTIA's consent.
When does SY0-701 retire?
The English exam retires on 11 June 2027. The Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai versions retire on 13 August 2027.
Should I take SY0-701 or wait for SY0-801?
Security+ V8 (SY0-801) launches around 17 November 2026, in English only at first, with different domain weights. SY0-701 stays bookable until it retires. Pick one before you start studying and use material written for that exam code.
Will my SY0-701 voucher work for SY0-801?
No. Vouchers are exam-specific, so an SY0-701 voucher can only be used for SY0-701.
How long is Security+ valid?
Three years from the date you pass.
How do I renew Security+?
Through CompTIA's Continuing Education program: earn 50 continuing education units (CEUs) within the three-year cycle, or earn a qualifying higher-level certification. A renewal fee applies.
How long does it take to study for Security+?
It depends on your background. Training providers commonly estimate around 50 to 80 hours of focused study for candidates with IT experience, and considerably more for complete beginners.
Where can I find the official exam objectives?
On the Security+ page of CompTIA's website, where the SY0-701 exam objectives can be downloaded for free. CompTIA also publishes a free set of practice questions there.
Can I use exam dumps?
No. Using unauthorised materials such as braindumps breaks CompTIA's policies, and CompTIA can revoke your certification and ban you from future exams.
