Associate CompTIA · Exam SY0-701

CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Study Guide

CompTIA Security+ is the baseline security certification and the one named most often in job postings and government role requirements. The current version is V7 (SY0-701), which launched on 7 November 2023: a maximum of 90 questions in 90 minutes, mixing multiple choice with performance-based tasks, and 750 on a 100–900 scale to pass. It covers general security concepts, threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture, operations, and governance, risk and compliance — breadth across the whole field rather than depth in any one part of it.

Overview

Level

Associate

Vendor

CompTIA

Audience

Help desk and systems people moving toward security, career changers who already have an IT rung behind them, and anyone whose employer or contract asks for a DoD 8140 baseline credential. CompTIA recommends Network+ plus roughly two years in a security or systems administrator role. Neither is required to sit the exam, but the networking assumption is real — questions take subnets, ports and protocols for granted.

Why get Security+

Security+ is the most recognized entry-level security certification in the industry. It is DoD 8570/8140 approved, meaning it satisfies baseline requirements for U.S. government and military IT security roles. In the private sector, it appears in job listings for security analysts, SOC analysts, IT security specialists, and junior penetration testers. It covers a genuine cross-section of modern security knowledge: threats and vulnerabilities, architecture and design, implementation, operations, incident response, and governance. The exam has been updated regularly to reflect real-world threats—the current version (SY0-701) covers cloud, zero trust, and current attack patterns. For anyone targeting a security role without prior hands-on experience, Security+ is the recognized baseline that gets you past resume filters.

Salary expectations

Typical salary range

$65,000 – $95,000

Entry-level cybersecurity and SOC analyst roles with Security+ typically start in the $65K–$75K range. With 2–3 years of experience and additional certs (CySA+, CISSP), compensation frequently reaches $90K–$120K+. Government and federal contractor roles often come with strong benefits on top of base salary.

When to get Security+

Take Security+ once you can explain how traffic moves across a network, because the exam assumes it. Most people study six to twelve weeks. The timing question this year is the version: V7 (SY0-701) is bookable now and its English exam retires on 11 June 2027, with Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai following on 13 August 2027. V8 (SY0-801) launches on or around 17 November 2026, same 90-minute, 90-question, 750-to-pass format, with added coverage of AI-related risks, security operations and modern environments. If you are testing in the next few months, stay on V7 — your material is current and the credential is identical. If you are starting from scratch now, check which version your course targets before you pay for it.

Exam details

Exam Quick Reference

Exam Code
SY0-701
Vendor
CompTIA
Level
Associate
Duration
90 minutes
Format
Maximum of 90 questions: multiple choice and performance-based. 90 minutes. Passing score: 750 (on a scale of 100–900). Offered in English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai.
Questions
Maximum of 90 questions
Official exam page Verify current pricing

Renewal: Security+ is valid for three years. Renew through CompTIA's Continuing Education program by logging CEUs, or by passing a higher-level CompTIA exam, which also renews everything beneath it — no need to re-sit Security+. CE fees can be paid with CompTIA CE Tokens, sold in $25 and $50 denominations.

Facts on this page last verified September 24, 2026 against official CompTIA sources.

Skills covered

Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities

  • Social engineering techniques (phishing, spear phishing, vishing)
  • Malware types: ransomware, trojans, worms, spyware
  • Application and network-based attacks
  • Threat intelligence and threat hunting concepts
  • Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing concepts

Architecture and Design

  • Zero trust architecture
  • Cloud security models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
  • Secure network topologies and segmentation
  • Application development and deployment security
  • Virtualization and containerization security

Implementation

  • Cryptography protocols (PKI, TLS, AES)
  • Identity and access management (IAM, MFA, SSO)
  • Wireless security (WPA3, RADIUS, EAP)
  • Endpoint and mobile device security
  • Firewall rules, VPNs, and network security controls

Operations and Incident Response

  • Incident response lifecycle
  • Digital forensics and evidence handling
  • Log analysis and SIEM basics
  • Disaster recovery and business continuity concepts
  • Security automation and orchestration basics

Governance, Risk, and Compliance

  • Risk management frameworks
  • Security policies, standards, and procedures
  • Data privacy regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS concepts)
  • Security controls classification
  • Third-party risk and supply chain security

Step-by-step study path

This sequence reflects what consistently works for Security+ candidates. Follow it in order—skipping hands-on labs is the most common reason people fail.

  1. 1

    Download the official exam objectives

    Start by downloading the SY0-701 exam objectives PDF from CompTIA's website. Security+ covers a wide breadth of topics—knowing the exact scope before studying prevents wasted time. The objectives document is your study contract.

  2. 2

    Choose a primary study resource

    Pick one comprehensive course or book and follow it from start to finish. Professor Messer's free video course is the most popular starting point. Jason Dion's Udemy course is the top-rated paid option. Do not use multiple full courses simultaneously—it causes confusion and delays.

  3. 3

    Build vocabulary and concepts first

    Security+ is heavily terminology-driven. Invest the first few weeks understanding core concepts: CIA triad, types of controls, authentication methods, cryptography basics. Flash cards (Anki or Quizlet) are effective here. You cannot skip this phase—context-free memorization of attack names fails in performance-based questions.

  4. 4

    Work through hands-on labs

    Performance-based questions (PBQs) test practical skills, not just definitions. Use TryHackMe (beginner-friendly) or Professor Messer's practice PBQs to build hands-on familiarity with log analysis, firewall rule reading, and incident response scenarios. Skipping labs is the most common reason candidates fail on test day.

  5. 5

    Take full practice exams

    Once you have covered all exam objectives, take full-length practice exams under timed conditions. Jason Dion's Udemy practice exams and CompTIA's official CertMaster Practice are the most reliable options. Target consistent scores of 80%+ before scheduling your real exam.

  6. 6

    Review wrong answers systematically

    Every incorrect practice exam answer is a study directive. Do not just note what was wrong—understand why each distractor answer was wrong too. Security+ questions are deliberately close-call scenarios. Understanding the logic behind answers builds the pattern recognition you need.

  7. 7

    Schedule and sit the exam

    Book through Pearson VUE, either in-person or online proctored. Arrive (or log in) fresh—no cramming the night before. Read every question carefully; many Security+ questions are scenario-based and hinge on one key detail. Budget time for PBQs, which appear early and take longer.

Ready to pick a course?

Professor Messer's free course and Jason Dion's Udemy course are the top two resources for Security+. See the sections below for details.

View course options →

Free resources

Video Course Professor Messer – SY0-701 Security+ Course (Free)

The gold standard free Security+ resource. Covers every exam objective with clear explanations. Used by hundreds of thousands of candidates.
Official Documentation CompTIA Security+ Exam Objectives (SY0-701)

Download the official objectives PDF. This is the definitive list of what is and is not on the exam.
Hands-on Labs TryHackMe – Pre-Security and SOC Level 1 Paths

Browser-based labs covering concepts tested in Security+. Free tier available. Excellent for building practical skills alongside your study course.
Community r/CompTIA on Reddit

Active exam prep community. Exam pass reports are especially useful for understanding what to expect on test day.

Vouchers & exam cost

Buy Security+ Exam Voucher – CompTIA Store

Frequently asked questions

Should I take SY0-701 (V7) or wait for SY0-801 (V8)?

Take V7 if you are ready to test soon. SY0-701 is bookable now and its English exam does not retire until 11 June 2027, so there is no rush. V8 (SY0-801) launches on or around 17 November 2026 with the same format — 90 minutes, maximum 90 questions, 750 to pass — and adds AI-related risk, security operations and modern environment coverage. Both award the same Security+ certification. The practical rule: if your study material is already V7 and you can test within a few months, finish on V7; if you are buying a course today for an exam next year, buy V8-aligned material.

Is Security+ worth it?

Yes, especially for U.S.-based candidates targeting government, defense, or federal contractor roles where DoD 8570/8140 compliance is required. In the private sector, it satisfies the baseline security credential filter for analyst and SOC roles. It is one of the fastest certs to turn into a job offer for candidates transitioning into security.

How hard is the Security+ exam?

It is a legitimate exam that requires dedicated study—typically 6 to 12 weeks depending on your existing IT background. The performance-based questions (PBQs) catch many candidates off guard. Consistent use of practice exams and hands-on labs before test day is what separates passing candidates.

Do I need A+ or Network+ before Security+?

CompTIA recommends Network+ plus two years of IT experience, but there are no hard prerequisites. Candidates with general IT backgrounds often go directly to Security+. If you have zero IT experience, completing CompTIA A+ or Network+ first will make Security+ study considerably easier.

How long does it take to study for Security+?

Most candidates spend 6 to 12 weeks studying part-time. Those with existing security or IT experience may be ready in 4 to 6 weeks. Complete beginners should plan for 10 to 14 weeks to ensure adequate time for hands-on practice.

What jobs can I get with Security+?

SOC Analyst, IT Security Analyst, Security Administrator, Systems Administrator (with security duties), Junior Penetration Tester, and Cybersecurity Specialist roles commonly list Security+ as a requirement or strong preference. Government and federal contractor roles often require it specifically.

What is the passing score for Security+?

The passing score for SY0-701 is 750 on a scale of 100 to 900. CompTIA uses scaled scoring, so point values per question vary.

What comes after Security+?

CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) is the natural next step for defensive security roles. CompTIA PenTest+ for offensive/red team paths. CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) for advanced practitioners. Many candidates also pursue vendor-specific certs: AWS Security Specialty, Microsoft SC-900 series, or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

Jobs where Security+ shows up

17 roles in our Career Navigator list Security+ as worth having. Each page covers what the job involves day to day, its honest downside, and the typical pay.

Not sure which of these fits you? Take the free Navigator assessment →

More CompTIA certifications

The full CompTIA roadmap →

Ready to start studying?

Start with Professor Messer's free course, add Jason Dion's practice exams, and build hands-on skills on TryHackMe. That combination works.

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