CompTIA Security+ credential artwork

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)

Validates knowledge of security threats, protective controls, risk management and incident response across modern IT environments.

Summary

CompTIA Security+ covers the security fundamentals used in IT support, systems administration and junior security roles. It is vendor-neutral and spans many topics rather than one specialty, which is why it is often the first step toward more advanced security credentials.

Good fit if

  • You want a broad first security certification
  • Employers ask for it, especially US government contractors
  • You're moving from networking or IT support into security

Look elsewhere if

Salary & jobs

Prerequisites

No required prerequisites.

CompTIA Network+ knowledge

Recommended

Networking fundamentals, including addressing, protocols and how devices communicate.

2 years in security or systems administration

Recommended

Hands-on experience managing systems and dealing with common security problems.

Cost

USD · US pricing
$439

What holders say

Certification path

CompTIA recommends Network+ before Security+. Its cybersecurity pathway continues to CySA+ or PenTest+, then SecurityX.

CompTIA Network+ credential artwork
Network+Networking fundamentals
This certification
CompTIA Security+ credential artwork
Security+Core cybersecurity skills
CompTIA CySA+ credential artwork
CySA+Security analysis and defense
CompTIA PenTest+ credential artwork
PenTest+Penetration testing
CompTIA SecurityX credential artwork
SecurityXSecurity architecture and engineering

Renewal

Security+ is valid for 3 years from the day you pass.

Validity
3 years
Renewal requirement
50 CEUs per cycle
Renewal fee
$150 USD

Renew with continuing education or by passing a higher CompTIA certification such as CySA+. A qualifying higher certification also waives the CE fee.

CompTIA continuing education ↗

Alternatives

Certified Ethical Hacker credential artwork
CEH$1,050 required · Intermediate

Ethical hacking credential, better known in offensive roles.

Certified in Cybersecurity credential artwork
CC$249 required · Entry

ISC2's own no-experience entry credential, an alternative to CompTIA's exam-only path.

CCNA Cybersecurity credential artwork
CCNA Cybersecurity$300 required · Entry

Cisco's entry-level security credential if you want a networking-vendor angle instead of vendor-neutral coverage.

Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate credential artwork
Google Cybersecurity$294 required · Entry

Project-based, portfolio-building alternative entry point into cybersecurity.

FAQ

Is Security+ hard?

It covers a broad set of concepts and asks you to apply them. Learn the objectives, practise performance-based tasks and take timed tests before booking.

Should I take SY0-701 or wait for SY0-801?

Take SY0-701 if you can prepare and test before June 11, 2027. SY0-801 launches on November 17, 2026. Either version earns Security+ for three years from your pass date.

How much does Security+ cost?

The US exam voucher costs $439. Free video courses are available, and a useful low-cost route is Professor Messer’s free videos plus his $30 digital practice exams.

What happens if I fail?

Buy another exam attempt. There is no waiting period after your first failed attempt; after the second, wait 14 days between attempts.

Does Security+ expire?

Yes, after three years. Renew with 50 CEUs and the CE fee, or through another qualifying CompTIA renewal route.

Last updated October 2026