The cybersecurity skills gap is not a future problem. It is a present crisis, and the workforce is scrambling to close it. With more than 265,000 professionals currently holding the credential in the United States alone and nearly 82,500 open job postings specifically requesting it, CompTIA Security+ has become the defining entry point for anyone serious about building a career in IT security, according to data from Cyberseek.
Unlike many professional credentials that pile on prerequisites and gatekeeping, Security+ is deliberately accessible. CompTIA designed it as the foundational certification a security professional should earn first, before moving into more advanced credentials like CySA+ or CASP+. That combination of accessibility and credibility is a rare thing in the certification world, and it explains why hiring managers across industries and government agencies keep coming back to it as a hiring benchmark.
What follows is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about Security+: what the exam covers, what it costs, how to prepare for it, and where it can take your career. Whether you are thinking about your first IT security role or looking to formalize skills you have already built on the job, this guide will give you a clear picture of what earning this credential actually means.
What Is CompTIA Security+ and Why Does It Matter?
CompTIA, formally the Computing Technology Industry Association, is a vendor-neutral trade organization that provides IT certifications across multiple technology domains. It does not favor any single vendor’s products or platforms, which makes its certifications broadly applicable to real-world work environments.
The Security+ certification sits within CompTIA’s core certification track alongside IT Fundamentals, A+, and Network+. It confirms that a professional has the baseline skills required to perform core security functions and establishes a globally recognized benchmark for IT network and operational security best practices.
The DoD Connection That Gives Security+ Federal Weight
One of the most significant endorsements the Security+ certification carries comes from the U.S. Department of Defense. Under DoD Directive 8140, which governs the information assurance and cybersecurity workforce of DoD organizations, personnel must hold certifications listed in the DoD 8570.01-M compliance framework to qualify for their roles.
The DoD has approved seven CompTIA certifications for Directive 8140 compliance, and Security+ is on that list. For professionals pursuing federal government employment or contracting work, this approval is not a minor detail. It is often a non-negotiable hiring requirement.
How Security+ Fits Into the Broader CompTIA Ecosystem
Security+ is the gateway to a progression of increasingly specialized CompTIA security certifications:
- CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst): Focuses on applying behavioral analytics to improve the overall state of IT security.
- CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner): Validates critical thinking and advanced security judgment across complex environments.
- PenTest+: Targets intermediate-level professionals focused on penetration testing and vulnerability management.
Most professionals earn Security+ before pursuing any of these credentials.
CompTIA Security+ Requirements: What You Actually Need
There are no formal prerequisites for the Security+ exam. You do not need a specific degree, prior certification, or a set number of years in the workforce to register for the test.
That said, CompTIA recommends that candidates bring at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus to the exam. They also suggest completing or having practical experience equivalent to the Network+ certification before attempting Security+.
Jobs That Build the Right Foundation
The following roles commonly develop the kind of practical network and security experience that helps candidates succeed on the Security+ exam:
- Junior network administrator
- Datacenter support technician
- Network engineer
- Systems administrator
- NOC technician
- Telecommunications technician
- Cable technician
These are working roles, not academic prerequisites. The recommendation is practical, not gatekeeping.
What the Security+ Exam Actually Tests
The Security+ exam (SY0-701 is the current version) consists of a maximum of 90 questions to be completed within 90 minutes. Scoring is on a scale of 100 to 900, and the passing score is 750.
The exam uses two question formats: traditional multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs simulate real-world environments and ask candidates to solve security problems in context, not just recall definitions.
Testing is available through Pearson VUE testing centers in person and through online proctored testing options.
If a candidate fails on the first attempt, they can retest immediately without a waiting period. A third attempt or beyond requires a 14-day waiting period.
The Five Knowledge Domains on the Exam
The exam is structured around five core knowledge domains, each weighted to reflect its importance in real-world security work:
| Domain | Topic | Exam Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities | 24% |
| 2.0 | Architecture and Design | 21% |
| 3.0 | Implementation | 25% |
| 4.0 | Operations and Incident Response | 16% |
| 5.0 | Governance, Risk, and Compliance | 14% |
The heaviest concentration falls on implementation (25%) and threats/vulnerabilities (24%), reflecting the practical, hands-on orientation of the credential. Candidates should expect questions covering cloud and hybrid environments, mobile infrastructure, IoT security, and incident response procedures.
CompTIA Security+ Exam Cost and Registration
The Security+ exam costs $392 in the United States. Pricing can vary by country and region.
Exam vouchers are purchased directly through the CompTIA store. Candidates are encouraged to review the official exam objectives and take advantage of CompTIA’s free sample practice questions before purchasing a voucher. This helps identify which knowledge domains need additional study before committing to a test date.
How to Prepare: Courses, Bootcamps, and Self-Study Options
Unless a candidate has two or more years of hands-on IT security experience, some form of structured preparation is strongly advised. CompTIA offers five distinct preparation pathways through its own platform.
CompTIA’s Official Training Options
| Format | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| eLearning (self-paced) | CertMaster Learn for Security+ | $529 |
| Virtual labs | CertMaster Labs for Security+ | $199 |
| Practice exams | CertMaster Practice for Security+ | $199 |
| Study guide (eBook) | Official CompTIA Security+ Self-Paced Study Guide | $159 |
| Instructor-led (10 days) | Online Instructor-Led Training | $2,499 |
CertMaster Learn is the most comprehensive self-paced option, featuring adaptive learning paths and performance-based practice questions. CertMaster Labs provides hands-on simulated environments that directly reinforce the practical skills tested in PBQs.
CompTIA also works with an authorized training partner network, which gives candidates access to third-party instructors and formats at varying price points.
Security+ Bootcamps: Accelerated Preparation for Fast-Track Candidates
For candidates who want focused, intensive preparation rather than self-paced study, Security+ bootcamps offer a condensed alternative. These programs typically run five days to two weeks and are available in on-site, online instructor-led, and online self-paced formats.
Bootcamp costs generally range from $1,895 to $2,799, and many programs bundle exam vouchers, study guides, and post-class review sessions into that price. Payment plans and student discounts are frequently available.
Post-graduation employment outcomes for bootcamp completers are notable. According to published bootcamp outcomes, employment rates for graduates run between 79 percent and 90 percent within six months of completion, which makes them an attractive option for career changers prioritizing speed.
CompTIA Security+ Salary Data and Career Paths
The Security+ certification validates baseline cybersecurity skills that apply across a wide range of roles. Below is a snapshot of key career paths tied to this credential, with median salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 occupational outlook figures.
| Job Title | Description | Median Annual Pay (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Support Specialist | Provides help and advice to computer users; often works non-standard hours | $61,550 |
| Systems Administrator | Manages day-to-day operation of computer networks and systems | $96,800 |
| Information Security Analyst | Plans and implements security measures for organizational systems | $103,790 |
According to the Infosec Institute, professionals holding a Security+ certification earn an average of $78,000 annually.
The CompTIA IT Earning Index provides additional salary benchmarks for network-oriented roles tied to the certification:
- Beginning network engineers: $45,000 to $65,000 per year
- Intermediate network engineers: $75,000 to $95,000 per year
- Expert network engineers: $110,000 to $150,000 per year
Job Growth Projections That Make This Certification Worth Pursuing Now
The BLS forecasts a 33 percent growth rate for information security analyst positions through 2033. That is not just faster than the average growth forecast for all occupations; it makes information security one of the single fastest-growing career fields in the bureau’s entire dataset.
Computer network architects, another field tied to Security+ skills, are projected to see 13 percent job growth over the same period, which is also well above the all-occupations average.
Beyond initial job placement, CompTIA reports that 32 percent of employed credential holders receive pay increases, promotions, or other professional rewards from their employers after completing their certifications. High school graduates who earn CompTIA certifications earn 22 percent more, on average, than their non-certified peers.
Renewing Your CompTIA Security+ Certification
The Security+ certification is valid for three years from the date the exam is passed. CompTIA offers multiple renewal pathways, including continuing education activities, higher-level certifications, and approved training, so professionals are not locked into retaking the full exam to maintain their credential status.
Frequently Asked Questions About CompTIA Security+
Is Security+ worth it for someone with no IT background?
It can be, but most candidates benefit from some foundational IT experience first. CompTIA’s own A+ and Network+ certifications, or equivalent hands-on work experience, provide a practical runway before attempting Security+.
How long does it take to prepare for the Security+ exam?
Preparation time varies by experience level. Candidates with two or more years of IT security experience may need four to six weeks of focused review. Those starting with less hands-on experience typically spend three to six months preparing.
Can you take the Security+ exam online?
Yes. CompTIA offers online proctored testing through Pearson VUE as an alternative to in-person testing center visits.
Does Security+ expire?
Yes. The certification is valid for three years and must be renewed through CompTIA’s continuing education program or by passing a qualifying higher-level exam.
