The Security+ cert appears in more IT job postings than any other entry-level cybersecurity credential — including listings at the Department of Defense, where it satisfies the IAT Level II baseline requirement under DoD 8570. That's not a marketing claim; it's policy. If you're trying to break into cybersecurity or move from IT support into a security role, this is the certification that unlocks the most doors fastest.
This guide covers what the Security+ cert actually tests, whether it's worth your time, and which courses give you the best shot at passing on the first attempt.
What the Security+ Cert Covers
CompTIA Security+ (currently SY0-701, released November 2023) is a vendor-neutral certification that validates foundational security skills. "Vendor-neutral" means it doesn't tie you to Cisco, Microsoft, or any single platform — it tests whether you understand core security concepts regardless of which tools you're using.
The exam covers five domains:
- General Security Concepts (12%) — cryptography basics, authentication types, security controls
- Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations (22%) — malware categories, social engineering, vulnerability scanning
- Security Architecture (18%) — network segmentation, cloud security, infrastructure hardening
- Security Operations (28%) — incident response, log analysis, identity management
- Security Program Management & Oversight (20%) — compliance frameworks, risk management, data privacy regulations
The exam is 90 questions (multiple choice + performance-based), 90 minutes, with a passing score of 750 on a 100–900 scale. Performance-based questions (PBQs) simulate real tasks — like configuring a firewall rule or analyzing a packet capture — and they're what trip up candidates who only memorize definitions.
Is the Security+ Cert Worth It?
The short answer: yes, for most people entering cybersecurity. Here's the honest breakdown.
Where it has strong ROI
If you're in IT support, help desk, or network administration and want to move into security, Security+ is the fastest credentialing path that employers actually recognize. Government contractors and federal agencies essentially require it. Mid-market enterprises use it as a hiring filter for SOC Analyst and Security Analyst roles. Average salary for Security+-certified professionals runs $75,000–$95,000 in the US, with government roles often higher due to clearance premiums.
Where it has weak ROI
If you already have 3+ years of hands-on security experience, hiring managers care more about what you've done than a foundational cert. At that level, CISSP, CEH, or a cloud security specialization (like CCSP or Google Cloud Security Engineer) will carry more weight. Security+ is an entry credential — it's designed to prove you can do the job safely, not that you've mastered it.
The DoD factor
One underrated reason to get the Security+ cert: it's required for anyone accessing DoD information systems in an IT/security role. This includes federal employees, contractors, and anyone supporting defense programs. That single requirement creates a permanent floor of demand that keeps Security+ relevant even as the security field evolves.
Top Courses to Prepare for the Security+ Cert
The best Security+ prep combines conceptual instruction with hands-on labs and practice exams. Here are the courses worth your time:
Cybersecurity Assessment: CompTIA Security+ & CYSA+ Course
This Coursera course is built specifically around the Security+ and CySA+ exam domains, making it one of the most directly mapped prep resources available. It covers the SY0-701 objectives with practice assessments that mirror the format of real performance-based questions — the section most candidates underestimate.
Foundations of Cybersecurity Course
Google's foundational cybersecurity course on Coursera is an excellent starting point if you're newer to the field and want to build the mental models before diving into Security+ specifics. It covers threats, network security, and incident response in plain language — think of it as the primer that makes the Security+ material click faster.
IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist Professional Certificate
IBM and ISC2's joint professional certificate goes deeper than Security+ prep alone — it builds toward ISC2's CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) credential while covering substantial Security+ territory. If you want credentials that stack, this course gets you two certifications worth of knowledge in one structured path.
Operating Systems: Overview, Administration, and Security Course
Security+ exam takers consistently underperform on OS hardening and administration questions. This Coursera course fills that gap directly, covering Linux and Windows security configurations that appear in Security+ performance-based questions and real-world SOC work.
Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Security Engineer Professional Certificate
Cloud security is now 18% of the Security+ SY0-701 exam, up significantly from prior versions. If your work environment involves cloud infrastructure (most do), this Google Cloud security certificate provides depth on cloud-specific threats and controls that pair well with your Security+ studies and give you a specialization edge after passing.
Computer Science for Cybersecurity (EDX)
For candidates who want to understand why security concepts work — not just memorize them for the exam — this EDX course provides the computer science grounding that separates people who pass Security+ from people who actually understand it. Strong choice if you're coming from a non-technical background.
How Long Does Security+ Prep Take?
Most candidates with 1–2 years of IT experience spend 60–100 hours studying over 6–10 weeks. Candidates with no prior IT background should budget 120–150 hours. The exam fee is $392 (as of 2024), so it's worth taking the time to prepare thoroughly rather than rushing to a second attempt.
A realistic study schedule:
- Weeks 1–3: Work through a structured course covering all five domains
- Weeks 4–5: Practice exams — aim for 80%+ before booking the real test
- Week 6: Focus on weak domains and review all performance-based question types
The Security+ cert is valid for three years. You renew by earning 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or retaking the exam.
Security+ vs. Other Entry-Level Certs
The main alternatives at this level are CompTIA's own Network+ and CySA+, plus ISC2's CC (Certified in Cybersecurity).
Network+ vs Security+: CompTIA recommends Network+ first if you have no networking background. Security+ tests networking concepts, and gaps here hurt your score on architecture questions. That said, many candidates skip Network+ and pass Security+ fine — especially if they have help desk or IT support experience.
CySA+ vs Security+: CySA+ (CS0-003) is the next step up, focused on threat detection and analysis. It's harder, less broadly recognized at the entry level, but signals SOC analyst readiness. The EDMJ course above prepares for both, which is efficient if you're planning to go further.
ISC2 CC vs Security+: ISC2's Certified in Cybersecurity is free to take (for now) and covers overlapping material. It's lighter, has less employer recognition than Security+, but costs nothing — making it a reasonable complement if you want a credentialed study checkpoint before paying for Security+.
FAQ
How hard is the Security+ cert exam?
Pass rates aren't published by CompTIA, but industry estimates put first-time pass rates around 75–80% for adequately prepared candidates. The performance-based questions (PBQs) are the toughest part — they require you to actually configure settings or analyze logs in a simulated environment, not just recognize the right answer. Candidates who only use flashcards or multiple-choice question banks often struggle with PBQs.
Do I need a degree to take Security+?
No. CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years of IT experience, but these are suggestions, not requirements. Anyone can register and sit the exam. The experience recommendation exists because the exam assumes familiarity with networking and OS concepts — if you lack that, factor extra study time into your plan.
Is the Security+ cert recognized internationally?
Yes. Security+ is accredited by ANSI under ISO/IEC 17024, which means it meets international standards for personnel certification. It's recognized by employers in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and increasingly across Europe and Asia-Pacific. The DoD requirement drives US demand, but the credential has genuine global standing.
How much does the Security+ exam cost?
The exam voucher costs $392 USD as of 2024. CompTIA periodically offers discounts for bundles (exam + study materials) or through academic institutions. Military veterans may be eligible for CompTIA's CertMaster Learn access through the MyCAA or COOL programs.
What jobs does the Security+ cert qualify me for?
Common entry-level roles that list Security+ as required or preferred: SOC Analyst (Tier 1/2), Security Analyst, IT Security Specialist, Systems Security Administrator, and Network Security Engineer. Government contractor roles at the IAT Level II category also require it. Salaries for these roles in the US typically range from $65,000 to $95,000 depending on location and clearance level.
Can I pass Security+ with no IT experience?
Possible, but difficult. The exam tests applied understanding, not just definitions. Candidates with zero IT background typically need 150+ hours of study and benefit significantly from hands-on labs (virtual machines, network simulators) alongside course content. If you're starting from scratch, consider getting 6–12 months of help desk or IT support experience first — it makes the security concepts concrete rather than abstract.
Bottom Line
The Security+ cert is the most pragmatic first credential in cybersecurity. It's employer-recognized, DoD-required, and vendor-neutral enough to stay relevant across roles and environments. For anyone in IT looking to move into a security function — or anyone entering the field without prior credentials — it's the right starting point.
The CompTIA Security+ & CYSA+ course on Coursera is the most directly targeted prep for the exam. If you want broader foundational grounding first, start with the Google Foundations of Cybersecurity course and then shift to Security+-specific material in your final 3–4 weeks before the exam.
Budget six to ten weeks, take at least three full practice exams before booking your slot, and pay particular attention to the performance-based question format. That's the formula for passing on the first attempt.