The U.S. Department of Defense lists the Security+ cert as a baseline requirement for personnel in over a dozen information assurance roles under DoD 8570. That single policy decision turned CompTIA Security+ into the most widely recognized entry-level security credential in the country — and it shows in the postings: over 23,000 U.S. roles on LinkedIn currently list "Security+" as a required or preferred qualification.
If you're researching the Security+ cert, you're likely in one of three situations: early in your IT career and trying to break into security, already in IT and looking to formalize your skills, or targeting government or contractor roles that require it outright. This guide covers what the cert actually tests, what it pays, and the strongest study paths available in 2026.
What the Security+ Cert Actually Covers
The current exam version is SY0-701, released in November 2023. CompTIA restructured the domains significantly from SY0-601, consolidating from six domains to five:
- General Security Concepts (12%) — foundational terminology, cryptography basics, authentication types
- Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%) — malware categories, social engineering, vulnerability scanning
- Security Architecture (18%) — network segmentation, cloud security models, zero-trust frameworks
- Security Operations (28%) — incident response, endpoint hardening, identity and access management
- Security Program Management and Oversight (20%) — risk management, compliance, data privacy regulations
The exam has a maximum of 90 questions (multiple choice and performance-based), a 90-minute time limit, and a passing score of 750 on a 100–900 scale. Performance-based questions (PBQs) simulate real tasks like configuring firewalls or analyzing packet captures — they appear early in the exam and trip up candidates who've only drilled flashcards.
SY0-701 vs SY0-601: What Changed
If you have older study materials, note the key shifts: SY0-701 adds heavier coverage of cloud-native and hybrid environments, OT/ICS security, and zero-trust architecture. The cryptography domain was streamlined. CompTIA officially retired SY0-601 in July 2024, so use only SY0-701 materials going forward.
Security+ Cert Salary Outcomes
CompTIA's 2025 workforce study puts the median salary for Security+ holders at $82,000–$98,000 depending on role and location. More useful breakdowns by job title:
- Security Analyst (entry-level): $65,000–$85,000
- Systems Administrator (with Security+): $72,000–$95,000
- IT Auditor: $75,000–$100,000
- Network Security Engineer: $90,000–$120,000
- DoD/Government contractor roles: $85,000–$115,000 + federal benefits
The certification alone doesn't guarantee these numbers — employers pair it with experience. But it's the most common "must-have" checkbox for clearing initial resume screens for entry-to-mid security roles. Candidates who combine Security+ with a home lab, a cloud associate cert (AWS/Azure), or demonstrated experience with tools like Wireshark or Splunk get the strongest offers.
Who Should Get the Security+ Cert
Security+ is explicitly entry-to-intermediate. CompTIA recommends two years of IT administration experience before sitting the exam, though many pass without it if they study rigorously. It makes the most sense if you're:
- Transitioning from general IT (help desk, sysadmin) into a dedicated security role
- Pursuing DoD 8570/8140 compliance for government or contractor work
- Building toward higher credentials like CySA+, CASP+, or CISSP — Security+ is a common stepping stone
- Working in a company that requires vendor-neutral security credentials for compliance purposes
It's probably not the right next step if you're brand new to IT with no hands-on experience. In that case, CompTIA A+ or Network+ first will make Security+ material land much better. And if you already have three or more years of dedicated security experience, consider skipping straight to CySA+ or CISSP.
Top Courses to Prep for the Security+ Cert
These are the courses worth your time in 2026, ordered by how directly they target Security+ exam prep:
Cybersecurity Assessment: CompTIA Security+ & CySA+ (Coursera)
The most exam-focused option in this list — it covers SY0-701 domain content alongside CySA+ material, making it a smart choice if you plan to stack both certs. Best for candidates with existing IT knowledge who want targeted, structured exam prep rather than general cybersecurity education.
Foundations of Cybersecurity (Coursera)
Google's entry-level cybersecurity course covers the conceptual ground Security+ expects you to already know — CIA triad, threat actor types, frameworks like NIST — without assuming prior IT experience. Use this to solidify fundamentals before drilling domain-specific exam content.
IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist Professional Certificate (Coursera)
A broader credential program covering incident response, network security, and risk management — domains that overlap heavily with Security+ content. The IBM-provided labs give you the hands-on practice that multiple-choice study alone won't build, and the ISC2 co-branding carries weight on a resume.
Operating Systems: Overview, Administration, and Security (Coursera)
Security+ has significant OS-level content covering Windows hardening, Linux permissions, and endpoint security controls. This course closes the gap if your OS administration background is thin — a common weak spot for help desk workers who've only touched surface-level configurations.
Preparing for Google Cloud Security Engineer Professional Certificate (Coursera)
Not a Security+ prep course, but cloud security now represents 18% of the SY0-701 exam. If you're targeting cloud-adjacent security roles, pairing Security+ prep with this certificate gives you a credential stack that stands out against candidates holding only the baseline cert.
Computer Science for Cybersecurity (edX)
A solid foundational course for candidates coming from non-IT backgrounds who need to build up core CS and networking concepts before tackling Security+ domain material — particularly useful for career-changers who lack a formal technical education.
Security+ Cert: Exam Day Logistics
Cost and Registration
The exam costs $392 USD as of 2026 (prices vary by country). You register through Pearson VUE — either at a physical testing center or via online proctored exam from home. CompTIA periodically offers voucher discounts through their website and partner channels; check before paying full price, as 10–15% discounts appear regularly.
How Long to Study
Most candidates with existing IT experience report 60–120 hours of study time over 4–8 weeks. Without an IT background, budget 150–200 hours. The most common failure mode is underestimating the performance-based questions — ensure your study plan includes hands-on lab work, not just video content and practice tests.
Maintaining the Cert
Security+ is valid for three years. Renewal requires either 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through CompTIA's CertMaster CE platform, or retaking the current exam. CEUs can come from attending security conferences, completing relevant courses, or publishing security-related content.
FAQ: Security+ Cert
Is the Security+ cert worth getting in 2026?
Yes — it remains the most widely required entry-level security cert in U.S. job postings, particularly for government and contractor roles. Its value is highest for career-changers and early-career IT professionals. Experienced security practitioners (3+ years) will get more mileage from CySA+ or CISSP.
How hard is the Security+ exam?
CompTIA doesn't publish pass rates, but community estimates put first-attempt pass rates around 70–75% for candidates who studied adequately. The performance-based questions are the main differentiator — candidates who relied solely on multiple-choice practice frequently struggle with them. Build in hands-on time with tools like Wireshark, vulnerability scanners, and firewall configurations.
Do I need IT experience before taking Security+?
CompTIA recommends two years of experience, but it isn't enforced at registration. Candidates with Network+ or A+ background typically find the material more accessible. Coming in with no IT background is possible but significantly harder — a foundational cybersecurity or IT course first is a better investment of your time.
What jobs does the Security+ cert qualify me for?
Common roles for Security+ holders include Security Analyst, IT Auditor, Systems Administrator, Network Security Technician, and Junior Penetration Tester. For government and DoD contractor positions, it's often a mandatory checkbox regardless of experience level — making it unusually valuable for that specific career path.
What's the difference between Security+ and CISSP?
Security+ is entry-level and vendor-neutral; CISSP requires five years of hands-on security experience and is considered a senior-level or management-track credential. Many practitioners follow a Security+ → CySA+ → CASP+ or CISSP progression over a decade-long career arc.
Can online courses alone prepare me for the Security+ cert?
Online courses plus official practice exams plus hands-on labs covers what most candidates need. The key is not skipping the lab component — the PBQs on the exam test applied knowledge, not just recall. Free platforms like TryHackMe and Hack The Box are effective supplements for building practical skills alongside structured coursework.
Bottom Line
The Security+ cert remains the strongest entry point into U.S. cybersecurity employment in 2026. Its DoD mandate, broad employer recognition, and vendor-neutral scope make it more durable than most niche credentials. The SY0-701 exam is legitimately challenging — particularly the performance-based questions — so passing it signals something concrete to hiring managers.
If you're building up foundational concepts first, start with Google's Foundations of Cybersecurity on Coursera, then move into targeted Security+ exam prep with the CompTIA Security+ & CySA+ course for domain-focused coverage. Add hands-on lab time through TryHackMe or a home VM setup, and most candidates with basic IT familiarity are ready to sit the exam within 6–10 weeks of consistent study.