Certifications
SY0-701

CompTIA Security+ (SYO-701) Certification

Master the SY0-701 exam with adaptive study plans, interactive simulations, and comprehensive concept coverage.

Duration

90 minutes

Questions

90

Passing

750

Cost

$392

Overview

The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) certification validates your ability to operate inside real enterprise security environments — assessing risk, implementing controls, responding to threats, and working within regulatory and compliance frameworks. Rather than testing tools or vendors, it confirms you understand how modern security programs actually function across networks, cloud, identity, and incident response.

Security+ is the global baseline credential for cybersecurity professionals, with over a million holders worldwide. It’s also approved by the U.S. Department of Defense under Directive 8570.01-M, making it required or strongly preferred for roles supporting the federal government, military, and defense contractors. In effect, it acts as a career gatekeeper for work in regulated and high-trust security environments.

Exam Domains

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Career Paths

Security Analyst
$75,000 - $95,000

Monitor networks for security breaches, investigate violations, install protective software like firewalls, and conduct penetration testing. You'll analyze security risks and develop policies to safeguard organizational data and systems.

Key responsibilities:

  • Monitor security access and investigate breaches
  • Install and maintain firewalls, encryption, and security software
  • Conduct vulnerability testing and risk assessments
  • Develop security standards and best practices
SIEM ToolsIncident ResponseVulnerability AssessmentLog AnalysisSecurity Frameworks
+29% (2024-2034)BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Much faster than average. ~16,000 openings annually.

Security Engineer
$85,000 - $120,000

Design and implement secure network solutions to defend against hackers, cyberattacks, and other persistent threats. You'll build security architecture, automate security processes, and respond to incidents.

Key responsibilities:

  • Design and implement security architecture
  • Build and maintain security infrastructure
  • Automate security monitoring and response
  • Conduct security assessments and code reviews
Security ArchitectureCloud Security (AWS/Azure)SIEM/SOARPython/AutomationDevSecOps
+29% (2024-2034)BLS (Information Security Analysts category)

Much faster than average. High demand due to increasing cyberattacks.

Security Administrator
$70,000 - $90,000

Security-focused role that benefits from Security+ certification.

Key responsibilities:

  • Apply security best practices
  • Monitor and protect systems
Security FundamentalsRisk Management
VariesBLS

Demand varies by specialization.

Security Consultant
$90,000 - $130,000

Security-focused role that benefits from Security+ certification.

Key responsibilities:

  • Apply security best practices
  • Monitor and protect systems
Security FundamentalsRisk Management
VariesBLS

Demand varies by specialization.

Common Questions

How hard is the Security+ exam?

The exam is challenging but achievable with proper preparation. Most candidates with IT experience study for 4-8 weeks. The performance-based questions require hands-on knowledge, not just memorization.

What is the passing score?

You need 750 out of 900 to pass, roughly 83%. CompTIA uses scaled scoring, so the exact number of correct answers varies by exam form.

Are there prerequisites?

No formal prerequisites, but CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years of IT experience with a security focus. Many pass without these if they study thoroughly.

Is Security+ worth it in 2026?

Yes. It's required for many government and defense roles (DoD 8570), recognized globally, and consistently ranks among the most requested certifications in cybersecurity job postings.

Browse All Concepts

183 concepts across 5 domains

More concepts coming soon for Domains 4 & 5

Start studying

Get a personalized study plan based on your timeline and experience.

99% of students who reach 95% concept mastery pass

Why get certified

  • Industry-recognized credential
  • Validates baseline cybersecurity skills
  • Required for DoD 8570 compliance
  • Opens doors to advanced certifications