The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) is the baseline cybersecurity certification. The exam is up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, you pass at 750 on a 100 to 900 scale, and the US list price is about $439. It covers five domains and is the credential most entry security and SOC roles ask for. Here is everything you need to know, with free resources to study.
Last updated August 2026
Security+ exam at a glance
| Exam code | SY0-701 |
|---|---|
| Questions | Up to 90 (multiple choice and performance-based) |
| Time limit | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 750 on a 100 to 900 scale |
| Cost | About $439 USD (US list price) |
| Valid for | 3 years (renew with 50 continuing-education units) |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored |
| Languages | English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai |
| Recommended experience | Network+ and about two years in a security or systems role |
| Accreditation | ISO 17024 (ANSI); approved for US DoD 8140 |
The exam price is a US list price and changes over time and by region; academic and training-partner pricing is often lower. Check CompTIA for the current figure.
The five Security+ domains
SY0-701 is organized into five domains, each weighted differently on the exam. Domain 4, Security Operations, is the largest, so it deserves the most study time. Each domain links to free practice questions.
| Domain | Name | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Security Concepts | 12% |
| 2 | Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations | 22% |
| 3 | Security Architecture | 18% |
| 4 | Security Operations | 28% |
| 5 | Security Program Management and Oversight | 20% |
Common Security+ exam questions
How much does the CompTIA Security+ exam cost?
The Security+ SY0-701 exam voucher is about $439 USD at US list price, which covers one attempt. The price varies by region and is often lower through academic or training-partner discounts.
What is the passing score for Security+?
You need 750 on a scale of 100 to 900 to pass Security+. The score is scaled, not a straight percentage, so it does not map cleanly to a fixed number of correct answers.
How many questions are on the Security+ exam?
The SY0-701 exam has a maximum of 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit. The mix includes multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions that ask you to complete a task in a simulated environment.
How long does it take to study for Security+?
Most people with some IT background need about four to eight weeks of focused study. If you are newer to IT, give yourself two to three months. Consistent daily practice matters more than the total number of weeks.
How hard is the Security+ exam?
Security+ is a moderate, entry-level exam. The concepts are broad rather than deep, and the scenario wording and performance-based questions trip people up more than any single topic. Practicing with realistic questions is the best preparation.
Is Security+ worth it?
For most people entering security, yes. Security+ is the baseline certification many employers and the US Department of Defense ask for, it is vendor-neutral, and it opens the door to roles like SOC analyst and security administrator. It is widely treated as the strongest first security certification.
How long is Security+ valid?
Security+ is valid for three years from the date you pass. You renew it by earning 50 continuing-education units, by passing a higher CompTIA certification, or by retaking the latest version of the exam.
Free Security+ study resources
Everything here is free and needs no account. Start with practice questions, then drill the cheat sheets and the glossary.
- Free practice questions
- 30-question practice test
- Exam objectives list
- 30-day study plan
- PBQ guide
- Exam day: what to expect
- How hard is Security+
- Ports and protocols cheat sheet
- Cryptography cheat sheet
- Common attacks cheat sheet
- Mnemonics and memory tricks
- Risk management cheat sheet
- Free video lessons
- Acronyms glossary
- Security+ salary
- Security+ jobs
- Is Security+ worth it
- Security+ vs Network+
- Security+ vs CySA+
Study the whole exam, one objective at a time
SecPlus Mastery teaches every SY0-701 objective, then proves you have it with over 1,000 practice questions, timed mock exams, and spaced review across all five domains. Domain 1 is free.
New accounts get 30% off both plans for 7 days: the 90-Day Pass is $27.30 instead of $39.
Exam details follow the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 certification. CompTIA and Security+ are trademarks of CompTIA, used here for identification only. SecPlus Mastery is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CompTIA.