Security+ Exam Day: What to Expect

Test center vs online (OnVUE)

What you need for the online exam

OnVUE is convenient, but it has strict requirements, and failing them on the day can forfeit your fee. Run the system test in advance and read the current Pearson VUE requirements before you book, since corporate networks, VPNs, work computers, and virtual machines often cause it to fail.

• A computer running Windows 10 or later, or macOS 14 or later.
• A working webcam, microphone, and speaker. Headphones and headsets are not allowed.
• Internet of at least 6 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload.
• A passed system test, run beforehand on the same device and network you will use.
• A private, quiet, well-lit room with a completely clear desk and no one else present.

OnVUE is not offered in some sanctioned countries; check the Pearson VUE requirements page for current availability in your location.

How the day goes

1. 1Check in earlyStart 30 minutes before an online exam, or arrive 15 minutes early at a center. If you are more than 15 minutes late for OnVUE you will not be allowed to test.
2. 2Verify your identityBring two valid, unexpired IDs. One must be a government photo ID, and your first and last name must match your registration exactly. US military IDs are not accepted for the online exam.
3. 3Work the questionsThe performance-based questions usually come first, so a common strategy is to flag them, clear the multiple-choice questions, then return to the simulations with your remaining time.
4. 4Get your resultA preliminary pass or fail and a score report appear as soon as you finish. The official result posts to your CompTIA account within about five business days.

If you do not pass: the retake policy

You can retake the exam immediately after a first failure, with no waiting period. Before a third or any later attempt, you must wait at least 14 calendar days from your previous attempt. You pay the full exam fee for every attempt, there is no retake discount, and there is no cap on the number of attempts. The score report you get at the end lists the objectives tied to the questions you missed, so use it to focus your next round of study.

Security+ exam day FAQ

• What is the Security+ exam format and length?

  You get a maximum of 90 questions and 90 minutes. The questions are a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions, and you may receive slightly fewer than 90. The passing score is 750 on a scale of 100 to 900.
• Should I test at a Pearson VUE center or online with OnVUE?

  The exam itself, including the questions, format, scoring, and retake rules, is identical either way. A test center gives you a controlled room, lockers for your belongings, biometric check-in, and the option of a short unscheduled break that counts against your time. OnVUE lets you test from home but requires a passed system test, a private and clear room, continuous webcam monitoring, and generally no breaks.
• What do I need for the OnVUE online exam, and what are the room rules?

  You need a computer running Windows 10 or later or macOS 14 or later, a working webcam, microphone, and speaker (no headphones), and internet of at least 6 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload, and you must run and pass the system test first. The room must be private, quiet, and have a completely clear desk; phones, watches, notes, second monitors, other people, and pets must all be gone. Begin check-in 30 minutes before your appointment.
• What ID do I need, and does the name have to match?

  CompTIA requires two original, unexpired IDs: one primary government photo ID plus one secondary ID with at least your name and a signature or photo. Your first and last name must match your exam registration exactly on both. Note that US military IDs cannot be used to verify identity for the online OnVUE exam, although they are accepted as a primary ID at a test center.
• When do I find out if I passed, and what does the score report show?

  You see a preliminary pass or fail result and a score report immediately when you finish. The official result posts to your CompTIA certification account within about five business days. The report lists the exam objectives tied to questions you missed, but it does not tell you how many you got wrong or how many were needed to pass.
• What is the retake policy if I fail?

  You can retake the exam immediately after a first failure, with no waiting period. Before a third or any later attempt, you must wait at least 14 calendar days from your previous attempt. You pay the full exam fee for every attempt, and there is no cap on the number of attempts and no retake discount.

Keep reading

• Exam guide
• PBQ guide
• How hard is Security+
• 30-day study plan
• Practice test
• Is Security+ worth it