Is SY0-801 the real exam code for the next Security+?

Yes. CompTIA lists SY0-801 as the exam series code on its Security+ V8 page. You won't see it on your certificate, which just reads "CompTIA Security+".

When does Security+ V8 come out?

CompTIA expects Security+ V8 to launch in English on or around November 17, 2026. You can book either exam from then until SY0-701 retires on June 11, 2027.

What is changing in the V8 domains?

The five domains stay, with new weights: General Security Concepts 12 to 16 percent; Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations 22 to 24 percent; Security Architecture 18 to 19 percent; Security Operations 28 to 27 percent; Security Program Management and Oversight 20 to 14 percent. Domain 2 is renamed Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks, and it now covers the security risks of AI. Governance loses the most ground.

Can I study for V8 now?

You can start. CompTIA has published the full SY0-801 objectives, and our free SY0-801 practice test is written against them. Most other practice material, our paid course included, still targets SY0-701, and V8 cannot be booked until launch. Right now SY0-701 is the version with full question banks and mock exams, and it can be booked until June 11, 2027.

Where can I check the V8 details myself?

On CompTIA's own Security+ V8 page, which lists the exam code, the launch date, the format, and the domain weights. Every claim on this page is checked against it, and the link is at the bottom.

Does passing SY0-701 now become worthless when V8 launches?

No. A CompTIA certification is tied to the certification, not to the exam version you passed. The certificate reads "CompTIA Security+" with no version number on it. It is valid for 3 years from the day you pass, and it renews through continuing education rather than by re-sitting whatever the current exam happens to be. Employers hire against "Security+", never against an exam code.

Exam versions

Security+ SY0-801 (V8): Launch Date, Domain Weights, and What Changes

CompTIA has confirmed the next Security+. It is called Security+ V8, its exam code is SY0-801, and it is expected to launch on or around November 17, 2026. Below are the new domain weights, what CompTIA has published, and what it means for the exam you were about to book.

Last verified October 19, 2026

Where this stands

SY0-801 launches on or around November 17, 2026. SY0-701 stays bookable until June 11, 2027, so for several months you can book either one. The certificate does not carry a version number, and it is valid for 3 years whichever exam you take. Nothing here is a reason to delay booking if you can be ready before June 11, 2027. The full 701-or-801 reasoning is here.

Domain weights

V8 keeps the same five domains and renames one. The shares move, though: governance drops the most, and the foundational and threat domains pick up weight.

Security+ domain weights, SY0-701 compared with Security+ V8
Domain	SY0-701	V8	Change
1.0 General Security Concepts	12%	16%	up 4
2.0 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and MitigationsRenamed in V8: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks	22%	24%	up 2
3.0 Security Architecture	18%	19%	up 1
4.0 Security Operations	28%	27%	down 1
5.0 Security Program Management and Oversight	20%	14%	down 6

From the objectives summary on CompTIA's Security+ V8 page.

What CompTIA has confirmed

The exam code is SY0-801: Listed as the exam series code on CompTIA's Security+ V8 page.
Launch on or around November 17, 2026: "On or around" is CompTIA's wording, so the day can still move a little. At launch the exam is offered in English.
Same exam format: Up to 90 questions (multiple choice plus performance-based) in 90 minutes, with a passing score of 750 on the 100 to 900 scale. All the same as today.
SY0-701 can be booked until June 11, 2027: From launch until then, both exams are open and you choose. That overlap is why the answer to "should I wait" is usually no.

What this means for your study plan

A Security+ revision rewrites and reweights. It does not replace. All five domains carry into V8 with the same subjects, and a large share of objectives carry over with new wording. Which is why the sensible move is to study the exam you can sit when you are ready, and why our Lifetime plan includes the Security+ V8 update free and carries your progress across objectives rather than resetting it.

One thing is worth doing early, and it is the material V8 adds that is already very real in the job: AI security, meaning prompt injection, model poisoning, and AI-assisted phishing. We teach it now as bonus material alongside SY0-701. V8 puts the risks of AI systems into its threats domain, and you will meet them at work whichever exam you sit.

Booking V8? You can practice it already: the free SY0-801 practice test tags every question with the V8 objective it tests and marks the topics that are new.

Security+ V8 FAQ

Is SY0-801 the real exam code for the next Security+?
Yes. CompTIA lists SY0-801 as the exam series code on its Security+ V8 page. You won't see it on your certificate, which just reads "CompTIA Security+".
When does Security+ V8 come out?
CompTIA expects Security+ V8 to launch in English on or around November 17, 2026. You can book either exam from then until SY0-701 retires on June 11, 2027.
What is changing in the V8 domains?
The five domains stay, with new weights: General Security Concepts 12 to 16 percent; Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations 22 to 24 percent; Security Architecture 18 to 19 percent; Security Operations 28 to 27 percent; Security Program Management and Oversight 20 to 14 percent. Domain 2 is renamed Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks, and it now covers the security risks of AI. Governance loses the most ground.
Can I study for V8 now?
You can start. CompTIA has published the full SY0-801 objectives, and our free SY0-801 practice test is written against them. Most other practice material, our paid course included, still targets SY0-701, and V8 cannot be booked until launch. Right now SY0-701 is the version with full question banks and mock exams, and it can be booked until June 11, 2027.
Where can I check the V8 details myself?
On CompTIA's own Security+ V8 page, which lists the exam code, the launch date, the format, and the domain weights. Every claim on this page is checked against it, and the link is at the bottom.
Does passing SY0-701 now become worthless when V8 launches?
No. A CompTIA certification is tied to the certification, not to the exam version you passed. The certificate reads "CompTIA Security+" with no version number on it. It is valid for 3 years from the day you pass, and it renews through continuing education rather than by re-sitting whatever the current exam happens to be. Employers hire against "Security+", never against an exam code.

The source

Everything here is checked against CompTIA's own Security+ V8 page. Read it yourself. Last verified October 19, 2026.

Study for SY0-701 now

SecPlus Mastery covers every SY0-701 objective and has over 1,000 practice questions in the PBQ style. Spaced review is what tells you when you are actually ready. Domain 1 is free, and Lifetime includes the Security+ V8 update at no charge.

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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. Exam details are CompTIA's and can change before launch.