If you’re looking to break into cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+ is often the first certification recruiters recommend—and for good reason. It validates foundational security skills, meets government compliance standards, and opens doors to entry-level and mid-level IT security roles worldwide.
In this guide, you’ll learn what Security+ is, whether it’s worth it in 2025, how to prepare efficiently, and insider tips to tackle Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)—the biggest hurdle for most candidates.
What Is CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)?
CompTIA Security+ is a vendor-neutral cybersecurity certification that validates baseline skills in:
- Network security
- Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities
- Risk management
- Identity and access management
- Incident response and governance
Security+ Exam Overview (2025)
| Exam Code | SY0-701 |
|---|---|
| Questions | Up to 90 (MCQs + PBQs) |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Passing Score | 750 / 900 |
| Experience Recommended | 2 years in IT (not mandatory) |
| Validity | 3 years |
Exam Domains & Weighting
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| General Security Concepts | 12% |
| Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations | 22% |
| Security Architecture | 18% |
| Security Operations | 28% |
| Program Management & Oversight | 20% |
Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It in 2025?
This is one of the most common People Also Ask questions—and the answer is yes, especially if you’re early in your cybersecurity career.
Career ROI
Security+ is recognized by:
- Government agencies (DoD 8570/8140 compliance)
- MSSPs and SOC teams
- Cloud and enterprise IT teams
Jobs You Can Get with Security+
- Security Analyst (Junior)
- SOC Analyst (Tier 1)
- Network Administrator
- Systems Administrator
- IT Security Specialist
Salary Expectations (Global Average)
| Role | Estimated Salary |
|---|---|
| SOC Analyst | $55,000 – $80,000 |
| Security Analyst | $65,000 – $95,000 |
| SysAdmin + Security+ | $70,000+ |
👉 Security+ also acts as a gateway to advanced certs like CySA+, PenTest+, and CISSP later on.
Top 5 Resources for CompTIA Security+ Preparation
These resources align with commercial and transactional intent keywords and are proven to work.
1. Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide
- Closely aligned with SY0-701 objectives
- Best for structured learners
2. Professor Messer (Free & Paid)
- Free YouTube course
- Paid practice exams are gold-standard
3. Practice Exams (Critical!)
Search intent favorites:
- Free CompTIA Security+ practice test
- Best Security+ mock exams
Aim for 80–85% consistently before exam day.
4. Flashcards & Notes
- Acronyms (SIEM, SOAR, DLP, CASB)
- Ports, protocols, encryption standards
5. Labs & Simulations
PBQs require hands-on thinking, not memorization.
Insider Tips: How to Handle CompTIA Security+ PBQs
PBQs are the #1 reason candidates fail.
What PBQs Test
- Real-world scenarios
- Log analysis
- Firewall rules
- Incident response workflows
How to Master Them
✅ Skip PBQs initially and return after MCQs
✅ Practice drag-and-drop questions
✅ Understand why a control is chosen, not just what it is
✅ Think like a security analyst, not a student
💡 Pro tip: If a question mentions “least privilege” or “best solution,” eliminate over-engineered answers.
CompTIA Certification Path: Where Security+ Fits
Security+ is part of a larger ecosystem—not a dead end.
| Level | Certification |
|---|---|
| Entry | ITF+, A+ |
| Core | Network+ |
| Security | Security+ |
| Intermediate | CySA+, PenTest+ |
| Advanced | CASP+, CISSP |
This internal linking strategy helps build topical authority and improves SEO performance across all CompTIA-related content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is CompTIA Security+ hard for beginners?
It’s challenging but manageable with 6–8 weeks of focused study.
Is Security+ better than Network+?
They serve different purposes. Network+ builds infrastructure knowledge; Security+ focuses on protection and risk.
How long should I study for SY0-701?
- Beginners: 8–10 weeks
- IT professionals: 4–6 weeks
Are CompTIA certifications worth it long-term?
Yes—especially when stacked. Employers value CompTIA for its vendor-neutral credibility.
Final Thoughts: How to Pass Security+ on Your First Attempt
To succeed:
- Follow the exam objectives line-by-line
- Prioritize practice exams + PBQs
- Study why controls exist, not just definitions
- Treat Security+ as a career investment, not just a test
With the right strategy, CompTIA Security+ can be your fastest entry point into cybersecurity in 2025.