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CompTIA · COMPTIA-SEC · Intermediate

CompTIA Security+

Validates baseline cybersecurity skills including threat assessment, security operations, incident response, and security program management. 90+ AI-generated practice questions with explanations. Free trial, pass guarantee.

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90 Questions
90min Time Limit
750/ 900 Pass Score
$404 USD Exam Fee

Overview

About the exam

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) is the most widely adopted cybersecurity certification worldwide, validating baseline security skills required for any IT security role. It's approved by the U.S. DoD for 8570/8140 compliance and is often the first security cert for IT professionals.

The SY0-701 version (launched November 2023) reflects modern security practices including zero trust, cloud security, threat intelligence, and security program management. It bridges the gap between general IT and specialized cybersecurity roles.

Exam Domains

What's on the exam

Up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, mixing multiple choice and PBQs. PBQs simulate real security scenarios like configuring firewalls, analyzing logs, or identifying attack indicators. The exam is notoriously time-pressured — pace yourself.

General Security Concepts 12%
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations 22%
Security Architecture 18%
Security Operations 28%
Security Program Management and Oversight 20%

Format

What to expect

multiple choice
65%
drag drop
15%
command
10%
multiple response
10%

Watch out

Where candidates struggle

Security+ covers an extremely wide surface area. Many candidates underestimate the breadth and focus too narrowly on one domain while neglecting others.

  1. 01
    Acronym Overload — Hundreds of security acronyms (SIEM, SOAR, DLP, IDS, IPS, WAF, PAM) — create flashcards
  2. 02
    Attack Types — Distinguishing between similar attacks: phishing vs spear phishing vs whaling vs vishing vs smishing
  3. 03
    Cryptography — Confusing symmetric vs asymmetric encryption, hashing algorithms, and certificate concepts
  4. 04
    Governance Questions — The new Security Program Management domain catches technical-only candidates off guard

Details

Exam logistics

Delivered through Pearson VUE online or at testing centers. Accepted worldwide for government and enterprise security roles. DoD 8570/8140 approved.

Delivery Online-proctored (Pearson VUE) or onsite at testing centers
Retake policy No waiting period for first retake. 14-day wait for subsequent retakes.
Validity 3 years
Career outcomes Security analyst, SOC analyst, security administrator, systems administrator, penetration tester (entry). Average salary $65-85K.
Renewal Valid for 3 years. Renew with 50 CEUs in 3 years or pass a higher-level security cert (CySA+, PenTest+, SecurityX).
Study time ~100 hours
Official guide View on vendor site

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