Explore CompTIA's Security+ certification, including skills measured, exam details, costs, training programs, jobs & salaries.
CompTIA Security+ demonstrates foundational knowledge in cybersecurity. It validates an IT security professional's skills in threat mitigation and response, security architecture, compliance and risk management, and security operations.
Security threats are increasing exponentially in number and severity, and the skills gap between information security jobs and qualified IT security personnel is one of the largest of any technical specialty. Add to this the fact that numerous studies and salary surveys have proven that even in a troubled economy, most businesses plan to maintain or increase their spending on cybersecurity personnel, and it's no wonder that Security+ is one of CompTIA's most sought-after certifications.
Skills Measured by Security+ Certification
The current Security+ exam (SY0-701) covers five domains:
- General Security Concepts (12%)
- Threats, Vulnerabilities and Mitigations (22%)
- Security Architecture (18%)
- Security Operations (28%)
- Security Program Management and Oversight (20%)
View the Security+ exam objectives.
CompTIA Security+ Certification Exams
You must pass one exam to become Security+ certified:
Security+ Exam Format: Multiple choice and Performance-based questionsTime Limit: 90 minutes
Length: 90 questions max
Exam Cost: $439
Passing Score: 750 (on a scale of 100-900)
New version coming: CompTIA plans to launch the next Security+ exam (SY0-801) on November 17, 2026, with new coverage of AI and LLM security. SY0-701 will stay available until June 11, 2027.
CompTIA Security+ Certification Prerequisites
- Required: No required prerequisites for Security+ certification
- Recommended: CompTIA Network+ Certification and two years of technical networking experience with an emphasis on security or equivalent knowledge are recommended.
Security+ Certification Salary
Average U.S. salaries for Security+ certified professionals and other CompTIA certification holders:
- CompTIA A+: $89,965
- CompTIA Network+: $98,037
- CompTIA Security+: $102,333
- CompTIA Server+: $109,796
- CompTIA CySA+: $111,077
- CompTIA Cloud+: $113,052
- CompTIA Project+: $121,473
- CompTIA PenTest+: $123,176
- CompTIA Linux+: $129,289
- CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+): $130,715
Source: Skillsoft IT Skills and Salary Survey
Demand is strong too: CyberSeek counts 70,019 U.S. job openings requesting Security+, second only to CISSP among cybersecurity certifications.
See how Security+ compares to other high-paying cybersecurity certifications.
Security+ Certification Cost
The exam voucher to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam costs $439.
Security+ skills training and exam prep will increase the price of getting certified. The cost of Security+ certification training can range from less-expensive programs like these Security+ bootcamps to more costly online information security degrees with deep cybersecurity and IT curriculum.
Related Certifications
- CompTIA A+ Certification
- CompTIA Network+ Certification
- Cisco CyberOps Associate Certification
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker
- (ISC)2 CISSP Certification
- ISACA Certifications
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate
- IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate
