How Hard Is the CompTIA Security+ Exam?

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Long read

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) is the most popular entry-level cybersecurity certification. It's widely considered moderately challenging — not trivial, but achievable for prepared candidates without prior security experience.

Security+ Difficulty, Pass Rates, and Preparation

Quick Answer

Security+ is moderately challenging. Most prepared candidates pass with 80-150 hours of focused study. It's harder than A+ but easier than CySA+ or CISSP. CompTIA doesn't publish an official pass rate.

The Full Explanation

The current exam (SY0-701) covers general security concepts, threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture, security operations, and program management. It's 90 minutes, up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions, with a passing score of 750 on a 100-900 scale.

CompTIA doesn't publish exam pass rates, but third-party sources and Reddit surveys suggest roughly 60-70% first-attempt pass rate for prepared candidates. Unprepared test-takers often fail due to performance-based questions that require hands-on reasoning.

Recommended study time: 80-150 hours for candidates with some IT background, 150-250 hours for complete beginners. Professor Messer's free video course, Jason Dion's Udemy course, and Mike Chapple's book are the most commonly recommended resources.

Compared to other entry certs: easier than CySA+ or PenTest+ (the intermediate CompTIA certs), significantly easier than CISSP or OSCP. Similar difficulty to the SSCP or the EC-Council CEH.

Security+ Exam at a Glance

Exam code: SY0-701 (current version)
Format: multiple choice + performance-based
Questions: up to 90
Time: 90 minutes
Passing score: 750 / 900
Typical study time: 80-150 hours
Cost: $392 (CompTIA voucher, 2025)
Renewal: every 3 years via CE credits

Key Takeaways

Security+ is the entry-level industry-standard security cert
Most prepared candidates need 80-150 study hours
No official pass rate; 60-70% is a reasonable estimate
Easier than CySA+, CISSP, OSCP; harder than A+

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Conclusion

Security+ is achievable for most candidates with a few months of focused study. It's the lowest-risk way to validate you can enter security and pairs well with Network+ or CySA+ as follow-ups.

How Hard Is the CompTIA Security+ Exam?

Quick Answer

The Full Explanation

Security+ Exam at a Glance

Related Questions

Key Takeaways