Exam Overview

The SY0-701 Security+ exam is the current exam for the CompTIA Security+ credential and follows CompTIA’s published objectives for SY0-701.

• Exam Code: SY0-701
• Level: Core CompTIA certification exam
• Duration: 90 minutes. Available languages: English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish.
• Passing Score: 750 on a scale of 100–900.
• Unscored Content: CompTIA may include unscored questions for research purposes; the number is not officially disclosed by the certification provider

Exam Structure

The SY0-701 Security+ exam contains a maximum of 90 questions and measures the weighted domains in the official Security+ syllabus.

• Question Types: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
• Number of Questions: Maximum of 90.
• Hands-On Questions: Performance-based questions are included when specified in the official exam details; the exact number is not officially disclosed by the certification provider.

Exam Policies

• Before completing Security+ exam registration, review the CompTIA Candidate Agreement, testing policies, identification rules, Pearson VUE requirements, and appointment confirmation.

• Rescheduling: Change the appointment through the Pearson VUE account at least 24 hours before the scheduled time. A late change can forfeit the exam fee.
• Cancellation: Cancel through Pearson VUE at least 24 hours before the appointment. Missing the deadline or appointment normally forfeits the voucher or payment.
• Retake Policy: There is no waiting period between the first and second attempts. After a second or later failure, wait at least 14 calendar days before another attempt.
• Retake Fee: Each retake requires a new voucher or payment of the current Security+ exam fee unless the original purchase explicitly includes retake protection

Certification Validity and Renewal

• Passing the SY0-701 Security+ exam earns the CompTIA Security+ credential.
• Validity: The Security+ certification is valid for three years.
• Renewal Options: Renew by earning 50 CEUs, completing CertMaster CE where available, passing the latest Security+ exam, or earning an eligible higher-level certification.

Exam Fee

• Base Security+ exam fee: CompTIA uses regional pricing. The current Security+ exam fee is displayed in the CompTIA Marketplace and during registration. This is the main component of the Security+ certification cost.
• Taxes: VAT, GST, or other local taxes may apply and can change the final Security+ certification cost.
• Example (India): Review the INR price and applicable tax shown during Security+ exam registration because CompTIA does not publish one universal tax-inclusive amount.

Prerequisites

Formal Prerequisites: CompTIA does not require another certification before candidates can schedule this exam.

• CompTIA recommends Network+ knowledge and two years of experience in a security or systems administrator role. There are no mandatory prerequisites.
• Preparation should combine the current official Security+ syllabus, approved learning resources, and hands-on practice appropriate to the target role.
• Verify the exam code before studying or purchasing a voucher because older versions can contain different objectives, weightings, and technologies.

Exam Topics

The official Security+ syllabus contains the following weighted domains and preparation focus:

• General Security Concepts – 12%: controls, principles, change management, cryptography, resilience, and security fundamentals.
• Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations – 22%: actors, vectors, vulnerabilities, indicators, attack surfaces, and mitigations.
• Security Architecture – 18%: enterprise, cloud, mobile, IoT, ICS, data, resilience, and secure-design concepts.
• Security Operations – 28%: hardening, identity, monitoring, vulnerability management, incident response, and automation.
• Security Program Management and Oversight – 20%: governance, risk, compliance, audits, privacy, third parties, and security awareness.
• Current Blueprint Focus – Review every task statement, acronym, and technology list in the official Security+ syllabus before scheduling.

Intended Audience

The SY0-701 Security+ exam is intended for professionals and learners whose work or goals align with its current objectives, including:

• Security Administrators
• Cybersecurity Analysts
• Systems Administrators
• Network Administrators
• Help Desk Analysts
• Security Support Specialists
• Professionals Entering Cybersecurity

Career Opportunities

Knowledge represented by the SY0-701 Security+ exam supports development toward roles such as:

• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Security Administrator
• SOC Analyst
• Systems Security Specialist
• Network Security Administrator
• Security Support Engineer

Average Salary (Approximate)

CompTIA does not publish salary ranges for Security+ holders. The following reputable employment-market estimates use closely related roles. Salaries vary by experience, employer, location, job role, and industry.

• United States: Approximately USD 90,000–150,000 per year for Cybersecurity Analysts (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• India: Approximately INR 600,000–1,800,000 per year for Cybersecurity Analysts (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• United Kingdom: Approximately GBP 42,000–75,000 per year for Cybersecurity Analysts (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• UAE: Approximately AED 120,000–270,000 per year for Cybersecurity Analysts (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).

Exam Delivery Options

During Security+ exam registration, candidates can select an available Pearson VUE testing center or an online-proctored appointment when offered for the exam and location.

• Pearson VUE Test Center – Take the exam in person at an authorized testing center, subject to local appointment availability.
• Online Proctored Exam (OnVUE) – Take the exam remotely under live supervision when CompTIA and Pearson VUE make that option available.
• Online Exam Rules: Run the system test, use a private testing area and supported computer, present accepted identification, remove prohibited materials, and follow the proctor’s instructions.
• Test Center Rules: Arrive as directed, present accepted identification, store prohibited items, complete admission procedures, and follow the candidate agreement and center rules.

Exam Registration

Follow these steps to complete Security+ exam registration:

• Visit the official Pearson VUE CompTIA portal and sign in with the CompTIA account used for certification records.
• Select the SY0-701 Security+ exam, then choose an available test-center or online-proctored delivery option.
• Choose the language, location, date, and time, then verify the legal name, identification rules, and appointment policies.
• Pay the displayed Security+ exam fee or apply an eligible voucher, confirm the booking, and retain the confirmation email.

After Passing the Exam

After passing the SY0-701 Security+ exam, retain the score report and review the certification record in the CompTIA account.

• Passing the SY0-701 Security+ exam earns the CompTIA Security+ credential.
• Use the CompTIA certification account to review credential status, expiration information, digital badges, transcripts, and Continuing Education requirements.
• Follow the current renewal rules for the credential and keep professional contact details current so important certification notices are received.

Why the SY0-701 Security+ exam Is Worth It

• Validates skills against the current CompTIA-published objectives
• Demonstrates vendor-neutral technical capability
• Uses role-relevant, scenario-based assessment methods
• Creates a recognized foundation for career growth and continuing development