- Study for 4–8 weeks (about 60–100 hours) if you’re new to IT security.
- Know ports and protocols, attack types, cryptography basics and incident response steps.
- Practice PBQs. They often come first, so consider flagging them and returning later.
- Take practice tests until you score 85%+. Start with our Security+ practice test.
Security+ is also accepted for many government roles. See our civil service exam guide.
USA CompTIA Security+ Exam: Quick Facts
- Exam code
- SY0-701 (launched Nov 2023)
- Cost (2026)
- $439 direct from CompTIA
- Questions
- Up to 90 (multiple-choice + performance-based)
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Passing score
- 750 on a 100–900 scale
- Valid for
- 3 years (renew via CE)
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