Quick Answer: CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 is the world’s most popular entry-level cybersecurity certification. The exam has up to 90 questions, lasts 90 minutes, requires a passing score of 750 out of 900, and costs $425 USD. It covers five domains — General Security Concepts, Threats and Vulnerabilities, Security Architecture, Security Operations, and Security Program Management. CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years of IT/security experience before sitting the exam.
Last Reviewed: April 2026 | Exam Code: SY0-701 | Launched: November 7, 2023 | Estimated Retirement: 2026
SY0-701 Exam Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Exam Code | SY0-701 |
| Certification | CompTIA Security+ |
| Launch Date | November 7, 2023 |
| Estimated Retirement | 2026 (check CompTIA.org before registering) |
| Number of Questions | Up to 90 (multiple-choice + performance-based) |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes |
| Passing Score | 750 out of 900 (scaled score) |
| Exam Cost | $425 USD (Pearson VUE) |
| Testing Options | Test center or online (OnVUE) |
| Languages | English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai |
| Certification Validity | 3 years |
| Renewal | 50 CEUs + $150 renewal fee, or pass the current exam |
| DoD Compliance | DoD 8140 approved — required for many government/defense roles |
| Recommended Experience | CompTIA Network+ and 2 years in IT/security administration |
Important: SY0-601, the previous version, was retired on July 31, 2024. SY0-701 is the only active Security+ exam. Any study material referencing SY0-601 is outdated — do not use it.
What Is the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701?
CompTIA Security+ is the most widely held entry-level cybersecurity certification in the world, with more than 700,000 IT professionals currently certified. It sits at the intersection of foundational knowledge and hands-on skill — the exam does not just test whether you can define security terms, but whether you can apply them in realistic scenarios.
The SY0-701 version, launched in November 2023, was a meaningful update over its predecessor. CompTIA reduced the number of objectives from 35 to 28, tightened the domain structure, and shifted the weighting toward Security Operations — reflecting how the industry has matured and what employers actually need from entry-level security professionals today.
This is not a certification you memorize your way through. The performance-based questions (PBQs) require you to analyze network diagrams, interpret log outputs, configure access controls, and make security decisions in simulated environments. That is what makes it valuable to employers and harder to fake.
For the full breakdown of what changed from SY0-601 to SY0-701, see our complete SY0-701 exam objectives and domains guide.
The Five SY0-701 Exam Domains Explained
The SY0-701 exam is divided into five domains. Each carries a specific percentage weight — and that weight tells you exactly where to spend your study time.
Domain 1: General Security Concepts — 12%
This is your foundation. It covers control classifications (technical, managerial, operational, physical), the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability), basic cryptography concepts, authentication models, and security awareness principles.
Do not underestimate this domain because it carries the smallest weight. Every other domain builds on these fundamentals. Candidates who struggle with Domains 2 through 5 almost always have gaps in Domain 1 that they did not fill properly first.
Key topics include: security controls and their categories, PKI and certificate management, authentication factors (MFA, biometrics), zero trust principles at the conceptual level, and physical security considerations.
Domain 2: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — 22%
This is where you learn to think like an attacker so you can defend like a professional. The domain covers malware types and their behaviors, social engineering techniques including phishing, vishing, and pretexting, application vulnerabilities, network-based attacks, and how to analyze and prioritize threat indicators.
The SY0-701 version gives significantly more attention to AI-driven threats, supply chain attacks, and cloud-native vulnerabilities compared to SY0-601. Expect scenario-based questions where you are given indicators of compromise and asked to identify the attack type and appropriate response.
For deeper context on how these attacks work in the real world, read our guide on types of cyber attacks and how to stop them.
Domain 3: Security Architecture — 18%
Domain 3 covers how to design and evaluate secure systems. This includes network segmentation and defense-in-depth strategies, cloud security and the shared responsibility model, hybrid and on-premises infrastructure, virtualization security, zero trust architecture implementation, and secure network design patterns.
Zero trust gets significantly more coverage in SY0-701 than it did in previous versions. If you are unclear on zero trust principles and how they translate into actual network design decisions, read our zero trust security guide before tackling this domain.
Also covered: securing wireless networks, understanding infrastructure as code security implications, and evaluating third-party and vendor risk in the context of architecture decisions.
Domain 4: Security Operations — 28%
This is the largest domain and the one that received the biggest weight increase in SY0-701. At 28%, it represents more than one quarter of your entire exam score. Give this domain proportionally more study time than any other.
Security Operations covers incident response procedures and their correct sequence, SIEM configuration and alert correlation, digital forensics and evidence handling, vulnerability scanning and management, identity and access management (IAM) including privileged access, endpoint security and EDR, and data loss prevention.
The performance-based questions in this domain are where most candidates lose points. You will be asked to analyze SIEM log outputs, determine the correct incident response action for a given scenario, or identify the appropriate access control configuration for a described environment. Hands-on lab practice is not optional here — it is the only way to prepare for this format.
Domain 5: Security Program Management and Oversight — 20%
This domain was called “Governance, Risk, and Compliance” in SY0-601. The rename reflects a broader scope — it now covers not just compliance frameworks but the full lifecycle of security program management including risk identification, risk analysis, risk treatment decisions, and how to communicate risk to business stakeholders.
Key topics include: regulatory frameworks (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, CMMC), data classification and handling, third-party risk management, security policies and their purpose, business continuity and disaster recovery planning, and privacy concepts.
This domain has the second-largest weight increase in SY0-701. Candidates who treat it as a “soft” domain and underprepare consistently underperform here. The exam questions in this domain are often scenario-based and require you to select the most appropriate policy or risk treatment given a specific business situation — not just recite definitions.
Who Should Take the SY0-701?
Security+ is genuinely versatile in terms of who benefits from it, but it is not the right starting point for everyone.
IT professionals with 1–2 years of experience in system administration, network support, or help desk roles who want to transition into cybersecurity. Security+ validates the security knowledge layer on top of the IT foundation you already have and opens the door to security analyst and SOC roles.
Career changers entering cybersecurity who have completed a boot camp, degree program, or self-study in IT and want a vendor-neutral credential that employers recognize globally. If you are considering this path, read our guide on how to become a cybersecurity analyst to understand how Security+ fits the broader career roadmap.
Government and defense contractors for whom DoD 8140 compliance is a job requirement. Security+ satisfies IAT Level II requirements under DoD 8140 and is required or preferred for a wide range of federal cybersecurity positions.
Recent graduates in computer science, information systems, or related fields who want to strengthen their resume before entering the job market.
Who should not start with Security+: If you have no IT background at all, consider CompTIA A+ or CompTIA IT Fundamentals first. Security+ assumes familiarity with networking concepts, operating systems, and basic IT administration. Candidates who sit Security+ with no IT background typically find the performance-based questions very difficult.
Is Security+ Worth It in 2026?
Yes — with a realistic understanding of what it does and does not do.
Security+ opens the door to entry-level and junior cybersecurity roles, not senior positions. It is the credential that gets your resume through the applicant tracking system and onto a hiring manager’s desk. From there, your experience, skills, and the conversation in the interview take over.
The salary data supports the investment. Security+ certified professionals in the US earn between $70,000 and $110,000 depending on role, location, and experience. Common entry roles include Security Analyst ($70,000–$90,000), SOC Analyst ($65,000–$85,000), and System Administrator with security focus ($75,000–$95,000). For senior roles and higher earning potential, Security+ serves as the foundation before advancing to CompTIA CySA+ or CISSP.
The DoD 8140 compliance factor adds a second layer of value that many candidates overlook. Government and defense sector roles that require DoD compliance often list Security+ as a baseline requirement, which creates demand that is not as volatile as private sector hiring cycles.
For the full salary and job role breakdown, see our Security+ salary and career guide.
The retirement caveat: CompTIA estimates SY0-701 retirement in 2026, following its standard three-year update cycle from the November 2023 launch. Before registering, confirm the current active exam version at CompTIA.org. If a SY0-801 has been announced, verify that your study materials are aligned to the current blueprint before purchasing.
How Much Does the SY0-701 Exam Cost in 2026?
The official exam voucher costs $425 USD through Pearson VUE. This is the price for a single exam attempt in the United States — pricing varies by region.
Academic discounts of 40–50% are available through CompTIA’s academic store for eligible students. Some employers cover certification costs, so check whether your organization has a training budget before paying out of pocket.
Beyond the exam fee, most candidates spend additional money on preparation materials. Realistic total investment ranges:
- Self-study (books + practice questions): $500–$700 total
- Online course + practice questions + exam: $700–$1,000
- Boot camp or instructor-led training + exam: $1,500–$3,500
If you fail and need to retake, each additional attempt costs another $425. This is why thorough preparation before your first attempt is worth the time — passing first attempt saves you $425 and weeks of delay.
For a full cost breakdown including retake fees, renewal costs, and how to reduce total spend, read our Security+ certification cost guide.
Week-by-Week Study Plan for SY0-701
Most candidates with Network+ or equivalent IT experience need 8 to 12 weeks of consistent preparation. Candidates starting without IT background should plan for 16 to 20 weeks. Here is an effective 10-week structure for candidates with some IT experience.
Weeks 1–2: Domain Foundations
Download the official SY0-701 exam objectives from CompTIA.org — this is free and is the definitive list of every testable topic. Read through it completely before touching any other study material. It tells you exactly what the exam can and cannot ask.
Cover Domain 1 (General Security Concepts) completely in these two weeks. Master control categories, CIA triad applications, cryptography fundamentals including symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption, PKI concepts, and authentication models. Every subsequent domain assumes you have these foundations in place.
Weeks 3–4: Threats and Architecture
Work through Domain 2 (Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations) and Domain 3 (Security Architecture) together — they reinforce each other well. As you learn attack types in Domain 2, study the architectural defenses for those attacks in Domain 3.
Set up a virtual lab using VirtualBox or VMware. Install a Windows Server and a Linux VM. Practice configuring basic firewall rules, reviewing Windows Event Logs, and using Wireshark to capture and analyze network traffic. These hands-on skills are directly tested in the performance-based questions.
Weeks 5–7: Security Operations (Your Most Important Block)
Spend three dedicated weeks on Domain 4, proportional to its 28% exam weight. This is where most candidates lose points, and it is also where the most practical, job-relevant skills live.
Focus specifically on: incident response phases and their correct order (Preparation → Identification → Containment → Eradication → Recovery → Lessons Learned), SIEM log analysis, digital forensics evidence handling, and vulnerability scanning interpretation.
Practice reading SIEM outputs and identifying anomalies. If you have access to Splunk Free or the ELK stack, use them. Even 30 minutes per day of hands-on log analysis will dramatically improve your performance on PBQs.
Week 8: Security Program Management
Cover Domain 5 methodically. Map each compliance framework (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS) to the types of organizations and data it applies to. Practice writing brief risk treatment rationales — “accept, avoid, transfer, or mitigate” — for described scenarios. This domain is scenario-heavy on the exam and rewards structured thinking over memorization.
Weeks 9–10: Full Practice Exams and Gap Filling
Take full-length timed practice exams under real conditions — 90 questions, 90 minutes, no pauses. After each exam, review every incorrect answer and understand why each correct answer is correct, not just what it is.
Target 80% or higher consistently across all five domains before booking your exam date. Candidates who achieve this threshold on SY0-701 practice questions consistently report passing on their first attempt.
Use CertEmpire’s free SY0-701 practice test to benchmark your readiness before moving to full paid practice exams. CertEmpire also offers a free PDF demo so you can assess the question style and difficulty before committing.
For the complete day-by-day version of this plan, see our step-by-step Security+ study plan.
How to Use Practice Questions and Exam Dumps Effectively
Practice questions are the most powerful preparation tool for SY0-701 — but only if you use them correctly. Most candidates who fail do so because they treat practice questions as a memorization exercise rather than a learning tool.
The right approach: attempt a question, then read the explanation for every answer option regardless of whether you got it right. Understanding why each wrong answer is wrong is as important as knowing why the right answer is correct. This is how practice questions build genuine understanding rather than answer familiarity.
CertEmpire’s SY0-701 exam questions are updated to reflect the current SY0-701 blueprint and include detailed explanations for every answer. The question bank includes both multiple-choice and scenario-based formats that match the style of what you will encounter on exam day, including PBQ-style scenarios.
Use practice questions in three phases:
- Early preparation: Short domain-specific quizzes to identify weak areas before you study them deeply
- Mid preparation: Timed 30-question sets after completing each domain
- Final preparation: Full 90-question timed practice exams in the last two weeks
Scoring 80% or higher consistently across all domains before booking your exam is the most reliable predictor of first-attempt success.
Security+ Career Paths and What to Do After Passing
Passing Security+ puts you on a clear career trajectory, but where you go next depends on which direction in cybersecurity interests you.
Blue team / defensive security path: Security+ → CySA+ → CISSP. This is the most traveled path for security analysts and SOC professionals. CySA+ builds on Security+ with deeper threat detection, vulnerability management, and incident response skills. CISSP is the senior credential for security leadership and management roles.
Government and compliance path: Security+ satisfies DoD 8140 IAT Level II, opening roles in federal agencies, defense contractors, and intelligence community positions. Many candidates on this path add CISSP or CISM after gaining experience.
General IT security: Security+ alone qualifies you for system administrator roles with a security focus, junior security analyst positions, and IT auditor roles in regulated industries.
For a full map of where Security+ leads, explore our cybersecurity career path guide and our cybersecurity certification roadmap.
If you are comparing Security+ against ISC2’s free entry-level option, see our ISC2 CC exam guide — many candidates today earn both.
Maintaining Your Security+ Certification
Security+ is valid for three years from the date you pass. To renew, you need to submit 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and pay the $150 renewal fee ($50 per year) through CompTIA’s CE portal before your certification expires.
CEUs can be earned through a wide range of activities: completing training courses, attending security conferences, publishing security content, participating in CompTIA-approved activities, or earning a higher-level certification. Earning CySA+ or CASP+ automatically satisfies the Security+ renewal requirement.
The renewal system means staying engaged in the security community has a direct, measurable benefit to your certification status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the passing score for SY0-701?
The passing score is 750 on a scale of 100 to 900. Scores are scaled, meaning the difficulty of your specific exam session is factored into the final score to ensure fairness across testing sessions.
How many questions are on the SY0-701 exam?
Up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. Question types include multiple-choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions (PBQs) that require you to complete tasks in simulated environments.
How much does the SY0-701 exam cost in 2026?
The exam voucher costs $425 USD through Pearson VUE. Academic discounts are available. Total preparation cost typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 for self-study candidates.
Is there a prerequisite for Security+?
There are no mandatory prerequisites. CompTIA recommends Network+ certification and two years of IT/security administration experience. Candidates without this background typically find the performance-based questions significantly harder.
How long does it take to study for SY0-701?
8 to 12 weeks for candidates with Network+ and IT experience. 16 to 20 weeks for candidates starting without a strong IT background.
What is the retake policy for SY0-701?
If you fail, you can retake the exam after 14 days. Each retake requires purchasing a new voucher at $425. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
Is SY0-701 harder than SY0-601?
Most candidates find SY0-701 more challenging because it is more operationally focused and includes more performance-based questions. The objectives were reduced from 35 to 28, but the remaining topics are tested at a deeper, more scenario-based level.
When will SY0-701 be retired?
CompTIA estimates retirement in 2026, following its typical three-year cycle from the November 2023 launch. Always confirm the current active exam version at CompTIA.org before registering. If a new version has been announced, verify your study materials are aligned to the active blueprint.
How do I register for the SY0-701 exam?
Registration is through Pearson VUE. You can test at a Pearson VUE test center or online through the OnVUE platform. For step-by-step registration instructions, see our SY0-701 registration guide.
Final Thoughts
Security+ SY0-701 is the most efficient first step into a cybersecurity career for the majority of IT professionals. It is not the easiest certification — the performance-based questions require genuine skill, not just memorization — but it is the most recognized, the most useful for DoD compliance, and the one that opens the most doors at the entry and junior level.
The formula for passing is straightforward: study the five domains proportionally to their exam weights (prioritize Security Operations at 28%), build hands-on practice into your routine, and use timed full-length practice exams to gauge readiness before booking your test date.
At CertEmpire, our SY0-701 exam questions and practice tests are built around the current exam blueprint and updated regularly to reflect the latest objectives. Start with our free SY0-701 practice test to benchmark where you are, then use our full SY0-701 exam question bank to fill the gaps and build exam-day confidence.
For the official SY0-701 exam objectives and registration, visit CompTIA.org. For a complete overview of what to expect on exam day, see our SY0-701 preparation guide.
