The CompTIA Security+ exam costs $439, has up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions in 90 minutes, and requires 750 on a 100 to 900 scale to pass. There is no experience requirement, and a new version, SY0-801, is expected on or around November 17, 2026.
Security+ at a glance
| Detail | What the issuer says |
|---|---|
| Issuer | CompTIA |
| Exam | SY0-701, launched November 7, 2023 (English version retires June 11, 2027). SY0-801 is expected on or around November 17, 2026 |
| Questions | Up to 90 |
| Question types | Mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions |
| Time limit | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 750 on a 100 to 900 scale |
| Exam fee | $439 |
| Experience | None required; CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years as a security or systems administrator |
| Renewal | 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) per 3-year cycle (or other renewal options); 3 years from date of certification |
| Ongoing fee | No annual fee required; total CE fee $150 per three-year period, paid only if renewing by uploading CEUs |
| DoD 8140 | CompTIA lists DoD 8140 work roles including cyber defense analyst, incident responder, vulnerability analyst, security control assessor, system administrator, and more |
| Delivery | Voucher redeemed and exam scheduled through CompTIA Central; taken at an authorized provider |
Who the Security+ is for
Security+ is CompTIA's core security certification, covering what CompTIA calls the essential skills required for core security functions and a career in IT security. It requires no experience, which makes it a common starting point for analysts and IT staff moving into security.
There is no required experience. CompTIA recommends Network+ and about two years in a security or systems administration role. Many degree programs build Security+ topics into their courses, so check whether yours includes an exam voucher.
Security+ exam domains
The exam outline sets how much of the test covers each area. Spend study time in proportion to the weights.
| Domain | Exam weight |
|---|---|
| General security concepts | 12% |
| Threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations | 22% |
| Security architecture | 18% |
| Security operations | 28% |
| Security program management and oversight | 20% |
How much the Security+ costs
A single Security+ voucher costs $439 in CompTIA's U.S. store and is valid for 12 months. A voucher bundled with one retake costs $579.
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam voucher | $439 |
| Continuing education fee per 3-year cycle | $150 |
| Total | $589 |
Totals add the issuer's published fees for one exam attempt and a full three-year cycle. Training, books and retakes are extra.
Keeping the Security+ active
50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) per 3-year cycle (or other renewal options) (3 years from date of certification). No annual fee required; total CE fee $150 per three-year period, paid only if renewing by uploading CEUs.
Careers and pay
Information security analysts earned a median $129,180 in May 2025, and BLS projects the field to grow 21% from 2025 to 2035. Computer and information systems managers earned a median $175,140 in May 2025, and BLS projects the field to grow 15.8% from 2025 to 2035. BLS does not report pay by certification, so treat any single "Security+ salary" figure with caution.
See our cybersecurity salary guide and cybersecurity analyst career guide.
Security+ compared with related certifications
| Certification | Issuer | Exam fee | Experience to certify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security+ | CompTIA | $439 | None required |
| Network+ | CompTIA | $399 | None required |
| CySA+ | CompTIA | $439 | None required |
| CC | ISC2 | $199 | None required |
| CEH | EC-Council | $950 | 2 years of information security experience, or official EC-Council training |
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Security+ exam cost?
$439 for the exam, per CompTIA. Over a full three-year cycle, published fees total about $589 before training.
How hard is the Security+ exam?
You get 90 minutes for up to 90 questions, including performance-based tasks, and need 750 on a 100 to 900 scale to pass. Study each domain in proportion to its weight.
Do I need experience for the Security+?
None required; CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years as a security or systems administrator
Does a degree help with the Security+?
There is no required experience. CompTIA recommends Network+ and about two years in a security or systems administration role. Many degree programs build Security+ topics into their courses, so check whether yours includes an exam voucher.
How do I renew the Security+?
50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) per 3-year cycle (or other renewal options) (3 years from date of certification). No annual fee required; total CE fee $150 per three-year period, paid only if renewing by uploading CEUs.
Sources
Exam, price and renewal details come from each issuer's official pages, checked October 2026. Issuers change prices and exam versions, so confirm before you register.
- www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/security
- www.comptia.org/certifications/security
- www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/security/v7
- www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/security/v8
- www.comptia.org/en-us/resources/ce/learn/how-to-renew/ce-renewal-cycle
- www.comptia.org/en-us/resources/ce/learn/earn-continuing-education-units-ceus
- www.comptia.org/en-us/resources/ce/learn/continuing-education-renewal-fees