CompTIA Security+

cybersecurity Entry Updated: 2025-04-10 Methodology

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) is the most widely recognized entry-level cybersecurity certification. It validates foundational security skills and is approved by the US Department of Defense for IAT Level II roles.

$95K
Avg Salary
82%
Pass Rate
38.0K
Job Listings
80h
Study Time
$404
Exam Cost

Exam Details

Exam CodeSY0-701
Exam Cost$404 USD
Duration90 minutes
Questions90
Passing Score750/900
ProviderCompTIA
Difficulty5/10

Salary Data

Professionals holding the CompTIA Security+ certification earn between $65,000 and $130,000 annually, with an average of $95,000.

Job market demand trend: Stable (+8% YoY)

Prerequisites

  • CompTIA Network+ recommended but not required
  • 2+ years in IT administration with security focus recommended

Skills Covered

Threat AnalysisVulnerability ManagementIdentity & Access ManagementCryptographyNetwork SecurityRisk ManagementIncident ResponseSecurity OperationsCompliance

Best Study Resources

Official

CompTIA CertMaster Learn

 Free Course

Professor Messer — Free Video Course

 Course

Jason Dion — Udemy Course

Comparisons Featuring CompTIA Security+

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Security+ vs CySA+

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Career Paths With CompTIA Security+

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts protect organizations from cyber threats by monitoring systems, analyzing vul...

$65K - $140K +32%

GRC (Governance, Risk & Compliance) Specialist

GRC specialists ensure organizations meet regulatory requirements, manage information security risks...

$70K - $160K +18%

Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker

Penetration testers simulate real-world cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities before malicious ac...

$75K - $160K +32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CompTIA Security+ worth it in 2025?
Yes. Security+ remains the most requested entry-level security certification in job postings. It's DoD-approved and serves as a baseline for most cybersecurity career paths.
How hard is Security+ SY0-701?
Most candidates rate it moderate difficulty (5/10). With 80 hours of focused study, pass rates are around 82%. The new SY0-701 version emphasizes hands-on skills more than previous versions.
Security+ vs CEH — which is better?
Security+ is broader and more widely recognized for general security roles. CEH focuses specifically on ethical hacking and penetration testing. For most entry-level positions, Security+ is the better first choice.

Data Sources

  • Salary data — Aggregated from job postings and salary surveys (US median)
  • Job listings — Active postings across major job boards
  • Pass rates — Community-reported estimates (not official vendor data)
  • Exam details — CompTIA official documentation