Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA PenTest+ |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | CompTIA | CompTIA |
| Level | Associate | Intermediate |
| Exam Cost | $404 | $392 ✓ |
| Avg Salary | $95,000 | $110,000 ✓ |
| Pass Rate | 82% ✓ | 58% |
| Study Hours | 80h ✓ | 120h |
| Difficulty | 5/10 ✓ | 6/10 |
| Job Listings | 38.0K ✓ | 7.8K |
For a deeper look at each certification, read our full CompTIA Security+ guide and CompTIA PenTest+ guide. Also compare: CEH vs CompTIA PenTest+: Which Penetration Testing Certification?, GIAC GSEC vs CompTIA Security+: Which Security Certification?.
Our Verdict
Security+ is the broader, more versatile certification and should come first in almost every cybersecurity career path. It's required or preferred for many government and DoD positions and opens far more doors with 55K+ job listings. PenTest+ is a natural follow-up for those who want to specialize in offensive security and penetration testing, commanding a higher salary ($105K vs $95K) but with a smaller, more specialized job market.
Choose CompTIA Security+ if you...
- Prefer a more accessible exam (82% pass rate)
- Want broader job market demand (38.0K listings)
- Prefer a less challenging exam path (5/10 difficulty)
- Have limited study time (~80h vs ~120h)
Choose CompTIA PenTest+ if you...
- Want higher earning potential ($110K vs $95K avg)
- Want a lower exam cost ($392 vs $404)
- Focus on CompTIA ecosystem and intermediate-level roles
Can You Get Both?
Yes — and many professionals do. Since both CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA PenTest+ are in the security space, they complement each other well. Start with the CompTIA Security+ (lower barrier to entry) and add the other after 1-2 years of hands-on experience.
Combined study commitment: approximately 200h and $796 in exam fees.
These certs feature in career paths like Application Security Engineer and Cybersecurity Analyst.
Deep Dive Into Each Certification
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA · Associate · $95K avg
CompTIA PenTest+
CompTIA · Intermediate · $110K avg
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get Security+ before PenTest+?
Is PenTest+ comparable to CEH or OSCP?
Which one meets DoD 8570 requirements?
Related Career Paths
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Data Sources & Transparency
- Salary data — Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, and job posting aggregates (US median)
- Job listings — LinkedIn, Indeed, and Dice active postings (sampled quarterly)
- Pass rates — Community-reported estimates from Reddit, TechExams, and certification forums