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CompTIA · Cybersecurity · Associate

CompTIA Security+ exam guide

Exam SY0-801 (launches Nov 17, 2026); SY0-701 remains available until its retirement

CompTIA Security+ is the most widely required entry-level cybersecurity certification and a core DoD 8140 baseline credential. The new V8 exam (SY0-801) launches on or around November 17, 2026, with SY0-701 remaining available until its retirement. It validates hands-on skills in threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture, security operations and governance.

QuestionsUp to 90
Time limit90 minutes
Passing score750 (100-900 scale)
Exam fee$439 USD
Valid for3 years
DeliveryPearson VUE test center or online proctored (OnVUE)

Format: Multiple choice and performance-based. Fee note: 2026 US retail price; vouchers with retake cost more.

Who it's for

IT administrators, help desk and network staff moving into security, and junior security analysts with about two years of hands-on security administration experience.

What the exam covers

General Security Concepts16%
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks24%
Security Architecture19%
Security Operations27%
Security Program Management and Oversight14%

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None

Recommended: Two years of hands-on experience as a security administrator; Network+ or equivalent networking knowledge is helpful.

Keeping it active

Valid 3 years. Renew through CompTIA Continuing Education: earn 50 CEUs in the 3-year cycle and pay the $150 CE fee, or pass a newer version or a higher-level CompTIA exam that renews it automatically, or complete the matching CertMaster CE course.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Identifying threats, attack indicators and vulnerabilities
  • Implementing secure network, cloud and hybrid architectures
  • Identity, access management and PKI
  • Security monitoring, alerting and incident response
  • Vulnerability management and hardening
  • Governance, risk, compliance and security awareness
  • Data protection and resilience controls

Job roles

Security AdministratorJunior Security AnalystSOC Analyst (Tier 1)Systems AdministratorNetwork Security EngineerIT AuditorHelp Desk Security Specialist

DoD 8140

Recognized in the DoD 8140 qualification matrix (and formerly 8570 IAT II / IAM I) for many cybersecurity and IT work roles, including system and network administration. Open the DoD Workforce Navigator

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Decide between SY0-701 (before its retirement) and SY0-801; use materials that match your exam code. Take a diagnostic test.
  2. Week 2-3: General security concepts and threats/vulnerabilities (40% combined): attack types, indicators, cryptography basics, social engineering.
  3. Week 4: Security architecture: zero trust, cloud and hybrid design, segmentation, resilience and data protection.
  4. Week 5-6: Security operations (27%, largest domain): IAM, monitoring, vulnerability management, incident response and automation.
  5. Week 7: Program management and oversight: risk, third parties, compliance, audits and awareness programs.
  6. Week 8: Full timed practice exams with performance-based questions; review weak objectives and book the exam.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Security Operations is the largest V8 domain at 27%; expect scenario questions on incident response steps and log analysis.
  • Read the question stem for keywords like BEST, FIRST or MOST likely; several answers are often technically correct.
  • Performance-based questions usually appear first; skip and return if a simulation is taking too long.
  • Know which control type (preventive, detective, corrective, compensating) and category each example belongs to.
  • Do not mix study materials; SY0-701 and SY0-801 objectives differ in structure and weighting.

Key terms for this exam

All 942 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

How much does Security+ cost?

The exam voucher is $439 USD at CompTIA's 2026 US retail price. Bundles with a retake or training cost more.

Should I take SY0-701 or SY0-801?

If you have studied SY0-701, you can take it until it retires. New candidates starting in late 2026 should study for SY0-801, which launches on or around November 17, 2026. Both earn the same Security+ certification.

How do I renew Security+?

Earn 50 CEUs within the 3-year cycle and pay the $150 CE fee, or pass a higher-level CompTIA exam such as CySA+, PenTest+ or SecurityX.

Is Security+ required for DoD jobs?

It is one of the most common baseline certifications approved under DoD 8140 for many cybersecurity and IT work roles.

Security+ vs ISC2 CC: which is better?

ISC2 CC is a lighter entry credential. Security+ is more hands-on, includes performance-based questions and carries more weight with employers and the DoD.

Official page: www.comptia.org. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.