The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) at a glance
- Questions
- Up to 90 (multiple choice and PBQs)
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Passing score
- 750 on a 100 to 900 scale
- Where
- Pearson VUE centre or online
- Valid for
- 3 years
Rules and fees can change. Always check CompTIA: Security+ before you book.
Who needs to take it?
IT professionals and career changers who want a vendor-neutral certification recognised by employers worldwide.
How it works, step by step
- 1
Check the exam objectives
Download the official objectives from CompTIA. They list every topic the exam can cover.
- 2
Buy a voucher
Buy an exam voucher from CompTIA or an authorised partner.
- 3
Book with Pearson VUE
Sit the exam at a test centre or online from home with OnVUE.
- 4
Get your result
You see your score straight after the exam. Certifications are valid for 3 years.
🎒 On the day
- ✓Bring government-issued photo ID
- ✓For online exams, check your computer and room in advance
- ✓Flag hard questions and come back to them
💡 Tips to pass
- ✓Do performance-based questions (PBQs) last if they're slowing you down
- ✓Focus on the domains with the highest weighting
- ✓Score 85%+ consistently in practice before you book
Your 14-day study plan
A simple plan for the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701). Print it and tick off each day.
- 1General Security
- Study General Security
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 2General Security
- Study General Security
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 3General Security
- Study General Security
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 4General Security
- Study General Security
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 5General Security
- Study General Security
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 6General Security
- Study General Security
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 7General Security
- Study General Security
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 8General Security
- Study General Security
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 9General Security
- Study General Security
- Answer the topic practice questions
- Write down anything you get wrong
- 10Review
- Take the readiness check
- Re-study your two weakest topics
- Redo the questions you got wrong
- 11Review
- Take the readiness check
- Re-study your two weakest topics
- Redo the questions you got wrong
- 12Mock test
- Take a full timed mock test
- Review every wrong answer
- Study the topics you missed
- 13Mock test
- Take a full timed mock test
- Review every wrong answer
- Study the topics you missed
- 14Final mock test
- Take a full timed mock test
- Review every wrong answer
- Pass with room to spare? You're ready to book
Test yourself for free
No download, no sign-up. See how close you are to passing.
Frequently asked questions
Most people need a few weeks of focused study. Practice exams show you when you're ready.
