The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) certification is one of the most recognized entry-level cybersecurity certifications, validating foundational security skills essential for IT professionals. Whether you’re breaking into cybersecurity or strengthening your IT security knowledge, passing the Security+ exam requires strategic preparation and hands-on understanding of security principles.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what to expect on the exam, how to prepare effectively, and tips to ensure success.
1. Understanding the Security+ Exam
Security+ is a vendor-neutral certification covering essential cybersecurity concepts. The exam tests your ability to identify, assess, and mitigate security threats, making it an excellent starting point for IT and security professionals.
🔹 Exam Overview
- Exam Code: SY0-701 (latest version)
- Number of Questions: 90 (multiple-choice + performance-based)
- Time Limit: 90 minutes
- Passing Score: 750 (on a scale of 100-900)
- Cost: ~$392 USD (discounts available for students & military)
🔹 Security+ Domains (SY0-701)
The exam is broken down into five key areas:
1️⃣ General Security Concepts (12%) – Core security principles, least privilege, threat actors, and cybersecurity frameworks.
2️⃣ Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%) – Attack types, vulnerabilities, risk assessments, and threat intelligence.
3️⃣ Security Architecture (18%) – Network security, cloud security, and system hardening.
4️⃣ Security Operations (28%) – Incident response, forensics, logging, SIEMs, and security controls.
5️⃣ Security Program Management and Governance (20%) – Security policies, risk management, compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, NIST).
2. How to Prepare for the Security+ Exam
📖 Step 1: Study the Right Materials
✅ CompTIA Security+ Study Guide (HowToNetWork.com) - CompTIA Security+ Study Guide – Free Previous Version
✅ HowtoNetwork.com Monthly Membership - 7 days for $1, $20 per month after 7 days - Access All Areas
✅ HowtoNetwork.com Free Exams
✅ CompTIA Security+ Study Guide (by CompTIA or Darril Gibson) – Link These books cover all exam domains in detail.
✅ CompTIA Security+ Exam Objectives – Download the official objectives to understand exactly what’s tested.
✅ Professor Messer’s Security+ Videos (Free) – YouTube Channel High-quality YouTube lectures explaining key concepts.
✅ Jason Dion’s Practice Exams (Udemy) – Link Great for realistic practice and identifying weak areas.
✅ Jason Dions Course (Udemy) - Link
✅ CompTIA Labs (or TryHackMe/HTB Labs) – Link Hands-on practice for security tools and techniques.
📝 Step 2: Create a Study Plan
Allocate 6-8 weeks for preparation, depending on your experience level.
📅 Week 1-2: Foundations
- Read a Security+ study guide and take notes.
- Watch Professor Messer’s videos for an overview of key concepts.
📅 Week 3-4: Deep Dive into Domains
- Focus on encryption, network security, and threat mitigation (major focus areas).
- Use CompTIA labs or set up a virtual lab (Kali Linux, Wireshark, Metasploit).
- Take chapter quizzes to reinforce learning.
📅 Week 5-6: Practice Tests & Weak Areas
- Take full-length practice exams to simulate test conditions.
- Review wrong answers and revisit weak areas.
- Memorize key ports, encryption standards, and security frameworks.
📅 Week 7-8: Final Review & Exam Readiness
- Revisit hard topics like PKI, SIEMs, and incident response.
- Take final mock exams until consistently scoring 85% or higher.
- Review exam objectives to ensure full coverage.
🎯 Step 3: Master Key Security+ Concepts
✔ Understand the CIA Triad – Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability.
✔ Know Security Tools – Firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, encryption protocols, and VPNs.
✔ Learn Attack Types – Phishing, malware, social engineering, SQL injection, XSS.
✔ Understand Compliance Frameworks – NIST, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR.
✔ Know Ports & Protocols – SSH (22), RDP (3389), DNS (53), HTTPS (443), etc.
3. Exam Day Strategy: How to Pass the Security+ Exam
📌 Expect Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) – These test hands-on skills like configuring firewalls or analyzing logs. Answer them first to avoid time pressure later.
📌 Use the Process of Elimination – If unsure, eliminate incorrect answers to improve your odds.
📌 Manage Your Time Wisely – With 90 questions in 90 minutes, spend <1 min per question and mark difficult ones to revisit later.
📌 Think Like an Analyst – Many questions ask what action to take. Choose the most secure, least disruptive option.
Final Thoughts: Is Security+ Worth It?
Absolutely! Security+ is:
✅ A great entry point for cybersecurity careers
✅ A requirement for many DoD and government jobs
✅ A strong foundation for advanced certs (CISSP, CEH, etc.)
✅ A valuable credential in the growing cybersecurity industry
With the right preparation, you can pass Security+ on your first attempt. Stay focused, practice hands-on skills, and don’t just memorize—understand the concepts.
Are you studying for Security+ or recently passed? Share your experience and tips below! 🚀🔐
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Author: Kimberly Wiethoff