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The Daily Insight

Is the Security+ test hard

Author

Robert Spencer

Published Apr 06, 2026

Earning a Security+ certification is not easy, but with proper preparation, focused training, and practice, you will achieve it and deliver rewarding results in your job and career. Here are 5 tips to help you prepare for and pass the Security+ exam.

Is it worth it to get Security+?

CompTIA Security+ is a popular cybersecurity certification. More than 600,000 IT pros have earned it. … Other goals may include getting a vendor-neutral cybersecurity certification or a DoD-approved cert. If you have any of these IT career goals, CompTIA Security+ is worth it for you.

How many questions is the Security+?

The CompTIA Security+ exam has no more than 90 questions. After completing the exam, you will be asked to fill out some optional exit survey information about your study practices and why you decided to get certified. This will consist of about 12 multiple-choice questions.

How fast can you get security+?

30 to 45 days is a reasonable timeframe if you are already familiar with the material on the exam. If someone has zero IT experience, then 60 days might be more appropriate.

What happens if you fail Security+?

A test found to be in violation of the retake policy will be invalidated and the candidate may be subject to a suspension period. Repeat violators will be permanently banned from participation in the CompTIA Certification Program. … Candidates must pay the exam price each time they attempt the exam.

Should I get a+ before Security+?

Go for the A+ certification first if you can answer the following questions: Do you have any experience of using computers? If not, then start with the A+ certification, because it will lay the groundwork for taking the Network+ and Security+ certifications later.

What does CompTIA Security+ cover?

CompTIA Security+ covers network security concepts, threats and vulnerabilities, access control, identity management, cryptography, and much more.

Can you get a job with Security+?

The CompTIA Security+ certification will help you break into the industry, but for most, it will only be the first step. This certification will get you in the door at companies, but higher-paying jobs will only be available as you add to your resume with more advanced skills and work experience.

Who should get Security+?

Both A+ and Network+ are recommended prerequisites for the Security+ certification, along with two years of security-focused IT administration experience. An entry-level credential, Security+ is ideal for individuals seeking to establish themselves as IT security professionals.

Which is easier Security+ 501 or 601?

Students can choose to take either exam but it is much easier to take the SY0-501 exam than the SY0-601 exam. That is because there is far less content in the SY0-501 exam (25% less), which means students need to memorize less concepts. Our Comprehensive Security+ Course will fully prepare you to ace the SY0-501 exam.

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Which security is better 501 or 601?

Although the exam objectives document is longer, the new exam actually has fewer objectives. CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) has 35 exam objectives, compared to 37 on SY0-501. The difference is that the exam objectives for SY0-601 include more examples under each objective – the number of examples increased by about 25%.

Is Sec 601 Harder than 501?

To this end, the new CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 is more focused but goes deeper than its predecessor. The new exam has five domains — one fewer than SY0-501 — and has fewer objectives (35) but 25% more examples than the previous exam.

How many times can you retake Security+?

CompTIA Security + does not require any waiting period between the first and second retake. Students must wait 14 days for a third or subsequent retake exam. There is no annual limit on the number of attempts on the same exam.

Which is harder Security+ or Network+?

If you are a beginner then the CompTIA Security+ exam is more difficult than the CompTIA Network+ certification exam. CompTIA Security+ validates your ability to handle core security functions as well as understand the network architecture and components.

Is Security+ better than Network+?

The CompTIA Security+ certification is a better choice than the CompTIA Network+ certification for most people looking to enter into the IT or cybersecurity fields because it validates a higher level of skill and knowledge, commands a higher salary, and offers more career options.

Which is Better Network+ or Security+?

The Network+ stresses more network-related concepts than the Security+, but the similarities between the two stress how important both certificates can be to a cybersecurity professional. Likewise, the Security+ can be a valuable asset to anyone in networking.

Can you pass Security Plus with no experience?

CompTIA recommends gaining 2 years of IT experience along with the A+ and Networking+ certifications before taking Security+. This is because these exams help build a foundation for Security+. However, while these would certainly help in understanding the core concepts, it is possible to pass the exam without them.

How many questions are on the Security 601?

Number of Questions:Maximum of 90Question types:Multiple choice and performance basedExam format:Traditional—can move back and forth to view previous questionsTime to complete exam:90 minutes (does not include time to complete pretest and post-test surveys)

How long is security plus good for?

Your CompTIA Security+ certification is good for three years from the date you pass your certification exam. Through our continuing education (CE) program, you can easily renew CompTIA Security+ and extend it for additional three-year periods.