CompTIA Security+ · SY0-701
How to Pass Security+ SY0-701
Pass Security+ on your first try
A guide to the SY0-701 exam — domains, study plan, common mistakes and how to prepare on your iPhone or iPad.
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Exam at a glance
These are the facts for the SY0-701 exam (Security+ version 7), taken from CompTIA (see “Status and sources” below):
| Detail | SY0-701 (V7) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Number of questions | Maximum of 90, a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions |
| Passing score | 750 on a scale of 100 to 900; this is the score you need to pass |
| Languages | English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai |
| Recommended experience | CompTIA Network+ and two years of experience in a security or systems administrator job role |
| Validity | Three-year renewal cycle through CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) programme |
Heads-up: CompTIA expects the new version, Security+ V8 (exam code SY0-801), on or around 17 November 2026. SY0-701 stays available for now; CompTIA lists its retirement for 11 June 2027 (English). See the FAQ below on which version to choose.
Why Security+ matters
- Globally recognisedCompTIA describes Security+ as a globally recognised cybersecurity certification for building and validating practical security skills.
- Roles it points toCompTIA names security analyst, security engineer and systems administrator as career paths for Security+ V7 and lists DoD 8140 work roles for it.
- Hands-on focusThe exam mixes multiple-choice with performance-based questions, so you apply skills instead of only recalling facts.
- Experience helpsCompTIA recommends Network+ and two years in a security or systems administrator role. Beginners can still prepare, but should plan more time.
The 5 SY0-701 exam domains
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1. General security concepts | 12 % |
| 2. Threats, vulnerabilities and mitigations | 22 % |
| 3. Security architecture | 18 % |
| 4. Security operations | 28 % |
| 5. Security programme management and oversight | 20 % |
Your 5-step study plan
- Map the official objectives. Download the SY0-701 exam objectives from CompTIA and use them as your checklist. The CompTIA Security+ A+ Trainer app is structured by the five exam domains, so you can tick off domain by domain.
- Learn with flashcards. Build core knowledge in short mobile sessions. Compact flashcards in the CompTIA Security+ app help you memorise terms and acronyms on the go.
- Train with quiz questions. Practise exam-style multiple-choice questions across all five domains and use the analytics in the app to see where you are weak.
- Revise your weak domains. Mix topics in a Study Session or follow the Study Plan, and go back to the objectives for everything you got wrong. The app’s questions are our own and are not original exam questions.
- Book your exam. When you feel ready, buy your exam voucher from CompTIA and book online with Pearson VUE (OnVUE) or at a Pearson VUE test centre.
Common mistakes to avoid
Four mistakes that slow your preparation down
- Only reading books: passive reading does not prepare you for performance-based questions, so practise with questions as well.
- Skipping weak domains: Security operations alone is 28 % of the exam, so do not dodge the topics you find harder.
- Ignoring acronyms: Security+ uses many of them, so drill them regularly with flashcards.
- Cramming at the last minute: short, regular mobile sessions are easier to keep up than a few marathon study days.
Status and sources
Status: 22 October 2026. The details on exam code, duration, number of questions, passing score, languages, recommended experience, retirement date and domain weights come from CompTIA: Security+ V7 (SY0-701) and Security+ V8 (SY0-801), retrieved on 22 October 2026. The three-year renewal cycle is described in the CE renewal cycle, retrieved on 22 October 2026. Exam details change, so check them with CompTIA before you book. We do not quote prices because CompTIA sets them and they vary by country and bundle.
CompTIA and Security+ are registered trademarks of CompTIA, Inc. QuizAcademy is an independent provider and is not affiliated with CompTIA. The app’s questions are our own and are not original exam questions.
Start preparing today
Prepare for SY0-701 with exam-style quiz questions and flashcards across all five exam domains, on your iPhone or iPad. Download is free, further content is unlocked by in-app purchase.
CompTIA Security+ A+ TrainerFree, with in-app purchases · iPhone and iPad
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Frequently asked questions
How much does the Security+ exam cost?
CompTIA sets the price of the exam voucher, and it varies by country and by bundle, so we do not quote a figure here. Check the current price in the CompTIA store before you book. CompTIA also sells bundles that combine its CertMaster learning or practice products with an exam voucher and Retake Assurance, which can be worth comparing.
Do I need prior knowledge?
CompTIA recommends CompTIA Network+ and two years of experience in a security or systems administrator job role. These are recommendations, not entry requirements. If you are new to the field, plan more time for the basics, work through all five exam domains and use the official exam objectives as your checklist.
How long should I study?
There is no fixed rule, because it depends on your experience and how much time you have each week. CompTIA estimates 25 to 40 hours for its CertMaster Learn course and 10 to 20 hours for CertMaster Practice. Plan regular short sessions, use quiz questions and flashcards, and revise the domains where you score lowest.
Can I take the exam online?
Yes. CompTIA exams are delivered by Pearson VUE, either online from home with OnVUE or at a Pearson VUE test centre. For the online exam you need a suitable computer with a webcam and a private, quiet room, and the session is recorded. Check CompTIA’s and Pearson VUE’s current requirements before you book.
Should I take SY0-701 or wait for the new Security+ V8?
CompTIA says V7 (SY0-701) remains available and that V8 (SY0-801) is expected on or around 17 November 2026. CompTIA lists the retirement of SY0-701 for 11 June 2027 (English). Pick the version that fits your exam date and compare the objectives of both versions on CompTIA’s website before you decide.
How long is the certification valid?
CompTIA describes a renewal cycle of three years from the date you earned the certification. You keep it current through CompTIA’s Continuing Education programme within those three years. The exact renewal options, fees and requirements are listed on CompTIA’s website, so check them there when your cycle starts.
Does the Security+ app store my data?
You do not need an account. The app stores your learning progress only on your device, and QuizAcademy stores as little data as possible (data minimisation under the GDPR). You therefore cannot transfer your progress to a new device. You restore purchased courses with “Restore purchases”. More is in the privacy policy (in German).