CompTIA Security+
Security+ is the most widely held entry-level security certification globally. It is on the US DoD 8570 / 8140 baseline for IAT Level II, which means thousands of federal, contractor and defence-adjacent roles list it as a hard requirement. For someone breaking into security from IT support, sysadmin or networking, Security+ is the cheapest and fastest way to get a resume past the HR filter and into a SOC analyst interview.
An entry-level fundamentals exam. The only real friction is the performance-based simulations, which book-only candidates underestimate.
Cost, hours and exam shape.
- Vendor
- CompTIA
- Level
- Entry
- Exam style
- Multiple-choice + simulations
- Prep hours (median)
- ~90 hours
- Exam cost (USD)
- $392
- Difficulty
- 2/5
Pursue this if…
- You are breaking into security from IT support, sysadmin or networking.
- You want the cheapest, fastest credential that clears HR filters for entry-level SOC roles.
- You need a DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II baseline cert.
- You want a vendor-neutral foundation before specialising offensive or defensive.
What you actually sit.
SY0-701 exam: up to 90 questions including performance-based simulations, 90 minutes, scaled score of 750/900 to pass. Delivered via Pearson VUE in-person or online with proctoring.
Where you should be before you book.
- →CompTIA Network+ recommended (not required)
- →Two years of general IT administration experience with a security focus (recommended)
What is on the exam.
A study plan you can actually follow.
- Watch the canonical free course
Work the Professor Messer SY0-701 video series end to end. It maps exactly to the current objectives and is free.
- Read one structured guide
Pair the videos with the Sybex SY0-701 study guide to fill the gaps and reinforce the five objective domains.
- Practise in a lab
Spend at least 20% of prep time hands-on (TryHackMe Security+ path, a free-tier cloud account, GNS3) so the performance-based simulations do not surprise you.
- Drill 1,000 questions, then book
Use Pocket Prep or Boson until you consistently clear 90%, then schedule SY0-701 via Pearson VUE.
Where this cert opens doors.
From the operator side of the desk.
Security+ is not a cert we require for AxVeil operators — our floor is OSCP for offensive work and CISSP/CISM for consulting leads. We recommend Security+ to candidates we mentor who are still in IT support or sysadmin roles and want to break into security. It is the credential that pairs best with a SOC analyst pivot, which is itself the most common feeder role into junior pentest positions.
Questions people ask before booking.
Will Security+ get me a security job?+
It will get your resume read for entry-level SOC, junior security analyst and security-focused sysadmin roles, especially those gated by DoD 8570. It will not get you a penetration testing role on its own — for that you need OSCP, eJPT, or a strong public portfolio. Pair Security+ with a homelab, HackTheBox / TryHackMe progress and one bug-bounty report and the conversation changes.
Security+ vs CEH — which first?+
Security+ is broader, cheaper, more recognised by US/federal employers, and treats security holistically (governance + tech). CEH is offensive-leaning and gates some specific government tenders. If you are early-career and US-based, Security+ first. If your target role explicitly lists CEH, do CEH. Both being on the DoD 8570 baseline means many candidates hold both.
How long does it take to study?+
60–120 hours for someone with one year of IT background. The Professor Messer free video series plus the Sybex study guide plus 1,000 practice questions on Pocket Prep or Boson is the canonical path. Performance-based questions trip up book-only candidates — spend at least 20% of prep time in a lab (TryHackMe Security+ path, GNS3, or a free-tier cloud account).
Is Security+ enough for SOC 2 or audit work?+
No. SOC 2 evidence and audit work want CISSP, CISM, CISA or equivalent — frameworks and governance, not entry-level fundamentals. Security+ is a stepping stone toward those certs and a baseline for technical staff supporting an audit, not the cert that drives the audit conversation.
What is the maintenance cost?+
Security+ is valid for three years. Renewal is via 50 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) through CompTIA's CertMaster CE programme, higher-tier certs (CySA+, PenTest+, CASP+ recertify Security+), training, conferences or authorship. Annual CompTIA membership for free CEUs is USD 50.
Relevant AxVeil services and field notes.
Sibling certifications worth comparing.
Need a qualified team to deliver the engagement?
We can field operators with CompTIA Security+ (and the rest of the stack — OSCP, OSEP, CISSP, CISM) on engagements in 5 to 10 working days. Letter of Attestation includes the lead-tester credentials so your auditor can verify.