What is the Passing Score for CompTIA Security+ Exam?
The CompTIA Security+ certification is one of the most widely recognized IT credentials in the cybersecurity industry. This certification can be a career-defining milestone for aspiring and seasoned IT professionals, opening doors to new opportunities and advancements.
One of the most common questions candidates ask is, “What is the passing score for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam?” And honestly, it’s a great question—one that deserves a clear answer!
Understanding the passing score, how the exam is graded, and what it takes to succeed is essential for effective preparation. In this guide, we’ll break down the scoring system, explain key details about the CompTIA Security+exam, and provide actionable tips to help you pass with confidence.
Understanding the Security+ Exam
To successfully pass the CompTIA Security+ certification exam (SY0-701), it is essential to grasp its structure and content. This comprehensive exam evaluates your expertise across various security domains, validating your ability to address modern cybersecurity challenges like network security, identity and access management, cryptography, and threat detection.
The exam combines multiple-choice questions with performance-based scenarios, assessing both your theoretical knowledge and practical application skills. You’ll have 90 minutes of exam time to tackle up to 90 questions. Below is an overview of the exam’s key domains and their weightings:
- General Security Concepts (12%)
This section covers the fundamental principles of security, including the CIA triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. It also introduces security control types, such as preventive, deterrent, and corrective measures, alongside the Zero Trust architecture.
- Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%)
This domain focuses on identifying and understanding common threat actors. It explores motivations ranging from nation-states to hacktivists. Key topics include various threat vectors, such as email phishing, SMS attacks, and software vulnerabilities, and strategies for mitigation.
- Security Architecture (18%)
This domain highlights secure system design, addressing data classifications, protection methods, and high availability considerations, such as load balancing and geographic redundancy.
- Security Operations (28%)
As the exam’s most heavily weighted section, this area emphasizes areas like incident response, automation, and orchestration. It focuses on using diverse data sources—such as logs and vulnerability scans—to enhance security investigations and operational efficiency.
- Security Program Management and Oversight (20%)
This domain deals with the governance aspects of cybersecurity, including policies, standards, and risk management. It also covers strategic security planning and awareness initiatives, such as phishing prevention and user training.
By mastering these domains, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the Security+ exam and demonstrate your ability to navigate today’s complex cybersecurity landscape.
Security+ Exam Updates
Around the year 2000, a clear need emerged for an entry- to intermediate-level certification tailored to professionals pursuing careers in information security. At the time, there was no effective stepping stone to bridge the gap between foundational knowledge and intermediate-level security certifications for individuals serious about advancing in the field.
In response, CompTIA introduced the Security+ certification in 2002 to fill this critical gap. This certification ensures that IT security professionals possess the essential knowledge and skills required for their job roles, providing employers with confidence in their qualifications. It even meets the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) 8570 compliance requirements, further validating its importance.
Recently, the CompTIA Security+ exam underwent a significant update, shifting from version SY0-601 to SY0-701. This revision reflects the evolving cybersecurity landscape, incorporating new and emerging threats, trends, and techniques.
Difference between SY0-601 and SY0-701
The new CompTIA Security+ exam (SY0-701) has several key updates compared to the previous version (SY0-601):
Increased Focus on Cloud and Hybrid Environments
With the increasing adoption of cloud computing and hybrid environments, the SY0-701 exam now includes more content related to security solutions in these areas. This update recognizes the importance of understanding security in modern IT infrastructures.
Inclusion of Additional Threat Types
The SY0-701 exam has added new threat types, such as ransomware and insider threats, to reflect the evolving cybersecurity landscape. This change ensures that candidates are well-equipped to address current security challenges.
Emphasis on Security Tools and Technologies
As technology advances, so do the tools and technologies available for securing IT systems. The SY0-701 exam now includes questions on tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS).
With these changes, the CompTIA Security+ exam remains a relevant and up-to-date certification that validates your cybersecurity skills in today’s ever-changing cybersecurity field.
Passing Score Requirements for CompTIA Security+?
To pass the CompTIA Security+ exam (Exam Code SY0-701), you must score at least 750 out of a possible 900 points. But what exactly does this mean?
The CompTIA Security+ exam uses a scaled scoring system, which adjusts raw scores based on the difficulty of the questions. This ensures a consistent, fair comparison of performance among all candidates, regardless of which version of the exam they take.
A Breakdown of the Scaled Scoring System
- Total Score: The total score ranges from 100 to 900.
- Passing Score: You’ll need a minimum of 750 to pass.
- Grading System: Scores are weighted based on question difficulty, meaning harder questions contribute more to your score.
This scaled approach ensures that candidates are evaluated fairly, accommodating variations in question difficulty across different exam versions.
Why Is the CompTIA Security+ Passing Score Important?
Understanding the passing score is crucial for planning how to study effectively. Here’s why it matters:
- Clarity in Goals: Knowing the target score (750) allows you to focus your preparation on not just passing but excelling.
- Confidence Boost: Understanding the scoring system can alleviate the stress of encountering challenging questions, as they contribute more to your score.
- Strategic Time Management: Your study plan can align with the areas that are more important to your final score.
Factors Influencing the Passing Score
While the minimum passing score for the Security+ exam is 750, various factors influence how reachable that number feels. Here’s what you should know:
1. Section Weighting
The CompTIA Security+ exam is divided into six domains, each carrying a specific percentage of the overall score. Focusing on high-weighted sections, such as Security Operations, can help secure a significant portion of the score.
2. Question Difficulty
Not all exam questions carry the same weight. Multiple-choice questions contribute less to the score compared to performance-based questions. These performance-based items require solving real-world problems in simulated environments and are typically more challenging—but they can significantly boost your final score if answered correctly.
3. Exam Format
The Security+ exam consists of up to 90 questions, including multiple-choice and performance-based ones. Remember, time management is critical, as you’ll have 90 minutes to complete the exam. Make sure to allocate enough time for the performance-based questions, which take longer to solve but offer greater scoring potential.
Strategies for Achieving the Passing Score
While the passing score may seem daunting, with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable. Here are some practical tips to ace the exam:
Understand the Exam Objectives
CompTIA provides a comprehensive list of objectives for the Security+ exam. Familiarize yourself with each domain and its weight so that you can focus your study efforts on the most impactful areas.
Enroll in a Training Program
Preparing for the Security+ exam is easier with the right training programs. Options like online courses, boot camps, and study guides offer structured learning paths and practical exercises to strengthen understanding of key topics.
With ONLC, you can face your CompTIA certification exam with confidence. Our Security+ curriculum is tailored specifically for certification success, offering comprehensive exam preparation, an exam voucher, and access to support videos. The instructor-led training dives deeply into exam-focused material, while additional resources are available before and after class to enhance your learning experience.
Take Practice Exams
Mock exams are one of the most effective ways to prepare. They help you gauge your preparedness, improve time management, and familiarize yourself with the types of questions you’ll encounter.
Focus on Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)
Due to their significant scoring weight, it’s important to dedicate plenty of practice time to Performance-Based Questions (PBQs). These questions mimic real-world scenarios and assess your ability to apply concepts in practical situations. Platforms like CompTIA CertMaster Labs are excellent for PBQ practice.
Join Communities and Forums
Engage with other CompTIA candidates and certified professionals through forums and online communities like Reddit’s r/CompTIA. These platforms offer valuable insights, tips, and even shared experiences from those who have taken the exam.
Create a Study Schedule
Consistency is key. Break down your study material into daily or weekly tasks to ensure you cover all domains thoroughly before the exam date.
FAQs
What is included in the exam content?
The exam content typically covers specific domains and objectives outlined in the official exam blueprint. To understand what topics and skills will be tested, be sure to review CompTIA’s exam objectives.
Can I take the exam online, or do I need to go to a testing center?
You have the option to take the exam online through a secure and proctored system or at an approved testing center. Online testing offers flexibility, while testing centers provide a more traditional exam environment.
What are the best study resources to prepare for the exam?
Study resources such as official CompTIA materials, third-party study guides, e-learning platforms, and virtual labs are excellent tools. Pair these with a structured study schedule to ensure comprehensive preparation.
Are practice questions helpful for exam preparation?
Absolutely! Practice questions are invaluable for familiarizing yourself with the exam format and assessing your readiness. Use them to identify any weak areas and focus your studies accordingly.
The Value of the CompTIA Security+ Certification
Earning the Security+ certification is more than just passing an exam—it’s a gateway to a successful career in IT and cybersecurity. As a globally recognized credential, it showcases your expertise in essential security concepts, positioning you as a top candidate for roles like Systems Administrator, Security Analyst, or Network Engineer.
Beyond its immediate career benefits, the Security+ certification is a foundation for advancing in the field. It’s often a prerequisite for more advanced certifications, such as CompTIA CySA+ and CASP+, and it satisfies the Department of Defense Directive 8570/8140, making it especially valuable for those working in government or military roles.
Achieving a passing score is a crucial milestone in your journey toward certification. To ensure success, dedicate time to thorough preparation and follow proven strategies. Best of luck on your path to becoming Security+ certified!
