What is the Passing Score for CompTIA Security+ Exam?
Last Updated on June 24, 2024 by Amanda Milligan
With cybersecurity becoming a major aspect of IT, thanks to an ever-increasing amount of cybersecurity threats, there’s never been a better time to become CompTIA Security+ certified.
The CompTIA Security+ exam tests your knowledge in key areas, such as network security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control, cryptography, and operational security. Earning this certification can open doors to job roles such as security analyst, network administrator, and IT auditor.
Below, we’ll discuss what score you need to pass the CompTIA Security+ exam. We’ll also cover the challenges students face and how to pass the exam, including how ONLC’s Security Plus certification training can help you prepare for the exam.
How Is the CompTIA Security+ Exam Scored?
Unlike many exams, the CompTIA Security+ exam is not scored with a percentage. Instead, you will receive a score somewhere between 100 and 900. The minimum passing score is 750.
When compared to the CompTIA A+ exam, which also uses a similar scoring range, the passing percentage is roughly equivalent to just above 80%. However, CompTIA does not provide information on how scores are calculated or whether certain questions bear more weight in scoring. Therefore, you should not assume that if you answer 80% of the questions correctly, you’ll receive a passing grade.
The exam is structured around key domains of cybersecurity, including-
- Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities
- Architecture and Design
- Implementation
- Operations and Incident Response
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance
While CompTIA does not release official statistics, it is estimated that first-time test takers who did not attend a training course have a failure rate above 50%. It is not uncommon for a candidate to take the test multiple times.
What Makes the Exam So Hard?
Many students wonder how hard the CompTIA Security Plus exam is. At face value, the test may sound simple—after all, it only contains ninety questions. That being said, this is the world’s leading cybersecurity certificate exam and is the preferred certification of most governments and corporations.
The exam requires an intense level of knowledge and covers a wide range of topics. You only have ninety minutes to complete the test, which adds a lot of pressure.
Many questions are deliberately worded to confuse you. While several answers may seem correct, only one is truly the best choice.
Additionally, because cybersecurity is an ever-evolving world with new software updates and products being released, the CompTIA Security+ exam is updated every few years. This ensures it remains the most sought-after cybersecurity certification.
How to Pass the CompTIA Security+ Exam
The CompTIA Security+ exam can be difficult if you do not prepare well. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Understand the Exam Objectives: Review the exam domains and their weightage. Focus your studies on the areas with the most significant emphasis.
- Use Multiple Training and Study Resources: Utilize a variety of study materials, including textbooks, online courses, video tutorials, and practice exams.
- Take Practice Exams: Regularly take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and timing. This will also help you identify areas you are currently lacking.
- Join Study Groups: Collaborate with others who are also preparing for the exam. Study groups can provide support, share resources, and help clarify complex topics.
- Get Hands-On Experience: Practical experience is extremely important if you want to pass. Use virtual labs and real-world scenarios to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
- Focus on Performance-Based Questions (PBQs): These questions require you to perform tasks or solve problems in a simulated environment. Practice PBQs to build confidence and improve your problem-solving skills.
- Manage Your Time Effectively: Create a study schedule that allows you to cover all the exam topics thoroughly. Ensure you allocate enough time for review and practice.
ONLC’s Security+ certification training can provide you with the comprehensive and interactive learning environment you need to pass the Security+ certification exam.
What Help Does ONLC Provide?
Unlike most online and classroom environments filled with many students, ONLC’s CompTIA courses are designed with student questions and instructor assistance in mind. Our class sizes are small, with typically no more than twelve students at a time, and classes are offered at hundreds of training sites around the United States or remotely from your home.
This allows our instructors to be available for questions at a moment’s notice. Not only can you hear the instructor clearly, but you’ll also benefit from hearing other students’ questions and the instructor’s responses.
Additionally, our courses are both instructional and interactive. You’ll have the ability to work on problems while the instructor looks on and checks your work.
If you don’t understand a specific task, our instructors can take control of your computer and guide you to the correct answer or sequence of actions necessary to complete the task.
In Summary
CompTIA Security+ exam is a difficult test aiming to prove that everyone who passes it is fully prepared to navigate the complicated world of cybersecurity.
Not to worry if you don’t succeed on your first attempt, though–the CompTIA Security Plus exam can be attempted multiple times.
Ready to start preparing for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam? Sign up for ONLC’s expert-led CompTIA Security+ training today and boost your cybersecurity skills!
