Security+ 601 vs 701: What’s the Difference Between the Exams?

In the fast-paced world of IT and cybersecurity, certifications are your passport to new opportunities and advancements. Among the most sought-after is the CompTIA Security+ certification, which has been earned by over 700,000 IT professionals. Recognized as a stepping stone for many aspiring security experts, Security+ validates foundational skills necessary for a successful career in cybersecurity.

According to the Skillsoft IT Skills and Salary Report, CompTIA ranks #3 among the most widely held security, governance, compliance, and privacy-related certifications. Additionally, CompTIA Security+ is favored by more employers than any other IT certification for demonstrating hands-on core cybersecurity skills and meets U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) 8570 compliance standards.

Whether you’re an IT professional, a cybersecurity enthusiast, or a career changer eager to enter this exciting field, understanding the nuances of Security+ exams is crucial for your success. This blog post aims to clarify the differences between the Security+ 601 and 701 exams, helping you determine which path best aligns with your aspirations.

IT Careers Associated with CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized certification that is an entry-level credential for IT professionals seeking to establish themselves in cybersecurity. It covers essential principles for securing networks and managing risk, making it a fundamental requirement for many security-related job roles. 

The certification ensures that candidates can demonstrate competencies in areas such as threat management, cryptography, identity management, and more. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is expected to increase. With a CompTIA Security+ certification, you can pursue various job roles such as:

• Security Specialist/Analyst
• Systems Administrator/Engineer
• Network Engineer/Administrator
• Information Security Manager/Officer
• Cybersecurity Consultant/Auditor

Delving into the CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Exam

The SY0-601 exam evaluates your ability to assess an organization’s security infrastructure and implement appropriate security measures. It encompasses managing hybrid environments while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and policies.

Knowledge Requirements:

To qualify for this exam, you must possess CompTIA Network+ certification and at least two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security. Additionally, practical, hands-on experience in information security is crucial, along with a comprehensive understanding of security concepts.

Exam Details:

• Total Questions: Up to 90
• Question Types: Multiple-choice and performance-based
• Test Duration: 90 minutes
• Passing Score: 750 (scaled from 100-900)

Exploring the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Exam

The new CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) certification is the latest and most comprehensive credential in cybersecurity, equipping you with essential skills to tackle current threats, including automation, zero trust, IoT, and risk management. Achieving this certification will not only demonstrate your core competencies to employers but also enhance your career prospects.

The Security+ exam verifies your ability to:

• Assess a company’s security infrastructure and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions.
• Secure diverse environments, such as cloud, mobile, Internet of Things (IoT), and operational technology.
• Operate within the framework of relevant regulations and policies, including governance, risk management, and compliance principles.
• Identify, analyze, and respond effectively to security events and incidents.

To succeed in the CompTIA Security+ certification exam, you must demonstrate your capability to evaluate an organization’s security posture, propose and enact security measures, protect various environments, and navigate laws and policies effectively.

Knowledge Requirements:

Ideal candidates should have at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus, hands-on knowledge of information security principles, and a solid grasp of security concepts. Additionally, possessing a CompTIA Network+ certification and two years of experience in a security or systems administrator role is highly recommended.

Exam Details:

• Number of questions: Up to 90
• Question types: Multiple-choice and performance-based
• Test duration: 90 minutes

Comparing Security+ 601 and 701 Exams

The newly updated CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam tackles the latest trends and techniques in cybersecurity, emphasizing crucial technical skills in risk assessment and management, incident response, forensics, enterprise networks, and hybrid/cloud operations and security controls. This prepares professionals to excel in their roles. Key skills included are:

• Assessing the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommending and implementing appropriate security solutions.
• Monitoring and securing hybrid environments, encompassing cloud, mobile, Internet of Things (IoT), and operational technology (OT).
• Operating with a keen understanding of relevant regulations and policies, including governance, risk management, and compliance principles.
• Identifying, analyzing, and responding effectively to security events and incidents.

Additionally, 20% of the exam objectives have been updated to reflect current developments, including:

• Current trends: Emphasis is placed on the latest threats, attacks, vulnerabilities, automation, zero trust principles, and the security of IoT, OT, and cloud environments, along with the importance of communication, reporting, and teamwork.
• Hybrid environments: The exam focuses on the newest techniques for cybersecurity professionals operating in hybrid environments that span both cloud and on-premises settings; familiarity with both realms is crucial.

Now, let’s explore the differences between the 601 and 701 exam domains…

CompTIA Security+ 601 versus 701: Domain Comparison

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) Exam Domains

• Attacks, Threats and Vulnerabilities (24%)
• Architecture and Design (21%)
• Implementation (25%)
• Operations and Incident Response (16%)
• Governance, Risk and Compliance (14%)

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam Domains

• General Security Concepts (12%)
• Threats, Vulnerabilities and Mitigations (22%)
• Security Architecture (18%)
• Security Operations (28%)
• Security Program Management and Oversight (20%)

The SY0-701 exam features the same number of domains as the SY0-601 but with fewer objectives (28 compared to 35), reflecting a more specialized job role in a developing industry. Many domains and objectives have been reordered and renamed to incorporate enhancements in instructional design.

It is important to note that CompTIA constantly reviews exam content and updates questions to ensure relevance and exam integrity. This ongoing process is vital to maintaining the value and credibility of the Security+ certification in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.

The Role of CompTIA Exam Domains in Various Job Sectors

In the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity, it is essential for CompTIA exam domains to accurately represent the current trends and developments within the industry. The table below outlines the reasons behind the updates to the CompTIA Security+ exam domains and their relevance to job requirements.

1. General Security Concepts

This exam domain encompasses a range of security controls, essential security concepts, the significance of change management processes, and the application of cryptographic solutions.

How It Applies to IT Jobs – A solid grasp of cybersecurity terminology and fundamental principles is crucial for cybersecurity professionals, as it fosters effective communication and establishes a common language among industry practitioners.

2. Threats, Vulnerabilities and Mitigations

This domain includes an overview of threat actors and their motivations, threat vectors and attack surfaces, various types of vulnerabilities, mitigation strategies, and indicators of malicious activity.

How It Applies to IT Jobs – Cybersecurity professionals must stay vigilant about the threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities that could affect their networks to effectively mitigate risks and minimize potential harm. To prevent data breaches, it is crucial to identify and analyze malicious activity, followed by implementing mitigation techniques to secure the enterprise.

3. Security Architecture

This exam domain covers the security implications of various architectural models, strategies, and concepts for data protection, security principles to safeguard enterprise infrastructure, and the critical significance of resilience and recovery in security architecture.

How It Applies to IT Jobs – Cybersecurity professionals must be well-versed in various security architectures, as each type—whether on-premises, cloud, or hybrid networks—requires different techniques for effective protection.

4. Security Operations

This domain encompasses various security techniques, concepts, tools for alerting and monitoring, and activities related to vulnerability management. It also addresses the security implications of effective hardware, software, and data asset management, along with identity and access management. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of automation, orchestration, and incident response activities.

How It Applies to IT Jobs – Security operations involve essential daily tasks performed by cybersecurity professionals, such as system monitoring, vulnerability assessments, system hardening, and incident response. Notably, incident response is a critical function that demands skilled personnel to effectively execute a comprehensive response plan.

5. Security Program Management and Oversight

This domain covers key aspects of effective security governance, including the risk management process—encompassing third-party risk assessment and management—and various types and purposes of audits and assessments. It also emphasizes the importance of security awareness practices and the components essential for achieving compliance with security measures.

How It Applies to IT Jobs – Cybersecurity professionals play a crucial role in documenting and communicating their activities, which include reporting security incidents, detailing the types of threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities encountered, and identifying prevailing trends. To ensure security compliance within an organization, these professionals must stay informed about the latest trends in effective security governance, including concepts related to third-party risk management.  

Is Security+ 601 Harder Than 701?

The new CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam is not necessarily harder than the previous version, SY0-601. While there are fewer objectives in the 701 exam, it covers a more specialized and current set of skills and knowledge required by cybersecurity professionals today.

The difficulty level will ultimately depend on an individual’s experience, preparation, and understanding of the material covered in each exam. However, both exams require a comprehensive understanding of security concepts and practical experience in information security to pass successfully.

Preparing for the CompTIA Security+ Exam

While it may seem that CompTIA Security+ covers a lot of material, ONLC has you covered!

With ONLC’s training solutions, you can approach your CompTIA certification exam confidently. Our Security+ curriculum is designed specifically for certification and includes exam preparation, a voucher, and access to support videos. The instructor-led CompTIA Security+ training focuses extensively on exam questions, while additional learning resources are available before and after class through our support components.

What You’ll Learn With CompTIA Security Plus Training at ONLC

ONLC’s Security Plus Training Courses can elevate your entry-level security awareness and set you on the path to a career as a security administrator, systems administrator, network administrator, IT auditor, or network security professional. Our Security+ course encompasses a range of infosec topics, including:

• Basic cryptography and public key infrastructure (PKI)
• Identity and access management
• Risk management and vulnerability scanning
• Malware identification and mitigation
• Penetration testing concepts
• Compliance and frameworks
• Identifying attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities
• Cloud security solutions
• Identification of threat actor types and vectors
• Management of mobile devices and wireless security
• Access control and authentication
• Firewalls, proxy servers, and network system security
• Physical security and security controls
• Host and Application Security

Tips for Preparing for Security+ Exams

Whether you choose the Security+ 601 or 701 exam, effective preparation is key to success. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your study efforts and maximize your chances of passing the exam.

First, familiarize yourself with the exam objectives and domains. Understanding the topics covered in each exam will guide your study plan and ensure you allocate time to areas that require more attention. CompTIA provides detailed exam objectives and study guides to help you focus on the right content.

Second, leverage a variety of study resources. Consider using official CompTIA study materials, online courses, practice exams, and interactive labs. Practice exams are particularly valuable for identifying your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to tailor your study approach accordingly. Online forums and study groups can also provide additional support and insights.

Finally, prioritize hands-on practice. Both exams include performance-based questions that assess your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. Engaging in practical exercises and simulations will enhance your problem-solving skills and build confidence in tackling real-world security challenges.

Conclusion

In the rapidly evolving landscape of IT and cybersecurity, the CompTIA Security+ certification remains a valuable asset for professionals seeking to establish or advance their careers. By understanding the differences between the Security+ 601 and 701 exams, you can make an informed decision about which path aligns with your career goals and level of experience.

Ready to take the next step in your cybersecurity career? Enroll in ONLC’s CompTIA Security+ courses and gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pass your certification exam.