CompTIA Security+ is the most recognized entry-level cybersecurity certification in the world. It’s vendor-neutral, DoD 8570 compliant, and listed as a requirement or preference on thousands of job postings every month.
If you’re serious about breaking into cybersecurity, Security+ is your first major milestone. This guide covers everything a beginner needs to know before starting to study.
What Does Security+ Test?
The current version of Security+ (SY0-701, released 2023) covers six domains:
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| General Security Concepts | 12% |
| Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations | 22% |
| Security Architecture | 18% |
| Security Operations | 28% |
| Security Program Management & Oversight | 20% |
The exam has up to 90 questions, including multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs) — drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, and simulation tasks. You have 90 minutes to complete it.
Passing score: 750 out of 900.
Do You Need Experience Before Security+?
Officially, CompTIA recommends two years of IT experience before taking Security+. In practice, many beginners pass it without that.
What actually helps:
- Basic networking knowledge (TCP/IP, DNS, common ports)
- Familiarity with Windows and Linux
- A few months of dedicated study
If you have zero IT background, consider working through CompTIA A+ or Network+ first. If you have some general tech knowledge, jumping straight to Security+ is realistic.
How Long Does It Take to Study?
Most beginners report needing 60–120 hours of study time, which translates to:
- 2–3 months studying 1–2 hours/day
- 4–6 weeks if you can put in 3+ hours/day consistently
The key word is consistently. Cramming doesn’t work well for Security+ — the content needs time to settle.
The Best Study Resources for Beginners
Here’s a mix of free and paid options that actually work:
Free
- Professor Messer’s SY0-701 Course (professormesser.com) — the gold standard free resource; comprehensive video series covering every exam objective
- ExamCompass — free practice questions organized by domain
- TryHackMe — hands-on labs to build the practical intuition Security+ tests
Paid
- CompTIA’s Official Study Guide — authoritative, but dense; best used as a reference alongside video content
- Jason Dion’s Udemy Course — well-structured, exam-focused, and frequently on sale for under $20
- Mike Chapple’s Study Guide (Sybex) — popular with readers who prefer books
Also helpful
- The Beginner Launch Kit on TeeSec includes a 30-Day Study Plan and a Beginner Cybersecurity Quiz mapped to Security+ topics — both are inside the $19.99 kit at teesec.bywillo.ai/kit
A Realistic Study Schedule
Here’s a 12-week plan that works for most beginners:
Weeks 1–3: Domains 1 & 2 — General Security Concepts + Threats & Vulnerabilities Weeks 4–6: Domains 3 & 4 — Security Architecture + Security Operations Weeks 7–8: Domains 5 & 6 — Program Management & Oversight Weeks 9–10: Full review — revisit weak areas, flashcards, and concept drilling Weeks 11–12: Practice exams — aim for 85%+ before you book the real exam
Don’t move on from a domain until you can explain its key concepts out loud without notes. Teaching it (even to yourself) is one of the best retention techniques.
Performance-Based Questions: The Part Beginners Fear
PBQs are the questions that trip up unprepared candidates. They require you to do something — configure a firewall, identify a vulnerability in a diagram, match attack types to descriptions.
How to handle them:
- Don’t spend more than 3–4 minutes on a single PBQ — mark it and come back
- Hands-on lab practice (TryHackMe, home lab) is the best preparation
- Read every question twice — PBQs often have more context than you need
What to Do the Week Before the Exam
- Take 2–3 full practice exams under timed conditions — 90 questions, 90 minutes
- Review wrong answers and trace why you got them wrong (knowledge gap vs. reading error)
- Stop heavy studying 24–48 hours before — your brain needs rest, not more input
- Sleep well — seriously, fatigue tanks performance more than any knowledge gap
How Much Does Security+ Cost?
The exam voucher costs $404 USD as of 2026. Ways to reduce the cost:
- CompTIA discounts — check their site for promotional pricing
- Employer reimbursement — many IT employers reimburse exam costs; ask before paying out of pocket
- Student discounts — CompTIA offers reduced pricing through academic programs
- Exam retake bundle — CompTIA’s CertMaster Learn bundles include a retake voucher if you need it
After You Pass: What’s Next?
Security+ opens doors — but it’s a starting point, not a destination. After passing, your roadmap typically looks like:
- Apply for Tier 1 SOC Analyst roles — Security+ is the minimum bar for most listings
- Build a portfolio — document 2–3 home lab projects on GitHub or a simple portfolio site
- Consider your next cert — CompTIA CySA+ (blue team) or eJPT (red team) depending on your path
Want everything organized in one place? The TeeSec Beginner Launch Kit includes a 30-Day Study Plan, Beginner Quiz, AI Study Prompts, and a Career Roadmap — all designed around the Security+ journey. Get it for $19.99 →