The Security+ exam: objectives, format and scheduling
The current Security+ exam is SY0-701: a maximum of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions in 90 minutes, passed at 750 on a scale of 100 to 900. Below are CompTIA’s exam objectives with their weights, what V8 changes, and how booking works.
See the Security+ practice questions →
CompTIA Security Plus exam objectives (SY0-701)
CompTIA publishes the SY0-701 exam objectives as five domains, each with a share of the exam. CompTIA does not call it a syllabus, but when people ask for a CompTIA Security Plus syllabus, these objectives are what they mean:
- General security concepts — 12%
- Threats, vulnerabilities and mitigations — 22%
- Security architecture — 18%
- Security operations — 28%
- Security program management and oversight — 20%
Source: CompTIA — Security+ V7. Checked 9 October 2026.
How to use the CompTIA Security Plus objectives
The CompTIA Security Plus objectives are the scope of the exam, so treat them as a checklist: every course, book and question bank should map onto them. Every course should also state which version of the Security Plus objectives — 701 or 801 — it was written for.
On 9 October 2026 the V7 page showed the objectives as an on-page summary; we found no direct link to a Security Plus objectives PDF there. The domain list and weights above are taken from that summary. If you study from the Security Plus 701 objectives, plan to sit the exam before SY0-701 retires.
Source: CompTIA — Security+ V7. Checked 9 October 2026.
How the V8 CompTIA security exam objectives differ
Security+ V8, exam SY0-801, is expected on or around 17 November 2026. Read side by side, the two sets of CompTIA security objectives show where the weight moves: V8 lists general security concepts at 16%, threats, vulnerabilities and attacks at 24%, security architecture at 19%, security operations at 27%, and security program management and oversight at 14%.
The V8 format stays the same — a maximum of 90 questions, 90 minutes, 750 on a scale of 100 to 900. SY0-701 retires for English on 11 June 2027, and for Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai on 13 August 2027.
Source: CompTIA — Security+ V8. Checked 9 October 2026.
Security Plus passing score and format
The Security Plus passing score is 750 on a scale of 100 to 900. Because it is a scaled score rather than a percentage, you cannot convert it into a number of correct answers.
The exam is a maximum of 90 questions in 90 minutes, mixing multiple-choice and performance-based questions. It is offered in English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai.
Source: CompTIA — Security+ V7. Checked 9 October 2026.
How hard is Security Plus? Exam level and pass rate
CompTIA does not publish a Security Plus pass rate on its Security+ pages, so any percentage you see quoted is not CompTIA’s. The best official guide to the level is the recommended experience: Network+ and two years in a security or systems administrator role for SY0-701, and a security administrator with two years of hands-on experience for V8.
In practice, difficulty depends on that starting point. The performance-based questions ask you to work through a task rather than pick an answer, so hands-on experience counts most there.
Source: CompTIA — Security+ V8. Checked 9 October 2026.
Security Plus exam dates and scheduling
There is no fixed Security Plus exam schedule: you choose the date and time yourself. CompTIA explains how to schedule Security Plus exam appointments in steps that are the same whether you test at a Pearson VUE centre or online through OnVUE:
- Log in to your CompTIA Central account, or create one.
- Under Manage Exams, follow the link to schedule; you are passed to Pearson VUE.
- Select the exam code — SY0-701 for the current exam.
- Choose in-person at a Pearson VUE test center or online through OnVUE, your exam language, and agree to the testing policies.
- Pick a date and time, review the appointment, and pay with a credit card or an exam voucher.
Source: CompTIA — Schedule your exam. Checked 9 October 2026.
Choosing a Security Plus testing center
For in-person exams, CompTIA’s scheduling steps let you select up to three test centers to compare availability before you pick a slot. If you prefer to test from home, OnVUE is the online alternative; the scheduling steps are the same.
For scheduling or exam delivery problems, CompTIA directs you to Pearson VUE; for account access, to a CompTIA help request.
Source: CompTIA — Schedule your exam. Checked 9 October 2026.
If you do not pass
CompTIA requires no waiting period between your first and second attempt. Before a third or later attempt you wait at least 14 calendar days from your last attempt, and you pay the exam price for each attempt.
Once you pass, you cannot sit the same exam code again without CompTIA’s consent.
Source: CompTIA — Certification retake policy. Checked 9 October 2026.
Know your weak domain before exam day
With five weighted domains and no published pass rate, the useful question is which domain still puts you at risk. Certsqill’s expert-developed Security+ practice questions explain every answer option and give you a readiness score per domain. A 7-day money-back guarantee applies.
Security+ exam: questions people ask
How long is the Security Plus exam?
90 minutes, for a maximum of 90 questions. Source: CompTIA Security+ V7 page, checked 9 October 2026.
How hard is the Security Plus exam?
CompTIA publishes no pass rate, so there is no official measure. It recommends Network+ and two years of experience in a security or systems administrator role, which tells you the level it is written for. Checked 9 October 2026.
Are there set Security Plus test dates?
No. You choose an available date and time when you book through CompTIA Central and Pearson VUE, at a test center or online.
Are the SY0-701 objectives still valid after V8 launches?
Yes, for the SY0-701 exam until it retires: 11 June 2027 in English, 13 August 2027 in Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai. V8 (SY0-801) has its own objectives. Source: CompTIA, checked 9 October 2026.
How long does it take to get Security Plus certification?
CompTIA sets no application step and publishes no study-hours figure. You buy a voucher, schedule the exam, and pass at 750 or above; preparation time depends on your starting point.
How long does Security Plus certification last?
Three years from the date you certify. You renew through CompTIA’s continuing education programme or by passing a qualifying higher-level CompTIA certification. Source: CompTIA CE renewal cycle, checked 9 October 2026.
