CompTIA Security+ Guide
Reviewed by Fully Compliance editorial team
CompTIA Security+ is the entry-level security certification requiring no prerequisites, with a 60-70% pass rate and a total cost of $500-$1,500. It's practically mandatory for government contracting roles and serves as a foundation for advanced certifications like CISSP and CISM. Salary impact is modest ($2,000-$5,000 annually) in private sector, but the credential opens doors in federal and DoD environments that stay closed without it.
If you're breaking into IT security, if you're in a government contracting role where Security+ is practically mandatory, or if you're wondering whether an entry credential will actually help you land a job, Security+ is worth understanding. Unlike CISSP or CISM, which require years of experience, Security+ is designed for people with zero prerequisites — just willingness to study and pass a test. But that accessibility comes with a tradeoff: the credential alone doesn't create opportunity from nothing. It's a foundation, not a destination.
Security+ Is the Standard Entry Point for IT Security Careers
CompTIA reports over 700,000 Security+ holders globally, and the credential appears in more entry-level security job postings than any other certification. Security+ is entry-level by design. CompTIA recommends roughly two years of IT experience but doesn't enforce it. Some people with deep IT backgrounds pass in six weeks. Some with no IT background study for six months.
For government contractors and federal roles, Security+ is required, not optional. If your job market includes government contracts, Security+ opens doors that stay closed otherwise. This is the credential's strongest leverage point.
The exam covers broad security fundamentals — threats and vulnerabilities, technologies and tools, architecture and design, identity and access management, cryptography, and security operations. The pass rate is roughly 60 to 70 percent. Study time ranges from eight to ten weeks with IT experience to twelve to sixteen weeks without. Study materials run $100 to $500, boot camps $2,000 to $5,000. The exam fee is $300 to $400.
Security+ requires 40 continuing education units every three years — roughly one training course per year. Lifetime maintenance cost is modest compared to advanced credentials.
The honest assessment: Security+ shows basic competency, not mastery. Its value comes primarily from government contracting (where it's required) and as a stepping stone positioning you for CISSP or CISM later. In private-sector markets, it signals you've studied security concepts but doesn't meaningfully differentiate you competitively. Salary impact is modest — $2,000 to $5,000 annually compared to non-credentialed peers in entry-level roles.
Budget $300 to $400 for the exam, $100 to $500 for materials, $0 to $5,000 if you want a boot camp. Total out-of-pocket: $500 to $1,500. Time investment: eight to sixteen weeks.
You're a good candidate for Security+ if you're breaking into security, your market includes government contracting, you want a stepping stone to advanced certifications, or you have IT experience but not security experience. Skip it if you already have significant security experience (go directly to CISSP), your market doesn't value certifications, or you're highly technical and prefer OSCP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Security+ required for all government IT jobs?
Not all, but most security-related positions on DoD contracts require it. DoD Directive 8570/8140 specifies Security+ as an approved baseline certification for IAT Level II positions. Many federal civilian agencies also prefer or require it. Check specific job postings and contract requirements — the mandate varies by agency and role level.
How does Security+ compare to other entry-level certifications like Network+ or CySA+?
Security+ covers broad security fundamentals. Network+ is more infrastructure-focused. CySA+ (CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst) is a step above Security+, focusing on security analytics and threat detection. For a first security credential, Security+ is the most recognized and broadly useful. If you're already working in a SOC or analyst role, CySA+ demonstrates more specialized capability.
Can Security+ help me transition from IT operations to security?
Yes — that's one of its strongest use cases. Security+ validates that you understand security concepts beyond what you'd pick up in general IT operations. Paired with your existing IT experience, it signals to hiring managers that you're serious about the transition. Many security analysts got their start by combining IT operations experience with a Security+ credential.
How long does Security+ remain valid?
Three years from the date of certification. You renew by earning 40 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within that period. CEUs come from training courses, higher certifications, college courses, or work experience documentation. If you let it lapse, you must retake the current exam version. The renewal fee is approximately $50 per year.