How to Pass CompTIA Security+ on Your First Try
Proven strategies and study tips to pass the Security+ SY0-701 exam on your first attempt
CompTIA Security+ is the most popular entry-level cybersecurity certification. With the right preparation strategy, you can pass on your first try and start your security career. This guide shares exactly how to prepare effectively.
Quick Exam Facts
- Current Exam: SY0-701 (launched November 2023)
- Cost: $404 USD
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Questions: Maximum of 90 questions
- Passing Score: 750/900 (~83%)
- Question Types: Multiple choice + Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)
- Validity: 3 years (requires renewal)
Security+ Domains Breakdown
The SY0-701 exam covers five domains. Focus your study time proportionally:
1. General Security Concepts
12%- • CIA triad, non-repudiation, authentication methods
- • Zero trust, defense in depth, security controls
- • Change management and security governance
2. Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations
22%- • Malware types, social engineering attacks
- • Application and network attacks (DDoS, MitM, XSS, SQL injection)
- • Threat intelligence and vulnerability management
⚠️ Largest domain - allocate extra study time here!
3. Security Architecture
18%- • Network security (VPNs, firewalls, IDS/IPS, NAC)
- • Cloud security (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS models)
- • Infrastructure security and secure deployments
4. Security Operations
28%- • Security monitoring (SIEM, SOAR)
- • Incident response process and digital forensics
- • Data security and backup strategies
- • Automation and orchestration
⭐ Largest domain - critical for passing!
5. Security Program Management & Oversight
20%- • Governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC)
- • Security awareness training and policies
- • Privacy and data protection (GDPR, PII)
- • Third-party risk management and audits
Exam Weight Strategy
Security Operations (28%) and Threats/Vulnerabilities (22%) make up 50% of the exam. Mastering these two domains can significantly boost your score. Don't neglect Program Management (20%) either - it's often overlooked.
8-Week Study Plan for Security+
Recommended Study Schedule
Plan for 60-80 hours of total study time over 8 weeks. Study 2-3 hours per day, 5 days per week.
Weeks 1-2: Security Fundamentals
- • Read chapters on General Security Concepts
- • Learn CIA triad, AAA, and authentication methods
- • Watch video courses (Professor Messer or similar)
- • Take notes on key terms and acronyms
Weeks 3-4: Threats & Attacks (Critical!)
- • Deep dive into malware types and attack vectors
- • Memorize social engineering techniques
- • Understand network attacks (DDoS, MitM, DNS poisoning)
- • Learn application attacks (XSS, CSRF, SQL injection)
- • Start daily practice questions
Week 5: Security Architecture
- • Study network security controls (firewalls, IDS/IPS)
- • Learn cloud security models and concepts
- • Understand VPNs and secure protocols
- • Continue daily practice questions
Week 6: Security Operations
- • Master incident response process (6 steps)
- • Learn SIEM, SOAR, and monitoring tools
- • Understand digital forensics and log analysis
- • Study backup and disaster recovery
Week 7: Governance & Compliance
- • Study risk management frameworks
- • Learn compliance requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS)
- • Understand security policies and procedures
- • Practice Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)
Week 8: Final Review & Practice Exams
- • Take full-length timed practice exams
- • Review all incorrect answers and weak areas
- • Memorize ports, protocols, and acronyms
- • Practice PBQs until comfortable
- • Aim for 85%+ on practice tests before scheduling exam
Best Security+ Study Resources
📚 Study Books & Guides
- "CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead" by Darril Gibson ($30) - Best-selling book, clear explanations
- "CompTIA Security+ Study Guide" by Mike Chapple & David Seidl (Official CompTIA book)
🎥 Video Courses
- Professor Messer (YouTube) - Completely FREE, excellent quality, most popular resource
- Jason Dion on Udemy ($15 on sale) - Good alternative with practice exams
✅ Practice Tests - CRITICAL for Success!
Practice tests are the #1 predictor of exam success. Use ExamReady's free Security+ practice tests with 400+ questions and detailed explanations.
Start Free Security+ Practice📝 Additional Resources
- CompTIA CertMaster Practice - Official CompTIA practice questions (paid)
- Professor Messer Course Notes ($25) - Condensed study guide PDF
- Quizlet Flashcards - Free flashcards for ports, protocols, acronyms
7 Tips to Pass Security+ on Your First Try
1. Memorize Ports and Protocols
You WILL be tested on common ports. Memorize these:
2. Master the Acronyms
Security+ has 100+ acronyms. Create flashcards for CIA, AAA, AES, PKI, SIEM, SOAR, IDS, IPS, NAC, MDM, DLP, etc. Review daily. Knowing acronyms can add 10-15 points to your score.
3. Practice PBQs Before the Exam
Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) are simulations where you configure firewalls, analyze logs, or implement security. They're worth more points. Use practice resources with PBQs - don't skip this step!
4. Skip PBQs Initially, Come Back Later
PBQs appear at the beginning and take 5-10 minutes each. Skip them, answer all multiple choice first, then return to PBQs. This ensures you don't run out of time on easier questions.
5. Understand Attack Types Deeply
Know the difference between XSS, CSRF, SQL injection, buffer overflow, etc. Understand WHEN each attack works and HOW to mitigate it. This domain has the most questions - invest time here.
6. Take Practice Tests Until Scoring 85%+
The passing score is 750/900 (~83%), but aim for 85%+ on practice tests. Use ExamReady's free practice tests extensively. Review EVERY wrong answer and understand why you missed it.
7. Focus on "Best" Answer, Not Just "Correct"
Many Security+ questions have multiple "correct" answers, but only one "BEST" answer. Read carefully. CompTIA often tests which security control is MOST effective or LEAST expensive. Think critically.
Exam Day Tips
- Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and ID verification
- Use the brain dump - Write down memorized items (ports, acronyms) on scratch paper immediately
- Skip PBQs initially - Flag them and return after completing multiple choice
- Read questions twice - Look for keywords like "MOST", "LEAST", "BEST", "FIRST"
- Flag uncertain questions - Review them before submitting
- Use all 90 minutes - Don't rush. Review flagged questions carefully
What Happens After You Pass?
Passing Security+ opens doors to cybersecurity careers earning $75,000-$95,000 for entry-level positions. It's approved for DoD 8570 IAT Level II, making it required for many government IT security jobs. After Security+, consider advancing to CySA+, CISSP, or specialized security certifications.
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