Complete comparison of CISSP and Security+ certifications. Compare difficulty, requirements, career value, and salary to choose the right security certification.
| Category | CISSP | Security+ |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Required | 5 years | None |
| Difficulty | Very Hard | Moderate |
| Exam Cost | $749 | $404 |
| Average Salary | $135,000 | $85,000 |
| Career Level | Management/Senior | Entry/Junior |
| Study Time | 6-12 months | 2-3 months |
CISSP requires 5 years of paid work experience in 2+ domains of the CISSP CBK. Can waive 1 year with relevant degree or cert. Associate status available if you lack experience.
Security+ has no prerequisites. Recommended 2 years of IT admin experience with security focus, but not required. True entry-level certification.
CISSP is one of the hardest IT certifications. 100-150 questions, 3 hours, CAT format. Tests broad managerial knowledge "mile wide, inch deep". Passing score ~700/1000. Very difficult.
Security+ is moderate difficulty. 90 questions, 90 minutes, mix of multiple choice and PBQs. Tests foundational security knowledge. Passing score 750/900. Challenging but manageable.
CISSP is gold standard for cybersecurity. Average salary $135,000. Required for many senior security positions. Opens management roles. Required by US DoD 8570 at IAM/IAT Level III.
Security+ excellent entry-level cert. Average salary $85,000. Required by US DoD 8570 at IAT Level II. Good for security analyst, junior SOC roles. Foundation certification.
Eight domains: Security & Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture, Communication & Network Security, IAM, Security Assessment, Security Operations, Software Security. Broad coverage.
Five domains: Threats/Attacks/Vulnerabilities, Architecture/Design, Implementation, Operations/Incident Response, Governance/Risk/Compliance. Foundational security concepts.
CISSP targets: Security Manager, CISO, Security Architect, Security Consultant, Security Director. Management and leadership positions. Senior-level roles.
Security+ targets: Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, Security Administrator, Junior Penetration Tester, Security Specialist. Entry to mid-level technical roles.
CISSP requires 40 CPEs per year (120 over 3 years). Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) of $125. Continuing education mandatory. Must stay current.
Security+ requires 50 CEUs over 3 years for renewal. Continuing education required. Or retake exam. Renewal costs ~$50/year.
CISSP is superior for senior roles and salary but requires experience. Security+ is the right entry point for new security professionals.
CISSP is best for: experienced professionals (5+ years), those seeking management roles, highest salaries, senior security positions, broad security knowledge.
Security+ is best for: career starters, career changers into security, government IT jobs, those without 5 years experience, practical hands-on security roles.
Start with Security+ to enter cybersecurity field. Gain 5 years experience. Then pursue CISSP for career advancement to senior/management positions.
Yes, this is the recommended path. Security+ provides foundation and entry to field. After 5 years experience, pursue CISSP for senior roles. This is the natural progression.
You can take the exam and become an Associate of (ISC)² but won't be CISSP certified until you prove 5 years experience (or 4 with credential waiver).
CISSP pays significantly more: $135,000 average vs $85,000 for Security+. However, CISSP requires 5 years experience while Security+ is entry-level.
Yes, CISSP is much harder. It's one of the most difficult IT certifications. Security+ is moderate difficulty. The difficulty difference is substantial.
Get Security+ first. It has no prerequisites and provides foundation. CISSP requires 5 years experience anyway. Security+ → experience → CISSP is the standard path.
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