Exam format
SY0-701What the Security+ exam looks like
SY0-701 has a maximum of 90 questions in 90 minutes, multiple choice and performance-based. Every figure on this page is read from the official exam page and linked to it.
How many questions, and how long
CompTIA states a maximum of 90 questions for SY0-701, with a time limit of 90 minutes. That is about one minute a question, including the time it takes to read the stem and the options.
"Maximum" is the vendor's word. The exam can serve fewer, and unscored items may be mixed in, so the count on the day is not something to plan around.
What the questions look like
Multiple choice, multiple response, and performance-based questions. The performance-based items drop you into a simulated console, network diagram, or configuration screen and score what you actually do.
What passes
The passing score for SY0-701 is 750 on a scale of 100 to 900.
If you do not pass
No waiting period before your second attempt. From the third attempt onward, CompTIA requires a 14-day wait between attempts. A retake costs another $425.
How long it stays valid
Security+ is valid for 3 years from the day you pass. 50 CEUs over the 3-year cycle, or pass the newest Security+ exam. CompTIA certifications last three years. Renewal is either 50 CEUs plus the CompTIA continuing education fee across the cycle, or passing the current version of the exam again at full price.
What this means for practice
Our Security+ practice exams are assembled to the published domain weightings and sat against a 90-minute clock, in exam conditions or in study mode. Every answer shows the official page it was checked against.
Keep reading
- Security+ practice questions
Free sample questions with the full explanation on every answer.
- Free Security+ practice test
10 original questions, playable now. No account, no card.
- Security+ exam objectives
The full official blueprint, with practice pages on covered objectives.
- Security+ passing score
The exact cut score, what kind of number it is, and the retake terms.
- How hard is Security+?
An honest difficulty read from the format, the clock and the weights.
- What Security+ costs
The voucher price, the retake, and what renewal costs across the cycle.
- Security+ guide
Who it is for, study plans by experience level, and whether it is worth it.
Cheat sheets
Printable reference tables, free.
- CISSP Domains
- Cloud Service and Deployment Models
- Backup, RAID and Recovery
- DNS Record Types
- MITRE ATT&CK Tactics
- Security Tools
- Log Analysis and Event IDs
- Risk Management Formulas
- OSI and TCP/IP Models
- Wireless Standards and Security
- Access Control Models
- Incident Response and Forensics
- Frameworks and Regulations
- Security+ Acronyms
- Attack Types
- Cryptography Basics
- Common Ports & Protocols
- Identity and Authentication
Compared with
Side by side on cost, difficulty, and which one to take first.
Practice Security+ for free while you decide
Original questions written from the published objectives, with the concept, the reasoning, and a note on every wrong option. No account needed to start.
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