CompTIA Security+ Study Guide 2026: Pass on Your First Attempt

CompTIA Security+ Study Guide

Security+ is the most entry-level cybersecurity certification and opens doors to infosec careers.

Exam Overview

Exam code: SY0-701. 90 minutes, maximum 90 questions. Passing score: 750/900. Cost: $392. Valid for 3 years.

Study Resources

Professor Messer (free YouTube course). Jason Dion practice exams (Udemy). CompTIA CertMaster. Darril Gibson's Get Certified Get Ahead book. Pocket Prep app for mobile studying.

Study Plan (6 weeks)

Week 1-2: watch Professor Messer videos, take notes. Week 3-4: practice labs, hands-on exercises. Week 5: take practice exams daily. Week 6: review weak areas, take final practice exams. Target 85%+ on practice exams before sitting the real exam.

Key Topics

Threats and vulnerabilities (25%). Architecture and design (21%). Implementation (22%). Operations and incident response (15%). Governance, risk, and compliance (17%).