Cybersecurity
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)
The global benchmark for best practices in IT security.
4.7 (94,300 reviews)500K+ enrolledCompTIA
4.7
Authority Rating
$404 exam fee
Cost
2-4 Months
Duration
Very High
Job Readiness
+$18,000 avg
Salary Boost
Overview
CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized certification that validates baseline cybersecurity skills. It covers network security, compliance, threats, vulnerabilities, and identity management. Required or preferred for many government and DoD positions.
Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It in 2026?
Pros
- DoD 8570 approved - required for gov jobs
- Vendor-neutral security foundation
- High demand across all sectors
- Three-year certification validity
- Strong salary premium in cybersecurity
Cons
- Higher exam cost than entry certs
- Requires some IT background
- Exam is challenging for beginners
Skills You'll Learn
Network SecurityThreat AnalysisRisk ManagementCryptographyIdentity ManagementCompliance
Top Employers Hiring
- U.S. Government
- Booz Allen
- Lockheed Martin
- Raytheon
- Northrop Grumman
Related Career Paths
Quick Facts
- Provider: CompTIA
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Total Cost: $404 - $800
- Last Updated: January 2026