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Vol. 1 · Ed. 2026
CyberGlossary
Entry № 205

CompTIA Security+

What is CompTIA Security+?

CompTIA Security+An entry-level vendor-neutral cybersecurity certification from CompTIA covering foundational threats, architecture, operations, and governance for early-career practitioners.


CompTIA Security+ is issued by CompTIA and is widely accepted as the baseline cybersecurity certification for technicians, analysts, and administrators starting their security careers. The current SY0-701 exam includes up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions across five domains: General Security Concepts, Threats, Vulnerabilities and Mitigations, Security Architecture, Security Operations, and Security Program Management and Oversight, completed in 90 minutes. The certification is approved under the United States Department of Defense Directive 8140 (formerly 8570) for IAT Level II roles. There is no formal experience prerequisite, but CompTIA recommends two years of IT administration background with a security focus.

Examples

  1. 01

    A junior SOC analyst earns Security+ to satisfy DoD 8140 IAT Level II requirements.

  2. 02

    A help-desk technician uses Security+ as a stepping stone toward CySA+ or CISSP.

Frequently asked questions

What is CompTIA Security+?

An entry-level vendor-neutral cybersecurity certification from CompTIA covering foundational threats, architecture, operations, and governance for early-career practitioners. It belongs to the Compliance & Frameworks category of cybersecurity.

What does CompTIA Security+ mean?

An entry-level vendor-neutral cybersecurity certification from CompTIA covering foundational threats, architecture, operations, and governance for early-career practitioners.

How does CompTIA Security+ work?

CompTIA Security+ is issued by CompTIA and is widely accepted as the baseline cybersecurity certification for technicians, analysts, and administrators starting their security careers. The current SY0-701 exam includes up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions across five domains: General Security Concepts, Threats, Vulnerabilities and Mitigations, Security Architecture, Security Operations, and Security Program Management and Oversight, completed in 90 minutes. The certification is approved under the United States Department of Defense Directive 8140 (formerly 8570) for IAT Level II roles. There is no formal experience prerequisite, but CompTIA recommends two years of IT administration background with a security focus.

How do you defend against CompTIA Security+?

Defences for CompTIA Security+ typically combine technical controls and operational practices, as detailed in the full definition above.

What are other names for CompTIA Security+?

Common alternative names include: Security+, SY0-701.

Related terms