By Quick answer: Is CompTIA Security+ worth it in 2027?
- Verdict — Worth it for entry security roles.
- Cost — Voucher price varies by country
- Time — Two to three months part-time
- Best for — people entering security
Key takeaways
- CompTIA Security+ is worth it for people entering security.
- It's less useful for senior professionals, who need CISSP.
- Compare the alternatives below before you pay.
This is an honest review of CompTIA Security+: what it tests, what it costs, who it helps and who should pick something else. We list the best alternatives so you can compare before you commit.
CompTIA Security+ and its alternatives
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CompTIA Security+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store1 | V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk | Free test |
| 2 | ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)ISC2 | See ISC2 page2 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 3 | Google Cybersecurity Professional CertificateGoogle / Coursera | $49/mo Coursera plan3 | 6 months at 7 hours a week | Free test |
| 4 | CompTIA Network+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store4 | 90 minutes | Free test |
| 5 | Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)EC-Council | Check the official page5 | 125 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours | Free test |
| 6 | CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalISC2 | See ISC2 page6 | Check issuer | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- CompTIA Security+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Security+ before you pay.Start free test →
- ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) Practice TestPractise for ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) before you pay.Start free test →
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals CertificationPractise for Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA Network+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Network+ before you pay.Start free test →
CompTIA Security+, then the alternatives worth comparing
- CompTIACompTIA Security+The exam reviewedVoucher price on the CompTIA store
- ISC2ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)Free alternative startSee ISC2 page
- CourseraGoogle Cybersecurity Professional CertificatePreparation$49/mo Coursera plan
CompTIA Security+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store1
- Format
- V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk
Entry security credential; adds AI-related risk. CompTIA's vendor-neutral security exam covers threats, architecture, operations and governance, and the new version adds AI-related risk. It's listed in ANAB's ISO/IEC 17024 directory; voucher prices vary by country.
Best forthe exam reviewed
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
- Cost
- See ISC2 page2
- Entry
- No work experience required
No-experience credential. ISC2's entry credential covers security principles, access control, networks and operations, with no work experience required. It's ANAB-accredited, and ISC2 has run promotions offering free training and exams.
Best forfree alternative start
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
- Cost
- $49/mo Coursera plan3
- Time
- 6 months at 7 hours a week
Beginner programme. Google's professional certificate teaches security basics with Python, Linux, SQL and SIEM tools through hands-on labs. It's designed for beginners, takes about six months at seven hours a week and offers financial aid.
Best forpreparation
CompTIA Network+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store4
- Format
- 90 minutes
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience
Networking foundations. CompTIA's Network+ covers networking concepts, infrastructure, operations and troubleshooting in a 90-minute exam. It's vendor-neutral and ANAB-accredited; CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience.
Best fornetworking first
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Cost
- Check the official page5
- Format
- 125 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours
Ethical hacking. EC-Council's ethical hacking exam has 125 multiple-choice questions in four hours, covering attack techniques and tools. It's ANAB-accredited and often named in penetration testing posts; check EC-Council for the fee.
Best foroffensive next step
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Cost
- See ISC2 page6
- Entry
- 5 years of paid security work experience
Senior credential. ISC2's senior credential covers eight broad security domains and requires five years of paid security experience. It's ANAB-accredited, and US holders averaged $168,060 in Skillsoft's 2025 survey, the highest of any IT certification there.
Best forsenior later
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Most required entry credential | Paid exam |
| Vendor-neutral | Renewal every three years |
| Updated for AI risk | Needs hands-on practice too |
Table: CompTIA Security+ pros and cons
Our verdict
Worth it for entry security roles. It's a strong choice for people entering security. If you're senior professionals, who need CISSP, look at the alternatives above first.
How we ranked these picks
We reviewed CompTIA Security+ on cost, time, assessment, employer recognition and fit, using the official page checked 3 November 2026. Science of Apps has no commercial relationship with the issuer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Security+ worth it?
Yes for entry security roles.
How hard is Security+?
Moderate; easier with IT experience.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary by country; check the CompTIA store.
Does it expire?
It renews every three years through continuing education.
Is there a free test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free Security+ practice tests.
Sources
- CompTIA — CompTIA Security+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- ISC2 — ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Google — Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Network+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- EC-Council — Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- ISC2 — CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
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