By Quick answer: How do I pass CompTIA Security+?
- Plan — 10 weeks.
- Exam — V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk.
- Fee — Voucher price on the CompTIA store (varies by country).
- Practise — free timed tests until you pass comfortably.
Key takeaways
- Study from the official exam objectives, not just videos.
- Hands-on practice beats rereading.
- Book the exam when practice scores are consistently strong.
CompTIA Security+ rewards a structured plan. This 10-week plan covers the exam format and cost, what to study when, and how to use practice tests so you walk in ready.
The exam and the resources that help
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 | CompTIA Network+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store3 | 90 minutes | 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 →
- CompTIA Network+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Network+ before you pay.Start free test →
The exam, then the resources to prepare with
- CompTIACompTIA Security+The examVoucher price on the CompTIA store
- ISC2ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)Easier startSee ISC2 page
- CompTIACompTIA Network+FoundationVoucher price on the CompTIA store
CompTIA Security+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store1
- Format
- V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk
Voucher price on the CompTIA store (varies by country). Format: V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk. Check the official page for prerequisites. 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
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
- Cost
- See ISC2 page2
- Entry
- No work experience required
ISC2 CC. 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 foreasier start
CompTIA Network+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store3
- Format
- 90 minutes
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience
Network+. 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 forfoundation
A 10-week study plan
- Week 1 — Download the official objectives and take a free baseline test.
- Weeks 2–8 — Study one domain at a time with official or trusted materials.
- Week 9 — Timed full-length practice tests; fix weak domains.
- Week 10 — Light review, rest, then sit the exam.
Tips that make the difference
- Objectives first — Map every study session to an exam objective.
- Active recall — Quiz yourself instead of rereading.
- Mistake log — Write down why each wrong answer was wrong.
- Timing — Practise full-length tests under time limits.
How we ranked these picks
Exam format, fee and prerequisites come from the official page for CompTIA Security+, checked 3 November 2026. The plan reflects common preparation patterns; adjust to your background.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to prepare for CompTIA Security+?
About 10 weeks for most people; less with experience.
How much does CompTIA Security+ cost?
Voucher price on the CompTIA store (varies by country).
What is the CompTIA Security+ exam format?
V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk.
Is Security+ accredited?
Yes, it's in ANAB's ISO/IEC 17024 directory.
Is there a free CompTIA Security+ practice test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers a free practice test, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- CompTIA — CompTIA Security+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- ISC2 — ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Network+, 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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Prove the skill before you pay for the exam.
Start with the free CompTIA Security+ Practice Test. 1,200+ free, test-based certifications graded on our server. Pass and get a founder-signed certificate with a credential ID employers can verify.