If you want to break into cybersecurity and you’re wondering where to start, you’ve probably already seen the same three words in job posting after job posting: Security+ preferred. Sometimes it’s “required.”
That’s not an accident. CompTIA Security+ has spent years as the default first credential for security work, and in 2026 it still earns that spot. It’s vendor-neutral, widely recognized by hiring managers, and broad enough to give you a real foundation instead of a narrow skill.
Here’s what the certification covers, who it’s built for, and one timing detail you need to know before you book your exam this fall.
Why Security+ Still Matters
New certifications show up every year. Security+ keeps its place for three practical reasons.
Employers use it as a filter. Many SOC analyst, junior security analyst, and IT security roles list Security+ in the requirements. When a recruiter is sorting through hundreds of applications, it’s one of the fastest ways to show you know the fundamentals.
It carries weight in government and defense work. Security+ is recognized under the Department of Defense’s 8140 qualification framework for a range of cybersecurity roles. If you’re interested in federal jobs or defense contractors, it often isn’t optional.
It sets you up for what comes next. Security+ is the base layer for more specialized certifications like CySA+ (security analysis) and PenTest+ (penetration testing). The concepts you learn here come up again in every one of them.
A Timing Note: Security+ Is Getting a New Version
CompTIA updates Security+ about every three years. The current exam, SY0-701, is being joined by SY0-801 (Security+ V8), which CompTIA expects to launch around November 17, 2026. SY0-701 stays available into mid-2027, so for a while you’ll be able to choose either one.
A few things to know:
- It’s the same certification. Pass either version and you’re Security+ certified. Employers don’t care which exam code you took.
- The format stays the same. Up to 90 questions (multiple-choice plus hands-on, performance-based questions), 90 minutes, and a passing score of 750 on a 100–900 scale.
- The new version adds AI. V8 includes objectives on the security risks of artificial intelligence and AI-assisted security workflows, which reflects what security teams are actually dealing with right now.
Which one should you take? If you’re already deep into studying for SY0-701, finish strong and book that exam. If you’re just starting, check that your study materials match the version you plan to sit for. Mixing the two is where people get tripped up.
What the Exam Covers
Security+ V8 is organized into five domains:
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| General Security Concepts | 16% |
| Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks | 24% |
| Security Architecture | 19% |
| Security Operations | 27% |
| Security Program Management and Oversight | 14% |
The current SY0-701 exam uses nearly the same five domains with slightly different weights. In both versions, Security Operations is the biggest piece. That means monitoring, incident response, identity and access management, and the work security teams do every day.
Who Security+ Is Best For
Security+ is a strong fit if you are:
- A career changer who wants a clear, respected first step into cybersecurity
- An IT professional moving from help desk, networking, or systems administration into security
- Someone who needs proof of baseline security knowledge that any employer will recognize
- Planning to specialize later in security operations, vulnerability management, cloud security, or penetration testing
It’s not meant to be the finish line. Most people who earn Security+ go on to pick up a more specialized certification or deeper hands-on experience. Its job is to get you in the door.
How to Actually Pass
The exam is designed to test understanding, not memory. Questions often give you a scenario (“a user reports X, the logs show Y, what should the analyst do first?”) and ask you to choose the best response. Candidates who only memorize definitions tend to struggle. Candidates who understand why a control exists and when to use it tend to pass.
What works:
- A structured study plan with a set exam date, so studying doesn’t drag on for months
- Practice questions that make you apply concepts, not just recall terms
- Hands-on time with the basics, such as reading logs, configuring permissions, and exploring a firewall rule set
- Live instruction or a study group if you tend to stall when studying alone
Because Security+ is usually someone’s first security certification, the study habits you build here carry forward into every credential after it.
What Security+ Does for Your Career
Earning Security+ won’t guarantee you a job, but it removes one of the most common barriers between you and an interview. Pair it with practical skills like log analysis, networking basics, comfort with Windows and Linux, and clear communication, and you become a much stronger candidate than someone with the certification alone.
The Final Byte
Security+ is still one of the smartest first moves you can make in cybersecurity. It’s widely recognized, it lines up with what employers actually test for, and it gives you a foundation for everything that comes after. With a new version launching in November, now is a good time to pick your exam version, lock in a study plan, and get started.
Ready to build real cybersecurity skills? Kingsland University’s accredited online Cybersecurity Program covers network security, Linux and Windows, cloud security, scripting, and both defensive and offensive security, with career coaching included. Talk to an enrollment advisor to see if it’s the right fit.