CompTIA Study Guides & Resources
Study plans, salary data, and exam guides to help you pass Security+, A+, Network+, CySA+, and PenTest+ on the first attempt.
Featured Guides
Gear That Finally Fits: Every Item on Every Slime Body
SecuSpark's 260 items now fit all 30 slime bodies: every helmet hand-placed, every slot measured per body. What broke, what changed, and seven full sets.
Best Security+ Practice Tests 2026: An Honest Free & Paid Roundup
The best CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) practice tests for 2026, honestly compared: ExamCompass, Professor Messer, Pocket Prep, Union Test Prep, CertMaster, SecuSpark.
SecuSpark 2.0 — The Guilds Update: Cert Prep Just Became a Multiplayer RPG
Guilds with living pixel forts, a real-time PvP arena, an earn-only Embers economy, PenTest+ as a fifth cert path, FSRS flashcards, and every screen rebuilt. The biggest SecuSpark release ever, explained.
Two Days, 38 Updates: Battle Audio + Energy Fixes (May 2026)
Two days, 38 updates. Battle audio across 30 moments, smoother sprites on every phone, energy bug fixes, fair PvP, and a cleaner mobile leaderboard.
ExamCompass Alternative 2026: Ad-Free, Gamified Practice Tests
ExamCompass is free and needs no signup, but there is no account, history, or AI help. How SecuSpark compares: explanations, AI Deep Dives, RPG battles, and PvP.
CertMaster Alternative 2026: Free-to-Start CompTIA Practice
Looking for a CertMaster alternative? CompTIA CertMaster vs SecuSpark: pricing model, PBQs, AI Deep Dives, gamification, and what 3 free exams per cert get you.
Best Security+ Study App 2026: 7 Apps Compared
Seven Security+ study apps compared for 2026: SecuSpark, CertGames, Pocket Prep, Professor Messer, ExamCompass, CertMaster, Quizlet. Prices, free plans, AI, games.
What I Shipped in a 33-Commit Marathon Sprint (March 23, 2026)
33 commits, 219 files, 21 hours. CySA+ launched, battle tutorial built, all cert paths unlocked, email signup fixed, flashcard XP reworked, and 1,100 lines of dead code cleaned.
CompTIA Security+ Study Group: How to Find or Build One in 2026
Complete guide to finding and running an effective Security+ study group. Compare Reddit, Discord, Facebook groups, and online guild-based study platforms. Includes weekly study templates and accountability structures.
Free Security+ Practice Tests 2026: 1,808+ SY0-701 Questions Compared
Compare every free Security+ practice test for 2026. SecuSpark: 3 free exams, 3 AI deep dives a day, and 1,808 SY0-701 questions with Campaign Pass.
How to Study for CompTIA Security+ in 2026 — 7 Proven Methods
7 Security+ study methods ranked by the evidence. Active recall battles, spaced repetition flashcards, and competitive prep for SY0-701. Free study plan included.
Clans, Boss Raids, Village Building, and Founders Launch: SecuSpark Goes Social
SecuSpark launches clans with weekly study quests, cooperative boss raids against 12 cybersecurity threats, a village building system, real-time chat, and plans starting at $14.99/mo. Study together, fight together, grow together.
March 2026 Update: Competitive Leagues, Smarter Loot, and a Free Tinfoil Hat for Every Player
SecuSpark launches competitive weekly leagues with promotion and demotion, overhauls the loot drop system for fairness, gifts every player a free Tinfoil Hat helmet, and adds a new settings page. Here is everything that changed.
149 Enemies, 3 Career Classes, and Premium AI Deep Dives: SecuSpark's Biggest Content Drop
SecuSpark expands to 210 unique cybersecurity enemies, introduces a 3-class career identity system with evolution paths, and enriches the 7,500+ question bank with premium AI deep dives, hints, and flashcards. The largest update in SecuSpark history.
SecuSpark Launches RPG Battle Mode: Turn CompTIA Exam Prep Into an Epic Adventure
SecuSpark introduces a full RPG battle system for CompTIA certification prep. Fight 149 unique cybersecurity enemies, collect 100+ items, evolve your character through 30 stages, and master Security+, A+, and Network+ through gamified combat. Free to play.
Meet the 149 Cyber Threats You'll Battle in SecuSpark: The Complete Visual Bestiary
A visual guide to every enemy in SecuSpark's RPG battle system. From Phishing Ghosts to Zero-Day Phoenixes to APT Overlords, all 149 enemies represent real cybersecurity threats from the CompTIA Security+, A+, and Network+ exam objectives. Learn the threats while you fight them.
CompTIA Certification Path 2026: Which Cert First & the Right Order
Complete guide to the CompTIA certification path order for 2026. Learn which cert to get first, explore infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data analytics paths, plus timeline and cost breakdowns for career changers.
Is Security+ Worth It in 2026? Salary Data, Cost, When to Skip
Security+ costs $439 to sit. PayScale puts holders' average base pay at $90k and CyberSeek counts 70,019 U.S. openings asking for it. Plus 4 reasons to skip it.
How Hard Is CompTIA Security+? What Trips Learners Up (2026)
Is CompTIA Security+ hard? Moderately: one exam, 750 on a 100-900 scale, PBQs. Study time by background, plus the topics SecuSpark learners miss most.
CompTIA A+ vs Network+: Which To Get First in 2026
A+ costs $548 (2 exams) for $55-65K help desk jobs. Network+ costs $399 (1 exam) for $65-80K network roles. Which one to take first.
How Long to Study for Security+? Realistic 2026 Timeline
Most candidates need 100-150 hours for Security+ SY0-701. Beginners: 3-4 months. IT pros: 4-8 weeks. See 30/60/90-day schedules with daily breakdowns.
Security+ Pass Rate 2026: Why There Is No Official Number
CompTIA publishes no Security+ pass rate, so nobody outside CompTIA knows how many people fail. The real retake rules, and why practice scores outrun readiness.
Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs With No Experience: 12 Remote Roles
Yes, remote cybersecurity jobs hire beginners with no experience. 12 entry-level roles for 2026: SOC Analyst ($55-72K), GRC ($58-78K). No degree needed.
DoD 8570/8140 Approved Certifications List 2026 (IAT, IAM, CSSP)
The DoD 8570 baseline certifications chart for IAT, IAM, IASAE and CSSP, how 8140 work roles replaced it, the deadlines, and where Security+ fits.
Security+ 30-Day Study Plan: Pass SY0-701 First Try (2026)
Free day-by-day study plan to pass Security+ in 30 days. 2 hours/day, all 5 SY0-701 domains, 7,500+ practice questions with battle mode. No $349 course needed.
Security+ vs Network+: Which CompTIA Certification Should You Get First?
Comprehensive comparison of CompTIA Security+ and Network+ certifications. Compare exam difficulty, career paths, salaries, and which certification is best for beginners in 2026.
All Articles
Practice Exams Rebuilt: Shuffled Answers, Clearer Results
On the first free SecAI+ and Claude Architect exams, the right answer was first on 21 of 22 questions. Answers shuffle now; the exam and results screens are rebuilt.
You Said, We Did: Ten Fixes From Player Reports
Two players showed that duels rewarded weak gear. A learner saw two answers flash red. Ten player reports, what each one found, and what changed because of it.
Network+ vs CCNA (N10-009 vs 200-301): Which to Take First?
Network+ (N10-009) vs Cisco CCNA (200-301): format, cost, renewal, and a topic-by-topic crosswalk of both official blueprints to decide which to take first.
CompTIA Trifecta: A+, Network+ and Security+ Order, Cost, Renewal
The CompTIA trifecta is A+, Network+ and Security+: four exams, $1,386 in vouchers at list price, their order, and how passing Security+ renews the other two.
CompTIA Certification Renewal: CEUs, Fees and Security+ (2026)
Most CompTIA certs expire after three years. CEUs per cert (Security+ needs 50), the $150 fee per 3-year cycle, CertMaster CE, and which higher cert renews which.
How Hard Is Network+ (N10-009)? Scope and Learner Data
What makes CompTIA Network+ N10-009 hard: its scope next to A+ and Security+, CompTIA's recommended experience, and the topics learners miss on first try.
Review Mistakes Kept Restarting. A Learner Caught It.
Since mid-August, Review Mistakes sent you back to question 1 after your second answer. A Security+ learner reported it. What broke, why it hid, and the fix.
Cybersecurity Jobs Without a Degree: What Hires in 2026
Yes, you can work in cybersecurity without a degree. The roles that hire (SOC, GRC, compliance), what replaces the diploma, and a 90-day plan to get there.
Free PenTest+ PT0-003 Sample Questions With Answers (2026)
20 free CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-003 sample questions with answers and explanations, four per exam domain, weighted like the real exam. No PDF, no signup.
Security+ SY0-801 Release Date: Nov 17, 2026 (V8 vs SY0-701)
Security+ SY0-801 (V8) launches November 17, 2026; SY0-701 retires June 11, 2027. The official format, new domain weights, and which exam you should take.
CompTIA Roadmap 2026: Current Exams, New Versions & Retirements
Every current CompTIA exam in 2026 — SY0-701, N10-009, 220-1201, CS0-004, PT0-003, CY0-001 — plus the June 1 price increase and retirement windows.
CompTIA Student Discount 2026: Academic Store Vouchers & Promo Codes
Security+ lists at $439. Students pay roughly half, WIOA can cover the whole exam, and authorized resellers take $45-75 off. Every channel that works in 2026.
CompTIA A+ V15 (220-1201 & 220-1202): What Changed and Is 1101/1102 Study Still Valid in 2026?
CompTIA A+ moved to V15 (220-1201/1202) — but about 87% of the objectives are unchanged from 220-1101/1102. Here's exactly what's new, what carries over, and how to study in 2026.
CySA+ Passing Score: 750 out of 900 (CS0-003) Explained
The CySA+ CS0-003 passing score is 750 on a 100-900 scale, not a percentage. CS0-004 keeps the same line. Domain weights and how to know you're ready.
Network+ Passing Score: 720 out of 900 (N10-009) Explained
The Network+ N10-009 passing score is 720 on a 100-900 scale, not a percentage, and below Security+'s 750. The 5 domain weights and how to know you're ready.
CompTIA A+ Passing Score: 675 (Core 1) and 700 (Core 2)
CompTIA A+ is two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) passes at 675 and Core 2 (220-1202) at 700, both on a 100-900 scale. What the scaled scores mean for you.
PenTest+ Passing Score: 750 out of 900 (PT0-003) Explained
The PenTest+ PT0-003 passing score is 750 on a 100-900 scale, and it is not a percentage. See the 5 domain weights, how scoring works, and how to prepare.
Security+ Exam Cost in 2026: $439 + How to Pay Less
The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam voucher is $439 as of 2026. See retake fees, renewal costs, student and military discounts, and cheap prep.
Network+ Exam Cost in 2026: Voucher, Retakes & How to Save
The CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) exam voucher costs $399 in 2026 after the June price increase. See retake fees, renewal costs, discounts, and cheap prep options.
How Much Does CompTIA A+ Cost in 2026? (Two Exams, $548 Total)
How much is the CompTIA A+ exam? $274 per exam, $548 for both cores (220-1201 + 220-1202) in 2026. Retakes, student pricing, renewal, and the cheapest prep.
Cybersecurity Jobs for Teens & Students With No Experience
Can a teen get a cybersecurity analyst job with no experience? What you can do at 16-18: cert age rules, paid first IT jobs, CTFs, and the path to analyst.
Remote Cybersecurity Job Salaries in 2026: What WFH Roles Really Pay
What remote cybersecurity jobs pay in 2026 — SOC, GRC, engineer, and pen-tester figures, how companies set remote pay, and how to negotiate the band up.
What Is CompTIA SecAI+? The AI Security Certification Explained (2026)
CompTIA SecAI+ (CY0-001) launched February 2026: 60 questions, 60 minutes, 600/900 to pass, $359. Who it's for, the four domains, and how to prepare.
Free SecAI+ Practice Test (CY0-001) — Start in 2026 Without a Signup
Drill CompTIA SecAI+ (CY0-001) with free practice exams: all four domains, exam-style questions, no signup wall. Know your weak domain before booking the $359 exam.
SecAI+ vs Security+: Which CompTIA Cert First in 2026?
Security+ (SY0-701, $439) vs the new SecAI+ (CY0-001, $359): exam formats, domains, prerequisites, and a clear decision framework for 2026.
SecuSpark Hits 6,400+ Questions and Launches CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-003
SecuSpark expanded from 2,542 to 6,400+ practice questions across 5 CompTIA certifications. PenTest+ PT0-003 is now a fully playable cert path with RPG battles, premium AI deep dives, and 552 offensive security questions.
SecuSpark: The MMORPG for Learning CompTIA Certifications (Free)
SecuSpark turns CompTIA certification prep into a full RPG experience. Battle cybersecurity enemies, collect loot, evolve your character through 30 stages, compete in PvP arenas, and start Security+, A+, Network+, CySA+, and PenTest+ for free.
Best CompTIA Security+ Study Materials 2026: Books, Videos, Tests
The best Security+ SY0-701 study materials for 2026, ranked: study guide books by edition, free and paid video courses, practice tests, flashcards, and labs.
Best CompTIA Study Apps 2026: Free & Paid Compared
Best CompTIA study apps for 2026 compared: SecuSpark, Pocket Prep, CertGames, ExamCompass, CertMaster, and Dion Training, with prices and free plans side by side.
CompTIA Network+ Study Guide 2026 (N10-009): Plan & Books
CompTIA Network+ N10-009 study guide: a week-by-week plan by experience level, ranked books for N10-009, free video courses, and how to tell you are ready.
CompTIA A+ Study Guide 2026: Core 1 (220-1201) & Core 2 Plan
CompTIA A+ study guide for Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202): a week-by-week plan, ranked books for the V15 exams, and the best free resources.
Security+ Study Schedule: 30, 60, 90-Day Plans (SY0-701)
Free Security+ SY0-701 study schedules for 30, 60, and 90 days. Daily domain breakdowns, practice exam checkpoints, and review days built in.
SecuSpark vs CertMaster 2026: An Honest Comparison (We're Biased)
SecuSpark vs CompTIA CertMaster: pricing model, PBQs, AI explanations, gamification, and when the official product is the better buy. We built one of them.
SecuSpark vs Pocket Prep 2026: RPG Gamification vs Mobile App
SecuSpark vs Pocket Prep for CompTIA prep in 2026: $14.99 vs $20.99 a month, $34.99 vs $49.99 per 3 months, and an RPG vs a polished mobile app.
Security+ Passing Score: 750/900 Explained (SY0-701 Score Report)
The Security+ SY0-701 passing score is 750 on a 100-900 scale, and it is not a percentage. What CompTIA discloses, your score report, and the retake rules.
CertGames vs SecuSpark: Gamified CompTIA Prep Compared (2026)
CertGames vs SecuSpark for 2026: $25/mo vs $14.99/mo, 21 certifications vs 7 paths, mini-games vs an RPG campaign, and what each free plan includes.
SecuSpark March 2026 Update: PvP Arena, Clan Fortresses & 149 Enemies
We shipped PvP duels with ELO ratings, a full clan fortress system on a world map with 7 biomes, and hardened the battle engine. Here is everything that landed this month.
CompTIA Exam Cost 2026: Every Cert's Price + How to Pay Less
Security+ $439. A+ $548 (two exams). Network+ $399. Post-June-2026 prices for every CompTIA exam, plus the voucher discounts that actually cut the bill.
Six Wild Security+ PBQs (and the Real-World Stories Behind Them)
We unpack six unforgettable practice-exam scenarios — from sideloading shenanigans to zero-day chaos — showing what really happens in the wild, why the wrong answers are wrong, and how to lock the lessons into memory.
Security+ vs CySA+ vs CISSP: Which Certification is Right for You?
Detailed comparison of popular cybersecurity certifications to help you choose the best path for your career. Compare salaries, difficulty, job demand, and career paths for Security+, CySA+, and CISSP in 2026.
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