Security+ Pass Rate 2026: What Our Student Data Shows

CompTIA does not publish official pass rates for any certification, including Security+. The best available data: self-study candidates pass SY0-701 at roughly 50-65% on their first attempt. With structured prep and practice exams scoring 85%+, the rate climbs to 85-93%. The gap between those two groups comes down to preparation method, not intelligence or background.

Below we break down where these estimates come from, which study approaches correlate with passing, the domains that trip people up most, and what to do if you are studying on your own.

What Is the CompTIA Security+ Pass Rate?

The best available estimate is 70-75% across all attempts, though CompTIA does not officially publish pass rate statistics for any of their certifications, including Security+. ^[1] This policy applies to both the current SY0-701 exam and previous versions like SY0-601. CompTIA maintains this stance to prevent candidates from underestimating the exam's difficulty or making assumptions about their preparation needs.

However, through industry surveys, training provider data, and community reports, we can piece together a reasonably accurate picture of Security+ success rates:

• Overall pass rate estimate: 70-75% across all attempts
• First attempt pass rate: Approximately 70-75% for well-prepared candidates
• Bootcamp/training program attendees: Up to 93% pass rate
• Self-study only candidates: 50-65% estimated pass rate
• Retake success rate: Higher than first attempts (typically 80%+)

These numbers tell an important story: Security+ is absolutely passable, but it requires serious preparation. The significant difference between bootcamp attendees (93%) and self-study candidates (50-65%) highlights the importance of structured learning and quality study materials.

Why Doesn't CompTIA Publish Official Pass Rates?

CompTIA keeps pass rates private to prevent complacency, maintain certification value, and avoid confusion during exam version transitions. Here are the specific reasons:

Preventing Complacency

If CompTIA announced a 75% pass rate, some candidates might assume the exam is "easy" and underprepare. The reality is that the 75% who pass are typically those who studied thoroughly. The other 25% often include candidates who didn't take preparation seriously.

Maintaining Certification Value

By keeping pass rates private, CompTIA ensures the certification maintains its reputation in the industry. Employers trust Security+ precisely because it represents genuine competency, not just test-taking ability.

Exam Version Variations

Pass rates can fluctuate when new exam versions launch. The SY0-701 exam, released in November 2023, likely had lower initial pass rates as study materials caught up with the new objectives. Publishing these temporary fluctuations could create confusion.

What Is the Security+ First-Attempt Pass Rate?

The first-attempt pass rate ranges from below 50% for minimally prepared candidates to 85-93% for those with structured training. Based on training provider data and community surveys, here is what to expect:

Industry Estimates for First-Time Test Takers

• With structured training: 85-93% first attempt pass rate
• With dedicated self-study (100+ hours): 70-80% first attempt pass rate
• Minimal preparation: Below 50% first attempt pass rate
• IT experience + study: 75-85% first attempt pass rate

Understanding the Passing Score

To pass the Security+ SY0-701 exam, you need to score 750 out of 900 points. This equates to approximately 83% correct answers, though the actual percentage can vary slightly due to CompTIA's scaled scoring system that accounts for question difficulty.

Here's what that passing threshold means in practical terms:

• Maximum questions: Up to 90 questions in 90 minutes
• Question types: Multiple choice and performance-based questions (PBQs)
• Approximate target: Get roughly 75 out of 90 questions correct
• Error margin: You can miss approximately 15 questions and still pass

The 750/900 threshold is relatively high compared to some other IT certifications. For context, Network+ requires 720/900 (80%), while CISSP only requires 700/1000 (70%). This higher bar reflects CompTIA's commitment to ensuring Security+ holders have solid foundational knowledge.

First Attempt vs. Retake Success

Interestingly, retake pass rates are generally higher than first attempts. This makes sense: candidates who fail learn from the experience, identify knowledge gaps, and study more effectively for their second attempt. If you don't pass on your first try, you're statistically more likely to succeed the second time.

What Factors Affect Your Chances of Passing Security+?

Prior IT experience, total study hours, study material quality, learning methodology, and PBQ preparation are the five biggest factors. Based on training provider data and candidate surveys, here is how each one impacts success:

1. Prior IT Experience

Candidates with existing IT experience have a significant advantage:

• 2+ years IT experience: 80-90% pass rate
• Less than 1 year experience: 65-75% pass rate
• No IT experience: 55-70% pass rate

This doesn't mean you can't pass without experience - thousands do every year. But it means you'll need to compensate with more study time and hands-on practice.

2. Total Study Time Invested

Study time correlates strongly with success rates:

• Less than 40 hours: Below 50% pass rate
• 40-80 hours: 60-70% pass rate
• 80-120 hours: 75-85% pass rate
• 120+ hours: 85-95% pass rate

Most successful candidates report studying 2-3 months, dedicating 1-2 hours daily. The sweet spot appears to be around 100 hours of focused preparation.

3. Quality of Study Materials

Not all study resources are created equal. Candidates using comprehensive, up-to-date materials aligned with SY0-701 objectives show significantly higher pass rates than those using outdated or incomplete resources.

Essential study materials include:

• Official CompTIA study guides or reputable third-party books
• Video courses covering all five exam domains
• Hands-on labs and simulations
• Practice exams (more on this below - it's crucial)
• Flashcards for memorization-heavy topics

4. Learning Methodology

How you study matters as much as how long you study:

• Passive reading only: Lower retention and pass rates
• Active learning (labs, practice): Higher retention and pass rates
• Spaced repetition: Significantly improved long-term retention
• Teaching others/study groups: Enhanced understanding and recall

5. Performance-Based Question Preparation

PBQs (Performance-Based Questions) trip up many candidates. These simulation-style questions test practical skills and can't be passed through memorization alone. Candidates who specifically prepare for PBQs show markedly higher pass rates.

How Can You Improve Your Chances of Passing Security+?

Create a structured study plan, use multiple learning resources, take extensive practice exams, focus on understanding over memorization, and join a study community. Here are the evidence-based strategies:

1. Create a Structured Study Plan

Don't just "study when you have time." Create a specific plan covering all five exam domains:

• General Security Concepts (12%): 1-2 weeks
• Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%): 2-3 weeks
• Security Architecture (18%): 2 weeks
• Security Operations (28%): 3 weeks
• Security Program Management and Oversight (20%): 2 weeks

2. Use Multiple Learning Resources

Different resources explain concepts in different ways. Using multiple sources helps solidify understanding:

• Primary textbook or study guide
• Video course for visual learning
• Practice exams for application
• Flashcards for memorization
• Labs for hands-on experience

3. Master the Art of Practice Exams

This deserves its own section below, but practice exams are the single most effective tool for improving your pass rate. They're not optional - they're essential.

4. Focus on Understanding, Not Memorization

Security+ tests your ability to apply concepts, not just recall facts. When studying, always ask:

• Why does this security control exist?
• What problem does this solution solve?
• When would I use this approach vs. alternatives?
• How does this concept connect to others?

5. Join a Study Community

Candidates who participate in study groups or online communities report higher pass rates. Benefits include:

• Accountability and motivation
• Different perspectives on difficult topics
• Tips from those who recently passed
• Answers to specific questions

Reddit's r/CompTIA community and various Discord servers are excellent free resources.

What Is the Best Study Plan for Passing Security+?

An 8-12 week plan with daily 2-hour study sessions, split across content learning (50%), practice questions (30%), hands-on labs (15%), and flashcard review (5%), correlates with the highest pass rates. Here is the proven approach:

Recommended Study Timeline: 8-12 Weeks

Weeks 1-2: Foundation Building

• Review exam objectives thoroughly
• Take a baseline practice exam to identify weak areas
• Begin with Domain 1 (General Security Concepts)
• Start building flashcard deck for key terms

Weeks 3-6: Core Content Coverage

• Work through Domains 2-4 systematically
• Complete 25-50 practice questions daily
• Take notes on concepts you struggle with
• Begin hands-on labs for technical topics

Weeks 7-8: Domain 5 and Review

• Complete Domain 5 (Governance, Risk, Compliance)
• Review all domains with focus on weak areas
• Increase practice exam frequency
• Practice PBQ-style questions

Weeks 9-10: Practice Exam Focus

• Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions
• Target consistent scores of 85%+ before scheduling real exam
• Analyze every wrong answer thoroughly
• Fill remaining knowledge gaps

Weeks 11-12: Final Preparation

• Light review of all domains
• Focus on high-weighted domains (Operations at 28%, Threats at 22%)
• Review exam-day procedures
• Rest well before exam day

Daily Study Routine That Works

Successful candidates often follow this pattern:

• Morning (30-45 min): Review flashcards and previous day's notes
• Afternoon/Evening (60-90 min): New content study (videos, reading)
• Before bed (20-30 min): Practice questions on day's topics

Why Are Practice Exams the #1 Predictor of Passing?

Candidates who consistently score 85%+ on quality practice exams pass at 90%+ rates, while those who skip practice exams pass at only 50-65%. Practice exams are the single most effective preparation tool because of how they build recall, identify gaps, and reduce test anxiety.

The Data on Practice Exams

Training providers report these statistics:

• Candidates using practice exams extensively: 85-95% pass rate
• Candidates using few/no practice exams: 50-65% pass rate
• Candidates scoring 85%+ on practice exams: 90%+ pass rate on real exam

Why Practice Exams Work So Well

Practice exams improve your pass rate in multiple ways:

1. Identify Knowledge Gaps

You don't know what you don't know until you're tested. Practice exams reveal blind spots that reading alone won't uncover.

2. Build Test-Taking Stamina

90 questions in 90 minutes is mentally exhausting. Practice exams build the endurance you need to maintain focus throughout.

3. Learn Question Patterns

CompTIA has characteristic question styles. Practice exams help you recognize patterns like "best answer" questions where multiple options seem correct.

4. Reduce Test Anxiety

Familiarity breeds confidence. The more practice exams you take, the less stressful the real exam feels.

5. Reinforce Learning Through Retrieval

Psychologically, retrieving information (via questions) creates stronger memories than passive review. This is called the "testing effect" and it's one of the most robust findings in learning science.

How to Use Practice Exams Effectively

Not all practice exam approaches are equal. Here's the method that correlates with the highest pass rates:

1. Take baseline exam first: Before studying, take a practice exam to identify starting point
2. Study, then test: After covering each domain, take domain-specific practice questions
3. Review every answer: Including correct ones - understand WHY each answer is right or wrong
4. Track progress: Monitor scores over time to ensure improvement
5. Simulate real conditions: Timed, no notes, no breaks for final practice exams
6. Don't memorize questions: Understand concepts so you can handle variations

When You're Ready to Schedule

Schedule your real exam when you meet these criteria:

• Consistently scoring 85%+ on practice exams
• No single domain below 75%
• Comfortable with performance-based question format
• Can complete full practice exam with 10+ minutes to spare

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 50% pass rate figure official?

No. CompTIA does not release pass rates for any certification. The ~50% figure refers specifically to self-study candidates with minimal practice exams, based on training provider data and community surveys. Well-prepared candidates pass at 85-93%.

What score do I need to pass Security+ SY0-701?

750 out of 900 on a scaled scoring system. That works out to roughly 83% correct, though the exact number varies because CompTIA weights question difficulty. In practice, aim to answer 75+ of 90 questions correctly.

Are PBQs the main reason people fail?

They are the most commonly cited reason on r/CompTIA and exam forums. PBQs (performance-based questions) test hands-on skills like configuring firewall rules or analyzing logs. You cannot memorize your way through them. Candidates who practice only multiple-choice questions are significantly more likely to fail.

If I fail, how soon can I retake the exam?

CompTIA requires a 14-day waiting period before retaking. Most candidates who fail and retake within 30-60 days pass on the second attempt, because they now know exactly which domains they need to strengthen.

Can You Pass Security+ on Your First Attempt?

Yes -- the estimated 70-75% overall pass rate jumps to 85-93% for candidates who use structured training and quality practice exams. Your result depends on preparation quality, not statistics.

The key takeaways for maximizing your success:

• Passing score: 750/900 (approximately 83%)
• Study time: Plan for 80-120 hours minimum
• Practice exams: The single most important preparation tool
• Score target: Achieve 85%+ on practice exams before testing
• Focus areas: Security Operations (28%) and Threats (22%) are heavily weighted

Don't let pass rate anxiety paralyze you. Thousands of candidates pass Security+ every month. With dedicated preparation, quality study materials, and extensive practice exam work, you can absolutely join them. The certification is challenging enough to be valuable but achievable enough to be realistic.

Your success isn't determined by statistics - it's determined by your preparation. Start studying, take those practice exams seriously, and you'll walk into test day confident and ready to pass.

Related Guides

• How hard is Security+? — difficulty assessment by background with domain-by-domain breakdown
• Pass Security+ in 30 days — day-by-day study schedule with alternate timelines
• 7 study methods ranked by retention — choose the right approach for your learning style
• Free Security+ practice exams for 2026 — 575+ questions to test your readiness
• Take a free Security+ practice test now — start a 25-question exam instantly

References

1. CompTIA. "CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam Objectives." comptia.org/certifications/security. Exam format (90 questions, 90 minutes, 750/900 passing score), domain weights, and pricing.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Information Security Analysts: Occupational Outlook Handbook." bls.gov/ooh. 29% projected job growth (2024-2034), significantly faster than average.
3. CyberSeek. "Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map." cyberseek.org/heatmap. Certification-level job demand data and workforce gap analytics.