One of the most common questions aspiring cybersecurity professionals ask is: "What percentage of people pass the Security+ exam?" Whether you're researching the SY0-701 pass rate or wondering about first attempt success rates, understanding these statistics can help you prepare more effectively and set realistic expectations for your certification journey.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into Security+ pass rate statistics, examine what factors influence success, and most importantly, share proven strategies to help you become part of the passing majority. Let's separate fact from fiction and give you the data you need to succeed.

Understanding Security+ Pass Rate Statistics

Here's the challenge with Security+ pass rates: 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 CompTIA Doesn't Publish Official Pass Rates

You might wonder why CompTIA keeps these statistics private when many candidates are desperate to know their odds. There are several reasons for this approach:

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.

Security+ First Attempt Pass Rate: What to Expect

The Security+ first attempt pass rate is what most candidates care about most. Based on training provider data and community surveys, here's what we know:

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.

Factors That Affect Your Security+ Pass Rate

Understanding what influences pass rates can help you optimize your preparation. Based on training provider data and candidate surveys, these factors have the biggest impact on 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 to Improve Your Chances of Passing Security+

Based on what we know about pass rate factors, here are evidence-based strategies to maximize your success probability:

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.

Study Recommendations for Maximum Success

Based on data from successful candidates, here's a proven study approach that correlates with high pass rates:

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 Practice Exams Are Critical for Passing

If there's one factor that most strongly predicts Security+ success, it's practice exam performance. The correlation is remarkably strong: candidates who consistently score 85%+ on quality practice exams almost always pass the real thing.

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

Conclusion: Your Pass Rate Is in Your Hands

While exact Security+ pass rates remain officially undisclosed, the evidence is clear: this exam is very passable with proper preparation. The estimated 70-75% overall pass rate jumps to 85-93% for candidates who use structured training and quality practice exams.

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.

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.