How Many Questions Are on the Security+ Test

If you’re wondering how many questions are on the Security+ test, the quick test-day answer is: up to 90 questions. You have 90 minutes to finish them, and the exam mixes multiple-choice questions with performance-based questions (PBQs). So it’s not just bubbling answers—you’re also expected to handle some hands-on-style tasks.

How many questions are on the Security+ test (SY0-701)?

For the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam, the question count is described as up to 90 questions. You may also see it phrased as no more than 90 questions.

That “up to” wording matters. It means your exam could come out at fewer than 90 questions depending on the version you’re given. But you should plan your timing around the top end: 90 questions max.

How much time do you get to complete the Security+ exam?

The time limit is 90 minutes.

With up to 90 questions in that time, you’ll need a fairly steady pace. You don’t have to do complicated math in your head, but you shouldn’t expect to spend forever on any single question—especially when PBQs show up and take longer than a typical multiple-choice item.

What question types are on the Security+ exam (multiple-choice and PBQs)?

Security+ isn’t only about reading a scenario and picking A, B, or C. The exam includes:

• Multiple-choice questions

These are the standard question format where you choose the best answer from the options.

• Performance-based questions (PBQs)

PBQs are hands-on style problems where you have to work through what’s in front of you. Think of them as “show what you can do,” not just “pick what sounds right.”

Because your exam includes both types, your preparation should too. If you only practice multiple-choice, you may feel rushed or unprepared when PBQs take more time and demand more focused attention.

Is the number of questions exactly 90 or “up to 90”?

It’s not guaranteed to be exactly 90. The wording you’ll see is “up to 90 questions” (and sometimes “no more than 90 questions”).

So here’s the practical way to handle it on test day:

• Plan for the max workload.
• Don’t build your strategy around the idea that you’ll definitely see fewer items.
• Practice timing so you can move on when a question is stuck.

What does the passing score mean (750 on a 100–900 scale)?

Security+ uses a score scale of 100 to 900, and the passing score is 750.

The key point is this: you don’t pass by getting a certain number of questions right. You pass by reaching the score threshold (750).

This also explains why your question about “how many you can miss” doesn’t translate neatly into a simple “miss X and you’re fine” rule. The exam is scored on that 100–900 scale.

750 versus “how many you can miss”

Your exact number of wrong answers can’t be turned into a guaranteed “safe” number based on the details above. The exam targets 750 on the 100–900 range, not a fixed count of correct items.

How many questions can you miss on the Security+ exam?

Based on the information we have here, we can’t provide a direct rule like: “You can miss exactly 18 questions” (or any other exact number).

What we do know:

• The exam has up to 90 questions.
• You have 90 minutes.
• You pass at 750 on a 100–900 scale.
• The exam includes multiple-choice and PBQs.

So instead of guessing a number of misses, focus on what matters more:

• Aim for your best accuracy on every question type.
• Don’t ignore PBQs just because they seem fewer or less familiar.
• In real life, your “miss” risk often comes from time pressure, not only from picking the wrong answer.

A solid personal goal in practice is to be able to do both of these under timing:

1. Get the multiple-choice questions reasonably correct.
2. Finish PBQs without panicking or skipping steps you could have handled carefully.

Is Security+ hard to pass? (what to focus on based on the exam structure)

Whether Security+ feels “hard” usually comes down to two things that the exam structure brings into play:

1. You have both multiple-choice and PBQs.

If multiple-choice is manageable but PBQs slow you down, that’s where difficulty shows up. PBQs tend to require more time and more careful reading.

1. You only have 90 minutes.

Time pressure can make questions feel tougher than they are. If you know the material but can’t stay efficient, you may end up losing points.

What should you focus on?

• Practice multiple-choice strategies (read carefully, avoid overthinking, and watch for answers that are “almost right”).
• Practice PBQ-style thinking: read the instructions, work step by step, and don’t rush so hard that you miss key details.
• Build pacing so you can complete the full length: up to 90 questions in 90 minutes.

Practical prep checklist for the Security+ question format

Use this as a quick plan for what to practice before test day, since your exam is built around question types, not just topics.

• Train for the “up to 90 questions” workload
• Do timed sets that feel like a full exam run.
• Don’t leave all timing practice until the last minute.
• Practice multiple-choice, with a review habit
• After each practice test, review what you missed.
• Figure out why you missed it: wording, topic, or time pressure.
• Build PBQ comfort
• Practice scenarios that require you to complete tasks, not just select an answer.
• Get used to reading the prompt carefully before acting.
• Use a pacing rule
• If a question is taking too long, make your best educated choice and move on.
• Save time for PBQs and for questions you’re more confident you can answer quickly.
• Study with “exam structure” in mind
• Don’t only memorize facts.
• Practice turning facts into decisions by asking yourself what you would do in that situation.

If you’re studying for Security+ next, use the question-format checklist to shape your practice for both multiple-choice and PBQs. That’s the most direct way to match how the exam tests you: up to 90 questions with 90 minutes, aiming for 750 on the 100–900 scale.