How Much Is Comptia Security+ Exam

If you’re searching how much is comptia security+ exam, you’ll often see a couple different prices mentioned—usually around the $425–$439 USD range in recent listings. But the cost isn’t only the number on the screen. It also depends on what the exam includes for that price: up to 90 questions, about 90 minutes to complete the test, and a passing score of 750 (out of 900). Once you connect the price to the exam setup, it’s easier to plan.

CompTIA Security+ Exam Cost: The Price Range You’ll See

These are the exam cost figures that show up in the snippets people reference:

• Retail price listed as $439 USD
• Cost (US) listed as $425

So if you’re budgeting, a reasonable expectation is that the exam cost will land in the mid-$400s, depending on your situation.

And since you’re paying for more than just a number, here’s what those cost snippets are usually paired with:

• Question count: up to 90 questions
• Passing score (reported in a snippet): 750 out of 900
• Time length (reported in a snippet): 90 minutes

That combination of price and exam details helps you judge whether you’re ready before you register.

Why the CompTIA Security+ Exam Price Can Vary (Discounts and Options)

Even when it’s the same exam name, the amount you pay can change based on things like eligibility and booking options.

Here are the main reasons prices show up differently in different places:

1) Discount eligibility

Some snippets note that you may qualify for discounts. That can mean you’re eligible for reduced pricing if you meet certain requirements, depending on your situation. If you think you might qualify (for example, as a student), don’t assume the retail price is what you’ll pay. Check eligibility before you register.

2) The price shown may depend on which “cost” someone is quoting

You’ll often see two kinds of figures:

• a retail or standard listing, and
• a US cost figure that reflects a different perspective on what people pay

That’s why both $439 and $425 can appear in search snippets.

3) Options you choose during booking

Snippets also indicate the total can vary based on the options you select. If you’re comparing totals from different pages, make sure you’re comparing the same thing (same exam, same version, and the same booking path).

CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Exam Details That Affect Your Prep

Most people searching CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam cost are really asking, “What am I taking, and how should I prep?”

Here are the exam details that show up alongside the cost info:

Includes multiple-choice and performance-based items

The exam is described as including:

• multiple-choice questions, and
• performance-based questions (hands-on style items, not just selecting A/B/C/D)

That matters because performance-based questions usually test how you apply what you know, not just whether you recognize the right term.

Up to 90 questions

The exam has no more than 90 questions. “Up to” matters because you might not always see the full number, but you should still prep for the full range so you don’t get caught off guard.

How Many Questions Are on the CompTIA Security+ Exam?

Across the guidance in the snippets and notes:

• Up to 90 questions
• The format includes multiple-choice and performance-based question types

So when you plan your study schedule, don’t assume you’ll only need to practice for a smaller set. Plan around the possibility of seeing the full 90.

How Long Is the CompTIA Security+ Exam and What’s the Passing Score?

Two numbers come up repeatedly in the search snippets:

Test length

• 90 minutes is listed as the test length in a 2025-style guide snippet.

Passing score

• Passing score: 750
• Out of 900 possible

So it’s not an exam where you can “barely pass” by scraping by. You need a solid level of understanding to reach 750.

Because it’s time-boxed, your prep should include practice under time pressure. If you’re fast with multiple-choice but slower on scenario or performance-style questions, timing can be where things fall apart.

What Percent of People Pass CompTIA Security+? (What Readers Are Asking)

People often ask for a clear answer like “what percent pass?” The information provided doesn’t claim one universal pass rate for everyone. Instead, it gives estimated first-attempt pass rate ranges based on how people prepare.

Here’s what’s listed:

• Self-study candidates: about 50–65% first-attempt pass
• Other candidates: about 70–75% first-attempt pass

If you’re self-studying, it’s smart to plan as if you could fall into the 50–65% range. That means more practice, more timed sets, and extra focus on the question types that slow you down.

How Tough Is the CompTIA Security+ Exam? (Self-Study vs Other Candidates)

“Hard” can mean different things, so here’s a grounded way to think about difficulty using what we see in the snippets:

The exam tests more than recall

Because it includes both multiple-choice and performance-based questions, you can’t rely only on memorizing terms. You need to apply your knowledge to real scenarios.

Your pass odds can depend on your prep path

The estimated first-attempt pass ranges suggest a difference:

• 50–65% for self-study
• 70–75% for candidates who aren’t in the self-study group (which may include guided prep, classes, or other support)

That doesn’t mean self-study is hopeless. It just means you should be realistic about your timeline and how much hands-on practice you’re getting, especially with scenario-style items and time management.

Time management is part of the challenge

With a 90-minute limit and up to 90 questions, you can’t spend forever on any single item. You’ll need a plan for:

• guessing when you’re stuck,
• flagging tough questions (if your testing platform supports it),
• and keeping a steady pace.

CompTIA Security+ Exam Format: Online or Offline? (What to Check Before You Book)

This is a common question: CompTIA Security+ exam is online or offline.

In the material provided for this brief, the “online vs offline” topic is flagged, but there aren’t extra details here about the exact delivery method for SY0-701.

Before you register, check the booking page for the delivery option shown to you and don’t assume it’s the same everywhere. The safest approach is to confirm:

• which delivery format you’re selecting, and
• what that means for the testing location or setup (if anything is required)

If you’re planning around work, travel, or a specific at-home schedule, that one detail can change your plan.

CompTIA Security+ Exam Dates 2026: How to Plan Your Test Date

You’ll also see searches for CompTIA Security+ exam dates 2026. The provided research doesn’t list specific dates, so the best way to handle this is planning-first:

• Start by confirming you’re booking the correct exam: CompTIA Security+ SY0-701
• Then look for the 2026 scheduling options during booking
• Choose a date only after you’re confident you can prep for the exam structure (up to 90 questions in about 90 minutes, with a 750/900 passing score)

If you’re targeting a specific month in 2026, work backward and give yourself extra time for timed practice, not just reading and reviewing.

Cost-Planning Checklist Before You Register

Before you book so you don’t get surprised by the total, run through this quick checklist:

• Confirm the exam code: Make sure you’re registering for SY0-701 (not a different Security+ version).
• Check the exam format: Look for what’s listed as online or offline for the option you choose.
• Review the exam structure:
• up to 90 questions
• includes multiple-choice and performance-based items
• about 90 minutes
• passing score 750 out of 900
• Budget using the shown cost range: Expect something around $425–$439 USD, depending on your situation.
• Check for discounts: The snippets say you may qualify for discounts. That can be especially relevant if you’re a student or meet other eligibility rules.
• Plan for your first attempt: If you’re self-studying, the estimated first-attempt pass rate range is 50–65%, so plan enough time to practice under test-like conditions.

Before you book, use the cost-planning checklist to confirm the SY0-701 details and any discount eligibility, so you register with the right expectations.