How to Get Security+

Getting Security+ doesn’t have to feel mysterious. The process is pretty straightforward: create a CompTIA security account, then pass the Security+ exam. After that, it mostly comes down to what the exam looks like, what score you need, and whether you should build a few basics first.

Here’s a process-first checklist you can actually follow.

Create Your CompTIA Security Account

Before you can take the test, you’ll need your CompTIA security account.

Think of this as step zero. Without it, you can’t register in the normal flow.

Do this first:

• Create your CompTIA security account
• Keep track of your login info (you’ll use it later)
• Plan to use the same account when you pick your exam date and testing details

If you’re wondering "How do you get Security+?"—this is the answer to the first half: you create that account, then move on to the exam.

Know What the Security+ Exam Includes (Multiple-Choice and Performance-Based)

The next blocker people hit is guessing what the exam is like. You don’t want to study for the wrong thing.

Security+ is one exam that includes:

• Multiple-choice questions
• Performance-based questions (questions that focus more on applying what you know, not just picking a memorized answer)

So your studying can’t be only definitions. You’ll want practice with real scenarios too—situations where you apply security concepts step by step.

Check the Passing Score Requirement (750 out of 900)

Once you know what’s on the exam, you also need to know what "pass" means.

The passing requirement is:

• Minimum 750 out of 900

That tells you two useful things right away:

1. You’re not aiming for "just barely right." You need solid performance across the exam.
2. If your practice scores are hovering around passing, you’ll likely need more prep before you register.

Plan Your Prerequisites (A+ and Network+ First, If You Have 0 Experience)

If you’re starting from 0 experience, don’t rush straight into Security+. A common beginner recommendation is to get A+ and Network+ first.

Why? Security+ assumes you already know core concepts from those areas. If you skip them, you can end up spending extra time re-learning basics instead of improving your test skills.

If you have 0 experience, a simple plan looks like this:

• If you have no IT foundation yet:
• Get A+
• Get Network+
• Then plan for Security+
• If you already understand basic IT and networking concepts:
• You may be able to start Security+ prep without doing A+ and Network+ first, but you should still check that you’re comfortable with the fundamentals

This also helps answer "How hard is IT to get Security+?" It can feel hard when the basics are missing, and the plan above reduces that risk.

Choose Study Materials and Training Programs

At this point, you can build your prep plan. This is where you decide how you’ll learn the material and how you’ll practice for the exam question types (multiple-choice plus performance-based).

When you’re picking study materials and training programs, look for:

• Coverage that matches both exam styles:
• Multiple-choice practice
• Practice that pushes you to apply knowledge (performance-based)
• A schedule you can stick to (even if it’s simple)
• Enough practice to test yourself before the real exam

One practical way to plan is:

• Learn the concepts
• Then do practice questions repeatedly
• Then review weak areas until you’re consistently improving

If you went the prerequisites route (A+ and Network+), your Security+ study will usually feel more like putting pieces together instead of starting from scratch.

Decide How You’ll Take the Exam (Online Options and At-Home Testing)

A lot of people ask: Can I take the Security+ exam at home? or how to get security+ online.

The key point is this: you should check the current testing option when you register, because the at-home/online setup can change.

What to do now:

• When you go to register in your CompTIA flow, look for the testing format options
• Confirm what’s available for your location and the current exam delivery method
• Don’t assume at-home is an option unless the registration page and the testing step explicitly show it

This is also the safest way to handle "Can I take the Security+ exam at home?" If it’s available, it will show up in the official registration and testing steps. If it isn’t, those same steps will tell you what you can choose instead.

Estimate Your Total Cost (Security+ Cost and Exam Cost Searches)

Cost questions usually come in two parts:

1. How much does Security+ cost?
2. What’s the Security+ exam cost?

The catch is that costs can depend on what you’re paying for (exam fee versus training versus practice materials). Since the exact numbers weren’t provided here, the best next step is to check the Security+ exam cost in the registration/testing area where you sign up.

When you estimate your total budget, separate it like this:

• Exam cost (the fee to take Security+)
• Any training program cost (if you buy one)
• Any study materials you purchase (if you don’t use free options)

If you want a simple budgeting rule: set aside enough for the exam, then decide whether paid training fits your learning style.

Track Your Progress and Prep for the V7 vs V8 Path Mentioned in Ranking Results

While you’re researching, you might see mentions of different "paths" like V7 vs V8. Treat that information as a planning flag, not a distraction.

Your goal:

• Make sure your study plan matches the version or track your exam registration expects
• Don’t rely on random material lists that might not match the version you’re planning to test on

Since version details weren’t fully spelled out here, the safe approach is:

• When you register (or when you’re getting close), confirm which version you’re studying for
• Pick materials that match that version so you don’t get surprised later

In practice, that means you should check:

• what version your prep materials cover
• whether your course or training lines up with the version you’ll test on

Common Questions Before You Register

How do you get Security+?

You get Security+ by:

1. Creating a CompTIA security account
2. Passing the CompTIA Security+ exam

How hard is IT to get Security+?

It can be manageable, but it depends on where you’re starting. If you have 0 experience, a common beginner recommendation is to get A+ and Network+ first, since Security+ assumes you have those basics.

How much does Security+ cost?

You’ll mainly need to check the exam fee in the official registration/testing flow. Training and materials can add extra cost, but the exam fee is the core number to confirm.

Can I take the Security+ exam at home?

You can’t assume it without checking. The best move is to confirm the at-home option during registration when the testing format is shown for your exam setup.

How to get security+ online?

"Online" can mean different things. Some people mean online registration and learning, while others mean taking the exam remotely. Since the at-home/online testing option can vary, check the official registration/testing step to see what’s available for your exam.

How to get security+ online

If you mean learning materials online and then taking the exam through the allowed format, you can plan that way, but you still need to confirm the testing delivery option during registration.

What’s the Security+ exam cost?

The most accurate answer is whatever the official exam fee shows when you’re registering. Look up the Security+ exam cost in that step so you’re not guessing.

After you map your next steps, pick your study plan and confirm your testing option before you register for the Security+ exam.