CompTIA Security+ Exam Length, Question Types, and Pacing Strategy

Here's something interesting - you need to score 750 out of 900 points to pass your CompTIA Security+ exam.

The path to certification demands more than just knowing the material - you need to understand how the exam works. The latest version, SY0-701, which launched in November 2023, gives you 90 minutes to answer up to 90 questions. That's about a minute for each question.

The Security+ exam goes beyond standard multiple-choice questions. You'll face performance-based scenarios that put you in real-world situations. These might include configuring firewalls or analyzing suspicious logs in simulated environments. The exam content spreads across five key domains: General Security Concepts (12%), Threats and Vulnerabilities (22%), Security Architecture (18%), Security Operations (28%), and Security Program Management and Oversight (20%).

Your success on Security+ depends as much on understanding its structure as mastering the content. Most candidates face challenges not from lack of knowledge but because they haven't developed a solid pacing strategy. A successful preparation approach for CompTIA Security+ requires you to understand both the content and the question formats.

Let's take a closer look at the Security+ exam structure in this piece. We'll share practical strategies to manage your time, handle different question types, and boost your chances of success on exam day.

What to Expect on the Security+ Exam

The CompTIA Security+ exam gives you a well-laid-out but tough test that needs good preparation. A clear picture of its format will help you create better study plans to pass.

Exam length and structure

The latest SY0-701 version of Security+ certification comes as a computer-based test with strict timing. You get exactly 90 minutes to answer up to 90 questions. This gives you about a minute for each question, though some questions are much harder than others.

Security+ uses a non-adaptive format, unlike other tests that change based on how well you do. You can move back and forth between questions and change your answers during the test.
The exam puts performance-based questions (PBQs) right at the start. These questions take longer to solve, which changes how you should manage your time. The timer also disappears during these simulation questions, so you need to watch your time carefully.

Question formats and difficulty

Security+ uses different types of questions to give a full picture of what you know and can do:

1. Multiple-choice questions: Most of the exam has these standard questions with four options. Some need one answer, while others ask you to pick several correct choices.
2. Drag-and-drop activities: You'll need to match items or put them in order, like pairing security tools with what they do or arranging security steps correctly.
3. Performance-based questions (PBQs): You'll see 5-10 PBQs that create ground scenarios in a virtual setup. These might ask you to check logs, set up security options, or fix problems.

Questions often come with long explanations. You'll need to read carefully to avoid picking obvious wrong answers when the right one needs more thought. This makes the exam tough - more than half of first-time test-takers without classroom training don't pass.

Time management gives many people trouble. Complex scenarios, detailed questions, and hands-on tasks mean you need to pace yourself well.

How the exam is scored

Security+ uses a smart scoring system instead of simple percentages. You get points on a scale from 100 to 900, and need 750 to pass. This means getting about 83% right, though CompTIA keeps the exact formula private.
A special math formula turns your raw score into a "scaled score". This makes sure everyone gets a fair grade even when different versions have questions of varying difficulty.

PBQs usually count more toward your final score than multiple-choice questions. Some questions let you earn partial credit, especially PBQs where you might solve problems in different ways.

Your score report comes right after the test. While it won't tell you which specific questions you missed, it shows which exam topics need work. This helps you study better if you need to take the test again.

If you don't pass the first time, you can try again. After two failures, you'll need to wait 14 days between attempts. You can take the test as many times as you need.
Knowing these details helps you prepare beyond just learning the content. You'll develop better time management and test-taking skills that you need to succeed.

Understanding the Role of PBQs

PBQs are the toughest and most significant part of the Security+ exam. They help distinguish people who really understand security concepts from those who just memorize facts. Your success depends on knowing how to handle these unique questions while aiming for the CompTIA Security+ passing score.

What are performance-based questions?

PBQs are different from multiple-choice questions. You'll need to complete specific tasks or solve problems in simulated environments. These questions show up right at the start of your exam and usually take 10-15 minutes each to finish. They carry more weight than regular multiple-choice questions in your final score.
PBQs come in several forms:

• Scenario-based questions that present hypothetical security incidents to resolve
• Simulation questions that mirror real-life cybersecurity tools like firewalls
• Drag-and-drop questions where you organize elements correctly, such as putting incident response steps in sequence

These questions are tough because they're open-ended. Multiple-choice questions have one right answer, but PBQs often have several valid solutions, just like actual security scenarios.

How PBQs test real-life skills

PBQs have a simple purpose: they show how well you can apply security concepts in real situations. Picture this, you see a simulated network with multiple firewalls, several VLANs, and an active security threat. You must set up proper security controls and tackle the threat while time ticks away.

These hands-on scenarios test several key skills:

You must turn theoretical knowledge into useful solutions, to name just one example, setting up firewall rule sets or network segmentation. You need analytical thinking for tasks like log analysis, where you piece together digital evidence to spot security incidents. Your decision-making under pressure matters too, much like the quick calls security pros make every day.

These skills match what you'll need in real cybersecurity jobs. A PBQ might ask you to review router configurations or handle a security breach, exactly what you'd do in an actual workplace.

Tips for approaching PBQs

Your strategy for PBQs is vital since they heavily impact your final score. Here's what you should do when studying for Security+:

1. Read instructions really well before you start configuring. One missed requirement can cost you points.
2. Watch your time. Each PBQ might take 10-15 minutes, so plan your 90 exam minutes carefully.
3. Know your test-taking style. Practice tests show if PBQs slow you down? Start with them first. Better at multiple-choice? Save PBQs for later.
4. Use "Mark Question" if you get stuck. You can come back to tough PBQs later, but marking doesn't count as answering.
5. Learn simulation resets. You can restart if you make mistakes, but time won't come back.
6. Check your work before submitting. Make sure all configurations meet requirements.

Make PBQ practice part of your study routine. Try virtual labs or simulation software that matches cybersecurity tasks you might face. Practice different scenarios in separate sessions, tackle incident response one day, tool configuration another.

Understanding PBQs and their structure helps you achieve the CompTIA Security+ passing score on your first try.

Time Management During the Exam

Time management is the secret weapon that sets successful Security+ candidates apart from others who struggle. You'll have exactly 90 minutes to complete up to 90 questions, so knowing how to pace yourself is just as vital as understanding the technical content.

How to divide your 90 minutes

The right time allocation can make all the difference between a comfortable finish and rushing through final questions. Here's a practical approach you can use on exam day:

1. First 5 minutes: Take a quick look at the entire exam to get a feel for its structure and how questions are spread out.
2. Next 30-40 minutes: Start with multiple-choice questions since they take less time per question.
3. Remaining 50-60 minutes: Move on to the performance-based questions (PBQs) at the beginning of the exam.

This reversed approach works well because PBQs usually take 10-15 minutes each to complete. Starting with easier multiple-choice questions helps build confidence and lets you bank those points before tackling complex scenarios.

Some test-takers prefer to briefly look at PBQs first, just enough to grasp the topics, before moving to multiple-choice questions. This lets your brain process the PBQ requirements in the background while you answer other questions.

Note that the Security+ exam doesn't adapt to how well you're doing. You can move freely between questions and create an approach that plays to your strengths.

Dealing with tough questions

Your response to challenging questions can save or waste precious minutes. The "flag and review" feature is a great way to get past questions that might eat up too much time.

Reading comprehension is a big challenge on Security+. About half the exam has straightforward 1-2 line questions. The other half contains detailed scenarios that test both technical knowledge and careful reading.

Watch out for capitalized words like "BEST," "MOST," and "LEAST". These words often separate several technically correct answers, and you'll need to pick the best solution based on context.
The elimination method helps with tough multiple-choice questions. Remove obviously wrong options to boost your chances of picking the right answer even when unsure. CompTIA doesn't penalize wrong answers, so always pick something rather than leaving questions blank.

Avoiding time traps

Time traps can derail your exam success. Here are the common ones to watch for:
Detailed scenario questions with too much information come first. Take your hand off the mouse while reading the question and all possible answers, this forces you to think methodically instead of clicking too fast.

PBQs without visible timers are next. You can't see the exam clock during these simulation questions, which makes tracking time tricky. Wearing a watch helps you keep track independently.

Overthinking simple questions is the third trap. Trust what you know and don't second-guess straightforward answers. This only adds pressure when you get to later questions.
Questions with long explanations, you’ll need to focus on what's actually being asked. Scenarios often pack in extra details to test how quickly you can spot what matters.

A steady pace throughout the exam helps avoid spending too much time early and rushing later questions. If practice exams show you're running out of time, adjust your strategy, maybe set specific time limits for each section.

Your main goal is to earn as many points as possible within the time limit. Sometimes this means making smart choices, skipping really tough questions to make sure you have time for ones you know you can answer correctly.

Study for Security+ with a Pacing Mindset

Security+ candidates who succeed know that pacing isn't just about exam day, it starts with your first study session. The 90-minute time limit becomes less scary when you've trained for it throughout your learning experience.

Why pacing matters even during prep

Your study approach directly affects how well you perform on the exam. Most candidates don't fail Security+ because they lack knowledge, they fail because they can't manage their time well. A solid study plan will give a clear path to exam success. This plan needs to go beyond just reviewing content, you need to practice answering questions within time limits.

Note that the Security+ exam gives you about one minute per question. This tight schedule means you must learn to process information quickly. You can't just turn this skill on during the exam.

Short study blocks help build this skill naturally. Quick, regular reviews work better than long cramming sessions. Many candidates who pass schedule brief, focused periods to keep key concepts fresh. They go over each domain until they learn it well.

Your study materials should match this pacing approach. Start with the CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam Objectives document as your guide. This resource shows exactly what you need to know, so you can spend the right amount of time on each domain instead of wasting hours on less important topics.

Simulating exam pressure in practice

Just knowing the material won't cut it, you must recall it under pressure. Here are ways to practice realistically:

1. Treat practice exams like the real thing – Sleep well beforehand, eat right, and take them when you'll take the actual exam
2. Time every practice session – Set time limits even when studying single domains to build speed
3. Develop an exam routine – Build consistent pre-test habits to lower anxiety
4. Practice with distractions eliminated – Study in an environment like the testing center

The mental side of exam prep often gets overlooked. Getting into "the zone", that high-focus state, becomes natural with practice. But deep focus can make you lose track of time. Regular practice under exam conditions teaches you to stay focused while watching the clock.

Your practice tests should change as you learn. Take a test before you start studying to see where you stand. Do regular practice exams halfway through to find gaps in your knowledge. Take more full-length practice tests as your exam date gets closer.

Tracking your progress over time

Watching your scores improve keeps you motivated and shows what to study next. A simple tracking sheet with date, score, weak areas, and study focus works well. This helps you spot patterns in your performance and keeps you moving toward the passing score.

Look carefully at questions you got wrong. Each mistake gives you a chance to learn more, study why the right answer works and why yours didn't.

Use practice tests to guide what you study. Focus on domains where you score lowest instead of reviewing everything equally. This stops you from wasting time on stuff you already know.
Steady work beats intense cramming. Studying 1-2 hours daily works better than 15-hour weekend sessions. Regular, focused practice with pacing built in prepares you to show what you know within the exam's time limits.

Training with pacing in mind from day one turns time management from a challenge into a skill you've mastered, substantially improving your odds of passing Security+ on your first try.

How to Study for CompTIA Security+ Effectively

Success in the Security+ exam starts with good preparation. A well-laid-out study approach helps you build knowledge and breaks down complex security concepts into bits you'll remember long after getting certified.

Use the official exam objectives

The life-blood of Security+ prep is the exam objectives document you can get right from CompTIA's website. This free resource works as your complete roadmap throughout your study trip. Start by reading all objectives really well and mark topics you know versus ones you need to work on. This helps you plan your studies by showing where your knowledge gaps are.

Look at how the objectives are split into domains and their exam percentages. The current SY0-701 version divides content into five main areas: General Security Concepts (12%), Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%), Security Architecture (18%), Security Operations (28%), and Security Program Management and Oversight (20%). You should split your study time based on these weights to focus on what matters most.

Note that these objectives aren't just a list, they show exactly what CompTIA wants you to know. Every exam question ties back to specific objective statements.

Choose the right study materials

Your retention and understanding improve a lot when you find resources that match how you learn best. The Security+ world offers many options:
Official CompTIA resources give you the most exam-aligned content. CertMaster Learn offers complete eLearning built around exam objectives with tailored learning plans to help you manage your time. CertMaster Labs connects directly with CertMaster Learn for hands-on skills practice, letting you work smoothly with one login.

Third-party materials work great with official resources. Many successful candidates mix textbooks, videos, practice exams, and hands-on labs based on their learning priorities. Good courses show you hardware installation, network setup, and troubleshooting steps that might not make sense in text.

Practice exams are crucial. CompTIA CertMaster Practice gives you timed tests with the same types of questions you'll see on the real exam, including multiple-choice and performance-based questions. These help you get used to question formats and become better at managing time.

Create a flexible but consistent schedule

Even the best study materials won't help without proper planning. Most people need 3-4 months to get ready for Security+, depending on their background and available time.

Break exam objectives into smaller topics and set weekly goals. This makes certification material easier to handle by focusing on small, doable targets.

Regular study beats cramming every time. Research shows daily 1-2 hour sessions work better than 15-hour weekend marathons. This spacing helps you remember things longer.

Tools can help you stay on track. Many successful candidates use Google Calendar to block out study time, which prevents conflicts and builds routine. Some prefer visual tracking with project management tools like Trello, where they move topics between "To Learn," "Reviewing," and "Mastered" lists.

Regular assessments help shape your plan by showing what you know well and what needs more work.

These strategies will help you build the knowledge and confidence you need to pass CompTIA Security+ on your first try.

Practice Exams and Review Cycles

Practice exams are the life-blood of Security+ preparation. They work as assessment tools and learning opportunities. Regular practice tests help you review your readiness and spot knowledge gaps before the actual certification exam.

At the time to start taking practice tests

The best results come from strategic timing of practice exams throughout your study trip. Take a baseline assessment early in your preparation, even before you start serious studying. This diagnostic test shows your starting point and reveals major gaps you need to work on.

Domain-specific quizzes should follow each completed module. These smaller tests give quick feedback without the stress of full exams. Start taking complete practice tests after covering all domains.

Most candidates who pass take full-length practice exams weekly to measure their progress. This schedule gives you enough time to work on weak areas between tests. You should take more practice tests in the final weeks to build stamina and confidence.
Test scores tell you if you're ready. Scoring 75-85% on good practice tests shows you can handle the actual exam. You should delay scheduling your test and focus on weak areas if you score below 70%.

How to review wrong answers

Practice tests show their real value in how you review your mistakes. Taking the same questions over without understanding your errors wastes study time.

After each practice exam:

1. Keep track of wrong answers in an "error log"
2. Group mistakes by exam domain to find patterns
3. Study each concept until it makes sense
4. Write out explanations for missed questions in your own words

The same practice test should wait. Give yourself 24-72 hours before trying those questions again. This gap helps you learn concepts instead of just memorizing answers.

Quality review matters more than quantity of tests. You should spend double the time reviewing wrong answers compared to taking the test. This deep analysis turns missed questions into learning wins.

Using spaced repetition for memory

Spaced repetition helps you remember things longer. The method works better than cramming, which fades quickly. It creates lasting memory patterns.
Here's how to use this technique:

Make flashcards for tough security concepts. Apps like Anki schedule reviews based on how well you do, showing hard concepts more often than easy ones.

Quick daily reviews of 15-20 minutes help you remember key concepts from earlier studies. Regular practice builds stronger memory connections.

Create a review cycle, study materials, take quizzes, check mistakes, then retest after proper breaks. This method prevents forgetting and helps you learn better.
Best results come from combining spaced repetition with active recall. Test yourself instead of just reading notes. Try explaining security concepts out loud, then check your answers against good sources.

Practice tests help you learn and build test-taking skills. Using smart timing, good review habits, and proven memory techniques boosts your chances of passing CompTIA Security+ on your first try.

Hands-On Learning for Better Retention

Students who take Security+ exams need more than theory and practice tests. They need hands-on labs. Studies show that students retain up to 75% more information with hands-on practice compared to passive learning methods. This significant difference shows why ground experience helps achieve the CompTIA Security+ passing score.

Why labs are essential for PBQs

Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) test knowing how to implement security controls and respond to incidents in simulated environments. Reading about security concepts helps with multiple-choice questions. However, PBQs need you to show your skills. One expert notes, "Reading about firewalls is passive. Configuring one through a practice scenario is active".

A well-laid-out lab environment lets you practice all the hands-on skills needed for the Security+ exam and ground security roles. This preparation makes a difference. Candidates using virtual labs during preparation had a 30% higher pass rate than those who only used study materials.

Best tools for hands-on practice

Your Security+ lab toolkit needs these vital components:

• Network analysis tools: Wireshark for packet analysis and Nmap for network scanning
• Security infrastructure: pfSense for firewall practice and Snort for intrusion detection
• Virtual environments: VMware or VirtualBox to create safe testing spaces

Official CompTIA Security+ labs give browser-based access to real computer equipment that's interactive with no extra software needed. These environments cost around €86.95 for subscription access. Most tools needed for Security+ practice are free for budget-conscious learners.

Integrating labs into your study plan

The right timing matters when adding hands-on practice. Start using tools like Wireshark and Nmap early in your preparation. Labs should happen while you read, not after.

Each study session should have 30-45 minutes of hands-on practice. Understanding how different security concepts work together in ground scenarios improves your complex problem-solving skills.

You can make lab sessions more productive. Create snapshots after major configuration changes. Document IP addresses and credentials safely. Use consistent naming conventions. Try different configurations beyond the lab scenarios. This builds your troubleshooting instincts for exam success.

Regular hands-on practice turns your theoretical knowledge into practical skills. This prepares you for PBQs and your future cybersecurity career.

Final Week Strategy Before the Exam

Your preparation needs to move from extensive studying to targeted readiness as exam day gets closer. The final week marks a vital transition period. Your physical readiness becomes just as important as your technical knowledge during this time.

Focus on weak areas

The final week should polish, not overhaul, your knowledge. Your lowest-scoring topics from practice exams need the most attention. Make a quick index of challenging concepts and review it daily. Teaching concepts to peers is the quickest way to learn, explaining difficult ideas in your own words builds deeper understanding than passive review.

Light review vs. cramming

Cramming rarely works for certification exams. Studies show last-minute marathon sessions fail because your brain processes familiarity and recall differently. Certification exams need deeper recall abilities, while cramming only builds short-term familiarity.
These proven strategies work better:

• Review concepts in short, focused intervals
• Take one final practice test to identify any remaining gaps
• Schedule brief daily reviews of your weakest domains

Rest, nutrition, and mindset

Your cognitive performance depends on your physical condition. Students who got seven hours of sleep did substantially better than their sleep-deprived peers. A water bottle during the exam improved performance by 5%.

Food choices affect your concentration levels. Slow-release carbohydrates like whole grain bread and porridge help maintain stable blood sugar. Iron-rich foods help fight fatigue, while omega-3s from fish boost brain health and sharpen focus.

Regular routines help manage anxiety effectively. Stay away from excess caffeine, sugar, or nicotine that might make you nervous. Get to the testing site early and avoid stress-inducing conversations with other candidates.

Conclusion

The CompTIA Security+ exam needs nowhere near simple memorization of concepts. Your test preparation trip must include a solid grasp of the exam structure. This is just as crucial as the technical content. You'll get one minute for each question, so your time management skills will be your best friend during the test.

Performance-based questions are without doubt the toughest part of Security+. You should spend most of your practice time working through hands-on labs. This will boost your confidence when you face these questions on exam day. Note that these questions show up first and pack more punch in your final score.
On top of that, practice tests help you spot knowledge gaps and build your test-taking stamina. Don't just memorize solutions when you review wrong answers. Try to grasp the concepts instead. This turns your mistakes into chances to learn something new.
Your study plan needs to adapt as the exam gets closer. Start by covering all domains based on the official objectives. Then zero in on areas where you need work, but keep reviewing everything else. The last week should focus on rest, good food, and light review instead of cramming.

Success on the Security+ exam comes from balanced prep work that covers both content and test strategies. The pacing techniques, study methods, and practice approaches in this piece will get you ready. You won't just pass - you'll crush it. The Security+ certification is waiting for you to grab it.