Is CompTIA Security+ Hard? What to Expect, PBQs, and How to Prepare

The CompTIA Security+ exam has a first-time failure rate above 50% for candidates without classroom training. This statistic raises an important question - just how tough is this certification? Many IT professionals find the exam quite challenging. You must answer 90 questions in 90 minutes, which demands quick decisions and solid preparation.

Your background and preparation level determine how difficult you'll find CompTIA Security+. The exam uses a 100-900 point scale, and you need 750 points to pass - that's about 83% correct answers. This high passing threshold makes the certification valuable yet demanding. The questions often ask for multiple solutions or the best approach to different scenarios. The current SY0-701 version combines multiple-choice questions with performance-based tasks that test your hands-on skills.

The material might feel more manageable if you have the Network+ certification or two years of IT experience. Everyone else needs proper preparation. This piece explains what makes the Security+ exam challenging and offers practical strategies for first-attempt success. Practice tests from Crucial Exams can help you get familiar with question formats and spot knowledge gaps before the big day.

What Is the CompTIA Security+ Exam?

The CompTIA Security+ certification is a worldwide standard qualification for cybersecurity professionals. This entry-level certification proves your basic security skills and helps you land intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.

Exam version: SY0-701 overview

The latest version, SY0-701, launched on November 7, 2023 and replaced the older SY0-601 version. This new version matches today's security trends and technologies, keeping up with industry standards.

You can expect this exam to stay valid for about three years, likely retiring in 2026. The SY0-701 update has new exam objectives that better fit today's cybersecurity industry methods and trends.

Getting this certification shows you know how to:

• Get a full picture of enterprise security and put the right solutions in place
• Keep an eye on hybrid setups including cloud, mobile, and IoT systems
• Work within rules and compliance frameworks
• Spot, analyze, and handle security incidents

The exam comes in five languages: English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Thai, making it available to professionals everywhere.

Number of questions and time limit

The Security+ exam gives you up to 90 questions to answer in 90 minutes. This means you get about a minute for each question, so you'll need to manage your time well.

You'll see multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs are tougher because they test how you'd handle real-life security situations instead of just checking what you remember. These questions put you in scenarios that mirror actual security challenges.

Time management and familiarity with both question types matter a lot. Practice tests help you get comfortable with the format and teach you to work under pressure.

Passing score and scoring scale

CompTIA scores the Security+ exam on a scale from 100 to 900 points. You need at least 750 points to pass, which means getting about 83% of the questions right.

Harder questions are worth more points than easier ones. This balanced scoring system makes sure the test stays fair even when different versions have questions of varying difficulty.

Your score shows up right after you finish the exam and survey. If you pass, CompTIA Certmetrics emails you instructions to get your exam record.

A Security+ exam voucher costs $425.00 USD. That's a big investment, so good preparation matters.

The high passing score might worry you at first. But knowing how the exam works helps explain why people often wonder about its difficulty. The mix of different questions, wide range of topics, and strict time limits make it a real test of your security knowledge. With good preparation and plenty of practice, you can master this certification challenge.

What Topics Are Covered in the Security+ Exam?

The CompTIA Security+ exam covers five main domains. Each domain carries different weight based on its role in today's digital world. You'll need to know these domains well to handle both the regular questions and hands-on scenarios.

General Security Concepts (12%)

This smallest domain serves as the foundation for everything else. You'll need to become skilled at security control categories (technical, managerial, operational, physical) and types (preventive, deterrent, detective, corrective). The domain also heads over to the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability), non-repudiation concepts, and the AAA model (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting).

The material also covers zero trust architecture principles, physical security elements like bollards and access badges, plus deception tools such as honeypots. While this section carries less weight, these concepts show up throughout other domains and play a vital role in your success.

Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%)

This second-largest domain tests how well you can spot security risks and put the right countermeasures in place. The exam wants you to separate threat actors (nation-states, hacktivists, insiders) and what drives them (financial gain, espionage, service disruption).

You should recognize common attack paths, from phishing emails to vulnerable software and default credentials. The domain also covers application weak points, hardware problems, and zero-day attacks. Spotting signs of malicious activity, from malware symptoms to network attacks, is vital for passing the exam.

The last part explores protection strategies including segmentation, access control, patching, encryption, and system hardening. The substantial weight of this domain means mastering it will boost your chances of success.

Security Architecture and Design (18%)

This domain reviews your grasp of security frameworks and design principles. Questions focus on infrastructure pieces like cloud setups, infrastructure as code, serverless tech, and software-defined networking.

Security architecture topics include industrial control systems (ICS/SCADA), virtualization, containerization, and embedded systems. The exam delves into design choices such as availability, resilience, scalability, and risk transference.

Scenarios often ask you to pick the best architecture for specific security needs while balancing cost, performance, and security controls.

Security Operations (28%)

Security Operations, the largest domain, tests how you handle day-to-day security tasks and management. This part checks your knowledge of secure baselines, system hardening in platforms of all types (mobile devices, servers, IoT), and wireless security setups.

The content covers mobile device management solutions, deployment models (BYOD, COPE), and wireless security settings including WPA3 and RADIUS. Application security topics like input validation, secure cookies, and code signing take center stage.

This domain's heavy weight shows that Security+ values practical skills as much as book knowledge.

Security Program Management (20%)

This domain looks at security from an organizational view. Questions cover security governance elements like guidelines, policies (acceptable use, business continuity), standards, and procedures.

The exam checks your knowledge of regulations at local, national, and global levels. Topics include governance structures like boards and committees, plus roles and responsibilities for systems and data (owners, controllers, processors).

These five domains show why people often ask about the exam's difficulty. You need both theory and hands-on skills to master security concepts of all types.

How Hard Is the CompTIA Security+ Exam for Beginners?

The CompTIA Security+ exam proves tough for first-time candidates, especially those without formal IT training. Studies show the failure rate can exceed 50% among non-classroom trained candidates. Many people wonder just how tough Security+ really is for complete beginners.

Difficulty for candidates without IT background

Starting from scratch without IT experience makes Security+ particularly challenging. The exam tests how well you understand abstract security concepts, risk assessment scenarios, and detailed threat knowledge. While entry-level tech roles focus on hands-on tasks, security needs you to understand complex relationships between systems, threats, and mitigations.

You should already know simple IT and networking concepts that CompTIA's other certifications cover. Without this foundation, you'll learn two subjects at once, basic IT infrastructure and security concepts, which makes this a much tougher challenge.

CompTIA recommends two years of IT experience with a security focus. Yet motivated beginners can still pass with dedicated study. The certification has no formal prerequisites, making it available but potentially misleading about how difficult it really is.

Comparison with A+ and Network+

Security+ proves more challenging than both CompTIA A+ and Network+. Here's why:
The exam builds on A+ and Network+ concepts but adds security layers to each topic. To name just one example, while Network+ teaches basic network traffic patterns, Security+ needs you to spot how these patterns might reveal potential attacks.

Security+ needs you to think critically beyond memorization. Questions test how well you can apply security principles to real situations, a skill that needs deep understanding. You often need to pick the best solution among several correct options, which adds complexity.

The exam has a higher passing score than other CompTIA exams. This higher standard means you need to learn more material really well.

A side-by-side comparison reveals:

• A+: Focuses on hardware and basic troubleshooting
• Network+: Covers networking concepts and implementation
• Security+: Combines networking with security principles, risk management, and threat response

Most professionals say Security+ feels much harder than Network+, even with some content overlap.

Estimated study time for different experience levels

Your background changes how long you'll need to prepare:

• No IT background: 3-6 months of regular study. This timeline lets you build both basic IT knowledge and security expertise.
• With IT experience but no security background: 4-6 weeks of focused study. Your tech knowledge gives you a solid foundation to learn security concepts.
• With Network+ or similar certification: 2-4 weeks of intensive preparation. You'll have a head start because networking and security topics overlap.
• Working security professionals: 2-4 weeks of exam-focused review. You'll just need to match your hands-on knowledge with what the exam expects.

The good news? Dedicated preparation leads to success, even without formal prerequisites. Success comes when you understand that Security+ needs both theory and practical skills, and plan your studies that way.

Understanding Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)

PBQs are the toughest part of the CompTIA Security+ exam. These questions go beyond multiple-choice and test how you apply security knowledge in simulated scenarios. Most candidates say PBQs are "easily the hardest part of the exam" because they have multiple layers of complexity.

Types of PBQs: drag-and-drop, simulations, CLI tasks

The Security+ exam features three main PBQ formats that test different hands-on skills:

• Scenario-based questions put you in hypothetical security situations like malware outbreaks or breaches. You'll spot problems and pick the right fixes. A typical scenario might ask you to check endpoint logs and find which system started a malware infection and how it spread.
• Simulation questions let you work with virtual tools that mirror ground security systems. You might set up firewall rules, create VPN tunnels, or look at network traffic. One common task asks you to set up both sides of a site-to-site VPN tunnel and configure Phase 1 and Phase 2 settings.
• Drag-and-drop questions check if you understand how security pieces fit together. You'll organize network parts into security zones, put incident response steps in order, or match threats to defenses. You might place network components like load balancers, databases, and web servers into the right subnet zones.

These practical scenarios match real security tasks and usually show up when you start the exam.

How PBQs are scored (partial credit, reset options)

CompTIA keeps its scoring system private, but we know some key facts:

• PBQs carry more weight than regular multiple-choice questions and make up about 20% of your total score. While CompTIA doesn't officially say PBQs count more, experts believe their complexity justifies a bigger impact on final scores.
• The good news is you can get partial credit for PBQs with multiple parts. If a question has several setup steps, you'll earn points for the parts you get right, even if the whole answer isn't perfect.

Each PBQ has a handy "reset" button. You can start over if you make mistakes or want a fresh try. There's no penalty for using reset, but you won't get extra time.

Tips for approaching PBQs under time pressure

Most PBQs take 10-15 minutes each and appear at the start. Smart time management makes a big difference:

• Read instructions carefully before you start. PBQ directions often list specific requirements you must follow for correct implementation.
• Skip tough PBQs if needed. When a scenario looks too time-consuming, use "Mark Question" and come back after easier ones. This keeps one hard PBQ from eating up too much time.
• Watch your time. With 4-5 PBQs per exam, save 50-60 minutes for these questions and 30-40 minutes for multiple-choice ones.
• Practice with real simulations before the big day. Crucial Exams has Security+ practice tests with PBQ-style scenarios that help you get comfortable with these formats.
• Use reset wisely. If your solution isn't working, start fresh with the reset button if you have enough time left.

Students who practice PBQs, not just study concepts, have better chances of passing Security+ on their first try.

Common Challenges That Make Security+ Hard

Several factors make the CompTIA Security+ exam a tough challenge for many candidates. Let's get into the biggest obstacles you'll face while preparing for this certification.

Wide scope of topics

The Security+ exam covers a vast range of cybersecurity subjects that create a heavy knowledge load. Your preparation needs to cover everything from simple principles like the CIA triad to advanced concepts such as intrusion detection systems and cryptographic implementations.

This breadth creates unique challenges because the exam needs you to understand cybersecurity in many areas, from architecture and operations to governance and compliance. While specialized certifications need deep knowledge in specific areas, Security+ requires you to know "a little about a lot".

You'll need to become skilled at these topics:

• General security principles and concepts
• Network security technologies and tools
• Access management systems and authentication
• Cryptography and PKI
• Identity and access management
• Risk identification and mitigation
• Incident response procedures

The exam connects these areas and tests how well you understand security elements working together in real-life scenarios.

Time pressure: 1 minute per question

Time management becomes vital with 90 questions to complete in 90 minutes. This one-minute-per-question pace creates intense pressure because many questions need careful reading and analysis.

The exam's structure makes this pressure even more intense, questions with long explanations need quick understanding without missing key details. New test-takers often struggle to find the right balance between speed and accuracy.

Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) add another time challenge. These scenario-based items usually show up early in the exam and don't display the on-screen timer, so tracking your own time becomes crucial. Many people spend too much time on PBQs and run short on time for multiple-choice questions.

Tricky wording and distractor options

The exam often uses questions that are purposely vague or wordy. Half the exam has straightforward 1-2 line questions, while the other half features longer, complex scenarios.

You must watch for capitalized words like "BEST," "MOST," and "LEAST." These words signal that multiple answers might seem right, but only one fits the specific requirement. Words like "NOT" and phrases like "not uncommon" can completely change what a question asks.

The exam's toughest feature might be its "distractor" options, answers that look correct but aren't the best solution. This approach tests real understanding beyond memorization. You'll often need to spot "the vulnerability" instead of "the attack method," which requires precise reading.

Need for both theory and hands-on knowledge

Security+ tests theoretical knowledge and practical application skills. Multiple-choice questions check your grasp of concepts and definitions, while PBQs review your ability to use this knowledge in simulated environments.

The exam expects you to know technical skills like configuring firewalls, implementing encryption, setting up access controls, and fixing security solutions. Without hands-on experience, the practical parts become much harder.

Remember that Security+ maintains high standards to confirm genuine security competence. Understanding these challenges helps you create a preparation strategy that covers both knowledge requirements and practical skills needed for success.

How to Prepare for the Security+ Exam Effectively

Getting ready for your Security+ certification can change a daunting challenge into something you can handle. Your success depends on how you handle study materials, manage your time, and focus on key areas.

Review official exam objectives

You need a map to start your Security+ prep journey. The CompTIA Security+ exam objectives document works as your guide and shows exactly what you need to learn. These objectives cover five domains and list all topics you'll see on test day.

The first step is to download the official objectives PDF from the CompTIA website. Take time to rate how well you know each topic. This self-check helps you spot areas where you need more work. This document becomes your study guide at the start and your checklist at the end.

The Security+ exam tests if you can "assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions" plus other key skills. Your prep work should match these goals.

Use multiple study resources (books, videos, labs)

One study resource isn't enough to pass an exam like Security+. Professor Messer, a respected Security+ instructor, says you need "four things to make your studies a success: complete videos, good books, plenty of hands-on, and lots of Q&A".

Good study materials include:

• Official CompTIA resources: CertMaster Learn gives you interactive lessons with flashcards and performance-based questions
• Third-party books: CompTIA Security+ Study Guide, Get Certified Get Ahead, and CompTIA Security+ Certification Guide offer detailed explanations
• Video courses: These make complex topics easier to understand with structured lessons
• Hands-on labs: CompTIA CertMaster Labs let you practice on real equipment instead of simulations
• Practice tests: Crucial Exams offers Security+ practice tests that show your weak spots through analytics

Different formats help you learn better because they engage various parts of your brain. Start with videos or books to build your base knowledge. Then move to labs for hands-on skills and test yourself often with practice questions.

Active learning beats passive reading when it comes to understanding security concepts. Try explaining topics out loud or teaching someone else to cement your knowledge.

Understand acronyms and terminology

The Security+ exam is packed with technical jargon and specific terms. CompTIA makes this clear: "Candidates are encouraged to review the complete list and attain a working knowledge of all listed acronyms as a part of a complete exam preparation program".

Make flashcards for key terms like CIA (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability), AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting), and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Knowing these terms helps you answer questions quickly under pressure.

Set aside special time to learn acronyms instead of mixing them with other topics. This focused method helps you avoid confusion during the exam when you see unfamiliar terms.

These prep strategies tackle the biggest challenges of the Security+ exam. Your focused, multi-layered approach is a big deal as it means that you're more likely to pass this tough certification on your first try.

Practice Makes Perfect: Using Crucial Exams for Prep

Success in the Security+ exam demands more than reading books and watching videos. Regular practice with realistic test questions will boost your chances of passing significantly.

Overview of Crucial Exams Security+ practice tests

Crucial Exams provides 1,400 practice questions tailored for the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam. These questions match the actual test's content and format. The CompTIA Security+ practice test covers all five exam domains based on their weightings. Unlike simple free resources, Crucial Exams delivers complete materials that stay current with the latest exam objectives.

The platform shines with its 9 performance-based questions (PBQs) that replicate the hands-on portions of the actual exam. These interactive exercises let you master the skills-based scenarios that challenge most candidates. The platform also has 374 flashcards across 4 decks that help reinforce security concepts.

Benefits of timed practice and question review

Crucial Exams gives you two ways to study: Study Mode and Test Mode. Study Mode lets you tackle questions at your own speed with instant feedback after each answer. This helps you build your knowledge base without time constraints.

Test Mode creates test-like conditions that mirror the actual exam. You'll develop vital time management skills needed for the one-minute-per-question pace of the real test. Just like the actual exam, you can mark tough questions to review later.

Each practice test comes with detailed explanations for right and wrong answers. This feedback helps you understand not just the correct answer, but why it's right, a difference that matters when tackling tricky Security+ questions.

How to identify weak areas using Crucial Exams analytics

The platform's best feature lets you monitor your performance by exam objectives. The analytics dashboard reveals which Security+ domains need more work, enabling focused study instead of random review.

You can build custom practice tests that zero in on areas where you need improvement. Picking specific objectives or domains helps you address knowledge gaps quickly.

This data-driven approach turns questions about the CompTIA Security+ exam's difficulty into specific challenges you can tackle. You'll know exactly which concepts need work instead of wondering about the overall difficulty level.

Study Plan and Time Management Tips

A well-planned study schedule can make the difference between passing and failing the Security+ exam. Your study approach should match your experience level and available time.

Daily vs weekly study schedules

Your background determines the preparation time you need. IT professionals with experience typically need about 80 hours of focused study. Those with less experience should plan for approximately 160 hours. This breaks down into two scheduling options:

• Intensive schedule: 20-25 hours weekly (5 hours videos/demos, 2 hours fact sheets, 8 hours labs, 5 hours practice exams) – perfect for people with flexible schedules or urgent certification needs
• Moderate schedule: 10-15 hours weekly (2.5 hours videos/demos, 1 hour fact sheets, 4 hours labs, 2.5 hours practice exams) – suits those who balance work and other commitments better

Start by identifying your available study blocks during the week. Early sessions might work better for morning people, while others might prefer evening hours. Timing matters less than consistency – a five-day gap in studying can set you back significantly.

When to take practice exams

Practice tests are vital progress indicators throughout your preparation experience. Here's an effective testing strategy:

• Use practice tests early to assess yourself and identify weak domains. Start taking regular practice exams halfway through your study plan to measure progress and adjust your focus.
• The final preparation phase (last 1-2 weeks) should include full-length practice exams under timed conditions. Crucial Exams Security+ practice tests provide up-to-the-minute data analysis that highlights weak areas, helping you focus on challenging topics before exam day.

Balancing work, study, and rest

Successful candidates approach their studies in clear phases:

1. Focus on foundational topics
2. Head over to exam domains
3. Apply knowledge through practice
4. Final review for exam readiness

Regular breaks help you retain information better than continuous studying. Staying hydrated throughout your preparation prevents headaches from dehydration or exhaustion.

Your schedule should include buffer time for unexpected events. Limit your review to 2 hours maximum the day before your exam. This reduces mental fatigue and anxiety before the big day.

Conclusion

The CompTIA Security+ certification is a real challenge, especially when you don't have IT experience. This piece explains why more than 50% of candidates without classroom training don't pass the exam. The mix of wide-ranging topics, time limits, and tricky question formats makes this a big deal.

Notwithstanding that, you can pass Security+ with the right preparation. Understanding how the exam works helps you handle its challenges step by step. You get 90 minutes to answer 90 questions, so time management skills are vital. This becomes even more important with performance-based questions that take 10-15 minutes each.

On top of that, you need to study all five exam domains carefully. Security Operations is the heaviest at 28%, but don't ignore smaller domains like General Security Concepts - they could throw off your certification experience. Your prep work should cover both theory and hands-on skills in any discipline.

Beginners without IT backgrounds just need 3-6 months of focused study. People with Network+ or IT experience usually get ready in 4-6 weeks. Regular, consistent study works better than cramming - even short daily practice sessions are more effective.

Practice tests are a great way to get ready for the exam. Crucial Exams provides 1,400 practice questions designed for Security+ SY0-701 that cover all exam domains. Their performance-based question simulations let you practice the toughest parts before the real thing. These practice tests help build confidence and show where you need more work.

The road to Security+ certification might look steep, but thousands of professionals earn this credential each year. With official exam objectives, different study resources, and regular practice through Crucial Exams, you can join them. The question isn't "how hard is Security+" but "how well can I prepare?"

Your Security+ experience means more than getting a credential - it builds security knowledge you'll use throughout your IT career. Think of each study hour as an investment in your future. Start preparing today with Crucial Exams practice tests and turn the Security+ challenge into your next career win.