Certifications / Security+ guide
Security+ Certification Guide for Canada & US Students
The CompTIA Security+ certification (SY0-701) is the most widely held entry-level cybersecurity credential, recognized by the Canadian federal government, meeting US DoD 8570 baseline requirements, and the credential most Canadian SOC and security analyst job postings list. CISNET's Security+ training gives you live instruction, guided labs, and a direct path into roles tied to $65,000 - $95,000.
Reviewed by Mani Poopal· Lead Networking Instructor· Updated September 2026Who Security+ is for
- IT professionals who want to add security credibility to their resume
- Students targeting SOC, analyst, compliance, or security operations roles
- Career changers who want a recognized baseline cybersecurity certification
What you will cover
- General Security Concepts
Security controls • CIA triad
- Threats & Vulnerabilities
Malware types • Social engineering
- Security Architecture
Network security • Cloud security
- Security Operations
Monitoring & alerting • Incident response
- Security Program Management
Governance & compliance • Risk management
“The candidates who pass on the first attempt are the ones who spend more time in the lab than in the slides. Configure it, break it, fix it. That is what the exam actually measures.”
Security+ certification quick facts
Verified Security+ exam structure, cost, and renewal cycle. Last reviewed June 2026.
| Issuing body | CompTIA |
|---|---|
| Exam code | SY0-701 |
| Format | Single proctored exam (multiple-choice + performance-based questions) |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE test center or CompTIA online testing |
| Question count | 90 (max) |
| Time limit | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 750/900 (scaled) |
| Exam cost (USD) | $404 |
| Validity | 3 years |
| Renewal | 3 years, renew by earning 50 CEUs, passing CySA+/PenTest+/CASP+, or re-taking |
| Blueprint last updated | 2023-11-07 |
Prerequisites
None formal. CompTIA recommends 2 years of IT administration experience with security focus.
What the SY0-701 exam covers
- ›General Security Concepts: 12%
- ›Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations: 22%
- ›Security Architecture: 18%
- ›Security Operations: 28%
- ›Security Program Management and Oversight: 20%
How to get Security+ certified
- 1
Confirm you meet the Security+ prerequisites
None formal. CompTIA recommends 2 years of IT administration experience with security focus. Most candidates also benefit from foundational labs and self-study before formal training.
- 2
Enrol in CISNET's live Security+ bootcamp
CISNET delivers Security+ as a 30-hour live, instructor-led online program. Sessions are recorded, labs stay open between classes, and one-on-one exam prep is included.
- 3
Build hands-on lab experience while you study
Pair every CISNET Security+ session with hands-on lab repetition. The exam rewards applied skill, not memorisation, so the lab work is what produces first-attempt success.
- 4
Sit the SY0-701 exam
Schedule the CompTIA SY0-701 exam via Pearson VUE (USD $404). Expect 90 (max) questions in 90 minutes.
- 5
Maintain your Security+ certification
3 years, renew by earning 50 CEUs, passing CySA+/PenTest+/CASP+, or re-taking. Track continuing-education credits early so renewal is paperwork, not a scramble.
Official exam resources
The exam cost, domains, and question counts on this page come from CompTIA's official blueprint. Confirm current details with the primary source before you book your exam.
What you need before you start
Most students ask the wrong question about Security+ requirements. The formal barrier is usually low; the practical one is whether you can keep a steady lab habit between sessions.
Formal and practical requirements
- No formal prerequisite, but basic networking and systems knowledge help.
- Security+ is ideal after A+ or alongside CCNA-level study.
- You should be able to explain why a control exists, not just name it.
What CISNET expects you to bring
- ›CompTIA A+ recommended but not required
- ›Basic networking knowledge helpful
Before you book the exam
Students usually lose time when they treat the exam as a memorization project. Work the blueprint, but aim for sharper judgment, repeatable lab habits, and a study pace you can sustain.
Readiness checklist
- I can commit consistent weekly study time alongside the live Security+ sessions.
- I am comfortable working through guided labs rather than only reading.
- I know why Security+ fits the role I want next.
Security+ jobs and salary paths
Use Security+ to position yourself for roles that align with security work in Canada.
Security Analyst
$65,000 - $95,000
Very High
SOC Analyst
$55,000 - $80,000
Very High
Information Security Specialist
$70,000 - $100,000
High
Free Security+ tools
No signup, no email required. Use them while you study or before you decide whether Security+ is the right next step.
How to prepare effectively
- Understand security principles in context instead of memorizing isolated terms.
- Practice incident, risk, identity, and network security scenarios together.
- Use labs to connect concepts like access control, logging, hardening, and response.
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Popular training locations
CISNET teaches Security+ online live, so students can join from major Canadian markets without waiting for a city-specific classroom schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Security+ certification?
The Security+ certification is a intermediate credential in security. It validates the skills employers expect for Security Analyst and SOC Analyst in the Canadian and US job market. CISNET prepares students for the Security+ exam through live, instructor-led training with hands-on labs.
How much does the Security+ certification cost?
There are two costs: the official Security+ exam fee, currently about US$404 paid directly to the certifying body, and your preparation. CISNET's live, instructor-led Security+ training is $699 and includes hands-on labs, recorded sessions, and one-on-one exam prep, so plan for both the training and the exam fee.
How long does it take to get the Security+ certification?
Most candidates are exam-ready in 8-12 weeks: CISNET's live Security+ program runs 30 instructor-led hours, plus 2-4 weeks of focused review. Career switchers starting from zero should plan another 4 weeks of foundation building.
Is the Security+ certification worth it in Canada?
Yes for most candidates targeting Security Analyst or SOC Analyst. Typical Canadian Security+-aligned roles pay $65,000 - $95,000, and the credential is widely recognized by Canadian and US employers. The ROI is strongest when Security+ closes a real skill gap on the role you want next.
Does CISNET deliver Security+ training online in Canada?
Yes. Every Security+ cohort runs online live, instructor-led from Mississauga, Ontario, with students joining across Canada and the US. Sessions are recorded, labs are open between classes, and one-on-one exam prep is included.
What exam do I take for Security+?
Security+ maps to the CompTIA SY0-701 exam path. CISNET training is structured to help students prepare for that blueprint with live instruction and labs.
How should I prepare for the Security+ exam?
Start with the blueprint, map each domain to labs, and use repeated practice on weak areas instead of trying to memorize everything in one pass.
Do I need prior experience before starting Security+?
CompTIA A+ recommended but not required
What is the difference between Security+ and CISSP?
Security+ is entry-level (0-2 years experience) covering broad security fundamentals. CISSP is advanced (5+ years required) covering security management, architecture, and governance at an enterprise level.
Do I need experience for Security+?
CompTIA recommends 2 years of IT experience with a security focus, but it is not required to sit the exam. Many of our students pass with no prior security experience.
How long is the Security+ course?
Our Security+ (SY0-701) training is 30 hours of live instruction in weekly weekend sessions, with hands-on labs in virtual security environments.
Need help deciding if Security+ is the right next step?
Talk to CISNET and get a practical recommendation based on your current experience and target role.
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