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, approved under the US Department of Defense 8140 framework, 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 that pay $55K-$100K CADin CISNET's career data.
Reviewed by Mani Poopal· Lead Networking Instructor· Updated October 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
Security+ exam structure, cost and renewal, checked on CompTIA's own pages on October 27, 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) |
| Validity | 3 years |
| Renewal | 3 years, renew by earning 50 CEUs, passing CySA+, PenTest+ or SecurityX (formerly CASP+), or re-taking |
| Blueprint last updated | November 7, 2023 |
Prerequisites
None formal. CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years of experience in a security or systems administrator job role.
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 Network+ and two years of experience in a security or systems administrator job role. 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.
- 3
Practise until your weak domains are gone
Between sessions, work exam-style questions, starting with CISNET's free Security+ practice questions, and go back over every domain you miss. The exam rewards applied judgement, not memorisation.
- 4
Sit the SY0-701 exam
Schedule the CompTIA SY0-701 exam via Pearson VUE (current vendor pricing). Expect 90 (max) questions in 90 minutes.
- 5
Maintain your Security+ certification
3 years, renew by earning 50 CEUs, passing CySA+, PenTest+ or SecurityX (formerly CASP+), or re-taking. Track continuing-education credits early so renewal is paperwork, not a scramble.
Sources and last verified
Every exam fact on this page (fee, length, scoring, requirements and renewal) was checked on CompTIA's own pages on October 27, 2026. Vendors change fees and policies, so confirm them on these pages before you book.
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 CompTIA Security+ certification (SY0-701) is the most widely held entry-level cybersecurity credential, recognized by the Canadian federal government, approved under the US Department of Defense 8140 framework, and the credential most Canadian SOC and security analyst job postings list. CISNET teaches it as a 30-hour live online course.
How much does the Security+ certification cost?
There are two costs. The exam fee is set by CompTIA and paid when you book. CISNET's live online Security+ course is $699 CAD for 30 hours of instructor-led classes.
How long does it take to get the Security+ certification?
Most candidates are exam-ready in 8 to 12 weeks: CISNET's live Security+ course runs 30 instructor-led hours, followed by 2 to 4 weeks of focused review. Career changers starting from zero should plan another 4 weeks for the fundamentals.
Is the Security+ certification worth it in Canada?
For most people aiming at security analyst, SOC analyst or information security specialist roles, yes. CISNET's Canadian career data puts those roles at $55K-$100K CAD. Security+ pays off most when it closes the skill gap between your current job and the one you want next.
Does CISNET deliver Security+ training online in Canada?
Yes. Every Security+ cohort runs live online from Mississauga, Ontario, and students join from across Canada and the United States. There is no classroom to attend.
What exam do I take for Security+?
Security+ is earned by passing one exam, CompTIA SY0-701. It has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. The passing score is 750/900 on CompTIA's scaled scoring.
Do I need experience before taking Security+?
No. Security+ has no formal prerequisites. CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years of experience in a security or systems administrator job role.
When does Security+ SY0-701 retire?
CompTIA retires SY0-701 on June 11, 2027 in English and on August 13, 2027 in Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai. Security+ V8, exam SY0-801, is expected to launch on or around November 17, 2026, so both versions can be booked for a time. A pass on either earns the same Security+ certification, valid for three years.
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.
What does Security+ cover?
SY0-701 covers five domains: general security concepts (12%), threats, vulnerabilities and mitigations (22%), security architecture (18%), security operations (28%), and security program management and oversight (20%). It is vendor-neutral. SY0-801, launching on or around November 17, 2026, keeps five domains and adds AI threats.
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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