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 July 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
Security+ certification quick facts
Verified Security+ exam structure, cost, and renewal cycle. Last reviewed June 2026.
| Issuing body | CompTIA |
|---|---|
| Exam code | SY0-701 |
| Question count | 90 (max) |
| Time limit | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 750/900 (scaled) |
| Exam cost (USD) | $404 |
| Validity | 3 years |
| 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.
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
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 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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