Security+ / Security+ vs CISSP
Security+ vs CISSP: Which Certification Fits Better?
Security+ suits IT professionals who want to add security credibility to their resume. CISSP suits experienced security or infrastructure professionals moving into senior roles. If you plan to earn both, start with Security+: it is the more foundational of the two, and the concepts it builds carry directly into CISSP. Tackling CISSP first usually means re-learning fundamentals under exam pressure.
| Category | Security+ | CISSP |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Vendor | CompTIA | ISC2 |
| Exam | SY0-701 | CISSP CAT |
| Exam format | Single proctored exam (multiple-choice + performance-based questions) | Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT), 100 to 150 items, ends when statistical confidence is reached |
| Renewal cycle | 3 years, renew by earning 50 CEUs, passing CySA+, PenTest+ or SecurityX (formerly CASP+), or re-taking | 3 years, 120 CPEs per cycle (ISC2 suggests 40 a year but requires no annual minimum) plus a US$135 annual maintenance fee |
| Recommended experience | Baseline IT literacy with some networking and systems exposure (Network+ recommended but not required) | 5+ years of paid, full-time work in 2 or more of the 8 CBK domains |
| Training hours | 30 hours | 40 hours |
| Course price | $699 | $899 |
| Typical Canadian salary band | $55K-$100K CAD | $110K-$250K CAD |
| Best-fit roles | Security Analyst | Chief Information Security Officer |
| Recommended starting point | No formal prerequisite, but basic networking and systems knowledge help. | Best suited to professionals with substantial hands-on IT or security experience. |
When Security+ is the better choice
- 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
When CISSP is the better choice
- Experienced security or infrastructure professionals moving into senior roles
- Managers, architects, and leads who need a strategic security credential
- Professionals building toward governance, risk, and enterprise security leadership
What Security+ training covers
- Threats, attacks, and defensive controls
- Identity, access, and network security
- Risk management, governance, and response
- Security operations and practical hardening
What CISSP training covers
- Security and risk management
- Asset, identity, and architecture security
- Assessment, operations, and software security
- Governance and leadership-level decision making
Comparison FAQs
Which certification is better for beginners: Security+ or CISSP?
CISSP is usually the easier starting point, while Security+ makes more sense once you already have stronger fundamentals.
How do the Security+ and CISSP exams compare?
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. CISSP is earned by passing one exam, ISC2 CISSP CAT. It has 100 to 150 questions in 180 minutes. The passing score is 700/1000 on ISC2's scaled scoring.
How should I choose between Security+ and CISSP?
Security+ suits IT professionals who want to add security credibility to their resume. CISSP suits experienced security or infrastructure professionals moving into senior roles. Pick the one that matches the job you want next.
Which pays more: Security+ or CISSP?
Typical Canadian roles tied to Security+ run $55K-$100K CAD, while CISSP-related roles run $110K-$250K CAD. Actual pay depends far more on the specific role, your experience, and the city than on the certification alone.
Can I earn both Security+ and CISSP?
If you plan to earn both, start with Security+: it is the more foundational of the two, and the concepts it builds carry directly into CISSP. Tackling CISSP first usually means re-learning fundamentals under exam pressure.
Need a direct recommendation between Security+ and CISSP?
Talk to CISNET and get a recommendation based on your current skills, not generic internet rankings.
Get in Touch
