What Is the Passing Score for the CompTIA Security+ Exam

The CompTIA Security+ certification is often the first stepping stone into a professional cybersecurity career. It validates your knowledge of essential security functions, including risk management, threat analysis, and network security. This credential is recognized across industries and meets U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) standards for certain job roles, making it highly valuable for both public and private sector careers.

However, before you can add Security+ to your resume, you must pass the exam. One of the most frequently asked questions is: What’s the minimum score required to pass, and how is it calculated?

Exam Format and What to Expect

The Security+ exam (currently SY0-701) is designed to assess both knowledge and practical skills. The exam is computer-based and includes up to 90 questions, which must be completed in 90 minutes.

You will encounter a mix of:

Multiple-choice questions
Performance-based questions (PBQs)

PBQs are scenario-driven and test your ability to apply concepts in realistic situations. These questions often carry more weight in the scoring system and require more critical thinking and time.

Overview of Exam Domains

Understanding the exam structure helps in prioritizing your preparation. The exam covers five core domains, each with a specific percentage weight that contributes to your overall score.

General Security Concepts – 12%

This domain establishes the foundation of cybersecurity. It includes core ideas like the CIA triad—confidentiality, integrity, and availability—as well as various security control types such as preventive, detective, and corrective controls. You’ll also learn about key frameworks and security models.

Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations – 22%

This section covers a wide range of threats, from phishing attacks to ransomware and insider threats. It also includes software vulnerabilities and the tools used to identify and mitigate them. You’ll need to understand attacker behavior and how to respond effectively.

Security Architecture – 18%

Security architecture focuses on system design and implementation. You’ll study access controls, encryption standards, secure protocols, and principles like segmentation and isolation. The emphasis is on creating systems that are both resilient and compliant.

Security Operations – 28%

This is the most heavily weighted domain. It involves operational aspects like incident response, monitoring tools, vulnerability management, and automation. You’ll work with various data sources—logs, alerts, and threat intelligence—to support decisions and investigations.

Security Program Management and Oversight – 20%

This area includes risk management, policy development, compliance, and user training. It focuses on creating an environment where security is built into the organization’s processes and culture.

Recent Changes in the SY0-701 Exam

The shift from SY0-601 to SY0-701 brought a series of important updates to reflect the current threat landscape. Key changes include:

Enhanced coverage of cloud and hybrid security
New threat types, including ransomware and internal actors
A greater emphasis on modern tools like intrusion detection systems and endpoint detection platforms

These changes ensure that the exam remains relevant and aligned with real-world job roles.

Understanding the Passing Score

The passing score for the Security+ exam is 750 out of 900. However, this is not a simple percentage-based system. CompTIA uses a scaled scoring system, which adjusts for difficulty and ensures fairness across different versions of the exam.

How Scaled Scoring Works

The score range is between 100 and 900
You must score at least 750 to pass
Scores are weighted based on the difficulty of each question

For example, correctly answering a more difficult question may earn you more points than an easier one. This system accounts for variability and ensures that all candidates are assessed fairly, regardless of the specific version of the test they receive.

Why Knowing the Passing Score Is Important

Knowing that you need a 750 helps you shape your study goals more effectively. Here’s how:

It provides a target to aim for
It helps you build confidence when answering tough questions
It allows you to plan your time more strategically during the exam

Factors That Impact Your Ability to Reach 750

Several elements influence how easy or difficult it will be for you to achieve a passing score:

Domain Weighting

Since different domains carry different weightings, focusing on high-value sections like Security Operations (28%) can have a bigger impact on your overall performance. Prioritize your study time accordingly.

Performance-Based Questions

PBQs are generally more challenging but offer greater scoring opportunities. Becoming comfortable with simulations and real-world problem-solving can significantly increase your chances of scoring above 750.

Time Management

With only 90 minutes for up to 90 questions, efficient time management is essential. Allocate sufficient time for PBQs, which typically take longer than multiple-choice questions.

Strategies to Help You Achieve the Passing Score

Reaching or exceeding the 750 threshold is absolutely possible with the right preparation strategy. Here’s how to approach your study plan.

Study the Exam Objectives

CompTIA provides a list of exam objectives for each domain. Use this as your blueprint. Focus more on the domains with the highest weight and make sure you understand the depth of each subtopic.

Use Structured Training Resources

Consider enrolling in self-paced courses, instructor-led boot camps, or guided study groups. These formats help reinforce material, offer hands-on labs, and provide opportunities to ask questions and clarify doubts.

Take Practice Exams

Mock exams are invaluable. They simulate real test conditions and help identify your weak areas. Repeatedly scoring above 750 in practice tests is a good sign that you’re ready.

Focus on Performance-Based Question Practice

Because PBQs require more effort and yield more points, practicing them is key. Use virtual labs or simulated environments to get comfortable with real-world application of concepts.

Join Online Study Communities

Communities of fellow test-takers and certified professionals can be great resources for tips, insights, and motivation. You can learn from others’ experiences and avoid common mistakes.

Create and Stick to a Study Schedule

Consistency is critical. Break down your preparation into manageable daily or weekly goals. Use checklists to track your progress through each domain.

Building a Study Plan Around the Passing Score

Now that you understand the structure and scoring of the CompTIA Security+ exam, the next step is developing an effective strategy to meet or exceed the 750-point passing score. A well-structured study plan can make a big difference in your confidence, efficiency, and performance.

Your study plan should be built around your personal learning style, timeline, and target areas based on domain weight. If you’re starting from scratch, expect to spend anywhere from six to twelve weeks preparing thoroughly.

Step One: Assess Your Current Knowledge

Before diving into books and videos, assess where you currently stand. Take a baseline practice test to determine which domains you’re strong in and which need more attention. Many learners discover that they already have practical experience in certain areas but need more work in theory-heavy topics like risk management or architecture.

This initial step gives your study sessions direction and allows you to focus your time on content that will provide the most improvement.

Step Two: Prioritize High-Weight Domains

Not all domains contribute equally to your final score. Focusing more effort on the sections that carry higher weight—like Security Operations (28 percent) and Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22 percent)—can pay off substantially. This doesn’t mean ignoring other areas entirely, but your study intensity should align with scoring potential. The more points a domain contributes, the more valuable mastery of that section becomes.

To optimize your preparation, break down each high-weight domain into smaller topics and set specific learning goals for each. Incorporate practice questions, scenario-based exercises, and real-world examples to reinforce understanding. Over time, this targeted approach ensures stronger performance where it matters most, boosting overall exam readiness and confidence.

Step Three: Choose the Right Study Resources

The quality of your study material can influence how well you grasp the concepts. Many successful test-takers combine a variety of resources to cover the material from multiple angles.

Consider the following:

Comprehensive textbooks that explain concepts clearly and provide review questions
Online video courses that align with the SY0-701 exam objectives
Virtual labs for hands-on practice with tools like firewalls, vulnerability scanners, and SIEM platforms
Flashcards for memorizing definitions, protocols, and acronyms

Mixing reading, visual content, and interactive practice helps reinforce your understanding and keeps study sessions engaging.

Step Four: Create a Weekly Study Schedule

Breaking your preparation into weekly tasks prevents last-minute cramming and promotes long-term retention. Start with a detailed outline of what topics to study each week, along with time set aside for review and practice tests.

A typical weekly plan might include:

Reviewing one or two domains
Watching related video lectures
Taking quizzes for self-assessment
Completing one hands-on lab session
Summarizing your notes for memory retention

Maintaining consistency is more important than how many hours you study each day.

Step Five: Practice, Review, and Repeat

Once you’ve covered all the domains, shift your focus to practice testing. Full-length simulated exams help you:

Build stamina for answering 90 questions in 90 minutes
Identify recurring mistakes or weak areas
Improve time management skills
Build familiarity with question wording and format

After each practice test, review every wrong answer in detail. Understanding why an answer is incorrect is just as important as knowing the right answer.

Mastering Performance-Based Questions

Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) are often the most intimidating part of the exam. These tasks ask you to solve problems in simulated environments or through drag-and-drop interfaces.

Examples of PBQs might include:

Configuring a firewall rule to block malicious traffic
Matching threat types to their corresponding attack methods
Interpreting logs to identify indicators of compromise

Because they test applied knowledge rather than recall, PBQs offer significant scoring potential. Dedicate specific study sessions to practicing hands-on labs or simulations to strengthen this skill.

Tips for Success on Performance-Based Questions

Read the entire question before taking action
Focus on completing tasks accurately, not quickly
Practice in an environment similar to the exam interface
Stay calm—PBQs may appear early in the exam, but don’t let them shake your confidence

Many candidates benefit from doing practice labs available through platforms that simulate real cybersecurity tools and environments. Exposure to these tools will make the PBQs less intimidating and more approachable.

Managing Exam Anxiety and Building Confidence

Even with solid preparation, test anxiety can affect your ability to perform. Here are strategies to help manage stress and build exam-day confidence:

Simulate real exam conditions during practice tests
Get adequate sleep and nutrition leading up to test day
Avoid last-minute cramming
Practice deep breathing or mindfulness before the exam
Enter the exam with a growth mindset—treat it as a challenge, not a threat

Being mentally prepared can sometimes make as much difference as academic preparation.

Exam-Day Strategy for Reaching 750

Walking into the test center—or launching your online proctored exam—can be nerve-wracking. Having a strategy in place can help you stay on track and reduce unnecessary errors.

Start with the Easier Questions

Go through the entire exam once and answer the questions you find easy or familiar. This ensures you earn points quickly and builds early confidence. Flag difficult questions and come back to them later with fresh eyes.

Allocate Extra Time for PBQs

PBQs typically appear near the beginning of the exam. Don’t panic if they’re challenging. Budget enough time for them, but don’t get stuck—each question must be answered to move forward, but not every question must be answered immediately.

Don’t Leave Questions Unanswered

There is no penalty for guessing on the Security+ exam. Always make sure to submit an answer for every question, even if you’re unsure.

Use the Review Screen Wisely

The review screen at the end of the exam allows you to revisit flagged questions. Use your remaining time to double-check answers, especially those you were uncertain about on the first pass.

Post-Exam: What Happens Next

Once you complete the exam, your score is typically displayed immediately. If you score 750 or higher, congratulations—you’ve passed! If you fall short, don’t be discouraged. Many professionals pass on their second attempt after reviewing weak areas.

You’ll receive a detailed score report that breaks down your performance by domain. Use this information to guide your next round of study, if needed.

Retake Policy and Preparation

If you don’t pass the first time, there is no waiting period for a second attempt. However, after a second failure, you must wait 14 days before trying again. There are no limits to how many times you can take the exam, but retake fees apply. It’s important to approach each attempt strategically rather than just repeating the process.

Use your initial exam attempt as a diagnostic tool. Review your performance thoroughly, identify weak areas, adjust your study plan, and focus on targeted practice. Building confidence, reinforcing concepts, and applying effective study techniques will improve your chances of success on subsequent attempts.

Refining Your Study Methods for Maximum Impact

As you near the end of your preparation journey for the Security+ exam, it’s time to move beyond the basics and incorporate advanced strategies to push your score past the 750-point threshold. These tactics are especially useful for test-takers who want to not only pass but do so with confidence and deep understanding.

The goal in this final phase is to shift from passive review to active mastery. That means less reading and more doing—solving complex scenarios, applying concepts to real-world problems, and drilling weak spots until they become strengths.

Analyze Your Weak Areas and Eliminate Gaps

Use the results of previous practice tests or quizzes to identify recurring patterns. Are you consistently missing questions in a particular domain? Are performance-based scenarios your weak spot? Have you struggled with memorizing security protocols?

Once identified, devote focused sessions to strengthening those exact areas. If you’re unsure why you’re answering something incorrectly, revisit the core concept, seek video explanations, or talk it through with a peer.

Use this time to refine your knowledge—not just to recall facts but to explain them in your own words or apply them in practical examples.

Apply Real-World Thinking to Scenarios

CompTIA Security+ increasingly tests your ability to think like a security professional, not just a test-taker. When approaching scenario-based questions:

Visualize what’s happening in a real network or system
Identify the core problem before looking at the answer choices
Eliminate obviously incorrect answers to narrow your options
Think about best practices based on confidentiality, integrity, and availability

Many candidates fail not because they don’t know the material, but because they panic or overthink simple questions. Staying calm and approaching each question logically is key to earning high scores.

Use the Power of Simulation Tools

Hands-on simulation tools allow you to experience cybersecurity tasks without needing a physical lab. These environments help you:

Practice configuring security appliances
Analyze logs to identify suspicious activity
Use vulnerability scanners and interpret results
Implement access control lists and firewall rules

These platforms provide practical skills that are directly transferable to PBQs on the exam. Simulation-based learning reinforces long-term retention far better than passive reading alone.

Leverage the Exam Objectives as a Final Checklist

Before exam day, revisit the official exam objectives. Print them or keep a checklist and mark off each topic as you confidently master it. Treat this document as your final audit. If there are any concepts you’re unsure about, now is the time to review them.

The exam objectives also ensure that you don’t waste energy studying outdated material or off-topic content. Stay focused on what CompTIA explicitly says you’ll be tested on.

Stay Sharp With Daily Microlearning

As the exam date approaches, shift to short, targeted review sessions. Ten to twenty minutes of flashcards, quick scenario practice, or topic summaries can help reinforce material without burnout. Microlearning works especially well for:

Memorizing acronyms and ports
Reviewing framework names and purposes
Revisiting attack types and mitigation strategies
Sharpening recognition of log entries and alerts

Keeping your mind fresh with daily, bite-sized reviews helps maintain momentum and keeps anxiety in check.

Group Study and Discussion

Studying with others can boost understanding and uncover new insights. If you’re part of a study group or online forum, engage in discussions about tricky topics. Explaining a concept to someone else is often the best way to learn it yourself.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, share strategies, or review questions together. A peer might explain something in a way that finally clicks, or you might help someone else reinforce their own knowledge.

Sleep, Health, and Mental Readiness

Your brain functions best when rested and properly fueled. As the exam approaches:

Avoid cramming the night before
Get a full night’s sleep for at least two nights leading up to the test
Eat a balanced meal before the exam
Stay hydrated and limit caffeine if it causes anxiety

Mental alertness plays a critical role in interpreting questions accurately and staying composed during PBQs.

What to Bring and Expect on Exam Day

Whether you’re taking the exam at a testing center or online via remote proctoring, be prepared with the essentials:

Two forms of valid ID
Your exam confirmation email
A clean workspace and government-issued ID (for online test-takers)

You will be given instructions before the exam begins. For performance-based questions, take your time and read all the information carefully. Don’t rush. Every detail could help you earn those extra points.

Final Exam-Taking Strategies

Start by answering all the easy questions to build confidence
Don’t spend too much time on any single question
Mark difficult questions for review
Use the review screen to revisit flagged questions
Double-check all your answers if time allows
Submit your exam with confidence, knowing you gave your best effort

If You Don’t Pass: Learn and Rebuild

While no one wants to think about failing, it’s important to understand that it’s not the end. Many professionals don’t pass on their first attempt—and that’s okay. If it happens, take a moment to reflect, then review your score report.

Your exam breakdown will show which domains you scored lower in. Focus your next round of preparation on those areas and schedule your retake only when you feel confident.

The CompTIA retake policy allows you to attempt the exam again with no waiting period after the first failure. However, if you fail a second time, you must wait 14 days before trying again.

Use the experience as a learning tool. Many who pass on the second try say the insight they gained from their first attempt helped them focus more effectively the second time around.

Celebrate Your Certification Success

If you score 750 or higher—congratulations! You’ve joined a growing community of certified professionals with proven cybersecurity skills. This credential is more than a test result—it’s a signal to employers that you’re ready to contribute to security operations and protect digital assets.

You can now:

Add CompTIA Security+ to your resume
Update your LinkedIn profile
Apply for roles that require or recommend this certification
Use it as a stepping stone to more advanced certifications

Your hard work and dedication paid off. Whether you use the certification to land your first cybersecurity role or build momentum toward specialized credentials, this milestone represents a solid foundation for long-term career growth.

Conclusion

Passing the CompTIA Security+ exam takes more than just memorization. It requires thoughtful preparation, practical understanding, and the ability to apply concepts in realistic scenarios. With a structured plan, consistent effort, and smart strategies, reaching or surpassing the 750-point passing score is well within reach.

From analyzing weak spots to mastering performance-based questions and staying mentally sharp on test day, every step of your journey contributes to success. Whether it takes one attempt or more, the key is staying focused, learning from every experience, and never losing sight of your goal.

The certification is more than a number—it’s proof of your dedication to building a secure and resilient digital world.