CompTIA Security+ is getting an update. The new CompTIA Security+ SY0-801 exam is scheduled to launch in November 2026, bringing updated cybersecurity skills and concepts to one of the industry's most recognized security certifications.

Whether you're starting a career in cybersecurity, building on your existing IT experience, or preparing to move into a security-focused role, here's what you should know about Security+ SY0-801.

What Is CompTIA Security+?

CompTIA Security+ is a vendor-neutral cybersecurity certification designed for IT professionals performing core security functions in today's technology environments.

Rather than focusing on a single vendor or platform, Security+ validates cybersecurity knowledge and practical skills that can be applied across different technologies and environments.

The SY0-801 version addresses modern cybersecurity priorities including Zero Trust, cloud and hybrid security, automation, AI-related risks, incident response, governance, risk management, and evolving cyber threats.

Who Is Security+ For?

Security+ is designed for IT professionals who have foundational technology knowledge and are ready to develop or validate their cybersecurity skills.

CompTIA recommends approximately two years of hands-on experience for security administrators pursuing the certification. Candidates should also be familiar with networking, systems administration, basic security principles, and other foundational IT concepts.

Previous CompTIA certifications aren't necessarily required, but certifications such as CompTIA Tech+, A+, and Network+ can help build the foundation needed before moving into Security+.

What Jobs Can Security+ Help Prepare You For?

Security+ maps to a variety of cybersecurity roles, including:

• Cybersecurity Specialist

• Cybersecurity Analyst

• Cybersecurity Engineer

• Cybersecurity Manager

• SOC Analyst

Security+ can also provide a foundation for IT professionals who want to continue into more specialized or advanced cybersecurity certifications.

What Will You Learn for Security+ SY0-801?

Security+ SY0-801 covers a broad range of practical cybersecurity knowledge and skills.

Candidates will be expected to understand how to identify and mitigate threats, secure networks and cloud environments, manage identities and access, respond to security incidents, assess vulnerabilities, and support governance and risk management initiatives.

The certification also addresses concepts such as Zero Trust, defense in depth, cryptography, security monitoring, automation, orchestration, endpoint security, application security, and resiliency.

Security+ SY0-801 Exam Domains

The SY0-801 exam is divided into five primary domains:

General Security Concepts — 16%
Understand fundamental cybersecurity principles and concepts that form the foundation of an effective security program.

Threats, Vulnerabilities and Attacks — 24%
Identify common cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities and understand techniques used to mitigate them.

Security Architecture — 19%
Understand how security principles are incorporated into enterprise, cloud, hybrid, and other technology environments.

Security Operations — 27%
Apply security practices involving monitoring, vulnerability management, incident response, identity and access management, endpoints, applications, and networks.

Security Program Management and Oversight — 14%
Understand governance, risk management, security policies, compliance, and other organizational security responsibilities.

Security Operations represents the largest portion of the new exam at 27%.

Security+ SY0-801 Exam Details

The new Security+ exam is scheduled to launch in November 2026.

Candidates can expect:

Exam code: SY0-801
Maximum questions: 90
Question types: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions
Exam length: 90 minutes
Passing score: 750 on a scale of 100–900

Performance-based questions are particularly important because Security+ isn't designed around memorization alone. Candidates need to demonstrate that they can apply security knowledge to realistic situations.

Security+ and the CompTIA Cybersecurity Pathway

Security+ occupies an important position in CompTIA's cybersecurity certification pathway.

Someone newer to IT might begin with certifications such as:

Tech+ → A+ → Network+ → Security+

After Security+, professionals interested in continuing their cybersecurity education may consider certifications such as:

CySA+, which focuses heavily on security analytics and defensive cybersecurity;

PenTest+, which focuses on penetration testing and vulnerability management; or

SecurityX, an advanced cybersecurity certification intended for experienced security professionals.

Your ideal certification path will depend on your experience and career goals, but Security+ is a common point where foundational IT knowledge begins transitioning into dedicated cybersecurity expertise.

Preparing for Security+ SY0-801

There isn't one study method that works for everyone. Some candidates prefer independent study, while others benefit from structured training and hands-on practice.

CompTIA offers several CertMaster training options for Security+, including CertMaster Learn, CertMaster Labs, CertMaster Practice, CertMaster Perform, CertMaster Study, and instructor-led training.

Candidates can also choose bundles that combine training resources with an exam voucher and, depending on the package, retake options.

At GetCertified4Less, our goal is to make it easier to find the Security+ exam voucher and training option that makes sense for how you want to prepare.

Ready for Security+ SY0-801?

Security+ continues to provide a strong foundation for professionals who want to build practical cybersecurity skills that can be applied across different technologies and environments.

With SY0-801, candidates will encounter updated coverage of the security challenges organizations are dealing with today—from cloud and hybrid environments to Zero Trust, automation, AI-related risks, incident response, and security governance.

Security+ SY0-801 launches in November 2026.

GetCertified4Less offers discounted CompTIA exam vouchers, CertMaster training options, bundles, and Retake Assurance to help you prepare for your certification while saving on the cost of your exam.

CompTIA Security+ SY0-801 Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does CompTIA Security+ SY0-801 launch?

CompTIA Security+ SY0-801 is scheduled to launch in November 2026. The updated exam reflects current cybersecurity skills and technologies, including cloud and hybrid security, Zero Trust, automation, AI-related risks, incident response, and security governance.

2. How many questions are on the Security+ SY0-801 exam?

The CompTIA Security+ SY0-801 exam includes a maximum of 90 questions. Candidates can expect a combination of multiple-choice and performance-based questions designed to test both cybersecurity knowledge and the ability to apply security concepts in practical situations.

3. What is the passing score for Security+ SY0-801?

The passing score for CompTIA Security+ SY0-801 is 750 on a scale of 100–900. Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the exam.

4. What are the five Security+ SY0-801 exam domains?

The five CompTIA Security+ SY0-801 exam domains are General Security Concepts (16%), Threats, Vulnerabilities and Attacks (24%), Security Architecture (19%), Security Operations (27%), and Security Program Management and Oversight (14%). Security Operations is the largest domain on the exam.

5. Do I need CompTIA A+ or Network+ before taking Security+?

No. CompTIA A+ and Network+ are not required prerequisites for Security+. However, knowledge of IT fundamentals, networking, systems administration, and basic security concepts can make Security+ easier to prepare for. CompTIA recommends approximately two years of relevant hands-on experience for Security+ candidates.

6. Does Security+ SY0-801 have performance-based questions?

Yes. CompTIA Security+ SY0-801 includes performance-based questions (PBQs) in addition to multiple-choice questions. PBQs are designed to evaluate your ability to apply cybersecurity knowledge to practical tasks and scenarios, which is why hands-on practice can be an important part of Security+ preparation.

7. Does Security+ SY0-801 cover AI and Zero Trust?

Yes. Security+ SY0-801 addresses modern cybersecurity topics including AI-related security risks, Zero Trust, automation, cloud and hybrid security, incident response, security monitoring, governance, and risk management. These topics help align Security+ with the security challenges professionals encounter in today's IT environments.

8. How should I prepare for the CompTIA Security+ SY0-801 exam?

Start by reviewing the SY0-801 exam objectives and identifying where you need additional study or hands-on experience. Depending on your learning style, preparation can include self-paced study, instructor-led training, CertMaster Learn, CertMaster Labs, CertMaster Practice, or CertMaster Perform. GetCertified4Less also offers Security+ exam vouchers, training bundles, and Security+ Retake Assurance options.