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CompTIA Security+ Study Guide

SY0-701 | Entry-Level Security

Start your cybersecurity career with the most popular entry-level security certification. DoD 8570 approved with our proven 6-week study plan.

6

Weeks

5

Domains

90

Questions

Security+ Exam Overview

Perfect Entry Point to Cybersecurity

CompTIA Security+ is the most popular entry-level cybersecurity certification, approved by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD 8570) for government roles. It validates foundational security skills and opens doors to cybersecurity careers.

  • Understand core security concepts and principles
  • Identify and mitigate common security threats
  • Implement basic security controls and technologies
  • Respond to security incidents effectively
  • Ensure compliance with security policies
  • Support organizational security programs
Exam Details

Duration

90 minutes

Questions

90 questions

Format

Multiple choice + PBQs

Passing Score

750/900

Cost

$370 USD

DoD 8570

✅ Approved

Exam Domains Breakdown

Domain 1: General Security Concepts
12%

Key Topics:

  • Security controls and frameworks

  • Threat actors and attack vectors

  • Security concepts and principles

  • Change management processes


Key Areas

CIA Triad, Security Controls

Study Time

1 week

Domain 2: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations
22%

Key Topics:

  • Threat intelligence and research

  • Vulnerability management

  • Application and network attacks

  • Mitigation techniques and controls


Key Areas

Malware, Social Engineering

Study Time

1.5 weeks

Domain 3: Security Architecture
18%

Key Topics:

  • Enterprise security architecture

  • Network security appliances

  • Secure communications protocols

  • Endpoint security solutions


Key Areas

Network Architecture, Firewalls

Study Time

1.5 weeks

Domain 4: Security Operations
28%

Key Topics:

  • Security monitoring and analysis

  • Incident response procedures

  • Digital forensics techniques

  • Data backup and recovery


Key Areas

SIEM, Incident Response

Study Time

2 weeks

Domain 5: Security Program Management and Oversight
20%

Key Topics:

  • Security governance and compliance

  • Risk management strategies

  • Privacy and data protection

  • Security awareness and training


Key Areas

Governance, Compliance

Study Time

1 week

6-Week Study Plan

Security Fundamentals

Week 1

  • Study Domain 1: General Security Concepts

  • Learn CIA triad and security principles

  • Understand threat actors and attack vectors

  • Complete Domain 1 practice questions (30 questions)

Threats & Vulnerabilities

Week 2

  • Study Domain 2: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations

  • Learn about malware types and social engineering

  • Understand network and application attacks

  • Complete Domain 2 practice questions (50 questions)

Security Architecture

Week 3

  • Study Domain 3: Security Architecture

  • Learn network security appliances and protocols

  • Understand secure network design principles

  • Complete Domain 3 practice questions (40 questions)

Security Operations

Week 4-5

  • Study Domain 4: Security Operations

  • Learn SIEM and security monitoring

  • Understand incident response procedures

  • Complete Domain 4 practice questions (60 questions)

Program Management & Final Review

Week 6

  • Study Domain 5: Security Program Management

  • Review all domains and weak areas

  • Take 2 full practice exams (90 questions each)

  • Final exam preparation and test-taking strategies

Study Resources

Official CompTIA Resources
  • CompTIA Security+ Study Guide

  • CompTIA CertMaster Learn

  • CompTIA Official Practice Tests

  • CompTIA Security+ Objectives

Popular Study Materials
  • Professor Messer Security+ Course

  • Darril Gibson Get Certified Guide

  • Mike Meyers Security+ Guide

  • Jason Dion Practice Exams

Practice & Assessment
  • ExamCoachAI Security+ Practice Tests

  • Performance-based question practice

  • Domain-specific quizzes

  • Timed simulation exams

Start Your Security Career

Follow our beginner-friendly study guide and practice with Security+ questions to launch your cybersecurity career with this DoD-approved certification.