COMPTIA SECURITY+ / STUDY RESOURCE Turn knowledge into decisions.
Use your exam time well.

Passing the CompTIA Security+ exam requires more than security knowledge—it demands smart test-taking strategies. Many technically proficient candidates fail because they mismanage time, overthink scenario questions, or struggle with Performance-Based Questions (PBQs). This guide compiles proven strategies from thousands of successful candidates to help you pass on your first attempt.

Key points for your next step

Skip Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) initially—complete all multiple-choice first, then return. Read questions carefully for qualifiers like "BEST," "FIRST," or "MOST." Focus on understanding security concepts, not memorizing definitions. With 90 minutes for 90 questions, budget your time carefully and never leave questions blank.

Exam Duration

90 Minutes

Question Count

90 Max

Passing Score

750/900

PBQ Count

Varies

Exam reference: SY0-701 has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes and uses a scaled 750/900 passing score. Use the current CompTIA objectives. Study durations and practice percentages here are planning examples, not requirements or pass guarantees. Provider and regional prices change; confirm current costs before purchase.

Retake policy · Renewal routes · CE fees

SY0-701 retirement: English ends June 11, 2027; Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Thai end August 13, 2027. Check the official exam page before booking and choose resources for your exam version.

Performance-Based Question (PBQ) Tips

PBQs are worth more points but take more time. Here's how to handle them efficiently:

• Expect 3-5 PBQs at the beginning of your exam — don't panic when you see them
• Practice firewall rules — know how to create allow/deny rules based on IP, port, and protocol
• Master log analysis — be able to identify attack patterns in security logs
• Understand network diagrams — practice identifying security controls placement
• Know command-line tools — nmap, netstat, ping, traceroute, nslookup are commonly tested
• Partial credit is possible — attempt every part of the PBQ even if unsure
• Budget 10-15 minutes for PBQs after completing multiple choice

PBQs appear at the beginning of the exam and can be intimidating. The best strategy: skip them initially.

Why Skip PBQs First: 1. Multiple-choice questions build confidence and momentum 2. You may recall relevant information while answering other questions 3. Prevents panic from consuming too much time early 4. You can return to PBQs with remaining time

Common PBQ Scenarios:

• Analyzing log files to identify attack types
• Configuring firewall rules
• Matching attacks to mitigation techniques
• Identifying vulnerabilities in network diagrams
• Configuring PKI or certificate settings

PBQ Success Strategies:

• Read all instructions completely before starting
• Partial credit is often awarded—attempt every component
• Use process of elimination when uncertain
• Practice with simulation-based labs before exam day

Hands-On Preparation

The best PBQ preparation is hands-on experience. Use virtual labs, set up pfSense firewalls, analyze log files, and practice with Wireshark. Real experience translates directly to PBQ confidence.

Understanding the Exam Structure

The Security+ exam contains up to 90 questions to be completed in 90 minutes. This includes:

Question Types:

• Multiple-choice (single answer)
• Multiple-choice (multiple answers—usually states "Select TWO" or "Select ALL that apply")
• Drag-and-drop matching
• Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)—simulated scenarios requiring hands-on problem-solving

Domain Distribution:

• General Security Concepts (12%)
• Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%)
• Security Architecture (18%)
• Security Operations (28%)
• Security Program Management and Oversight (20%)

Security+ uses a scaled passing score of 750 on a 100–900 scale. CompTIA does not publish a fixed raw percentage or number of correct answers needed to pass.

Scoring Methodology

CompTIA uses scaled scoring, meaning not all questions carry equal weight. Focus on answering correctly rather than calculating your score during the exam.

Multiple-Choice Question Strategies

Security+ questions often test scenario-based decision-making rather than pure recall. Master these techniques:

Read Carefully for Qualifiers:

• "BEST" solution means multiple options might work—choose the optimal one
• "FIRST" step indicates a sequence—what comes before other correct actions?
• "MOST likely" suggests probability-based reasoning
• "LEAST" or "NOT" reverse the logic—read these twice

Scenario Analysis: Many questions present scenarios requiring you to identify threats, recommend controls, or troubleshoot issues. Practice this pattern: 1. Identify the core problem or requirement 2. Eliminate obviously incorrect options 3. Compare remaining options against the specific scenario 4. Choose the most appropriate answer for that context

When Two Answers Seem Correct:

• Consider which is more specific to the scenario
• Think about security best practices and principles
• The "more correct" answer usually addresses root cause over symptoms

Common Trap Patterns

Watch for answers that are technically correct but don't address the specific question. CompTIA often includes options that would be appropriate in different contexts but aren't the BEST choice for the scenario described.

Time Management Techniques

With 90 minutes for up to 90 questions, time management is critical. Here's a proven approach:

First Pass (45-50 minutes):

• Skip all PBQs (mark for review)
• Answer questions you're confident about
• Flag uncertain questions and move on
• Target: 1 minute per question maximum

Second Pass (20-25 minutes):

• Return to flagged questions
• Use elimination for uncertain answers
• Never leave questions blank

Third Pass (15-20 minutes):

• Complete all PBQs
• Attempt every component for partial credit
• Use remaining time for final review

Time Checkpoints:

• 30 minutes: Should have completed ~30 questions
• 60 minutes: Should have completed ~60 questions
• 75 minutes: Should be returning to PBQs

When to Move On

If you've spent 2+ minutes on a question without progress, flag it and move on. Your subconscious will work on it, and the answer often becomes clearer when you return.

Put the guidance into practice

1. Arrive and Prepare

   Complete check-in procedures, settle into your testing environment, and take a few calming breaths.

   Use provided scratch paper to immediately write down any memorized information (port numbers, acronyms, formulas).

2. First Pass: Skip PBQs

   Mark all PBQs for review and proceed to multiple-choice questions. Answer what you know confidently.

   Don't spend more than 90 seconds on any multiple-choice question during the first pass.

3. Second Pass: Flagged Questions

   Return to flagged questions with fresh perspective. Use elimination to narrow options.

   Your first instinct is usually correct—only change answers with a specific reason.

4. Final Pass: Complete PBQs

   Use remaining time for Performance-Based Questions. Attempt every component for partial credit.

   If time is critically short, focus on PBQ components you're most confident about.

More study tips

Write down memorized information (port numbers, encryption standards) on scratch paper immediately when the exam starts.

Never leave a question blank—there's no penalty for guessing, and you have at least a 25% chance on multiple-choice.

Read the question twice before reading the answers—know exactly what you're looking for.

For "Select TWO" questions, find both answers before selecting—this prevents tunnel vision.

Trust your preparation. If you've studied thoroughly and scored 85%+ on practice exams, you're ready.

Use the flag feature liberally—it helps track review items without wasting time.

Mistakes to check for

Spending too much time on PBQs at the start—skip them and return later.

Not reading questions completely—qualifiers like "BEST" and "FIRST" change the correct answer.

Changing answers without specific reasoning—first instincts are usually correct.

Leaving questions blank—always guess as there's no penalty.

Panicking over unfamiliar scenarios—use elimination and security principles to reason through.

Study note

Security+ tests applied knowledge more than memorization. The candidates who struggle are those who memorized definitions without understanding how security concepts apply to real scenarios. Practice with scenario-based questions extensively.

Ready to Test Your Security+ Knowledge?

Practice with realistic exam questions to build confidence before exam day.