COMPTIA SECURITY+ / EXAM GUIDE Understand the passing score.
Measure progress with care.
Learn what the scaled score means and use practice results to find the topics that need another look.
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CompTIA Security+ Passing Score: What You Need to Know in 2026
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.
Key points for your next step
Security+ requires a scaled score of 750 on a 100–900 scale. This is not a percentage of correct answers; CompTIA does not publish a fixed raw question count needed to pass.
- Passing Score
- 750/900
- Percentage
- Not a fixed prediction
- Question Count
- Up to 90
- Time Limit
- 90 Minutes
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.
For government and defense roles, check the current DoD 8140 matrix and the specific employer’s qualification requirements. Eligibility depends on the work role and proficiency level; Security+ does not automatically qualify a candidate for every position.
Official Passing Score
Security+ Exam
Score range: 100-900 | Up to 90 questions | 90 minutes
Passing: 750 (scaled score, not a raw percentage)Security+ has a higher passing threshold than many other CompTIA certifications:
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.
Why the Higher Threshold? Security+ validates more specialized knowledge than entry-level certifications. The higher passing score reflects:
- More complex scenario-based questions
- Greater expectation of applied knowledge
- Security roles' higher stakes and responsibilities
What This Means for Preparation
Target 85-90% on practice exams before scheduling your real exam. The buffer accounts for exam pressure and question variation.
Reaching 750/900 requires thorough preparation across all domains:
Domain Coverage: Security+ tests five domains with varying weights. Weakness in high-weight domains (Security Operations at 28%) impacts your score more than weakness in lower-weight areas.
Practice Exam Targets:
- Score 85%+ consistently before scheduling
- Take exams from multiple providers
- Review every question, not just incorrect ones
- Identify patterns in mistakes
PBQ Importance: Performance-Based Questions likely carry more weight than standard multiple-choice. Solid PBQ performance can significantly impact your score—practice with labs and simulations.
No Question Left Behind: With scaled scoring and no penalty for wrong answers, always attempt every question. An educated guess is infinitely better than a blank response.
Domain-Specific Strategy
Focus extra study time on high-weight domains: Security Operations (28%) and Threats/Vulnerabilities (22%). These two domains account for 50% of your exam.
Why Security+ Has the Highest CompTIA Passing Score
Security+ requires a 750/900 passing score—75 points higher than Network+ (720) and 75 points higher than A+ Core 1 (675). This isn't arbitrary. CompTIA sets passing thresholds through rigorous psychometric analysis involving subject matter experts who determine the minimum competency level for each certification. For Security+, the higher bar reflects several factors:
High-stakes domain. Security professionals protect organizations from threats that can cause millions in damages. A marginally competent security professional is a liability, not an asset. The 750 threshold ensures that certified professionals have comprehensive knowledge across all security domains, not just surface-level familiarity.
For government and defense roles, check the current DoD 8140 matrix and the specific employer’s qualification requirements. Eligibility depends on the work role and proficiency level; Security+ does not automatically qualify a candidate for every position.
Industry relevance. Security+ validates foundational knowledge. Employers also assess experience, practical skills, and the needs of a specific job. Compare current job requirements instead of assuming a certification salary premium.
Security+ Domain Weights
| Domain | Weight | ~Questions | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. General Security Concepts | 12% | ~11 | Security controls, CIA triad, zero trust |
| 2. Threats, Vulnerabilities, Mitigations | 22% | ~20 | Attack types, social engineering, indicators |
| 3. Security Architecture | 18% | ~16 | Network security, cloud, cryptography |
| 4. Security Operations | 28% | ~25 | Monitoring, IR, IAM, automation |
| 5. Security Program Mgmt | 20% | ~18 | Governance, risk, compliance, awareness |
Critical insight: Security Operations (28%) is by far the heaviest domain. This domain focuses on day-to-day security tasks—monitoring, incident response, identity management, and vulnerability management. Mastering this domain alone covers over a quarter of the exam. Threats/Vulnerabilities (22%) and Security Program Management (20%) round out the top three, together accounting for 70% of the total exam.
Practice Test Readiness Benchmarks
Because Security+ has the highest CompTIA passing threshold, you need higher practice test scores to feel confident. The margin for error is slimmer—a 5-10% exam-day performance drop from 85% practice scores puts you right at the 750 boundary. Here's what experienced Security+ study coaches recommend:
Very thin margin. Continue studying, especially PBQ-heavy domains.
Strong readiness. Schedule within 1-2 weeks.
Schedule immediately. Don't over-study.
Common Failure Points and How to Avoid Them
Cryptography weakness. Many candidates underestimate cryptography questions. Know symmetric vs asymmetric encryption, hashing algorithms, digital signatures, PKI, and certificate management. These concepts appear across multiple domains, not just Security Architecture.
PBQ underpreparation. Security+ PBQs may involve configuring firewall rules, analyzing log files, setting up access controls, or identifying attack patterns in network captures. Unlike multiple-choice questions where you can guess, PBQs require demonstrable practical knowledge. Practice with hands-on labs using tools like TryHackMe, HackTheBox, or CompTIA's CertMaster Labs.
Scenario-based thinking. The current Security+ exam emphasizes scenario-based questions more than previous versions. You'll encounter multi-paragraph scenarios describing a security incident or organizational situation, then choose the best response. Practice reading scenarios carefully and identifying what's actually being asked before reviewing answer choices.
Check Your Readiness
See where you stand with practice tests matching the Security+ exam format.
Start Free Security+ Practice Test →Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the 750/900 Score
The Security+ passing score of 750/900 represents a scaled score, not a raw percentage. Here's what this means:
Scaled Scoring Explained:
- Score range: 100-900
- Passing: 750 or higher
- Your raw correct answer count doesn't directly calculate to your score
- Different questions may have different weights
- PBQs may be weighted more heavily than multiple-choice
Why Scaled Scoring? CompTIA uses scaled scoring to ensure fairness across different exam forms. Since different test-takers receive different question sets (from a question pool), scaling ensures consistent difficulty assessment.
Practical Implications: You cannot calculate your score during the exam. Focus on answering every question as accurately as possible rather than trying to track your performance mid-exam.
Score Distribution
Scores below 750 receive a numeric result showing how close you came. Use the score report as provided; a higher scaled score does not establish a raw number of correct answers.
Put the guidance into practice
Understand Domain Weights
Review the official exam objectives and note the percentage weight of each domain.
Allocate study time roughly proportional to domain weights, with extra time for your personal weak areas.
Take Baseline Practice Exam
Before deep study, take a practice exam to identify your starting point and weak areas.
Don't be discouraged by a low initial score—this is diagnostic, not predictive.
Study with Score Targets
Continue studying until you consistently score 85%+ on full-length practice exams.
Use practice exams from multiple providers to experience varied question styles.
Schedule with Confidence
When hitting 85%+ consistently, schedule your exam. The preparation buffer protects against exam-day nerves.
Having a fixed exam date creates productive urgency in final preparation weeks.
More study tips
Don't calculate your score during the exam—focus on each question individually.
Target 85%+ on practice exams to provide a buffer for exam-day pressure.
Prioritize high-weight domains in your study plan.
Practice PBQs extensively—they likely carry more scoring weight.
Never leave questions blank—there's no penalty for guessing.
Mistakes to check for
Security+ requires a scaled score of 750 on a 100–900 scale. CompTIA does not publish a fixed raw percentage or number of correct answers needed to pass. Practice-test percentages are study benchmarks, not a direct conversion to the exam score.
Focusing only on weak domains while letting strong areas decay.
Skipping PBQ practice because multiple-choice is easier.
Scheduling the exam before reaching 85%+ on practice tests.
Leaving questions blank instead of making educated guesses.
Study note
The 750/900 threshold seems high, but it's achievable with proper preparation. CompTIA does not publish an official first-attempt pass rate. Use objective-level review and practical work to assess your readiness. An 85% practice target is one study benchmark, not a conversion to CompTIA exam points.
Prepare to Exceed the Passing Score
Practice with realistic Security+ questions to build the knowledge and confidence needed to pass.
Start Free Practice TestWhat is the passing score for CompTIA Security+?
Security+ requires a scaled score of 750 on a 100–900 scale. CompTIA does not publish a fixed raw percentage or number of correct answers needed to pass. Practice-test percentages are study benchmarks, not a direct conversion to the exam score.
Why is Security+ passing score higher than A+ or Network+?
For government and defense roles, check the current DoD 8140 matrix and the specific employer’s qualification requirements. Eligibility depends on the work role and proficiency level; Security+ does not automatically qualify a candidate for every position.
What practice test score do I need for Security+?
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.
Is it hard to pass Security+ on the first try?
CompTIA does not publish an official first-attempt pass rate. Use objective-level review and practical work to assess your readiness. Common failure points include weak PBQ performance, insufficient cryptography knowledge, and underestimating scenario-based questions. 4-8 weeks of dedicated study is recommended.
What domains are hardest on Security+?
Security Operations (28%) is the heaviest and most scenario-driven domain. Security Architecture (18%) challenges candidates with cryptography and cloud security concepts. Focus proportionally on these domains during study.
Can I pass Security+ without IT experience?
Possible but significantly harder. Plan for 8-12 weeks of intensive study, extensive hands-on lab practice with tools like TryHackMe, and completing at least 1,000 practice questions from multiple sources.
More questions about Security+
What is the Security+ passing score?
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.
How is the Security+ score calculated?
Security+ requires a scaled score of 750 on a 100–900 scale. CompTIA does not publish a fixed raw percentage or number of correct answers needed to pass. Practice-test percentages are study benchmarks, not a direct conversion to the exam score.
What score should I aim for on practice exams?
Aim to consistently score 85% or higher on practice exams from multiple providers before scheduling your real exam.
Is 750/900 hard to achieve?
It's achievable with proper preparation. The key is consistent study across all domains and extensive practice with realistic questions.
Do PBQs count more toward the score?
CompTIA doesn't disclose exact weights, but PBQs are believed to carry significant weight due to their complexity.
What happens if I score below 750?
No wait is required between the first and second attempts. Wait at least 14 calendar days after the previous attempt before the third and later attempts. Each attempt requires payment or an eligible unused retake entitlement.
Related Security+ resources
Practice and topic review
- Security+ Exam: Up to 90 Questions (2026)
How many questions
Study and exam planning
- Exam Tips
- Study Guide
- Exam Cost
- Is It Hard?
- A+ Score
- Network+ Score
- Certification Overview
Complete guide and requirements
- How to Pass
Study tips and exam strategies
- CompTIA Security+ Exam Objectives & Domains (2026)
Exam objectives
- CompTIA Security+ Renewal: Requirements & Costs (2026)
Renewal & CE
- CompTIA Security+ Weekend Study Plan: Pass While Working Full-Time 2026
Study plan
- Free Security+ Practice Test
Benchmark against the passing bar