COMPTIA SECURITY+ / STUDY RESOURCE Use the result as feedback.
Make the next attempt count.

Failing CompTIA Security+ feels like a setback, but it's really just a detour. Many Security+ certified professionals failed before ultimately succeeding.

Understanding the retake process helps you approach your next Security+ attempt with confidence. This guide covers exactly what happens after failing, the official CompTIA retake policy, and proven strategies for passing on your next attempt.

Key points for your next step

There is no mandatory wait between the first and second attempts. Before the third or any later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days after the previous attempt. Each attempt requires payment or an eligible unused retake entitlement. Check the current CompTIA policy before booking. Save the score report, review the listed objectives, and plan study before another attempt.

Waiting Period

Depends on attempt

Retake Cost

Full exam fee (the current voucher fee)

Pass Rate

Not a fixed prediction

Avg Attempts

Not a fixed prediction

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.

Security+ Retake Policy

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.

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. The exam includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions that apply security concepts to scenarios.

Waiting Period Requirements:

Specific Rules:

• First retake: No mandatory waiting period
• Third and later attempts: at least 14 calendar days after the previous attempt
• Calendar days, not business days
• Check CompTIA support for policy questions and accommodations

Retake Costs:

• First Retake: Full exam fee (the current voucher fee)
• Second Retake: Full exam fee (the current voucher fee)
• Third+ Retakes: Full exam fee (the current voucher fee)

Unlimited attempts are allowed. Vouchers typically work for retakes. Some employers cover retake costs. Retake insurance may be available at initial purchase.

What Carries Over: Nothing. Each attempt is independent. Previous scores do not affect new attempts. Do not expect the same questions or rely on memorizing an earlier attempt.

The waiting period is actually a blessing. It forces adequate preparation time, prevents wasting money on unprepared attempts, and allows for meaningful score analysis.

Why Candidates Fail Security+

Overemphasis on memorization. Security+ tests applied knowledge, not definitions. You need to understand why a specific security control is appropriate for a given scenario, not just what each control does. Scenario-based questions require you to analyze situations and select the best response from multiple valid-sounding options.

Weak cryptography knowledge. Many candidates struggle with encryption algorithms, hashing, digital certificates, PKI, and key exchange protocols. These concepts appear throughout multiple domains and are heavily tested in performance-based questions. Understanding symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption, certificate chains, and common cryptographic attacks is essential.

Ignoring governance and compliance. The Security Program Management domain covers risk assessment frameworks, compliance regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS), incident response procedures, and security awareness training. Many technically-focused candidates neglect these topics, losing critical points.

Insufficient PBQ preparation. Performance-based questions on Security+ can involve configuring firewalls, analyzing log files, setting up wireless security, identifying attack types from packet captures, or configuring access control lists. Without hands-on practice, these questions are significantly more difficult.

Understanding why you failed helps prevent repeating mistakes:

Pattern 1: Insufficient Preparation Time Signs: Rushed through study material, skipped hands-on labs, scheduled exam before feeling ready. Fix: Add 2-4 weeks to original study timeline.

Pattern 2: Wrong Study Resources Signs: Resources did not match exam objectives, outdated materials, concepts seemed unfamiliar on exam. Fix: Verify resources align with current exam blueprint.

Pattern 3: Memorization Without Understanding Signs: Struggled with scenario-based questions, could not apply concepts to new situations, strong on definitions but weak on application. Fix: Focus on understanding "why" behind concepts.

Pattern 4: Test Anxiety or Poor Strategy Signs: Score close to passing threshold, ran out of time, changed correct answers to wrong ones, blanked on familiar material. Fix: Practice exam-taking strategies and time management.

Pattern 5: Underestimating Exam Difficulty Signs: Assumed experience would carry you through, limited formal preparation, surprised by question depth. Fix: Treat certification exams as serious assessments requiring dedicated study.

14-Day Recovery Strategy

1. Days 1-2: Score report deep dive. Map your weakest domains and create a priority list. If you scored poorly in Security Operations (28% of exam), that becomes your primary focus.
2. Days 3-5: Rebuild weak foundations. Study your two weakest domains intensively. Use official CompTIA resources, Professor Messer's free video series, and hands-on labs.
3. Days 6-8: Hands-on security labs. Set up a home lab with virtual machines. Practice configuring firewalls, analyzing logs with SIEM tools, implementing access controls, and detecting common attack patterns.
4. Days 9-10: Cryptography and PKI deep dive. Master encryption types, hashing algorithms, digital certificates, and certificate authorities. These topics cross multiple domains.
5. Days 11-12: Full-length practice exams. Take at least two complete practice exams under timed conditions. Target 85%+ before scheduling your retake.
6. Days 13-14: Final review and exam day. Review acronyms, port numbers, and any remaining weak spots. Rest well before your retake.

Returning to the same study method that led to failure is the most common mistake. Here is what to change:

Rule 1: Different Resources If you used video courses, add textbooks or official guides. If self-study, consider instructor-led training. Add multiple practice test sources instead of just one. Switch from passive reading to active labs and practice.

Rule 2: More Hands-On Practice Theory memorization often fails under exam pressure. Increase practical experience. Lab time should be 40-50% of total study. Practice troubleshooting scenarios. Build, break, and fix systems repeatedly.

Rule 3: Targeted Weakness Focus Your weak domains need disproportionate attention:

• Weak domains (below 60%): 50% of time
• Medium domains (60-75%): 35% of time
• Strong domains (above 75%): 15% of time

Rule 4: Practice Exam Strategy Use multiple practice exam sources. Take under realistic conditions (timed, no breaks). Target consistent 85%+ before scheduling retake. Analyze every wrong answer thoroughly.

Sample 4-Week Recovery Plan:

• Week 1: Deep dive into lowest-scoring domain
• Week 2: Second-lowest domain plus review of first
• Week 3: Remaining weak areas plus full practice exams
• Week 4: Intensive practice testing plus weak spot review

What to Do Right After Failing

First: Do Not Panic

Failing CompTIA Security+ feels devastating in the moment, but it is more common than you think. CompTIA does not publish an official first-attempt pass rate. Use objective-level review and practical work to assess your readiness.

The First 24 Hours:

Step 1: Process the Disappointment - Allow yourself to feel frustrated. It is natural. Avoid making hasty decisions about giving up. Remember this is a setback, not a verdict on your abilities.

Step 2: Save Your Score Report - Screenshot or save the score breakdown immediately. This report is your roadmap for improvement. Note the objectives listed for targeted study.

Step 3: Take a Brief Break - Step away from study materials for 24-48 hours. Clear your head before analyzing what went wrong. Return with fresh perspective and renewed focus.

What NOT to Do:

• Do not book a retake immediately without a plan
• Do not blame the exam, testing center, or bad luck
• Do not return to the same study approach that did not work
• Do not give up entirely on the certification

Analyzing Your Score Report

Use the overall scaled score and objectives identified on the CompTIA score report. It does not provide a raw percentage score for each domain.

Create your improvement plan: Start with the objectives listed on the report. Re-study topics you cannot explain, use different examples, and practice related tasks in a lab. Keep reviewing stronger areas so they remain familiar.

Use practice results carefully: Your practice tool may show domain percentages. These can guide study within that tool, but do not convert them into CompTIA exam points or a predicted passing score.

Check your study method: Broad gaps suggest a need for foundations; isolated gaps suggest targeted review. Running out of time calls for timed practice. Use those patterns to set your next study sessions.

Your Timeline to Passing

Based on your score and situation, here is what to expect:

If You Were Close (Within 5% of Passing):

• Timeline: 2-4 weeks
• Focus: Weak domains only, practice test refinement
• Confidence: High, you nearly had it

If You Were Moderate (5-15% Below Passing):

• Timeline: 4-6 weeks
• Focus: Comprehensive weak area review, expanded resources
• Confidence: Achievable with focused effort

If You Were Far Below (15%+ Below Passing):

• Timeline: 6-10 weeks
• Focus: Foundational rebuild, different study approach
• Confidence: Requires significant changes to method

Milestone Checkpoints:

• Week 1-2: Complete score analysis, gather new resources, create targeted study plan
• Week 3-4: Deep dive on weakest domains, begin practice exams
• Week 5-6: Full practice exams under test conditions, consistent scores above passing threshold, schedule retake with confidence

Before another attempt, use a fresh practice test to check every objective, explain answers without notes, and review weak topics. There is no practice percentage that guarantees a pass.

More study tips

Focus on the official CompTIA exam objectives as your study checklist—every question ties directly to these objectives.

CompTIA scenario questions often include irrelevant details. Identify what they're actually asking before reading answer choices.

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.

Before another attempt, use a fresh practice test to check every objective, explain answers without notes, and review weak topics. There is no practice percentage that guarantees a pass.

Mistakes to check for

Underestimating scenario-based questions that require applying concepts creatively.

Not allocating enough time for hands-on lab practice alongside theoretical study.

Scheduling a retake immediately after the waiting period ends.

Not analyzing domain-level performance to guide study focus.

Ready to Pass CompTIA Security+?

Don't let one failed attempt define your certification journey. Practice with realistic questions and build the confidence you need to pass on your next try.